ASICS Kayano Lite 2 Review
August 31, 2021
Stability Made Sustainable
This innovative take on a stability classic has been updated with even more recycled materials
Likes
- Soft and smooth ride
- Natural feeling stability
- Plush materials
- Dailed-in fit
Dislikes
- Slightly narrow toebox
What's New
The ASICS Kayano Lite 2 is a maximum stability running shoe that even neutral runners can enjoy. Using a geometrically shaped midsole to support the foot and reduce overpronation, the Kayano Lite provides the same stable running experience as the traditional Kayano series, but with a much lighter and more natural ride. In this newest update, the Kayano Lite 2 sees the addition of even more recycled materials in the upper, making it one of the most eco-friendly shoes from the brand. The FlyteFoam midsole offers a cushioned running experience with enough responsiveness to pick up the pace, while the segmented outsole design features a smooth, flexible ride without sacrificing the durability needed for daily training.
The Bottom Line
With only minor updates, the ASICS Kayano Lite 2 continues to build upon the momentum of the first edition. This shoe features the same midsole and outsole as the previous version and delivers the same plush yet bouncy running experience that can handle almost any pace. As part of the brand's initiative to be more sustainable, this version sees a new upper made with even more recycled materials. The new design has a more streamlined fit and feel that offers a more secure hold of the foot, but those with wider feet may find the updated fit slightly narrow compared to the roomy toebox found in the original. Despite the snugger fit, our tester thought the shoe was adaptable enough to eliminate hot spots while holding the foot more securely during faster efforts.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium to High |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.1 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.9 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | Men's: 36mm (Heel), 26mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset Women's: 38mm (Heel), 25mm (Forefoot) | 13 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Maximum Stability |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Liz: "Just like the previous version, the Kayano Lite 2 has a soft and comfortable ride that absorbs shock upon landing without losing its slightly bouncy feel."
Ride/Energy Returni
Liz: "While this is definitely not a speed shoe, the smooth ride and responsive foam prevent the Kayano Lite 2 from feeling sluggish. I continued to surprise myself by running faster than expected during my daily runs."
Underfoot Protectioni
Liz: "Whether heel striking, midfoot striking, or forefoot striking, the Kayano Lite 2 delivers a plush underfoot feel that can easily handle long runs or even recovery runs. I feel that this shoe offers better underfoot protection and a more comfortable ride than even the new Kayano 28."
Flexibilityi
Liz: "The segmented outsole and flex grooves give the Kayano Lite a bit of flexibility, but the thick layer of midsole foam and wide base provide a stable ride and prevent the shoe from being so flexible that stability is compromised."
Upper Supporti
Liz: "I loved the fit of the first version, so I was hesitant when I realised that the Kayano Lite 2 had a snugger forefoot, but I quickly came to appreciate the update. The streamlined fit helped make the shoe feel less bulky and offered more security at faster paces or when going around corners. I also had no issues with the shoe being too narrow (which is a common issue for me). It comfortably adapted to my wide feet and bunions from the first run."
ASICS Men's Kayano Lite
Individual Thoughts
LizOverall Score: 9/10
With minimal updates, the Kayano Lite 2 keeps everything that was great about the first version and gets a slightly refined fit. While I found that the upper was still comfortable for my wide feet and bunions, those with narrower feet will appreciate the more secure hold of the foot that it offers. I also appreciate the company's push toward making this shoe more sustainable, and I hope to see these eco-friendly technologies spread throughout their entire line. Regardless, there is very little difference between the first and second versions of this shoe.
Where the greater difference lies is between the Kayano Lite 2 and the Kayano 28. With the recent changes that made the Kayano 28 less bulky, I found that the Kayano 28 also lost some stability and comfort over longer distances. I would definitely recommend the Kayano Lite 2 over it for runners looking for a stable and comfortable ride at any distance.
