ASICS Kayano 26 Review
A Stability Staple
Likes
- Great fit
- Stable ride
- Highly durable
- Responsive cushioning
Dislikes
- A bit heavy
- Stiff underfoot
What's New
The ASICS Kayano has been a maximum stability go-to for quite a while now, and fans will not be disappointed with the newest addition to the line. With updated Gel Technology, the Kayano 26 has been redesigned for better impact absorption and a softer landing. The Flytefoam Propel midsole provides lightweight, responsive cushioning under the forefoot, and the DYNAMIC DUOMAX Technology uses a denser foam on the medial sides for natural feeling overpronation protection. To further increase the stability of the shoe, the ASICS reinforced the new engineered mesh upper with soft, structured overlays.
The Bottom Line
Our testers were pleasantly surprised by the ASICS Gel Kayano 26, and they felt that the updates made for a smoother, more comfortable shoe. The new gel cushioning design allowed for a soft landing, and the Flytefoam midsole offered responsive cushioning in a lightweight package. The improved fit provided an accommodating wrap, while the strategic overlays and firm heel counter supported the foot. Overpronators will appreciate the combination of the dual-density midsole, supportive overlays, and TRUSSTIC shank, which work together to provide maximum stability.
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: 11.1 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.5 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 29mm (Heel), 19mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Maximum Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The ASICS Kayano 26 features redesigned Rearfoot Gel Technology in the heel for a softer feel during landing, and a firmer, more responsive Flytefoam Propel midsole in the forefoot for greater energy return.
Tyler: "The Flytefoam midsole means the new Kayano is firmer than models from a few years back, but added gel in the heel makes this update slightly softer than the previous version."
Ben: "The Kayano 26 has a pleasant softness to the sole. I'll even wear it around the office when I'm not running in it."
Ride/Energy Return i
Although our testers wouldn't quite call the ASICS Gel Kayano 26 "bouncy," they agreed that the Flytefoam Propel midsole provided a good amount of energy return, especially when picking up the pace.
Tyler: "The Kayano 26 seems to match my effort and definitely didn't slow me down. I would say this shoe gives back the energy you put into it."
Ben: "This shoe felt very light and springy to me. I felt like I could easily pick up the pace without the shoe slowing me down."
Underfoot Protection i
The durable outsole and extensive cushioning of the ASICS Gel Kayano 26 provide plenty of underfoot protection. While the shoe may have a firm feel in comparison to softer brands like HOKA, there is sufficient impact absorption for daily training and long miles.
Tyler: "In the heel, you will find plenty of gel and cushioning to protect your feet and legs. The forefoot, however, has slightly less cushioning and allows you to feel the road."
Ben: "For roads, the Kayano 26 does provide a lot of cushioning. I personally felt that it had more padding than the ASICS 2000, the 1000, and the Cumulus series, so there was plenty of protection for longer runs."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Kayano 26 is noticeably more flexible than previous versions of the shoe, but the durable rubber outsole and supportive chassis make it relatively stiff in relation to comparable models.
Tyler: "While I found the 26 to be more flexible than the last few Kayano models, the shoe is still fairly stiff."
Ben: "The front part of the shoe felt pretty flexible while running. However, the heel is very stiff because of the plastic heel counter."
Upper Feel i
The Kayano 26's engineered mesh upper provides a soft wrap that conforms to the wearer's foot. Our testers enjoyed the combination of a slightly wider toe box with a snug midfoot and heel.
Tyler: "The upper of the Kayano 26 holds the foot securely and comfortably, with soft overlays and a padded heel. I found the mid-foot and heel to be fitted, while the toe box was slightly roomier."
Ben: "The heel is very structured thanks to the plastic heel counter, and the toe-box area is a little narrow for me. This caused some issues when I was first breaking in the shoe, but after a few runs, I felt that the shoe had a soft and supportive hold of my foot."
Individual Thoughts
The Kayano 26 has a springy responsiveness that I really enjoyed, and the extensive cushioning was soft and comfortable underfoot. I was also impressed by the durability of the shoe. After 30 miles, the materials (including the sole) showed little sign of being worn at all. Overall, the Kayano 26 is a solid daily trainer for the overpronator seeking a cushioned but light ride.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
This shoe surprised me. I tend to find ASICS shoes to be clunky to run in, but the ride of the Kayano 26 felt smooth and seamless. It offered better stability than previous versions, and it featured better cushioning in a highly durable design. ASICS also improved the fit with a roomier toe box. These updates make the 26 my favorite Kayano yet.