ASICS GEL-KAYANO 33: Stability Refined

ON THE RUN

Blake: Running in the Kayano 33 was fluid, SOFT, and more consistent than I have ever felt in any Asics shoe. Immediately, while going out for my first run, I knew this would be a contender for the best shoe I have put on my foot. While the GT-2000 has remained lighter than the Kayano. I never thought there would be a day I would want to pull out the Kayano before the GT-2000. But now, after running in the Kayano, I find the consistency underfoot completely makes me switch away from gravitating towards the GT-2000. What surprised me most while running in them was the new level of control over turns I have not had with any of the previous Kayanos without sacrificing comfort. I have always wanted more control when changing courses while running in my Asics models. This is the first time while running in a Kayano that I didn't have to watch where I was landing in a cul-de-sac. I loved it for that reason and started wanting to take it out every day because it had the pep I felt underfoot as well as control for short and long distances. This new update has everything I could want in a shoe to improve on what was built in previous versions.

Charlotte: As a runner with a neutral gait, I am always concerned that stability shoes will inhibit my run or feel unnatural. However, with how amazing the Gel-Kayano 32 was, I should not have been concerned at all about the newest version of this phenomenal shoe. On both long runs and shorter tempos, I felt premium cushion, gentle heel support, and a comfortable, roomy toe-box. Although I typically develop foot fatigue at the end of long runs, this marshmallow-adjacent version of the Kayano kept my legs and feet feeling fresh through the very end!

THE FIT 

Blake: I have actually found the new tongue to be slightly more padded on top of the foot than the previous one. Meaning I didn't have the chance to cut off my own foot circulation when I am in a rush, putting them on. Often, I found that the previous model's tongue had that problem because it was so thin. The toebox is perfect on the new Kayano 33. The upper flexes more than in previous updates, and I no longer notice my pinky toe pressing against the side of the shoe. Length is on spot as well. The shoe runs true to size, with that extra space I have found. No longer will I automatically recommend wides to people with a medium width who are hesitant. I would like to add that the heel cup is a bit looser than in the previous model. Nothing that a heel lock wouldn't be able to solve. Something I wouldn’t find myself having to adjust the size of, but this model doesn’t have the same hold on the foot as the past 3 models I have tried on. The biggest complaint I have is a slight lump under my big toe when walking. I felt like it was not as prevalent while running, but when standing around, it is almost like there is a small plastic lump under my toe where every other part of the foot is as soft as possible.

Charlotte: As an Altra die-hard, I am always concerned about toe-box feel and width. The magic of ASICS is that the stretchy, mesh upper that they utilize in their shoes gave me the perfect amount of give; however, it could certainly be locked down for a more narrow foot as well. One thing that I would note is that I did size up in this shoe very comfortably, so making sure to try it on in-store or confirming that the size is correct on foot before ordering is something that I would personally recommend.

The tongue of this shoe is slightly firm; however, it is very breathable and does not cut in anywhere aggressively. It is also very breathable, and if you have hot spots on the top of your feet, this shoe is breathable enough that it could be a great option.

THE FEEL

Blake: The cushion underfoot feels amazing. Soft but springy and not nearly as heavy as the previous model of Kayano’s. It’s incredibly stable for how much foam you find underfoot. Without sacrificing a seamless feel, which most stability shoes sacrifice. I found this model blows away almost all other stability shoes for a soft, stable ride underfoot. This has to come down to the blend of Fluidsupport and the new integration of FFBlastMAX. Making the midsole just as peppy as a GT-2000 but with so much more control. You sure can make me happy by putting those two things together. The base is just as wide as previous Kayano models, and I find it just as stable. Definitely leaning towards the corrective side, where, I would say, the previous versions are slightly less controlled. When you put together a lighter weight feel with slightly more stability. Everything is ticked off my Kayano wishlist. Landing this as one of the most balanced and comfortable shoes ASICS has offered.

Charlotte: ASICS is falling into the trend of soft, high-cushion footwear that almost every other brand in the run-specialty industry is leaning towards. This shoe is soft, certainly high-cushioned, and much softer than its predecessor. The heel cup is soft and cushioned, with the heel drop of 8mm making the heel feel similar to a glycerin or a guide, and does not come up as far on the Achilles as Hokas typically do.

The wider last of this version separates this ASICS stability shoe from the traditional feel of a typical Brooks or Saucony stability shoe underfoot, with the step-in feel being more adjacent to a Hoka or Saucony Echelon, only softer. The arch support makes it distinct from other shoes in the motion control category. This shoe is not mushy, however. On runs, it feels light, supportive, and not bulky whatsoever. 

NITTY GRITTY

Blake: This is a fantastic, cushiony daily trainer for a long-run shoe. The updates to having FFBlastMAX create a springy ride I have never felt in the Kayano before. Making me want to take it out for longer miles than before. But strangely, there is a consistency that would still draw me to taking this out for the same distance I would normally pick a GT-2000 for. While the 2000 is more nimble. I personally feel more stable in this model, which makes me want to pull it out more often for myself. Without sacrificing weight and lightness underfoot, there is that pep I look for when pulling out the GT-2000 from my closet. I could utilize this for a recovery run, but I found the shoe was so much fun to run in. It never even crossed my mind, even though this would technically be perfect for a run like that. I get the same amount of nimbleness I am looking for in that 3-10-mile range, where I know I can go beyond those distances. Previously, I never really took the Kayano for anything below 4-5 miles. Now I've been consistently running around 3 miles in the shoe, yet I still don't feel like I have a high-cushion shoe underfoot. When I go past that double-digit distance, I have even found the shoe responds in almost the exact same way. Making it versatile and fun to run in! Compared to other stability shoes in the same category, there would be something significant I would have to note. This is the most control you can have in a stability shoe without something pushing into your arch to control your foot. Options like the Glycerin GTS 23, Hurricane 26, Vigorev5, and 860v15 offer the same level of control underfoot as the Kayano. Each of those options pushes into the foot to control your ride. While also being a bit firmer overall. This is the most control you can get underfoot without feeling intrusive, and that's why it currently stands above the rest.

Charlotte: This version of the Gel-Kayano maintains the shoe's versatility and would be a great shoe for a wide variety of activities and people. I will be keeping this shoe in my rotation for when I’ve had a long week and want guaranteed comfort on my runs, or when I know I’ll be on my feet all day and need support for plantar fasciitis.

The support of the Gel-Kayano has transitioned with this iteration of the shoe. Rather than the 4D guidance system supporting the medial side of the foot, ASICS has transitioned to a wider last (base of the shoe is wider), along with a dual-layer foam system to provide gentle correction for slight over-pronators, or a bit more of an arch feel for neutral runners. I would note that this shoe does not seem as corrective as the 32nd version, since it is a bit softer and the stability is not as concentrated under the arch. However, for those of us who very slightly over-pronate or have aches and pains, this is a great shoe.

THE RUNDOWN

Blake: This update to the Kayano is refreshing and fun. Everything I wanted from wearing the previous shoe has been expanded upon! Every aspect of the shoe has been improved underfoot, and I honestly couldn't say there were many gripes I had with it. The tongue, the foam, the stability, the weight, and even the look of the shoe itself got better! Now, there are some things I did have issues with that I have to mention before I leave you on this review. The only two gripes I had with this shoe, I hope, are manufacturing defects in both cases. As I mentioned before, it felt like there was a prominent lump under the big toe. Then the other gripe I would have is their squeak. These shoes have squeaked since day one, and running all around, sadly, has not fixed the problem. While I did have that problem at the start of my Kayano 32s, it did not persist as long as with this pair. Other than that. Everything about the shoe feels seamless. The only thing is that I wish it were squeakless. 9/10

Charlotte: Want a cushion? Gel-Kayano 33. Want a slight correction of the arch or simply just more support all around? Gel-Kayano 33. No matter the activity, this shoe is reliable and feels great underfoot. Definitely not the lightest shoe I have ever worn, but also the airy quality of the foam of this shoe means that high cushion does not weigh you down. I’d recommend that everyone try this shoe on next time they come into Running Lab, since many will be surprised at how good it feels. ASICS has done it again with the Gel-Kayano 33, with the changes made enhancing its versatility but not getting in the way of how awesome sauce it is.