ASICS Gel Kayano 22 is no exception. Asics continues to make good, stable running shoes with the Kayano 22, same as all other generations of Kayanos with some updated technology, a little lighter, and less leather fabric on the shoes upper. The products of Asics have been produced to bring harmony to the body and soul by promoting total health and fitness. How is the truth? This following article might be the best answer for you.
Features and technologies
As I mentioned above, the 22th version is better than previous ones thanks to some updated features as well as technologies. And here are some noticeable updates in these shoes.
- The Asics Gel Kayano 22 is designed with an Asics Design Philosophy, which promotes the foot’s natural gait from heel to toes to improve your running performance.
- The FluidFit technology is redesigned in this version for better comfort and glove-like fit.
- Heel Clutching System™ is one of the famous features in the shoes. This is used to replace the traditional internal heel components of Asics, provides a more comfortable heel environment as well as reduces the occurrence of irritation or friction.
- In term of fit, the Personal Heel Fit (PHF) made of a heel foam construction is used in the upper of the shoes, which offer an enhanced comfortability and a better fit.
- Another special technology used in The Asics Gel Kayano 22 is DuoMax® technologies. Thanks to its multi-rigid shape, the Dyanmic DuoMax® helps reduce over-pronation while the Soft Top DuoMax® offers better comfort and promoted gait efficiency for wearers.
ASICS Gel Kayano 22 - Pros and Cons
Pros
- Light and comfortable enough for marathons or long-distance running
- A seamless upper is designed to reduce the weight and prevent blisters
- Use high-quality materials for enhanced durability
- Provide enough stability and support for over-pronators or flat feet runners
Cons
- Some runners complain about tightness in the toe box
- The price is a bit expensive than other stability shoes
ASICS Gel Kayano 22 review
Comfort
I was really excited to order the new Kayano 22 after my Kayano 21 had worn out. With ASICS Gel Kayano 22, you have a chance to enjoy the plush comfort coming from the new comfordry lasting and comfordry x-40 sockliner, which are very helpful for mild to moderate over pronators. These shoes feel more flat footed than the previous Kayano. They are not as aggressive on the arch and the flat design has brought more comfort that allows me to wear them all day.
Fit
The sleek upper is designed with seamless construction combines with a re-engineered heel clutching system that provides a more adaptive and secure fit. My pinky and big toe used to be pressed by the toe box in my old shoes. But with the Kayano 22, this problem disappeared and my feet don't slip forward in the shoes any more. I usually buy Kayano's shoes about 1/2 size larger than my normal sizes and it leaves adequate room in the toe for me.
The fit was great and feel even better than the Kayano 21. Although the toe box seems to be a bit smaller at first, I never felt it rub my toes. However, some runners reflected that they feel narrower in the new ASICS than the previous version so you have to be careful when buying them. Because the Asics Gel Kayano is designed for people with flat arch, it is recommended for relatively large runners.
Cushioning
The legendary Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning used in this shoe provides optimum shock absorption which helps reduce the impact of every step and provide smoother stride when you walk or run. Additionally, a blown AHAR rubber found in the outsole not only enhances the durability but also adds more cushioning. All of these make me feel like I am running on a pillow and significantly reduces leg fatigue or soreness after long runs.
Support
These shoes are very supportive. It is like walking on air while still giving great arch support through a memory foam-lined heel, and typically the lateral support, which are essential since I over-pronate. That’s why I chose Asics Kayano 22s instead of Asics Nimbus after making comparison. These have dual-density midsoles that offer firm support for your feet. The upper with seamless construction provides an optimal support. Aside from that, pronation control of the Asics Gel Kayano 22 is suitable for runners who have over-pronation. The gel in the sole is extremely soft, but it is supportive enough to help my mild over-pronation. Additionally, the heel counter provides great support. I also love the heel-to-toe height ratio that keeps propelling me forward while still provides me with enough stability once I hit the ground in different angles. Especially, ASICS Gel Kayano 22 is a good treatment for some foot conditions such as bunion, shin splints, plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
Protection
You want to get into running without getting hurt, try the Kayano 22. The great cushioning system used in the shoes will protect you from getting pain caused by rock or hard things on the road. A special foam heel construction on the upper of the Asics Gel Kayano reduces the possibility of irritation and slip. In addition to this, the Trusstic System under midsole area helps control the torsion in your feet when running to avoid ankle injuries.
Stability
These are not only supportive but also stable. The Asics provides good stability and helps me keep my feet where they’re supposed to be when running. The plush comfort of these shoes is delivered to runners with a stable fluid ride platform. The upper with seamless construction not only provides optimal support but also stability without any unessential stitching.
Besides, the Guidance Line combines with Trustic System to improve natural gaits and provide a stable and truer path. In case you have a flat arch, stability shoes like the Kayano will help you fight this problem. Especially for gym, as I mentioned above that these have a flat design and thanks to that you can do squats and deadlifts more stable.
Flexibility
I think changes of the mesh material on top of the shoes are what made these different from others. This makes the shoes literally fit like a pair of very breathable, close fitting and flexible gloves. Besides, you will get enough room for flexibility when being on the run.
Breathability
The shoes are designed to allow your feet to breathe and help keep your socks dry when you sweat. It has a breathable and waterproof upper protects your feet even when it is rainy and wet.
Durability
The Gel Kayano is used for high mileage. Therefore, it has to have the exceptional durability. In fact, they are built with high quality mesh materials. Moreover, the hardened Carbon rubber known for durability is also used to make the rear foot of the shoes. The Asics High Abrasion Resistance rubber found on the essential areas of the outsole takes responsibility of reducing excessive wear of the shoes. The exceptional durability of Asics Gel Kayano 22 is even better than previous versions due to the FluidRide technology. I have done about 20 miles running so far on these shoes and they are still fine without any signs of breaking down.
Terrains
The Kayano 22 has a flat sole profile that reduces agility on difficult and uneven terrains so it is better to wear these on gravels, tracks and road terrains if you don’t want to get unexpected injuries on hard surfaces.
Use
With well cushioned, stable and supportive design, The 22 is a great choice for long distance runners training for races. Besides, you can also wear them for walking or daily activities without any fatigue or soreness. For me, I often use these for running and gym because of theirs great comfort and stability.
I never wanted to spend a lot of money on sneakers, but now I see the worth. I replaced a pair of Brooks Ravenna 5's while the Asics is a bit pricier, but the comfort and quality are superior to be worthy the money you paid.
Weight
Overall, these running shoes feel much less bulkier than previous versions. It comes with the new version of FluidRide of Asics, which increases cushioning and enhances 20% more bounce back while getting 15% lighter. It is considered as mid-weight shoes that are light enough for distance and marathon runners.
Also read: Best lightweight running shoes
Look
These running shoes not only make you feel good but also look good. I ordered this for comfort; but its style still makes me satisfied. I feel confident whenever wearing it. I chose the simple color in order to match my usual clothes easily.
Previous versions of ASICS Gel Kayano 22
Asics Gel Kayano 19
These are running shoes for long distance performance. The weight is significantly reduced than its previous versions because of this reason. The shoes provide runners with great level of support, stability and comfort. Asics enhanced comfort in this one. The inner features ComforDry Sock Liner that is comfortable and soft to keep runners’ feet fresh during the run. The four-way stretch mesh material and the improved lacing system offer a snug and secure fit. The highlight features of this version include the Heel Clutching system for support and stability, the DuoMax offers greater comfort, the Guidance Line combined with The Guidance Trusstic System for better running performance.
The Asics Gel Kayano 19 running shoes with stability, cushioning and support features are the best for flat foot and low arch people. The AHAR material in the outsole offers excellent grip and traction that allows you to run well on tracks, roads, gravels, and for smooth and asphalt grounds. With theirs features, these shoes are ideal to use on normal training, especially perfect for long distance races and high mileage running. Many users reflected about a bit firm, stiff and less flexibility on the sole but Asics Gel Kayano 19 still offers the superior support and comfort for great running experience.
Asics Gel Kayano 20
The Asics Gel Kayano 20 is famous for comfort, stability and pronation control. In fact, there are not many improvements in this version. It has only minor tweaks compared to its predecessor and still maintains great features and technologies of the famous running shoes. The Solyte midsole foam ensures comfortable landing and smoother transition from heel to toe transition. The upper is built with minimal materials for lighter weight. Other highlight features in the upper are the Personal Heel Fit (P.H.F.) technology, the Heel Clutching System and FluidFit system.
Additionally, this version is also packed with the best technologies from Asics such as DuraSponge material, Forefoot and Rear Foot Gel cushioning units, asymmetrical lacing, and Impact Guidance System. All these features offer great comfort & fit, high durability as well as necessary support. The outsole of Asics Kayano 20 is also made of AHAR material, which delivers a blend of durable grip and traction for road running, even on wet surfaces. The shoes also promote a flexible but responsive ride without reducing cushioning and durability.
Over pronators or people with low arches can receive medial support from well cushioned midsole, which decreases the outward or inward foot rolling motion while running. Besides, it decreases foot fatigue and supplies better gait efficiency during high mileage runs. It is suitable for running on gravels, tracks and roads, but not on uneven terrains. Considered as mid-weight running shoes, it is ideal for cross training, normal running and casual purposes. Especially, it is highly recommended for high mileage runs, transition runs and recovery runs.
Asics Gel Kayano 21
Asics Gel Kayano 21 has two new features in its midsole and upper through the development of the FluidRide™ and FluidFit™. The FluidRide™ is the newest midsole technology of Asics, which gives you a combination of bounce back and cushioning properties while still ensures the best durability and reduced weight of the shoes. While FluidFit™ in the upper gives you a much snugger and glove-like fit on both your mid-foot and forefoot. There are some other changes in the Asics Gel Kayano 21 in comparison with the previous versions.
The collar’s construction has a slight difference (use only a singular material for Achilles dip at top of the outer heel of the shoes). However, this doesn’t affect the collar fit, it still grips the ankles well without slacking. The reflective strip found in the toe box of The Asics Gel Kayano 21 is larger than the Kayano 20. The small elastic panel in the 20th version doesn’t present in the 21st one anymore.
In terms of cushioning, the Kayano 21 is also better than previous versions thanks to the increased gel coverage under the heel area. The firm layer on top of the shoes becomes thicker. The outsole of Asic Gel Kayano 21 also has some changes in its design. The lugs are designed and textured. Additionally, a hardened Carbon rubber is found in the rear-foot. And mid-foot shank has a small tweak. Especially, DuoMax technologies in this stability shoe not only improve cushioning and support but also give more torsional rigidity and arch support which are great for flat- footed racers or runners who have moderate to severe over pronation. The flat sole profile of this version is suitable for running on roads, tracks and gravels.
The Asics Gel Kayano 21 is considered the lightest model among all Asics Kayano shoes, making it become the top choice for distance running, marathons and racing. Besides, this version also has features and technologies like previous versions. This premium stability shoes is indeed a great investment of recovery runners, running beginners and over pronators.
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Similar shoes to Asics Gel Kayano
On the running shoes market, there are many similar running shoes to the Asics Gel Kayano. In my opinion, Brooks Ravenna, Nike LunarGlide and Adidas Supernova Sequence Boost are three typical similar running shoes you can use as a replacement for Asics Gel Kayano 22.
Brooks Ravenna
Firstly, Brooks Ravenna delivers enough support and stability for runners who are seeking these. These offer adequate support and strong cushioning without rearranging your stride. It is cheaper than Asics Gel Kayano; therefore, its quality cannot be better. In these shoes, DNA cushioning units is decreased and blended into the foam for more resilience. The newest version of Brooks Ravenna has more ground contact and smoother transition from heel to toes.
Nike LunarGlide
Secondly, Nike LunarGlide is like Asics Gel Kayano, which are said to be soft, light and stable running shoes. If you are looking for running shoes that can offer great amount of support, this is a good choice for you. Both over-pronators and normal pronators can benefit from Nike LunarGlide thanks to its great comfort, cushioning and support. With these stability running shoes, you can expect a more enjoyable running.
Adidas Supernova Sequence Boost
Another similar running shoes to Asics Gel Kayano are Adidas Supernova Sequence Boost. The new Stable Frame technology feature provides runners with superior cushioning and stability. If you need to find stability running shoes, these are recommended. In a sleek-looking model, these are a great combination of comfort, stability, flexibility, and high-energy return in road running.
Conclusions
I highly recommend these running shoes for those who have flat feet or over-pronation. Aside from this, runners who are looking for stability shoes, this is also a good option. The price maybe a bit expensive, but the quality is great. Let’s spend a little to receive more wonderful experience.
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