If you belong to the group of runners that has always run wearing the ASICS GEL-Kayano because of its great support and stability, then I am pleased to tell you that the latest model still lives up to its classic reputation.
And, if you belong to the group of runners that prefers a slightly lighter and more bouncy shoe, then I am equally pleased to tell you that the new ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 is ALSO able to offer this.
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 is ASICS' newest version of the ASICS classic that has been on the market for almost 30 years!
It is still one of the world's best and most popular stability running shoes, providing you with maximum support on your run.
The ASICS GEL-Kayano has always been a good shoe, but I have always suspected that so many runners have chosen to prioritise the shoe so highly because of the phenomenal support it gives. Not because it has been particularly fun to run in. In other words, it seems a bit of a compromise has been made in terms of its ability to bounce, its level of softness and the how fun the overall running experience is - simply because runners have appreciated the need for stability. But now ASICS seems to have slowly begun changing its design.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 - Midsole
In the 29th version of the shoe, ASICS has made the shoe even lighter and even softer. The ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 is the lightest Kayano ever. ASICS maintains the stability of the shoe thanks to their IGS technology. IGS stands for Impact Guidance System, which is a set of functions that works together to give you optimal support and stability in your foot movement.
The heel is equipped with an external reinforcement, which both keeps your heel firmly in place, as well as helps to minimise the movements of the ankle.
In the midsole, there is also a layer of LITETRUSS, which is a fairly firm type of foam. LITETRUSS primarily supports the inside of the shoe, which assists in preventing you from landing inwards on ground impact.
These two components; the heel reinforcement and LITETRUSS help to give you really good stability and support. But placed in between these two components throughout the length of the shoe's midsole is a good layer of FF Blast+, which is the same type of foam we also know from the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 24.
This foam is both light and soft, and thus helps to make your running experience much more enjoyable. I am sure that this will help to give a more fun and bouncy feeling than before.
The shoe has a solid rocker that really propels you forward. All in all, there are many features of the shoe that in my opinion either make the shoe lighter or more fun to run in.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 - Upper
The upper of the shoe is made using "Engineered Stretch-Knit" - i.e. a stretchy upper, which is made from at least 50% recycled materials. This means that the shoe does not feel insanely tight. It's a relatively narrow shoe for my feet, but I have no problems as the upper is quite forgiving. If you have a wide foot, I would recommend buying the ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 Wide.
With the GEL-Kayano 29, ASICS has really gone to great lengths to give you a lighter, more fun and bouncy running experience, without compromising on stability and support at all. And the new and improved designed really comes to life in this latest version of the ASICS GEL-Kayano.
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