ASICS Gel Kayano 29 Shoe Review

Upper

Ben: "The Kayano's upper was very comfortable. The heel provided a secure fit without being too tight, and the toe box was roomy enough for my toes to remain irritation free. Also, after getting wet while running on wet grass, I was surprised how quickly the upper dried out."

Brycen: "The engineered mesh upper is softer than the previous version of the Kayano and was my favorite part of this shoe. It wraps around the foot well and offers great breathability. The Kayano 29's upper was very secure, helping accentuate the shoe's highly stable ride."

Liz: "The upper on the Kayano 29 was incredibly comfortable, offering enough padding in the heel collar to feel plush. Also, the engineered mesh in the mid and forefoot offered good breathability along with a surprisingly lightweight feel.

The fit was secure through my midfoot, with an accommodating amount of room in the forefoot, even for my wide feet. Overall, this is the kind of upper that feels luxurious without feeling stuffy or restrictive. I could simply slip the shoe on and never worry about fit issues or potential irritation no matter the mileage."

Midsole

Ben: "While running, the Kayano 29 felt firm but not uncomfortable. The FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS foam was fairly responsive, enabling me to run at normal speeds with a smooth ride. However, I did a few light strides in them, and they felt heavy and awkward at the faster pace."

Brycen: "There is a soft feel underfoot, and I did not feel any substantial energy return from the midsole while running. It was not as bouncy as I was hoping for, but I had substantial protection for my daily training runs and my feet always felt comfortable.

Given my current training schedule and needs, I was not looking to push top speeds when wearing the Kayano 29, and the shoe's comfortable upper and forgiving midsole provided everything I look for in a max stability daily training shoe."

Liz: "I was happy that ASICS added a few extra millimeters of cushioning to the Kayano 29's updated midsole design. The Kayano 28 was too minimal, and the shoe did not feel like it had enough protection for my longer runs.

With the Kayano 29, it is a completely different story. The FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS foam is pleasantly soft with a touch of bounce that keeps the shoe from feeling too sluggish out on the roads. The Kayano 29 also feels lighter and more nimble on foot than previous Kayanos (the 27 and earlier versions were relatively bulky), but I feel like the Kayano 29 finds a nice balance of protection and nimbleness. It feels sleek enough to forget it is on foot without sacrificing comfort during longer runs.

In terms of stability, version 28 was too flexible through the midfoot, and the support system was abrasive. With version 29, heel-to-toe transitions feel much smoother while providing more support through the arch, helpfully and comfortably guiding my foot through the gait cycle when needed. For marathon distances, I would choose a more cushioned shoe, but for everyday runs, the Kayano 29's well-balanced midsole allows you to remain focused and enjoy the run."

Outsole

Ben: "I ran in the Kayano 29 for about a month, piling up a fair amount of mileage on the shoe, and the outsole rubber held up very well. From my first test run to my last, I barely noticed the road underfoot thanks to the outsoles healthy amount of AHAR rubber. I ran on a variety of different surfaces, including paved roads, gravel roads, and grass fields, and the outsole always provided dependable traction."

Brycen: "The AHAR rubber outsole offers excellent grip on the roads and the treadmill. After 30 miles of test runs, the shoe has shown very little wear and tear, and I have no doubts that the Kayano 29 will withstand the test of time."

Liz: "With a substantial amount of AHAR rubber underfoot, the Kayano 29’s outsole, and its durability, is another element that runners can depend on. It is lightweight and flexible with the long-lasting durability needed to go for miles and miles."

Comparable Shoes

Ben: "The durability of the Kayano's outsole make this shoe stand out, and after +25 runs, I have noticed little to no wear. This is not the case with other shoes I have tested within the max-stability category. Also, the shoe's new LITETRUSS stability system felt seamless underfoot, offering a smooth ride that can compete with any max stability trainer. If you are in the market for a stability shoe, you should give the Kayano 29 a try."

Brycen: "I have reviewed the Saucony Tempus, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, New Balance Fresh Foam 860, Altra Provision 6, HOKA Gaviota 4, and I would recommend the Kayano 29 over all of them. The Tempus delivered a better ride and more versatility overall, but the Kayano is more comfortable. The Kayano 29's plush upper and soft underfoot feel truly set these shoes apart from the competition, in my opinion, making them a great option for those who need a max stability trainer."

Liz: "The Kayano 29 felt similar to the Kayano Lite 3, in my opinion. The Kayano Lite was plusher underfoot, and I liked the foot-cradling stability provided by the shoe's one-piece midsole. That said, runners looking for a more durable option with a more traditional feel should go with the Kayano 29, while those who want a softer, more sustainable option should choose the Kayano Lite 3.

Another similar shoe would be the New Balance 860 v13. The 860v13 offers similar levels of stability and protection, but with a midsole that cradles the heel and supports the arch slightly better than the Kayano, runners with high arches may appreciate the 860's stability system more than the Kayano 29. The 860 feels more nimble underfoot and is more flexible than the Kayano, but it is not as protective underfoot as the Kayano."