Right then, let's have a proper look at the new ASICS GEL-Kayano 32, shall we? For us runners here at Sundried, knowing the ins and outs of our kit is crucial, and the Kayano series has always been a bit of a workhorse for those needing a bit of extra support and a good bit of squish underfoot. This latest iteration, the GEL-Kayano 32, has got quite a bit of buzz, so let's dive into what folks are saying and what's actually going on under the bonnet.

For yonks, since way back in '93, the GEL-Kayano has been the go-to for runners clocking up the miles who need that structured feel. The 32nd version is the latest off the blocks, building on years of research, tweaking, and, most importantly, what runners like you have had to say. This piece will give you the full rundown on the ASICS GEL-Kayano 32, pulling together expert opinions and everyday runner reviews to see what it's got going for it, any potential niggles, the techy bits, how it stacks up against the previous model, and the general feeling out there.

What's Good About the ASICS GEL-Kayano 32?

The GEL-Kayano 32 has been getting some decent praise for a few key improvements, showing that ASICS is still keen on making things better for us runners.

Proper Cushioning and Comfort: One of the big talking points is the revamped midsole, now featuring FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning with a clever new shape. This tech is meant to give a soft but not overly mushy feel underfoot, with reviewers saying it's got a bit more spring than some of the really soft options out there, like the New Balance 1080 v13. The shoe's stack height has also been fiddled with, now sitting at 40mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot, giving an 8mm drop from heel to toe. This lower drop compared to the Kayano 31's 10mm means more cushioning up front, which is a boon for those of us who get a bit of grief in the forefoot or have conditions like hallux rigidus. The added stiffness in this area also helps with a good push-off.

What's more, ASICS has popped in an extra 2mm of foam under the forefoot in the Kayano 32, really focusing on that comfort in a key area. To top it off, they've used their PureGel tech in the heel. This latest version of their GEL is supposedly the softest yet, soaking up the impact when your foot lands and making those transitions through your stride smoother.

It's also worth noting that the GEL-Kayano 32 has got the thumbs up from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning a bunch of foot doctors reckon it's good for your foot health. This is a decent nod for us runners who are keen on keeping injuries at bay. The fact that ASICS is using this FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning across a few of their popular models, like the Novablast and Nimbus, suggests they're onto a good thing with this tech. The "Eco" bit also hints that they're thinking more about using sustainable materials, which is always good to see.

The drop from 10mm to 8mm in the Kayano 32 might seem small, but it could make a difference for how your foot strikes the ground. A lower drop can encourage more of a midfoot landing, which some runners find more efficient or just more comfortable. It looks like ASICS is trying to cater to a wider range of running styles here.

Proper Stability: The GEL-Kayano 32 still features ASICS' 4D Guidance System, which is a well-known bit of kit for providing support that doesn't feel too intrusive. This system has a few bits working together to keep your foot in check throughout your run. Sidewalls on both sides of the heel cup your ankle nicely, giving a secure and stable feel. A 4D guidance tab adds a touch of arch support, noticeable but not over the top for most of us. The shoe also has a wider base and a flared forefoot sole, which together help keep your foot centred as you move. All in all, this makes the GEL-Kayano 32 a refined moderate stability shoe, spot on for those who need support but don't want the really aggressive motion control you find in some other stability trainers.

The 4D Guidance System is designed to adapt to your foot and give support exactly when and where you need it, offering a more dynamic feel. Plus, the GEL-Kayano 32 has a reinforced tongue wing along the arch, which adds a bit more arch support and overall comfort. The consistent shout-out to the 4D Guidance System across various sources shows how important it is as a key feature and a big reason why runners stick with the Kayano series. ASICS has clearly put a lot of effort into developing and refining this tech, suggesting they reckon it's a better way to provide stability compared to more traditional methods that can feel a bit clunky. The detailed descriptions of how it works point to a sophisticated design aimed at giving you personalised support rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all feel.

Slightly Lighter: The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 has managed to shave off a bit of weight compared to the previous model. The men's UK size 9 comes in at around 300 grams, down from the Kayano 31's 311 grams. For the ladies, the weight saving is even more noticeable, with the Kayano 32 being about 10 grams lighter. This reduction, along with the tweaked drop and improved midsole, is said to help with smoother transitions during your run, especially for heel strikers looking for a quicker roll through to the midfoot. Using a lighter foam in the midsole also helps with the overall weight. Even a small drop in weight can make a difference to how the shoe feels on your feet, potentially making you feel a bit more nimble and less fatigued, especially on longer runs. This gradual improvement fits with the idea of continuous refinement. Given that runners are often quite sensitive to the weight of their shoes, it suggests ASICS is paying attention to this and actively trying to make each Kayano more efficient.

Better Upper Design: The upper of the GEL-Kayano 32 has had a bit of a makeover with the aim of improving comfort and fit. They've used a new single-layer engineered mesh, which is meant to be more breathable and reduce rubbing on the inside - a real bonus for those who like to go sockless. The tongue isn't as plush as in previous models but is still gusseted, so it stays put and feels snug around your midfoot. ASICS has kept the good padding around the heel collar and the stiff external heel counter, which is key for ankle support. The overall fit is said to be true to size, with a decent amount of room in the toe box, and they're offering it in wider widths too, which is great for accommodating different foot shapes. The new engineered mesh also feels like it adapts to your foot better, giving a more personalised fit. Ventilation across the shoe has been improved as well, making it more breathable during your runs. A handy addition is the knitted heel pull tab, making it easier to get the shoes on and off. The focus on making the upper more breathable and less likely to rub suggests ASICS is addressing potential comfort issues from earlier versions or is thinking about runners in warmer climates or those with specific preferences about socks. A comfortable upper is crucial for a good running experience, and using a single-layer engineered mesh aims to maximise airflow and minimise any irritation from seams or friction.

Good for Certain Types of Runs: The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 is pitched as a solid all-rounder for daily training, especially good for long runs, easy jogs, and recovery sessions. Its mix of soft, balanced cushioning and decent stability makes it a good shout for runners who need that structured support for their everyday mileage. Plus, the balanced stability it offers means it's also a comfy option if you're on your feet a lot walking or standing. However, because of its weight and how it's cushioned, it might not be the best for faster stuff like tempo runs or trying to hit race pace. The characteristics of the GEL-Kayano 32 naturally lend themselves to comfortable and supportive performance during those longer, less intense runs. If you're after something lighter and more responsive specifically for speed work, you'd probably need to look at other shoes in the ASICS range or from other brands.

Any Downsides to the ASICS GEL-Kayano 32?

While the GEL-Kayano 32 has generally been well-received, a few things have popped up as potential drawbacks for some of us.

Stiff Heel Counter: One of the main gripes in reviews is the stiffness of the external heel counter. While it does a good job of supporting your ankle for most runners, it might not be ideal if you've got existing issues like insertional Achilles problems or heel bursitis. The stiffness in this area could potentially make these conditions worse, leading to discomfort or pain. Including a stiff heel counter is a design choice that prioritises ankle stability, which is a key feature for a stability shoe. However, this can be a bit of a trade-off for runners with specific sensitivities in the heel area, highlighting the importance of trying them on and considering any pre-existing conditions.

Not the Best for Speed: As mentioned before, the GEL-Kayano 32's weight and cushioning setup mean it's not the top pick for faster running. If you're regularly doing tempo runs, track sessions, or racing, you might find the shoe a bit sluggish and not as responsive as lighter, more performance-oriented models. This limitation is kind of built into the design of the GEL-Kayano series, which focuses on stability and cushioning for daily training and longer distances rather than the nimbleness needed for speed work.

Potential Sizing Issues (Based on the Kayano 31): While not directly about the GEL-Kayano 32, there's been chat in online forums about the sizing of the previous model, the Kayano 31, which might be something to keep in mind. Some users reported needing to go up a size in the Kayano 31 because they felt a bit snug, especially in the toe box. While the upper design has been tweaked in the Kayano 32, it might be worth being aware of these past experiences and maybe trying the shoe on or checking size charts carefully before you buy. Feedback about sizing in older versions of a shoe can give you a heads-up when looking at the latest model. ASICS might have sorted out any sizing issues in the Kayano 32, but knowing what people said about the previous one can help you make a more informed decision and avoid ordering the wrong size.

The Techy Bits of the ASICS GEL-Kayano 32

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 is packed with some key technical features that contribute to how it performs and feels. The main bit of cushioning in the midsole is the FF Blast Plus Eco, a lightweight foam designed to be both soft and responsive. It's got a heel stack height of 40mm and a forefoot stack height of 32mm, giving that 8mm heel-to-toe drop we talked about. The shoe also includes Rearfoot PureGEL tech to soak up impact. The outsole uses a Hybrid ASICSGRIP compound, mixing ASICSGRIP rubber and AHARPLUS materials for better grip and durability on different surfaces. The upper is made from an engineered mesh designed to be breathable and adapt to your foot. For a men's UK size 9, it weighs around 300g. The women's version is lighter, at about 255g. The GEL-Kayano 32 is available in standard and wide widths to fit different foot shapes. Other features include the 4D Guidance System for stability, that reinforced tongue wing, and the knitted heel pull tab. The sockliner is an OrthoLite X-55, known for its cushioning and its ability to wick away moisture.

How Does It Compare to the ASICS GEL-Kayano 31?

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 builds on the foundations of the GEL-Kayano 31 with a few key upgrades. One of the most noticeable is the updated midsole shape, which, while still using FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, now has a lower heel-to-toe drop of 8mm compared to the Kayano 31's 10mm. This means more cushioning in the forefoot in the new model. The Kayano 32 is also lighter, with the men's version being about 11 grams lighter and the women's about 10 grams lighter than the Kayano 31. The upper design has been refined in the Kayano 32, featuring a new single-layer engineered mesh that's more breathable and less likely to rub. The tongue is also less bulky but still gusseted for a secure fit. Both models still use the 4D Guidance System for stability and PureGel in the heel for shock absorption. Whether you go for the Kayano 31 or 32 might come down to your preference for heel-to-toe drop and how important that extra forefoot cushioning is to you. The slight weight reduction and improved breathability in the Kayano 32 might also sway some runners.

What Runners Are Saying

Initial reactions from runners about the ASICS GEL-Kayano 32, especially in online chats, seem cautiously optimistic. A few folks have mentioned that it looks a bit sleeker and less bulky than previous versions, which is seen as a good thing. There's hope that this slimmer profile will make the shoe a bit more flexible, addressing concerns about stiffness in earlier models like the Kayano 30 and 31. Some runners have drawn comparisons to the ASICS Cumulus model, particularly in the midsole design, which has led to some questions about where the Kayano is heading. Loyal Kayano fans are keen for the shoe to keep its core strengths, especially the cushioning and support, while welcoming improvements in weight and flexibility. The lower heel-to-toe drop has been highlighted as a significant and welcome change by some. There's also anticipation about the outsole, with some hoping for better grip than previous ASICS models. Overall, the early feedback suggests a positive reaction to the visual and technical updates, with runners hoping that these changes will improve the running experience without losing the stability and cushioning that the GEL-Kayano series is known for.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Running Shoes

While the research doesn't give us direct head-to-head comparisons with specific competitor models, it does offer some context. Flawless Shoe Reviews reckons the Kayano 32's stability is more refined and less aggressive than the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23. They also say the FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning is more responsive and less squishy than what you get in the New Balance 1080 v13. One runner on Reddit found the Kayano 31 to be as comfy as the Hoka GlideRide Max but without the same roll-forward feel and bounce. RunRepeat's comparison of the Kayano 30 and 31 with other stability shoes like the Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 and Nike Structure 25 highlights the Kayano's strong stability and cushioning. The Kayano series is consistently seen as a top-notch stability trainer that's good for daily running and racking up the miles.

In Conclusion

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 looks like a well-thought-out update to a much-loved stability running shoe. The changes to the midsole, including the lower heel-to-toe drop and better forefoot cushioning, could make it more comfortable for a wider range of runners. The slight weight reduction is a welcome bonus for a smoother run, and the refined upper design promises better breathability and fit. While the stiff heel counter might still be a potential issue for some, the shoe's main strengths in providing moderate stability and plenty of cushioning for those long and easy runs are still there. Early feedback from runners seems positive about the visual and technical tweaks, and there's anticipation to see how it performs out on the road. The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 is likely to continue its reputation as a reliable and supportive choice for runners who need stability and appreciate a comfortable, well-cushioned ride for their daily training.