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The Ultimate ASICS GEL-Kayano FAQ

January 3, 2025 12:00 PM
Profile picture of Lotte Voorbij
By Lotte Voorbij
Editor
The Ultimate ASICS GEL-Kayano FAQ
Updated at
April 14, 2025

The History of the ASICS GEL-Kayano

The ASICS Gel-Kayano was first introduced in 1993 as a premium stability running shoe. Designed by Toshikazu Kayano, the sneaker was the successor to the GT-COOL EXPRESS and offered exceptional support for long-distance runners.

At the time, naming a sneaker after its designer was unusual in the footwear world, and highlighted how significant Kayano’s design and innovation were to the brand. It was a bold move that created a deeper meaning behind the model.

Toshikazu Kayano
Toshikazu Kayano

The Kayano’s design was inspired by the robust exoskeleton of the Japanese stag beetle, and it was characterised by layered panelling featuring Hytrel TS materials. This advanced combination of rubber and resin created the impression of a ‘muscle group’ at the toebox, enhancing weight distribution and providing improved shock absorption.

Since its introduction, the Gel-Kayano has continued to focus on structured support and high-end comfort, consistently featuring technologies including GEL Cushioning in the heel and forefoot, DuoMax Support Systems (for overpronation), FlyteFoam midsoles (for ultra-light cushioning), and TRUSSTIC systems (for midfoot stability).

Today there are over 30 versions of the Gel-Kayano, with each new iteration refining its cushioning, fit, and materials.

Gel-Kayano 14

Toshikazu Kayano had designed all the previous iterations, but the Gel-Kayano 14 marked a new era for the Kayano line, with a fresh design team bringing their ideas to the table in 2008.

Rather than building on its previous models, the Kayano 14 was given a performance -driven aesthetic, embracing a Y2K vibe with layered mesh, metallic overlays, and a sculpted midsole.

The Sole Supplier

It was also the first Kayano to feature visible GEL cushioning in both the rear and forefoot, showing off the tech while enhancing the model’s comfort and shock absorption. Combined with a TRUSSTIC support system, the 14 offered a highly stable, breathable, and responsive experience for runners.

While a solid running shoe, later editions of the sneaker, including the 28, 29, 30 and 31, offered more cutting-edge technology, and the Kayano 14 eventually found new life in the fashion and lifestyle scene, especially as the Y2K trend took hold in the early 2020s, its chunky silhouette and metallic colorways fitting right in.

@mieni

London-based Bulgarian fashion designer Kiko Kostadinov, known for his avant-garde utilitarian style, also helped to revive interested in the Kayano 14 silhouette. His collaborative release in 2020 led to general releases of the Kayano 14 skyrocketing in popularity, transforming the Gel-Kayano from a running sneaker into a fashion icon.

Four colorways were released in 'Graphite Grey', 'Classic Red Blue', 'Silver Pink Gold' and 'Midnight'.

Gel-Kayano 31

gel kayano 31 technology

The latest edition released in 2024, the Gel-Kayano 31, builds on its predecessor by refining its key features. It retained the revolutionary 4D Guidance System and FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole, but improved the upper with a better balance of structure and flexibility around the midfoot and heel.

Subtle tweaks in the outsole also improved the transition from heel to toe, providing a smoother and more efficient ride. Enhanced responsiveness provides a slightly firmer toe-off, giving runners more propulsion in their stride.

ASICS GEL-Kayano: Answering Your Questions

When was the ASICS Gel-Kayano designed?

The Gel-Kayano series was first released in 1993, designed by Toshikazu Kayano. The model was ASICS' first premium stability shoe.

How do ASICS Gel-Kayano fit?

Gel-Kayano have a true to size fit, meaning that you can be assured of a good fit when purchasing the model in your usual size. If you have wide feet, recent versions of the Kayano including the 29, 30 and 31 all offer wide or extra wide options.

Are ASICS Gel-Kayano good for running?

The Gel-Kayano has been designed as a running shoe and is excellent for both long-distance and daily training. It’s particularly good for runners who need stability or overpronate.

Gel-Kayano versions 29-31 are designed with the latest ASICS tech, including FlyteFoam Blast+ and 3D Space Construction. The 30 and 31 have a 4D Guidance System which make them even more adaptive than previous versions.

The Gel-Kayano 14 is older in terms of running tech, and is currently more popular as a lifestyle shoe, but it can still handle short runs.

Are Gel-Kayano good for plantar fasciitis?

The Gel-Kayano is currently one of the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis, with Gel technology in the heel and forefoot for shock absorption. Versions 28-31 have FlyteFoam midsoles that cushion the arch and heel. The model provides a stable ride that reduces strain on the plantar fascia.

The cushioned arch support and stable construction mean that it’s also good for people who have flat feet.

Are Gel-Kayano for overpronation?

The Gel-Kayano is a stability shoe specially designed for overpronators. The Kayano 30 and 31 combat the foot rolling inwards too much with 4D Guidance systems, which adapt to your stride in real time.

What is the difference between the Gel-Kayano 28 and 29?

The Gel-Kayano 28 was the first Kayano to use FlyteFoam Blast in the midsole, with a DuoMax system for stability. The Gel-Kayano 29 features the upgraded FlyteFoam Blast+, making it softer and lighter, and replaced the DuoMax system with LiteTruss for smoother stability.

What is the difference between the Gel-Kayano 29 and 30?

The Kayano 30 is softer than the 29, with a wider platform, a plusher heel cushion, and more eco-friendly materials in the build. It introduced the 4D Guidance System to the line, providing adaptive stability that moves with your foot.

What is the difference between the Gel-Kayano 30 and 31?

The Kayano 31 continued to build upon the Kayano 30, refining the 4D Guidance System, enhancing the upper comfort with an improved fit around the heel and midfoot, and tweaking the outsole and midsole for a more responsive feel. It provides a slightly smoother ride for long distance running.

What’s the difference between the Kayano and the Nimbus?

The Gel-Kayano and Gel-Nimbus are designed to serve different types of runners. While the Gel-Kayano is a stability shoe intended for overpronators, offering a high arch and medial support, the Gel-Nimbus is a neutral sneaker that offers maximum cushioning but with minimal support.

How do I tie my Gel-Kayano laces?

For guidance on tying your Gel-Kayano laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!

How can I clean my ASICS Gel-Kayano?

A Gel-Kayano is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.

For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.

Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.

Where can you buy ASICS Gel-Kayano

Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the ASICS Gel-Kayano at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Gel-Kayano restocks and new releases!

Popular ASICS Gel-Kayano Colorways

ASICS have released many successful colorways on the Kayano, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.

For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.

All the content is created according to our Editorial guidelines.

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