GEL-KAYANO 26 SHOES REVIEW #1

SHOE:

• Shoe: ASICS GEL-Kayano 26 
• Size: US8 Womens  

My Feet measure US7.5 Left & US8 Right (via MyFIT 3D)

PROFILE:

• 32YO Female, 
• Working out 4-5 times per week.

Routine is a mixture of running and going to the Gym (F45 classes)

FOOT TYPE:

• Standard to slightly wider width, 
• High arch height, 
• Slight over pronation.

My toes generally like a generous toe box as the big toenail in particular points upwards.

SHOE FIT / FIRST FEEL:
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 26 fits great, it’s nice and spacious in the toe box area and has a good width in the forefoot.
The first feel of the Kayano is great, it’s plush and feels cushioned however not over the top. I put it on my feet, the feeling was good, however not distracting – it’s the shoe you put on and don’t even know you’re wearing it. If you ask me that’s exactly what you want in a running shoe.

FIT / FEELING DURING EXERCISE
This week I’ve worn the ASICS GEL-Kayano 26 to both an F45 class and for a 4km run. I must say that initial feeling of forgetting its on your foot is what happened in both instances. The Kayano 26 is so lightweight and comfortable you barely notice it when doing anything from box jumps to hill sprints. I didn’t experience any hot spots or even mild discomfort

SUMMARY:
A great fit and all-round shoe for adding into my weekly rotation. The Gel-Kayano 26 is a shoe you know that you can just put it on and you’re good to go. Well worth the price tag with a lux cushion and premium fit.

GEL-KAYANO 26 SHOES REVIEW #2

SHOE:

• Shoe: ASICS GEL-Kayano 26 
• Size: US11 Mens  

My Feet measure US10 Left & US10.5 Right (via MyFIT 3D)

PROFILE:

• 36yr Male, 
• running anywhere between 20 – 60km p/wk (road and trail),
• averaging between 4.5-6min/km pace.

Socially competing in events from 5km road runs to 50km Ultra trails, but mostly running for fitness & health.

Injury history - There is usually always a niggle, but if I don’t have enough medial support in the shoe, my inner calf muscles will remind me, sometimes enough to affect the schedule & needing to rest for a few weeks (however it's been a couple years since I’ve had this issue)

 

FOOT TYPE:

• D width foot 
• Medium arch height
• Medium to high over-pronation (rolling in)

 

PREVIOUS SHOES

• Main shoe has always been the ASICS Kayano (20,21, 22, 24 & 25 series)
• Also delved in the ASICS DS-Trainer and HOKA ONE ONE Arahi

 

SHOE FIT / FIRST FEEL.

Coming from the Kayano 25, the fit of the Kayano 26 when I first put them on is practically identical, the exact same size fits great, including width.

Not sure if it’s an illusion but the 26 feels instantly lighter than the 25, (I find out after that my US11 Kayano 26 is 20gms lighter than the Kayano 25, it’s noticeable)

FIT / FEELING DURING EXERCISE

The forefoot cushioning does feel a bit stiff initially, which I’m assuming will loosen up after a few kilometres and sure enough after only 2-3kms, they’ve loosened up and I stop thinking about it (which in running terms, if you’re not thinking about it, it’s not a problem).

Once a couple kilometres in, I can’t really fault the shoe, especially the security in and around the heel. With the combination coming from the midsole underneath the foot, heel counter gripping onto the back of my foot, and finished with the additional padding on the heel collar at the top of the shoe. It stops any movement or rubbing. I’m not worried at all about blisters in these, I feel comfortable to go running long distances instantly (gone are the days of needing to wear in shoes)

 

SUMMARY

Very impressed in the 26. Fantastic stability with the right amount of cushioning, and with the overall lighter feel, this is a great update.

SHOP THE ASICS GEL-KAYANO 26 RANGE HERE