ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 Review
By Matthew Klein
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32Price: $164.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.5 oz, 298 g (men's size 9), 9 oz, 255 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Premium Stability Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Improved Heel Transition, Secure Upper, Adaptive Stability
Cons: Firmer Ride than Expected, Still on the Heavy Side
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a premium stability/guidance shoe for those who want an excellent shoe for standing, walking and running. The stretch knit upper provides a snug and secure fit for those who want a good hold and breathability. A new heel geometry provides the best heel transition and the lowest drop (8mm) of any Kayano combined with a taller, stiffer, cushioned but slightly firmer ride. Continuing to provide stability through internal geometry and the bouncy 4D guidance system to help get runners out of pronation, the Kayano 32 looks similar but provides a different fit and ride from the prior versions.
SIMILAR SHOES: Mizuno Horizon 8
PAST MODEL: ASICS Gel-Kayano 31
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The new upper is an engineered stretch knit that provides a slightly snug fit throughout the length of the shoe. This is in stark contrast to the wider fit of the prior two versions, so those wanting the return of a little less room will be happy.
The knit upper still stretches and will adapt to normal to narrow width feet. Those with wider feet will probably need to get the wide version. However, the volume of the shoe is normal to slightly higher, which may offset that. The forefoot fits normal to slightly snug with a little stretch, particularly height wise. There is a taper at the toe box but the upper stretches around this. The midfoot fits normal in width with a unique tongue design. The tongue is gusseted, is thin on top but padded on the side. This allows to sit nicely around the top of the foot. The midfoot and shoe is secure enough that I did not have to tighten the laces or lace lock the shoe. The heel fits normal to slightly snug due to a ton of heel collar padding. The heel counter is stiff but is offset by the amount of soft padding. Those with mild heel sensitivities will be fine but those with more severe ones may have issues.
The slightly snug fit and knit upper provide a secure fit for movements front to back. Like most running shoes, lateral motion does cause some sliding but it isn't terrible. The inner liner of the upper is extremely comfortable and can easily be used sockless for those with experience. Overall, the upper fit is slightly snug, secure and provides a more adaptable stretch for those who need it.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: No
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Midsole Compresses to Improve Transition
Recommended for Haglunds: Somewhat
Recommended for Sockless: Yes
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a taller stack height, stiffer and slightly firmer daily training shoe. The midsole continues to use FF Blast+ with a Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole. Compared to the last version, the midsole is slightly firm but continues to be well cushioned. The weight is still on the higher end at 11.1 oz (314g) for my men's size 10 but has come down slightly from the prior versions. There is now an 8mm drop that is noticeably lower than prior versions. Those used to the 9-10 mm drop of all the prior versions need to be aware that this will feel different. This feels more significant with the rearfoot geometry that allows the heel to compress far more than previous. This makes the shoe feel lower drop than previous but also works far better with the small heel bevel to provide the smoothest transition of any Kayano I have tried. The bevel and compressive geometry is biased lateral, which provides a smooth transition into the shoe at heel strike. This continues into a stable midfoot and a slightly stiff/snappy forefoot. The forefoot has an early rocker but there is almost no flexibility. Those with toe mobility issues (Hallux Limitus or Rigidus) will be fine in this shoe. As it breaks in, the forefoot remains stiff but transitions easily.
Purpose-wise, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is a daily training shoe meant for easy miles and long runs. The higher weight and smooth transitions make it feel best during easy and slower miles. While the improved heel transition and slightly firmer/snappier midsole make it feel fine during light strides, it is not a shoe meant for going fast. Runners wanting a lighter stability shoe with more pace versatility should check out the ASICS GT-2000 13.
The outsole traction is good on dry road but I have notice some mild slippage on wet pavement. The Kayano 32 does fine on smooth trail but is not appropriate for even slightly technical terrain. The outsole is fairly standard for a Kayano, although after 30 miles I am noticing slight wear at the exposed FF Blast+ on my left side. For that reason, I expect the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 to last an average number of miles for a daily training shoe.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a moderate level guidance/stability shoe. While there are no traditional stability methods like a medial post, there are plenty of methods that make this highly stable. This includes a wider sole, sidewalls, internal geometry that facilitates motion forward and the unique 4D guidance system in the midfoot that helps bounce the arch into and out of pronation. The wider sole occurs throughout the length of the shoe, making the whole thing inherently stable. Sidewalls are present in the medial and lateral heel and midfoot, which are the most prominently felt stability components outside the wider and stiffer sole. I could feel the medial sidewall in my posterior medial arch, so those that want a mild post like feeling may find it here. The internal geometry has been used by ASICS for many years but it set up so that the more a runner falls medially or laterally, the more the midsole stiffens to resist motion and keep them centered. This is not as noticeable while standing and initially made the shoe feel more neutral.
While on the move, this becomes apparent as the platform feels stable and helps roll you forward without the feeling that my foot is collapsing medially. The final piece is the most unique while being a staple in the Kayano for now 3 generations. The 4D guidance is a medial piece of softer and more responsive foam than the FF Blast+. It functions to help facilitate normal pronation and supination out of that pronated position, which is how the arch is supposed to work. This is most noticeable at running speeds as it feels like there is an extra bounce out of the midfoot. For those not used to the current Kayano, this is a unique and fairly natural feeling experience. Each time I have worn on of these shoes, I always expect this won't be stable enough for what I need, then my medial arch and posterior tibialis feel great after the run. So if you do not respond well to aggressive posts or medial pressure, the Kayano is a great, stable option.
Thoughts as a DPT: Changing Drop and the Achilles Tendon
By Matthew Klein
The Kayano series has been a staple of many runners for years. When you have this popular of a shoe with this large of a following, changes have to be made carefully. On the other side, runners who are used to running in a shoe that has certain characteristics for a few generations need to transition carefully when changes occur to the geometry.
A common issue that arrises from a lowered drop is an Achilles tendon irritation. Heel drop or heel to toe drop refers to the difference in height between the back of the shoe and the front of the shoe. While 12mm used to be the most common, the average has dropped over the last decade to 6-8mm across the running footwear industry. The measurements provided by companies are only static and do not reflect the true dynamic drop that occurs when the shoe is loaded by body weight. The true number can be higher or lower depending on how soft the midsole is, how the shoe compresses and where the runner loads. A lower heel drop means that the ankle joint, Achilles tendon and calf muscles need to go through a larger range of motion. While this may be fine for some people, those who stay in one shoe or a single type of heel drop and either have limited motion or are used to only one level may notice discomfort as their body has to adjust to going through a new range. Muscles and tendons function in length specific ranges, meaning they are often strong only in the ranges you train them in. If you introduce a new range, you have to give them time to get used to functioning in that new range. If you do this faster than the tissues can adapt, an irritation may occur. The Achilles tendon is sensitive to this, as recent evidence suggests that during faster dynamic motions like running, the Achilles tendon is actually what lengthens and the calf muscles isometrically contract (ie they do not lengthen) (Lai et al., 2015; Lai et al., 2018).
So if you transition into a lower drop shoe or your favorite shoe transitions to a lower drop, it is important that you slowly transition to it in order to avoid irritating this large, important tendon. Some people may find they cannot transition and have to find a new shoe, while others who give their body time and spend some time doing calf strength work in greater ranges of motion (which can be as simple as careful calf raises through greater ranges, like off a step) should be fine.
Lai, A., Lichtwark, G. A., Schache, A. G., Lin, Y. C., Brown, N. A., & Pandy, M. G. (2015). In vivo behavior of the human soleus muscle with increasing walking and running speeds. Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(10), 1266-1275.
Lai, A. K., Lichtwark, G. A., Schache, A. G., & Pandy, M. G. (2018). Differences in in vivo muscle fascicle and tendinous tissue behavior between the ankle plantarflexors during running. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 28(7), 1828-1836.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 has made some large changes while still keeping the major components of the prior versions. The lower drop and refined heel certainly improve the transition. However, I would have kept the heel drop the same and just used a real heel bevel. I understand why they did this as large heel bevels can sometimes feel awkward while walking and remembering that the majority of Kayanos are sold as walking and standing shoes helps keep this in perspective. The fit is fine as the Kayano typically fits slightly snug (or at least it used to) and the knit upper stretches with time.
My major suggestion is on the midsole. For a premium stability shoe, the ride is firmer than expected. The heel transition is improved, but I would expect either a slightly softer, more luxurious ride or more bounce from the midsole to offset the higher weight (although it is better than the previous versions). ASICS already has some great foams and I would like to see them apply those. How they are going to balance this for both walking and running is a different story.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a moderate heel drop, slightly firmer, moderate guidance shoe for those who want a smooth transitioning, uniquely stable shoe for longer standing, walking and running. The fit will work best for those with normal to narrow width feet who want a little stretch but a secure fit. The ride will work best for those who want a moderate drop (lower than previous) with a slightly firmer ride but a decent heel transition and a stiffer but smooth forefoot. The stability will work best for those who want a highly stable platform from internal geometry, sidewalls, a wide base and a unique system that bounces out of pronation rather than preventing in. The lower drop will be something long-time Kayano wearers will need to approach cautiously but it does add to the far better heel transition than any previous version. The Kayano 32 continues to be a stand out shoe as an excellent choice for standing, walking and easy pace runs for beginners to more experienced runners.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Slightly snug fit with knit upper that provides somewhat adaptive but secure fit throughout)
Performance: B+ (Slightly firmer ride with smoother heel and forefoot transition. Best for Easy and Long miles but slightly heavier ride)
Stability: A [Moderate Stability/Guidance] (Stable ride from sidewalls, wide sole width, internal geometry and 4D guidance)
Value: B+ (Some early outsole wear but still a premium shoe and solid purchase for those who want this unique shoe with a drastically improved ride)
Personal: A- (The improved heel transition makes this shoe so much more runnable for me. Although I wish there was a tiny bit more upper room, it is breaking in and should continue to be a shoe I reach for. Of course I just wish it was lighter)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS Gel-Kayano 32Price: $164.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
Puma's vastly improved stability trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2
