ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 Review | Finally An 8MM Drop Best Stability Shoe

The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 continues Asics’ philosophy of kaizen (continuous improvement) by upgrading the shoe while maintaining the trusted stability the Kayano is so well-known for.

At 32 iterations, the Asics Gel-Kayano is one of the longest running shoe models out there. And for good reason! It is an incredibly reliable, comfortable shoe that keeps going and going.

This new version has kept all the key elements that people love about past models, with a few notable updates that make this a standout shoe once again. We gave a big one away in the headline, but we’re so excited about it!

Asics were the very first pair of shoes I was fitted for probably about 12 years ago, a pair of GT-2000s. Strangely, that was the only time I’ve worn the brand until I picked up a pair of NovaBlast 5 a few months ago. And now getting to play with the Kayano, I obviously was missing out over those years.

Asics Gel-Kayano Overview

These shoes are solid. Not in a brick like way – we will get to the weight and cushion in a bit – but in a dialed in way. The design, fit, feel, materials, and details really show why this classic daily trainer remains on “Best Of” lists year after year.

Lightweight FF BLAST PLUS cushioning has a 2mm higher stack in the forefoot than previous models. Surprisingly, with the additional cushioning, the shoe is actually lighter than the Kayano 31.

This added cushioning in the front lowers the heel drop which will make for a more comfortable ride for many. In fact, Coach Amanda’s main complaint for years has been the shoe needed a lower heel to toe drop, so we’re very excited to see this!

That being said, if you’re a runner with less ankle mobility the drop from 10mm to 8mm may not be enjoyable and you’ll need to checkout some of our other stability running shoe reviews. BUT in general, we’ve often seen this drop help with knee pain and even IT Band issues.

I took these out for a variety of runs; some shorter easy roads, longer weekend training runs, and a treadmill speed workout (thanks air quality alerts!). I have a tendency to overpronate and these made everything feel so smooth and stable. While I will not be reaching for these again for a speed session, they felt amazing on all surfaces.The stability of the Kayano 32 comes from the 4D Guidance System, a pod designed to adaptively respond as you hit the ground. This plus the wider base make the shoe a good ride for neutral and overpronaters alike.

While the foam and stability are top notch, these are definitely not meant for speed.

Like many cushioned stability trainers, they are not the lightest out there. The Kayano 32 is in fact on the heavier side of a daily shoe. The only time I really noticed the weight though was when trying to pick up the pace for a workout.

The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 has also earned earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Which is awesome for anyone that has foot issues, or needs shoes for standing all day– making this a top pick for not just runners!

The 40mm stack height could easily create a cushioned shoe that feels inherently less stable, but we didn’t see that. Instead, as noted the overall wider base of the cushion ensured it was stable not just where the foot rolls in, but for the ankles too. We’re also impressed with the price point remaining squarely in the standard daily trainer realm at $165. So many shoes with more cushion are creeping higher and higher, it’s nice to see this remain.

Asics Gel-Kayano 32 Fit

The fit is very true to size. I sometimes lean towards needing a wide shoe and these were perfect. Slipping them on they felt snug and secure without being tight. My toes even felt like they had just enough room to splay out and still be comfortable after any swelling from long runs.

I really enjoy the engineered mesh upper. It is an update from previous models and has a wonderful breathable stretch to it. The tongue was surprisingly thin compared to the cushion of the heel collar. It really adds to the lightweight breathability feeling though. It is perforated and has strategically placed padding so there was never an issue with bunching or rubbing.

Asics Gel-Kayano Feel

My first run in the Kayano 32 I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth they felt right away, no real break in period necessary, though they have only gotten better with miles.

The 4D Guidance System provides stability but more in a supportive way as opposed to being over corrective. I noticed it more while walking in the instep and heel. When running it just felt supportive and natural.

The FF BLAST PLUS cushioning feels dreamy. Plush without being mushy.  While it has the high stack height, I didn’t feel it to be a max cushion.

Which is to be expected of a stability running shoe, it’s simply going to have more structure than the similar soft cushioned neutral Gel Nimbus. This seems to both move with my foot and stride and support it.

And finally when it comes to the outsole, you’ve got something both durable and with great traction for whatever the weather may bring. This is part of what makes it a daily trainer that should truly last for many, many miles. Lighter shoes tend to eliminate a lot of outsole rubber, which is nice for weight, but bad for longevity.

Look out world, ASICS isn’t just resting on what’s worked they’re continuing to adapt. If they can find a way to keep the structure and drop a little weight we may have a shoe ready to rank 100 on our hands.

Have you tried the Asics Kayano 32 yet? What’s your feedback?

What to read next?

• Checkout our best stability shoes for runners
• Or see ALL of our stability shoe reviews
• Learn about heel drop and why it matters