ASICS Gel Kayano 30 Review
Overhaul Update Brings ASICS’ Iconic Kayano Into Modern Age of Stability
Likes
- Modern 4D Guidance System is highly stable
- Smooth, protective ride for all daily runs
- Plush and secure upper
Dislikes
- Could be more responsive
What's New
The running world has already seen the evolution of two other ASICS titans, the Nimbus and Cumulus, this year, blowing everyone away with their incredibly different and highly elevated designs. Now, the Gel Kayano, ASICS' iconic daily stability trainer, is getting its very own overhaul, and version 30 marks a whole new era for the Kayano line.
Leading the way is an all-new FF BLAST Plus Eco midsole that is stacked 40 mm high in the heel and approximately 4.5 mm higher than its predecessor, providing plush landings and dependable protection that is excellent for long runs, recovery runs, and daily mileage. Better yet is the Kayano 30's new 4D Guidance Support System, which utilises a wider platform and raised side walls to provide adaptive, unintrusive stability that can be enjoyed by both excessive overpronators and more neutral runners. Runners familiar with the Kayano line might not even recognise version 30, as the new PureGel pod is now embedded in the midsole, contributing to the Kayano 30's very comfortable, highly protective ride.
Along with the updated midsole, the Kayano 30 also receives an updated engineered mesh upper that will provide a comfortable yet secure hold perfect for any type of daily run. Combine these updates with the Kayano 30's very grippy and highly durable AHAR+ outsole, and you have everything you are looking for in a daily stability trainer. The competition better watch out because version 30 of the Kayano is a real contender.
The Bottom Line
It is undeniable, since its release in 1993, the ASICS Gel Kayano has been a staple in the running world that has grown to legendary status over the years, yet like an athlete nearing the twilight of their Hall of Fame career, the last two versions of the Kayano left us questioning whether or not this shoe still had the goods to keep up with the younger, more modern studs bursting onto the scene. Do not worry Kayano fans, this legendary stability shoe is not going anywhere. It performed so well throughout testing that our team is confident that the Kayano 30 will be in contention for the top spot in the stability shoe category by the end of the year.
The shoe's redesigned midsole with its new, innovative guidance system is the update that stood out most to our testers, as it has dramatically improved the feel and ride of the shoe. Version 29 of the Kayano utilized a more traditional posting system with a lower profile and more flexible midsole, and though it offered a solid ride and decent stability support, some found the more traditional stability system to be outdated compared to its competitors. The new FF BLAST+ ECO foam and 4D Guidance Support System have changed that narrative, and the Kayano now offers improved levels of support and protection that our testers appreciated on both short and long-distance runs. Furthermore, with the shoe's new, wider base and raised guide rails, our testers could enjoy balanced, nonintrusive support that adaptive well to different types of runs.
Our testers did not find the Kayano 30's new midsole to be overly responsive, as the new design prioritizes comfort and support over speed, and it is recommended to reserve these trainers for typical daily runs and cruising efforts. Regardless of the pace, the Kayano will always deliver the protection runners need for their longest weekly run or their shortest, and the Kayano 30 has go-to, workhorse capabilities in the eyes of our testers. Overall, the Kayano 30 is an impressive update that has brought the Kayano into the modern age of stability footwear, and we do not see this legend hanging it up any time soon.
Specifications & Fit
| Weight | Men's: 10.7 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Maximum stability support |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Brycen: "Similar to version 29, the Gel Kayano 30 features a breathable upper that seamlessly wraps around the foot, providing runners with a comfortable, irritation-free on-foot experience. This shoe was great for transitioning from the office to running on the roads, offering a cozy feel that was present while walking around the office and grinding out daily mileage. Along with its high level of comfort, the Kayano's upper is very secure with a dependable lockdown, contributing to the shoe's overall stable design."
Liz: "The Kayano 30 carries a feeling of premium comfort from top to bottom. The engineered mesh offers a soft and comfortable hold of the foot that is supportive without feeling restrictive. The tongue and heel collar have a plush padded design that comfortably cradles the heel without irritation. Though I enjoyed the stretch knit mesh of the Kayano 29, the Kayano's new upper feels more structured in the heel and midfoot, offering improved support, which seemed to be slightly lacking in the previous model."
Midsole
Brycen: "This is where I think the Kayano has improved the most from version 29 to 30. The increased stack height added a lot of comfort and protection, and the new 4D Guidance System provided excellent, non-intrusive stability support. Unfortunately, I miss the connected-to-the-ground feel of version 29 a bit, and I also wish the midsole was slightly more responsive for speedier daily runs, but for normal daily efforts, long runs, and cruises, the Kayano 30 was excellent."
Liz: "The midsole feels like a 180-degree turn from the lower to the ground and more flexible design of the Kayano 29. The shoe sees an increased stack height, innovative PureGel technology in the heel, and a fresh take on stability with the new 4D Guidance System. The Kayano 29's more traditional LITETRUSS stability system had a harsher underfoot feel with intrusive pronation correction upon heel strike, yet at the same time, I felt that version 29 was also too flexible in the midfoot to prevent arch collapse. With the new 4D Guidance System and the shoe's wide base, I felt supported through the full range of my stride with no harshness underfoot.
The shoe feels smooth no matter where you land, and the faster rebound foam under the arch helps provide natural-feeling pronation control that even neutral runners can enjoy. The cushioning leans on the firmer side when compared to shoes like the Nimbus, but the Kayano still feels plush underfoot, and the hint of firmness offers the support runners need to prevent overpronation as their legs start to fatigue over a long run.
In my opinion, the shoe feels like a more premium and higher cushioned version of the Kayano Lite, and when looking at the bottom of the shoe, you can see how similar the design is to the Kayano Lite series. That said, the Kayano 30's FF Blast + Eco foam midsole offers a more premium experience underfoot, and I can tell that the foam will last much longer than the Kayano Lite."
Outsole
Brycen: "I was very impressed with the Kayano 30's AHAR outsole. It provided excellent traction, and I was able to transition from the street to boardwalks and even to some well-groomed dirt paths without any difficulty. The rubber has also held up very well durability-wise throughout testing."
Liz: "The ASICS Kayano 30 has a segmented outsole design that offers full coverage of rubber while keeping the weight low and allowing some flexibility in the shoe. I had no issues with traction, and similar to other ASICS shoes I have owned in the past, I foresee the AHAR rubber lasting for a long time."
Comparable Shoes
Brycen: "I would recommend the Gel Kayano 30 over most other shoes within the stability category, and I thought it performed better than the New Balance Fresh Foam 860, Mizuno Wave Skys, and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS throughout the testing period. What makes the Kayano stand out from the competition is how comfortable it is underfoot. Regardless of whether I was walking around the office in the morning or finishing an evening run, my feet were always well-supported and comfortable."
Liz: "ASICS Kayano 30 vs. ASICS Kayano 29 – The Kayano 30 is a much-improved update over version 29. It now offers a much higher level of cushioning and stability support by utilizing modern technologies, which makes it an excellent counterpart to shoes like the ASICS Nimbus 25.
Version 29 was too flexible through the midfoot to offer enough stability support, and it did not feel protective enough to use for long runs. Those who enjoy lower-to-the-ground, more flexible shoes would enjoy the Kayano 29, but the updated Kayano 30 offers the protection and stability needed to be a true workhorse trainer that can handle long runs, daily efforts, and daily routines with comfort.
ASICS Kayano 30 vs. ASICS Kayano Lite (1, 2, & 3) – The shoe that feels most comparable to the Kayano 30 is the now discontinued Kayano Lite series. ASICS drew inspiration from the Kayano Lite in making the Kayano 30, and both shoes have a similar feel and shape to the midsole. That said, the new Kayano 30 delivers a more premium, highly cushioned feel (albeit ever so slightly firmer), making the Kayano 30 a longer-lasting, more comfortable running shoe in your rotation.
ASICS Kayano 30 vs. HOKA Gaviota 5 – Both the ASICS Kayano 30 and HOKA Gaviota 5 are highly cushioned stability running shoes. The Gaviota has a more signature HOKA underfoot feel, offering runners a higher off-the-ground experience than the Kayano 30. The HOKA Gaviota 5’s midsole provides a more dampening feeling, while the Kayano 30 has a slightly bouncier feel without sacrificing any level of protection. Overall, given its rockered design and more responsive feeling foam, I prefer the Kayano 30 for most runs, while the Gaviota would be my preferred choice for walking or standing on my feet all day."
Men's ASICS Gel Kayano Running Shoes
Women's ASICS Gel Kayano Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
Thanks to all ASICS modern, innovative updates, the Kayano 30 is an excellent trainer for those looking for a high level of comfort and support to cover all your daily training mileage. The Kayano 30 is also an excellent option for the avid walker.
As advertised, the new 4D Guidance System was excellent, delivering unintrusive support that even the worst overpronators will appreciate and even neutral runners will enjoy. Throughout testing, I used this shoe for everything from easy daily runs to long runs and everything in between. The Kayano 30 also became a shoe I loved wearing around the office all day and in my daily routines. Again, I wish it had a more responsive return, but given how comfortable and supportive these shoes are, the Kayano 30 will stay in my rotation as a go-to daily trainer.
The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 is a brand-new shoe compared to the previous iteration of this signature ASICS model, and it is clear that ASICS took great pains in updating one of their oldest flagship models. Where the last few models of the Kayano (28 & 29) became more and more flexible and felt like they were losing both protection and stability, the Kayano 30 is now the most cushioned and stable version of the Kayano to date. With 40 mm of stack height under the heel, the Kayano 30 also boasts enough protection for even your longest runs.
I was a big fan of the midsole geometries of the Kayano Lite and was happy to see the influence it had on the Kayano 30. The FF Blast+ ECO midsole foam is well-balanced with a plush feel that is not sluggish, even with the high midsole stack. The PureGel heel insert replaces the traditional visible gel compartment and adds a noticeable softness upon step in.
While the midsole leans on the slightly firmer side compared to shoes like the ASICS Nimbus, it does so without feeling harsh underfoot. Instead, the foam feels supportive throughout your run, and the 4D Guidance System offers very natural stability correction. For me, the Kayano's wide platform and the dual-density posting supported my foot through the entirety of my stride and not just at landing. The upper was comfortable yet structured. There was just enough padding to feel premium on my foot, but the midfoot hold was very secure and paired well with the stability features of the midsole to prevent overpronation.
Overall, ASICS did a great job of updating this shoe, and I think they successfully did it in a way that will satisfy both longtime Kayano fans while also making it approachable to new consumers looking for extra support during their daily runs, regardless of whether they are classic overpronators or neutral runners.