ASICS Gel Kayano 27 Review
Soft and Stable
Likes
- Stable ride
- Smooth feel
- Comfortable fit
- More flexible
Dislikes
- Slightly heavy
- Bulky
What's New
Designed for a softer and smoother ride, the ASICS Gel Kayano 27 is an updated stability classic that won't disappoint. The shoe features a segmented heel design that allows for a plush landing, and the new FlyteFoam Propel midsole creates a balance of softness and responsiveness that works for almost any run. The AHAR rubber outsole continues to deliver long-lasting durability, but improved flex grooves provide a smoother ride and faster transition. Meanwhile, the shoe continues to offer top-of-the-line stability thanks to its Impact Guidance System. This system combines a structured heel counter, dual-density midsole, rigid midfoot TRUSSIC system, and outsole Guidance Line to guide the foot straight and reduce pronation. Finally, the new jacquard mesh upper with a seamless toe box offers a more adaptable fit through the forefoot while snugly securing the midfoot and heel in place.
The Bottom Line
Both long-time Kayano fans and new adopters will be pleased with the updates to this stability favorite. The ASICS Gel Kayano 27 continues to deliver impressive protection from overpronation while receiving a few modern tweaks. Our testers loved the soft yet responsive ride offered by the new FlyteFoam Propel midsole, and they felt that the updated TRUSSIC system and deeper flex grooves provided a more natural feeling transition through the stride. The upper continues to deliver that plush feel that ASICS is known for, but the updated jacquard mesh design offered a more adaptable and breathable fit. Although the ASICS Gel Kayano 27 is a bit on the heavy side for its $160 price tag, our testers agree that the shoe's heavy-duty comfort and versatility cement its status as one of the top stability running shoes on the market.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low | |
| Heel Width | Medium to Narrow | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.7 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 30 mm (Heel), 18 mm (Forefoot) | 12 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Maximum Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Updated with a FlyteFoam Propel midsole, the Kayano 27 delivers a softer ride than its predecessor. Our testers enjoyed the plush underfoot feel provided by the rear and forefoot Gel, and felt that the cushioning worked well at any pace.
Derek: "The Kayano 27 might be the softest Kayano to date. After squeezing the cushioning under the heel with my fingers, I couldn't wait to get them on my feet. They didn't disappoint."
Liz: "The ASICS Kayano 27 has an amazingly soft step-in feel, but I was surprised to see that instead of compressing and becoming firm as I ran, the shoe continued to offer a plush sinking-in feeling no matter how many miles I ran."
Ride/Energy Return i
Our testers were pleased with the Kayano 27's surprisingly responsive ride. The FlyteFoam Propel midsole blends soft cushioning with a high amount of energy return. Where many soft shoes end up feeling dead underfoot, our testers thought the Kayano 27 transitioned easily to faster tempos.
Derek: "The cushioning in the forefoot is firmer and bouncier than the cushioning in the heel. With soft landings and springy toe-offs, the Kayano 27 really offered the best of both worlds."
Ben: "For a daily trainer, the Kayano 27 provides a fair amount of energy return with its FlyteFoam Propel technology. I had no trouble doing a tempo run in this shoe."
Underfoot Protection i
Featuring a FlyteFoam Propel midsole with rear and forefoot Gel units, the Kayano 27 provides a very comfortable running experience. Firmer DUOMAX foam under the arch and the stiff TRUSSIC system through the midfoot worked wonders for our team's overpronation.
Ben: "The Gel Cushioning System provides enough cushion for long runs and days when my feet felt a little tired. Even after a 15-mile run, my knees felt fine."
Liz: "There is plenty of underfoot protection in the Kayano 27. With its built-in stability, I definitely grab this shoe for recovery runs when I'm feeling a bit beat up from the previous day's workout."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Kayano 27 features improved outsole flex grooves for a more natural feeling toe-off. Our testers agreed that this updated model offered a smoother ride than its predecessor without compromising stability.
Derek: "The flex grooves give this shoe a nice, flexible forefoot. However, the job of a stability shoe is to stabilize the foot from impact until you're ready to transfer to your toes, and the Kayano is fairly rigid in the heel and midfoot to accomplish this."
Ben: "When I tried the Kayano 26 last year, I felt that my pair was on the stiff side. This Kayano 27 is noticeably more flexible in the forefoot, which gave the shoe a much smoother ride."
Upper Feel i
With an all-new engineered mesh upper, the Kayano 27 offers a more comfortable and adaptable fit. The seamless toe box helps to eliminate pressure points, while the structured heel counter and supportive midfoot snugly hold the foot in place.
Derek: "With the thick plastic heel counter and overlays in the midfoot, the Kayano 27 did a great job holding my foot in place, and the plush materials kept me comfortable mile after mile."
Liz: "The Kayano 27 has that amazing, plush ASICS fit. The padded heel collar helps keep my foot in place, and the lack of overlays in the midfoot and forefoot allows the shoe to mold comfortably for a glove-like fit."
Individual Thoughts
I wasn't really expecting to enjoy the ASICS Kayano 27. I thought that it was going to feel like another heavy and dated stability shoe; instead, it delivered amazing comfort combined with an unexpectedly smooth and responsive ride. I REALLY enjoy running in this shoe. It is not the sleekest or fastest or lightest shoe by any means. The Kayano 27 lies smack in the middle of the daily trainer category, and due to its weight, I wouldn't choose it for uptempo workouts (I might even choose something lighter for long runs over 10 miles). But even though I can't say that the Kayano disappears on foot, it doesn't feel like you're carrying a brick either. It's more like you're carrying soft pillows that make every step comfortable. For everyday runs and recovery runs, the Kayano 27 is an amazing choice.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Overall, the Kayano 27 ended up being a shoe that made me excited for my run. The cushioning was soft, and the plush materials allowed me to run comfortably. As a severe overpronator, I was very happy with the shoe's ability to reduce my overpronation, which allowed me to run safely and gave me peace of mind. I'm also glad that I didn't have to pick between soft landings and springy toe-offs. The Kayano 27 offered balanced cushioning and a surprisingly smooth ride for a stability shoe thanks to its flexible forefoot. With this latest version of the Kayano, I believe the model has risen from the ashes and is in the conversation for best stability shoe of the year.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
As I have noticed with a lot of ASICS models like the 2000s, Nimbus, and Cumulus, the Kayano 27 allows me to put a solid week of 70 miles on roads and trails with tons of comfort and underfoot protection. I enjoyed the stability offered by the shoe, and I noticed that it reduced my pronation without feeling too hard underfoot. Although the Kayano 27 is on the heavier and more expensive side, I think that runners who need a reliable stability shoe will appreciate the comfort and support offered by the Kayano 27.