ASICS Mens Gel-Kayano 31

My old friend, the gel kayano! I tried a variety of shoes the past 2 seasons, but found them lacking the support and cushioning I like for long run days. The ASICS gel kayano 31 fits great. I’m a 9 and wear a 9.5 for a little extra toe room because I run a lot of steep hills. I got these a couple of weeks ago. No break in time to speak of, though I always use moleskin on my heels for the first few weeks of any shoe.Light, comfortable ride, great stability. Mesh keeps my toes cool.. They hint at a little Hoka-envy with the profile, but are not as clown shoe as the Hokas. And I need at least some feedback from the pavement when running. I just got the solid black ones so I can wear them to the airport without looking silly on work trips, and pack my leather shoes.Great shoe, and has been for decades.

Great fitness shoe, not just for running. Fit is true to size, with a slightly wider toe box than Hoka and Adidas. Definitely more comfortable for me since I have a slightly wider foot. The amount of cushioning is also just right. I tried the New Balance 1080s and Hoka Cliftons and they had too much cushioning which made them less stable for runs and workouts. The Kayano is a stability running shoe so it makes sense. I purchased last year's model (Kayano 31) and saved $40 over this year's model.

Wearing Gel-Kayanos for over 25 years, I will say they just got better with each release. I went for my first run wearing these this morning and what a difference from my “old” Gel-Kayanos. Normally i get new shoes every 4 months based on the amount of running I do (about 15 plus miles per week). This morning I was running on air. These Kayanos are light, supportive and stabilizing. They are solid… I like the pullup strap in the back, definitely a plus from my old pair… No matter how much you run, these are the best running shoes in my opinion.

I've been a loyal Asics customer for years, and their size 10.5 always fits me perfectly, so I knew what to expect there. What I didn't expect was how these shoes would feel on a 20-mile run. Honestly, it felt like I was cheating!The carbon plate and the amount of bounce these shoes provide is incredible. I felt like I was being propelled forward with each step, and my legs felt much fresher than usual at the end of the run. They're incredibly comfortable, and I didn't experience any blisters or hot spots, even on such a long distance.Pros:True to size, consistent with Asics sizing.Exceptional bounce and responsiveness from the carbon plate.Incredibly comfortable for long distances.Reduces leg fatigue.Cons:Might be a bit pricey for some.I'm curious to see how durable the sole is over time.These shoes have definitely earned a spot in my regular training rotation. I'm seriously considering making them my go-to for all my long runs. They're that good.

Overall, I think this shoe is a great blend of stability and comfort. I got this shoe to use in rotation with my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 and I’ve come to much prefer the Kayano 31.Based on my foot anatomy, I don’t NEED to use a stability shoe but I do like how the Kayano 31 keeps my foot feeling stable and secure while walking or running. One of my favorite supportive components is the somewhat tall and structured heel/ankle area. I also appreciate the 4D Guidance system as it helps me feel generally more confident in my foot strike. The padded tongue also stood out to me as a nice feature. I have a higher instep and regularly get pressure points at the top of my foot from my laces and this little bit of extra padded helps alleviate that discomfort.The only issue I have with the Kayano 31 is around the toe box. I’m not sure if it’s the toe box construction or the style of upper but I regularly end up with a hot spot on my little toe when I do longer runs. I wear and extra wide and still experience this. It’s almost like the toe box begins to taper just a little too soon. There’s also a distinct feel in the forefoot where the midsole foam stops. It leaves my forefoot feeling rather flat compared to in the foam extended just slightly into the forefoot area.Overall, I think this is a really comfortable, supportive, and great looking shoe. Outside of the issue with the toe box, this is a shoe I would be happy purchasing again.

As a 71 year old runner, having run 5 marathons, one under 3 hours, I’ve purchased alot of different shoes. That said, these shoes are undoubtedly the best that I’ve ever purchased. They are light, extremely comfortable, and have great support. In my first run, I immediately found that the built up heel and very firm midsole support facilitated weight transfer to the ball of my foot and guiding my step forward… something I had not experienced before with any other shoe. Daily, I run a 10k up and down a small mountain nearby with a 450’ climb and descent. The cushion this shoe provides to the ball of my foot and toes, particularly during descent, is really excellent. It enables me to descend quietly, quicker, and without fear of injury.Clearly, this shoe surpasses any shoes I’ve ever owned before!

Comfortable. Hopefully they last 2 too 3 years. My other Kayano were 28. They only lasted a year, and I did not run / walked.The new ones, I hope to run in. Asics is always my go to shoe preference....Picture old ones 28The sole / Tread was worn out