Kit & Gear

REVIEW: ASICS GEL-KAYANO 29

The new ASICS GEL-KAYANO® 29 shoe creates a stable running experience and a more responsive feel underfoot. Featuring a low-profile external heel counter, this piece comfortably cradles your foot with advanced rearfoot support. The GEL-KAYANO 29 is designed for neutral runners and overpronators.

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Our Sportsshoes athlete Calum Johnson has been busy putting the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 29 to the test. Check out his review below;

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SHOP ALL ASICS GEL-KAYANO 29 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE

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This is my first time wearing an ASICS GEL-KAYANO and lucky for me, I get to try out the new GEL-KAYANO 29!

ASICS have a wide range of colours available for this shoe and let's be honest - it's a beautiful model! In comparison to other shoes of similar purpose, it is a very well-built, robust and you can tell from the outset that it is going to be a very stable and comfortable fit.

The GEL-KAYANO is technically for those who mildly overpronate, although there is nothing to say that a neutral runner cannot wear these shoes. They are suited to both types of runners. I myself am predominantly a neutral foot striker and I find these shoes more than suitable for my daily running and I find them very comfortable to wear. I have had no issues with the shape, structure or fit of this shoe.

ASICS have made some serious upgrades from the GEL-KAYANO 28. First and foremost, the introduction of LITETRUSS Technology has helped to make this latest version more stable and much more durable. I've certainly noticed an improvement over bigger distances too with less midsole deformation and a more responsive ride, which makes it a fantastic shoe for those longer runs on the road, be it steady or more of a tempo pace. I say tempo pace because this version of the GEL-KAYANO is much lighter than previous versions. Overall, it is 4% lighter than the 28 thanks to the redesigned midsole. This is primarily due to the change in midsole material and technology from FF (Flyte Foam) BLAST to FF BLAST PLUS TECHNOLOGY, giving a much lighter and energised ride. 

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When I compare this shoe to the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 24, the main difference is that the Nimbus is more suited to neutral runners. So, the GEL-KAYANO is a better choice if you have any form of overpronation on your foot strike. The GEL-KAYANO is slightly heavier than the GEL-NIMBUS (only by 9g) and is more on the robust side, therefore giving it a much more stable feel. They both use FF BLAST PLUS TECHNOLOGY for the midsole. The GEL-KAYANO also uses ASICS Lite Rubber on the outsole, which is 50% more durable than standard ASICS High Abrasion Rubber used on the GEL-NIMBUS.

Check out my review of the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 24 here

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There is a thick engineered mesh covering the upper part of the GEL-KAYANO 29 which helps to provide extra comfort for longer distances, although makes the shoe less breathable. Saying that, it is an extremely comfortable shoe, and I would say it is one of the most comfortable running shoes I have ever worn. Also, at least 50% of the shoes upper material is made with recycled materials which is brilliant to see from a sustainability perspective!

The forefoot stack is 15mm and rearfoot stack is 25mm. To give a comparison, the GEL-KAYANO 28 has forefoot stack of 13mm and rearfoot stack of 23mm. Both have a heel drop of 10mm. The main differences being the 29 will feel marginally higher off the ground, but it doesn't feel unnatural or make running feel uneasy.

OVERALL

The shoe is great for those easy and steady longer runs. For anyone marathon training, this shoe is a must. It is very comfortable, highly cushioned and extremely durable. Personally, I've used it for long steady runs and recovery runs to give my legs a bit of extra protection after a hard day training the day before. It gives me most satisfaction on long steady runs and my short recovery runs after those hard training days. There is nothing more I enjoy than putting this shoe on whilst heading out with a tired body and mind because I know my legs are safe in these comfortable highly cushioned and durable shoes.

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GEL-KAYANO 29 vs GEL-KAYANO 28

The GEL-KAYANO is such a successful and iconic shoe that much has remained the same. After all, if something works, there's no need to change it. However, ASICS have made a number of subtle improvements, all designed to make this popular road running model the best release yet.

What improvements have been made?

• Weighing 299g, it's lighter, sleeker and more energised than the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 28 (308g). It is THE lightest GEL-KAYANO ever.

• It brings premium protection and stability to your longer runs with improvements to cushioning and comfort.

• The GEL-KAYANO 29 features Engineered Stretch Knit Upper Material, compared to the Engineered Mesh of the GEL-KAYANO 28. This new upper offers breathable comfort and a premium, irritation-free fit.

• At least 50% of the shoe’s main upper material is made with recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions

• Lightweight FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning in the midsole creates even softer landings and a more energised rebound in each step, compared to the GEL-KAYANO 28 which features standard FF BLAST™ cushioning.

• The GEL-KAYANO 29 has a slightly bigger stack height (Heel: 25mm/Forefoot: 15mm), compared to that of its predecessor (Heel: 23mm/Forefoot: 13mm). However, the drop remains the same at 10mm.

• ASICS have added a LITETRUSS™ stability feature to the GEL-KAYANO 29, which is placed on the inside angle of the midsole. This is designed to help keep your foot from rolling too far inward during your stride.

• The outsole design is very similar, as both feature etched in flex grooves to provide flexibility for a more natural ride. However, in the GEL-KAYANO 29, ASICS Lite Rubber has been more strategically positioned in critical areas of the outsole (see images below). This exceptionally durable compound is 50% more durable than standard ASICS High Abrasion Rubber, which is used in the outsole of the GEL-KAYANO 28.

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SHOP ALL ASICS GEL-KAYANO 29 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE

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