TEST: ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 – A stable update!

As you might have guessed, today we will talk a bit about stability. GEL-Kayano 33 has arrived at the office, and like a child on Christmas Eve, we couldn't wait to unpack the shoes, test them, and write this article. Let's go!

The Kayano series is not exactly new – it has existed for over 30 years, chew on that for a moment. But in recent years, the shoe has made some leaps in its overall expression, and version 33 is certainly no exception. The identity is naturally still the same; it is ASICS' most stable training shoe, so in that regard, everything is as usual.

This year, ASICS introduces us to two major updates on the Kayano. A new support system called FluidSupport has been introduced, while the midsole now consists of two materials: FF Blast Plus and FF Blast Max.

GEL-Kayano 33 is the first of three shoes that RunningXpert recommends for your training towards a half marathon and long distances.

Thomas, who works at RunningXpert, is training for a half marathon on 20/9, where the World Championships in road running will be held in Copenhagen. He hopes for a time under 1:20. Thomas has personal records of five kilometers in 18 minutes and 33 seconds. In the half marathon, Thomas has run 1:23:31 and in the marathon 2:59:40.

We ask, for each shoe we recommend, Thomas the same three questions, so you can decide if the shoe makes sense in your training:

When do you use the shoe?

I mostly use it for short, easy runs after a weekend of hard training - or if I venture out on a run in more uneven terrain.

What is the best thing about the shoe?

Definitely the stability. As someone with an unstable right ankle due to old injuries, the support provides a nice security when running on tired legs and wanting to mentally disconnect.

Who can use the shoe?

Runners who enjoy running in stability shoes daily will definitely appreciate the comfort. But also for neutral runners like myself, who run several times a week, the extra support and different load can have great value in a shoe rotation.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 - Fluidsupport?

My immediate reaction, after running in GEL-Kayano 33 a few times, was that it felt very easy to work with. It wasn't as clunky as I remember previous Kayanos – or for that matter, other stability running shoes, which tend to be a bit bulky. This is mainly due to the new FluidSupport. FluidSupport acts as a more dynamic stability, following the foot's natural movements from heel to forefoot rather than correcting it. Think of it more as guidance than correction. How FluidSupport works is linked to how the midsole is constructed, leading us to the next section.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 - FF Blast Plus & FF Blast Max

The midsole consists of two materials: FF Blast Plus and FF Blast Max. FF Blast Plus at the bottom acts as the stable element, while FF Blast Max on top offers a bit more softness. Comfort isn't necessarily about soft materials – comfort can be reliability, a simple expression, a faithful companion.

The two layers don't work as opposites but as a synergy. FF Blast Plus maintains form, keeps the course – it's the foundation that doesn't give way when the legs start to tire. FF Blast Max absorbs and offers that little porous softness, making the shoe a delightful training shoe.

Together, they form the core of ASICS' new FluidSupport system – a construction designed to guide the foot forward rather than hold it in place by force. It's a conscious choice by ASICS: less correction, more direction.

As a final note, the shoe still includes ASICS' iconic GEL technology, located in the heel. ASICS Kayano 33, like its predecessors, is ASICS' most stable running shoe, and it succeeds superbly. And to give the shoe the final touch of luxury, Asics has placed an OrthoLite insole.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 - No compromises

The upper of the Kayano 33 is made of engineered mesh. It's stretchy and light, but with all the structure expected of a stability shoe. The heel cap is firm and stable, and you can clearly feel that ASICS has tried to soften the material around the heel bone – without compromising stability.

GEL-Kayano 33 is overall a well-built running shoe. Even the outsole has been improved. Here you now find ASICS HybridGrip – a combination of AsicsGrip and AHAR Plus, which have proven their worth on other premium ASICS running shoes. An outsole should be in the way, but not so much that you notice it too much. Where the little annoying little brother hasn't learned to stop the game before it's too late, HybridGrip can manage this.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 - Respect for development

Not all shoes need dramatic changes from model to model – Kayano is one of them, in my opinion. It's a classic with a very clear identity. That doesn't mean development should stop, but it naturally gives the shoe some clear boundaries within which it can evolve. I think ASICS has succeeded well in making the shoe more agile and a bit easier to approach. GEL-Kayano 33 will be an excellent choice for runners needing stability in both heel and midfoot. Stability primarily comes from the heel, where FluidSupport guides your foot forward in a more natural stride. ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 has received a stable update and is 100% true to its expression. Personally, I like that they don't deviate too much from the shoe's starting point, it gives the shoe credibility and will surely not disappoint many previous fans or first-time Kayano runners.

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