ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes Review
If you are looking for a comfortable, supportive, and durable running shoe that can handle long distances and overpronation, you might want to check out the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes. These shoes are the latest iteration of the popular Gel-Kayano series, which has been around for almost three decades. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Gel-Kayano 29, as well as compare them with some similar products and share some customer feedback. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether the Gel-Kayano 29 is the right shoe for you.
Features of the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes
The Gel-Kayano 29 is a stability shoe that is designed to provide cushioning, support, and guidance for runners who tend to overpronate, or roll their feet inward, during their runs. The shoe has several features that make it stand out from other stability shoes, such as:
– FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning: This is a new midsole foam that is lighter, softer, and bouncier than the previous version. It provides a responsive and energized ride, as well as shock absorption and comfort.
– LITETRUSS Construction: This is a stability feature that consists of a firmer and denser foam on the medial side of the shoe, from the heel to the midfoot. It prevents the foot from rolling too far inward and helps maintain a natural alignment.
– Engineered Stretch-knit Upper: This is a breathable and lightweight material that adapts to the shape and movement of the foot. It creates a snug and secure fit, as well as a sock-like feel.
– Low-profile External Heel Counter: This is a piece of plastic that wraps around the back of the heel and provides rearfoot support and stability. It also helps lock the foot in place and prevent slippage.
– GEL® technology: This is a signature feature of ASICS shoes that consists of gel pods in the heel and forefoot of the shoe. It reduces the impact of landing and creates a smooth transition to the toe-off.
– AHARPLUS™ Heel Plug: This is a rubber compound that is placed on the heel of the outsole. It enhances the durability and traction of the shoe, especially on hard surfaces.
Benefits of the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes
The Gel-Kayano 29 offers several benefits for runners who need a stable and cushioned shoe, such as:
– Reduced risk of injury: The shoe helps prevent overpronation, which can cause stress and strain on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. By keeping the foot in a neutral position, the shoe can reduce the risk of common running injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and IT band syndrome.
– Improved performance: The shoe provides a comfortable and responsive ride that can help runners improve their speed, endurance, and efficiency. The shoe can handle various distances and paces, from easy runs to long runs to tempo runs.
– Enhanced comfort: The shoe has a plush and padded feel that can make running more enjoyable and less tiring. The shoe also has a breathable and flexible upper that can accommodate different foot shapes and sizes.
– Sustainable design: The shoe is made of at least 50% recycled materials, which shows ASICS’ commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact. The shoe also has a stylish and versatile look that can match different outfits and occasions.
Drawbacks of the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes
The Gel-Kayano 29 is not a perfect shoe, and it may have some drawbacks for some runners, such as:
– Heavy weight: The shoe is relatively heavy compared to other stability shoes, weighing 9.5 ounces for women and 10.5 ounces for men. This may make the shoe feel sluggish or cumbersome for some runners, especially during faster or shorter runs.
– Warm upper: The shoe has a dense and thick upper that may not be very breathable or ventilated, especially in hot and humid weather. This may cause the foot to sweat or overheat, which can affect the comfort and fit of the shoe.
– High price: The shoe is quite expensive, costing $160 for the regular version and $180 for the platinum version. This may be out of budget for some runners, or not worth the investment for others.
Comparison of the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes with Similar Products
The Gel-Kayano 29 is not the only stability shoe on the market, and there are some other options that may suit different preferences and needs. Here is a comparison table of the Gel-Kayano 29 with three similar products: the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20, the Hoka One One Gaviota 3, and the Mizuno Wave Horizon 5.
| Product | ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes | Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 20 Running Shoes | Hoka One One Women’s Gaviota 3 Running Shoes | Mizuno Women’s Wave Horizon 5 Running Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $150 | $160 | $160 |
| Weight | 9.5 oz | 9.4 oz | 9.3 oz | 9.6 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm |
| Cushioning | Medium | High | High | Medium |
| Stability | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Upper | Engineered Stretch-knit | Engineered Mesh | Engineered Mesh | Engineered Mesh |
| Midsole | FF BLAST™ PLUS + LITETRUSS + GEL® | DNA LOFT + GuideRails® | EVA + J-Frame™ | XPOP PU Foam + Foam Wave |
| Outsole | AHARPLUS™ Heel Plug | Rubber | Rubber | X10 Carbon Rubber |
| Pros | Responsive, supportive, durable, sustainable | Soft, smooth, adaptable, versatile | Plush, stable, rocker, wide | Bouncy, flexible, snug, breathable |
| Cons | Heavy, warm, pricey | Less responsive, less stable, less durable | Bulky, stiff, narrow, less responsive | Firm, heavy, less stable, less cushioned |
Customer Feedback on the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes
The Gel-Kayano 29 has received mostly positive feedback from customers who have tried the shoe. Here are some representative reviews from Amazon:
– “I love these shoes! I have been wearing Kayanos for years and these are by far the best ones yet. They are so comfortable and supportive, and they fit perfectly. I have flat feet and overpronate, and these shoes help me run without pain or discomfort. They are also very stylish and cute. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a good stability shoe.”
– “These shoes are amazing! They are light, bouncy, and stable. They feel like running on clouds. I have been running in Kayanos for a long time, and these are the best ones ever. They have improved my speed and endurance, and I can run longer and faster. They are also very durable and well-made. They are worth every penny.”
– “These shoes are okay, but not great. They are too heavy and warm for me, and they don’t have enough cushioning or responsiveness. They also run a bit small and tight, and they hurt my toes and arches. They are not bad shoes, but they are not what I expected from Kayanos. I prefer the older versions better.”
Conclusion
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes are a premium stability shoe that can provide a comfortable, supportive, and durable running experience for overpronators and long-distance runners. The shoe has several features that make it stand out from other stability shoes, such as the FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, the LITETRUSS Construction, the Engineered Stretch-knit Upper, the Low-profile External Heel Counter, and the AHARPLUS™ Heel Plug. The shoe also has a sustainable design that is made of at least 50% recycled materials. However, the shoe may have some drawbacks for some runners, such as the heavy weight, the warm upper, and the high price. The shoe may also not suit runners who prefer a lighter, softer, or more responsive shoe. Therefore, the shoe may not be for everyone, and it may depend on personal preferences and needs. If you are interested in trying the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes, you can buy them from Amazon by clicking [here].
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