ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 review – Same comfort, more support

Another year, another update for the king of stability shoes , ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 . With its characteristic support and soft comfort, GEL-Kayano remains a safe favorite among runners needing stability.

The biggest development in the GEL-Kayano series in the last 10 years happened from GEL-Kayano 29 to 30, where ASICS introduced PureGEL in the heel, a new softer foam type, and a 4D Guidance System that helps correct strong pronation .
ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 builds on that foundation, adjusting the formula slightly.

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A new FFBlast+ ECO – ASICS GEL-Kayano 32

If you only judge the new GEL-Kayano 32 by appearance, it’s hard to see the difference from last year’s version. You need to look into the details to understand why this is a bigger update than it seems.

The midsole foam looks like the old one but has a completely new foam formula in this version. It’s still called FFBlast+ ECO, but it’s now lighter, reducing the weight – even though the shoe has actually gained more foam overall. The new foam is also slightly firmer, enhancing GEL-Kayano’s core trait: stability.
Rest assured – GEL-Kayano 32 doesn’t feel hard at all. It remains a max-cushioned everyday shoe, where comfort and stability are the focus.

The stack height is now 40–32 mm, meaning the drop has changed from 10 mm to 8 mm. Despite the lower pitch, I find the GEL-Kayano 32 even better at converting landing energy into forward propulsion. The result is a stability system that gently propels you forward to the next step – without slowing the foot. Just as a GEL-Kayano should.
And as a bonus, forefoot runners will appreciate the extra 2 mm of foam under the toes, providing a bit more protection and cushioning.

Comfort and fit in the upper – ASICS GEL-Kayano 32

The last update you’ll notice is the upper. The new engineered mesh is just as comfortable as last year’s model but perhaps a bit narrower and snugger around the foot. I find it very comfortable, and my usual size US11 fits perfectly – so I’d say it’s "true to size".
If you’re used to extra space, just be aware it’s slightly narrower around the midfoot and forefoot.

The extremely comfortable padding around the heel is still there, and the tongue – although not quite as flexible as in some earlier ASICS models – has just the right thickness to provide support and comfort while remaining breathable.
Overall, the upper has been adjusted to fit comfortably on the foot – and most will be satisfied with the fit, as long as they don’t find the shoe too narrow. Fortunately, there’s also a wide version available, which you can of course buy from us.

Same outsole – ASICS GEL-Kayano 32

The outsole is still made of hybrid ASICSGrip, combining ASICSGrip and AHAR+ rubber. It provides both a durable material in the exposed wear zones and a softer, stickier rubber where extra grip is needed.

I find it hard to say anything negative about the hybrid outsole in any of ASICS’ everyday models. It just works – offering great grip without compromising durability.

Stability is the keyword – ASICS GEL-Kayano 32

I think most changes in ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 have positively affected both the running feel and the shoe’s overall stability. It feels surprisingly light, even when you pick up the pace – which seems odd to say about a GEL-Kayano 32 – but it still performs best for daily easy runs, especially if you need extra support.

I see GEL-Kayano 32 as a great option for a daily training shoe for recreational runners who just want one comfortable and stable shoe. It's also an obvious choice for runners who want a cushioned and supportive shoe for recovery and easy training days.