ASICS is modernizing their lineup one shoe at a time. 25 changed how comfortable a Nimbus can be, and the midsole on quickly followed in Nimbus' footsteps. Now, the time has come for the stability king, , which has received a full makeover!
See the video below for a comparison between ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 and 30, and we ask the question: Is the modernization in a good thing?
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30 is one of the most successful running shoe series ever, with loyal fans following it closely. Runners in love with Kayano tend to stick with the shoes. And who can blame them? For 30 years, Kayano has provided runners with the comfort and support they need.
But what should you be aware of now that ASICS GEL-Kayano has had a makeover?
ASICS Kayano 30 – A completely new midsole
It's been about 14 years since the first maximalist shoe hit the market. And though has had some shoes with more foam underfoot, they haven't made radical changes in their top models. Until now.
has increased the amount of foam in the midsole by 20%, bringing the men's version to about 40mm of foam in the heel (women's 39mm – unofficial figures, as ASICS hasn't announced anything), with a very wide platform for extra stability.
When a shoe is upgraded to this extent, opinions will always be divided. Some will love it, and others will hate it. But I find both ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25 and ASICS GEL-Kayano 30 to be fantastic modern takes on top running shoes, with comfort as their top priority.
ASICS Kayano 30 – Into the fourth dimension
How it looks and is constructed will always be secondary if the shoe doesn't feel good to run in. Historically, Kayano has always been strong in two critical areas: Comfort and stability.
To ensure these two work together in synergy, ASICS GEL-Kayano 30 has entered a new dimension with a stability technology called 4D Guidance System. What does this fancy marketing term mean? It means has modernized how they provide on the inside of the shoe.
Gone is the firm medial support that would stop any and in comes a new, softer foam with higher energy return, helping you move out of the pronation phase faster. Imagine landing on a trampoline instead of a mattress.
ASICS Kayano 30 – What type of runner are you?
Does it work? If you ask me: YES! But if you ask a typical Kayano runner, it's more uncertain. If you want a shoe that feels stiffer and more controlling, it might take some time to adjust to the new feel. But if you want to feel support without sacrificing comfort, get excited!
I've always enjoyed running in , and I can really feel the supportive sensation under the arch. In contrast, the shoe's forefoot and the outer heel feel very soft. Thanks to the wide base, the entire foot sinks comfortably into the foam. Once you've adjusted to the feeling and the wide base under the forefoot, the shoe feels natural to run in. It doesn't have an aggressive rocker like Nimbus 25, but it's very comfortable for slow-paced, longer runs.
I imagine most will welcome the new ASICS Kayano 30 with open arms. It changes its formula slightly, but not enough to scare people away. And because the support has been altered due to the wider platform, even neutral runners can use it – especially on long runs when they're tired and need extra support.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 30 – What will you use it for
As with any other shoe, there are positives and negatives. 30 is fantastic for long, slow runs and daily runs where you mix up your speed a bit, or if you just need more support after a tough workout. But if you want a daily shoe for faster running, I might look at other models. is the obvious choice here. But if it feels too unstable, GEL-Cumulus can be a neutral option, and is a great stability option.
The shoes I've mentioned here are all lighter shoes with uppers that aren't as padded, so if you live in a warmer climate or struggle with your feet overheating, I would also recommend them.
But a shoe can't do it all, and what does, it does really well. If you want a shoe that provides support while maximizing comfort in every step, ASICS GEL-Kayano 30 is the one to choose!
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