Asics Gel-Kayano 30 review: Shoe ups itself in terms of comfort, stability and style
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the brand-new Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary shoes and the Autumn/Winter 2023 collection were unveiled in Bangkok this July.
I love white shoes, and I cannot lie. When I first unboxed the new Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary, I shrieked with delight when I saw the beautiful white stability shoes with the Asics logo emblazoned in an iridescent sheen. There’s even a hint of pretty lilac in the shoe's arch, demarcating its new “4D Guidance System” technology which provides adaptive stability for over-pronators and flat-footers. The silver touches on the tongue and collar of the shoe completely elevate the look. White goes with everything and instantly adds polish to one’s overall appearance. In that split second, I could envision how this pair of shoes would match any activewear and athleisure attire that are my go-to these days. Looks-wise, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 gets a 10/10. But how does it perform?
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary Shoes
The Asics Autumn/Winter 2023 Media Preview in Bangkok
The brand-new Autumn/Winter collection across the different product categories – Performance Running, Core Performance Sports, and Asics Sportstyle and Apparel – was revealed at the official launch of Asics Autumn/Winter 2023 Media Preview in Bangkok in July. This journalist was one of the first to put the newly-launched shoes to the test at the Gel-Kayano 30 Running clinic conducted earlier in the morning. Held at the spacious Fitness First Central World in Pathum Wan, Bangkok, the media and regional guests of Asics performed a series of stability-centric workouts, from one-legged childhood games to sprints, isometric movements, and treadmill runs (and gasp, jumps on an incline), specially designed to demonstrate the shoe’s capability and illustrious 30-year legacy.
The new Asics Autumn Winter 2023 collection aims to inspire all within the community to move their bodies to positively impact their mental and physical health.Yogesh Gandhi, Managing Director of ASICS Southeast Asia
My thoughts
After a series of isometric, jumping, running and hopping exercises, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 remained stable and sturdy, with excellent overall comfort and collar support. According to Asics, the trainers are "designed to work harmoniously with the runner's movement, with scientifically proven key updates to achieve industry-leading stability and comfort". Having tried its predecessor, the Asics Gel-Kayano 29 (check out the review here), the new shoes, which have incorporated the Pure Gel technology of the supremely comfortable Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, proved a significant improvement. While the gel is no longer visible, the shoe felt soft, flexible and cushiony with each step while retaining the luxurious stability that the Gel-Kayano is known for. Those with wide feet (like me) will appreciate the broad base, which provides a firm landing with plenty of room for toe wriggling.
Better yet, the engineered mesh of the Gel-Kayano 30 is softer and thinner than the Gel-Kayano 29. This provides better breathability, which could lead to less foot swelling – something to consider, especially in our hot and humid climate. Comfort-wise, though both are top-tier running shoes, I would sway towards the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 for comfort (great for walking too!), while the Gel-Kayano 30 remains an all-around winner as a stability and training shoe.
Is the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 a good running shoe?
Full disclosure: I’m more of a social runner (not marathon material anytime soon), a gym-goer and someone who walks everywhere in my sports and athleisure shoes. As for long-distance running, the shoe's weight (around 257g for women) is just a little heavier than the runner’s go-to Novablast 3 (read the review here). However, the Gel-Kayano 30 is lightweight enough for daily wear, recovery days, and easy runs. I have ran for the MRT, dashed across roads, sought shelter from the rain and trudged the concrete pavement of Bangkok in search of the best coffee and massages. As mentioned, I walk everywhere, and the Gel-Kayano 30 has held up to its claims of stability and comfort. Like other Asics shoes I have tried, there was no need to break in the shoe at all. Comfort rules from the get-go.
Sportplus.sg founder John Yeong, former Sports Presenter and Semi-professional footballer, who is training six times a week for the upcoming Sydney Marathon, the Berlin Marathon, the ASICS Meta: Time: Trials, and the StanChart Marathon, echoes my sentiments about the shoe's winning features, “The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is a good stability shoe for running. It feels a bit on the firmer side for those who prefer a softer or more cushioned ride like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, but I love the 4D guidance feature as I tend to over-pronate quite often as a runner, which isn't a good thing. Hopefully, with proper correction by wearing the Gel-Kayano 30, my feet and joints can be better protected over longer miles.”
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 technology at a glance
The Gel-Kayano 30 has undergone a transformative overhaul for the better. The new 4D Guidance System, PureGel technology, and the FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning serve different functions to ensure supreme comfort and stability. Here's what the shoe has to offer.
Engineered stretch knit upper improves breathability.
External back heel counter helps stabilise the foot and provides a more comfortable stride.
The 4D Guidance System feature helps create adaptive stability for a more balanced stride.
Rearfoot PureGEL technology helps provide lightweight cushioning and softer landings.
OrthoLite X-55 sock liner improves comfort.
Reflective details are designed to help improve visibility.
AHARPLUS heel plug improves the outsole's durability.
Keeping eco warriors happy
The Asics R&D team is taking sustainability very seriously. These statistics should put a smile on any eco-warrior's face. At least 75% of the shoe's primary upper material is made with recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Its FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning is also made with approximately 20% bio-based content, which helps provide cloud-like comfort with every step. No part of the shoe is spared from ensuring its sustainability aspect. Even the sock liner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by around 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology.
And a big plus for animal lovers, no materials of animal origin are applied in the design and material selection stages, including the yarns, glues or other adhesives used in the Gel-Kayano 30.
Here's what Mediacorp artiste Tyler Ten and DJ at Mediacorp Radio 987FM Germaine Leonora Tan, who were at the Asics AW 23 Media Preview in Bangkok, think about the trainers after attending the Gel-Kayano 30 Running Clinic.
I feel that the Gel-Kayano 30 provides more comfort when you run. When I ran on the treadmill, I felt that it was more stable as the sole is thicker and higher as compared to the older models. As I have flat feet, my feet will feel very sore when I run or walk for long, but when I run with the Gel-Kayano 30, it minimises the impact when my feet land on the ground.Tyler Ten on the Asics Gel-Kayano 30.
When wearing the Gel-Kayano 30, it was like running on a cloud. Every time my foot landed, I could feel the cushion absorb the shock, and every time I push off it’s like I’m flying off, so it is very comfortable. I have worn the Gel-Kayano series in the past and I think the GEL-KAYANO 30 is such an improvement. Firstly, you can see that there is no more gel cushioning on the outside of the heel, rather it is now a PureGel that is inside the heel, and it is 65% softer so it absolutely feels squishy and comfortable!987FM DJ Germaine Tan.
The everyday go-to footwear
Food for thought: those with partners who are into fitness and staying active could consider a gift of health in the form of an Asics Gel-Kayano 30. I have waxed lyrical about its outstanding “look-at-me” appearance, but did you know that the stunning Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary is "rendered with soft-touch materials and pearl hues to symbolise the precious jewel that's given to a significant other on a couple's 30th anniversary"? Presenting a pair of Gel-Kayano 30 instead of jewellery for spouses who value practicality speaks of how well you know your partner, methinks.
How much does the Asics Gel-Kayano cost in Singapore?
Price-wise, going at S$259 for the Gel-Kayano 30 and S$279 for the 30th-anniversary pair, it’s not exactly one of the cheapest running shoes available currently and may put off those on a tight budget. However, considering these are top-of-the-line premium trainers, coupled with Asics’ strong running heritage and its outstanding looks, the Gel-Kayano 30 would no doubt find its way on running enthusiasts' feet.
The new Asics Gel-Kayano 30 is perfect for casual runs, the gym, walks and looks stunning as part of any athleisure outfit. It is now my go-to, no matter what I pull out of my closet. And it's definitely accompanying me in my next travels!
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary shoes
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