When it comes to running, I could bore you for hours over which kind of shoe I like to train in for a long run, speed session or my top race day shoes.
But there is one brand and particular design of trainer I come back to time and time again, thanks to their shoes’ ability to provide comfort and support for kilometre after kilometre.
Enter ASICS’ Gel-Kayanos. Since launching in 1973, Gel-Kayanos have become one of the most popular running shoes around.
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There’s a reason why ASICS refine and re-design them decade after decade.
So when I heard that ASICS were set to upgrade their iconic Gel-Kayanos to launch a 30th anniversary edition in July, I was eager to test them out and put them through their paces.
Almost two months later, I can safely say they are my new favourite shoe, helping me to achieve a new PB (personal best) at this year’s City to Surf run in Sydney.
So what makes the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30s ($280) so special and why should you invest?
First up, let’s talk about the look and feel. The Gel-Kayano 30s are bigger and bouncier looking than previous iterations, with a much chunkier mid-sole.
Many have compared the look to HOKA trainers, which are often large and cloud-like in their appearance.
This change in look to Gel-Kayanos of old contributes to an even more comfortable and supportive shoe when you put it on.
But thankfully the shoes are still lightweight enough (at around 257 grams) to hit a PB – so you won’t feel like you have to drag your trainers around when running a race in them.
The trainers are available in a range of different colours for men and women. I chose the stylish White/Cyber Grape hue, which may not be my most practical of choices, but it certainly does look good.
The shoes boast a number of pieces of clever tech to ensure your most comfortable, supported run.
The never-before-seen 4D guidance system technology provides adaptive stability for the runner by adjusting to your various pronation stages throughout the run.
What this means is whether you’re running up or down a hill, or whether you’re at the end of a run when your form is likely to suffer, the shoe will adapt and give you exactly the support you need – which is a major bonus for avoiding injury.
Running geeks will also love other features, including a sculpted midsole for more lateral compression, additional cushioning and PureGEL technology – which allows for a softer landing with enhanced shock absorption.
This particular feature was useful to me, as I have been doing a lot of road running in the lead-up to City to Surf and the Sydney Half Marathon.
As for the experience, I can safely say it’s second to none.
Despite all of this hefty tech, the trainers feel lightweight and cloud-like to run in.
I have none of my usual aches and pains after a long run, and I genuinely look forward to pulling them on, as I feel they won’t let me down or make me get injured.
I have now worn the shoes over a 5km, 10km and City to Surf (14km) distance – and think they are one of the most cushioned, supportive shoes I have ever tried.
There are a range of five-star reviews online for the newly-launched shoes that back up my feelings.
Shoppers have called them everything from “great” to the “best of the best”.
“I have never been a fan of stability shoes, but Gel-Kayano 30 is a notable exception! This is the first Kayano model that provides my feet with a soft enogh landing, absorbing all the landing stress from my feet. This pair is the most suitable choice for my Sunday long runs, due to the 4D guidance system that supports extended efforts,” one shopper wrote.
“Amazing feeling and very light. I had Kayanos before but this model is 10 times better!” another added.
A third said: “These are genuinely the most comfortable sneaker ever. I have wide, flat feet and these are so far the only sneakers that don’t cause pain in my feet”.
To shop the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30s at The Iconic, head here.
Key features of the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 trainers
* PureGEL technology helps provide lightweight cushioning and softer landings.
* 4D guidance system guides the foot through every step and adapts as your running form changes over distance.
* Wider basenets for a more stable platform.
* Sculpted midsole to provide more lateral compression.
* Energetic medial foam to guide your foot to the best position after every landing.
* Increased heel bevel for controlled impact and smoother transitions.
* Eco cushioning and an increased 4mm in stack for a more comfortable ride.