Stepping Up the Game: ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

As soon as I started calling myself a runner, (and not just someone who occasionally runs,) I needed “real runner shoes” and those came from ASICS. They were my only “go-to” shoe for many years, and I still love them to this day because they show up for me time and again.

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The ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 has recently been added to the shoe pile, and they deserve to remain in the lineup for as many miles as I can get out of them. Matt and Nikki each checked out a pair.

Looks:

 

We received two of the 10 colorways – a men’s in Cool Matcha/Celadon and a women’s in Black/Pure Silver. Matt was a big fan of his unique colorway and while Nikki has owned lots of black shoes over the course of many years, she found the silver to add a nice and classy touch.

These babies will go with anything, though there are a variety of other color options available in this model, so take your pick!

Function:

The Gel-Kayano is known to be a top-notch stability shoe, and the new version delivers. If you’re a neutral runner, these shoes will work well for you. Not only that, but the Gel-Kayano 31 is meant to truly go the distance, so this will be a great option for your long weekend run.

Construction:

The newest version of the Gel-Kayano has been tweaked slightly from previous versions, but thankfully for the better. For one, the ventilation in the upper has been redesigned to make the shoe more breathable, which is much appreciated by those of us who are distance runners heading into summer. It is reminiscent of the Gel-NIMBUS around the collar. There’s also a better outsole grip, (called the Hybrid ASICSGRIP) and the shoes feel softer underfoot. Super plush and welcoming.

The Rearfoot PureGEL technology that was always great still exists in the latest version of this shoe, but the midsole foam has been upgraded to FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning. This is the softest cushioning this shoe has ever had, and you’ll feel it immediately when you put it on.

Side note: Somehow, despite the fact that the cushioning is plusher than before, this version has actually improved on the carbon footprint from the previous one.

The 4D Guidance System in the midfoot is still consistently solid as with previous versions of the shoe. The foam really helps guide your foot where it needs to be and provides gentle correction where necessary.

Fit:

I have always appreciated a wide toebox on my running shoe, and ASICS always give me the room I need to stretch out my feet just a little. This means that not only does the shoe feel cushy on the outside, but my feet feel comfortable inside too. It’s not officially a wide shoe, but seems pretty ample for most who desire a bit more room.

I was surprised that the Gel-Kayano 31 is a relatively lightweight shoe, which is not always typical for a cushy stability shoe. The shoes are of solid quality and don’t feel cheap, but they don’t weigh me down in turnover either.

Finally, I have to mention that the new knit collar construction and pull tab on the heel is a wonderful plus for this shoe. In our new world of “step-in” shoes, ASICS has managed to hit the mark by making these shoes super easy to get on when you’re fumbling around in the early AM and trying to get out the door. Though you still have to bend down to put them on (oh the travesty!) the stretchy pull tab makes the wearer feel like they are pulling on a comfy pair of socks.

Overall:

ASICS are a classic for reason. Despite the Gel-Kayano 31 being a cushy ride, and sitting near 10 ounces, they feel light on our feet. The extra ventilation means my feet will stay cool during those double-digit mile days and the new foam in the midfoot and the 4D Guidance system make these feel like a dream.