Asics GEL-Kayano 23 – Fitness Review

The foundations of fitness start with a great pair of shoes, and the people at Asics have come through again. Whether you’re training for the next level of a marathon or mud run event, or you’re simply taking the first steps towards a better you the GEL-Kayano 23 gives you a great base for your workout. Catering to comfort, support, and fit the GEL-Kayano encases your foot from heel to toe with top-tier technology and some welcomes flare of style.

ASICS, an acronym for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” – a sound mind in a sound body, is showcased in the beautiful balance between style, form, function, and fit. With equal amounts of these construction ingredients, the Kayano’s definitely live up to the ASICS mission.

“Staying true to the philosophy by which it was founded, every ASICS innovation, every concept, every idea is intended to create the best product. Our mission is to become the number one brand for the sports enthusiast. To accomplish this, we pledge to continue to make the best product; striving to build upon our technological advances and pushing the limits on what we can learn from the body and its needs in athletic gear. We pledge to bring harmony to the body and soul.”

Over the past month we’ve been testing the GEL-Kayano 23 in the gym and on the pavement. After many miles of punishment we’re ready to spill the beans. Here’s what we discovered about these innovative running shoes…

Key Features:

• FLYTEFOAM® MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
• COMFORDRY™ LASTING
• COMFORDRY™ X-40 SOCKLINER
• GUIDANCE TRUSSTIC SYSTEM® TECHNOLOGY
• GUIDANCE LINE® MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
• DYNAMIC DUOMAX™ SUPPORT SYSTEM
• REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL® CUSHIONING SYSTEMS
• HEEL CLUTCHING SYSTEM™ TECHNOLOGY
• FLUIDFIT® UPPER
• FLUIDRIDE® MIDSOLE
• G.S® (IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM) TECHNOLOGY

Construction:

The seemingly endless array of ever-changing technology flexible fabrics and dry-quick fabrics is woven into every stitch of the Kayanos. From the G.S® (IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM) Technology to the COMFORDRY™ X-40 Sockliner, your runs, walks, and trail exploration will have the added sense of comfort as you pound the pavement or dirt. Testing these on both a standard treadmill and the varying terrain of paved trails, the construction of the Kayanos proved their worth with every passing mile.

Support: 

One of the elements that stood out on the support side was the HEEL CLUTCHING SYSTEM™. The non-slip fabric allows the heel to move freely with every adjustment, but also when coupled with the DYNAMIC DUOMAX™ Support System provides a step that is free of tensing toes and irritated heels. With the cupping heel, and the snug fit of the FLUIDFIT® fabric, the idea of pushing yourself for that faster time, or two more miles doesn’t seem like such a daunting task. Add in the revolutionary FlyteFoam™ Technology, and you’re ready for a sturdy balance, but feather-weight feel for the long haul.

Fit:

The specially designed breathable fabric that encloses the shoe lets your foot move easily through your activity without giving up any support. ASICS created the Kayano 23 specifically to provide runners and fitness enthusiasts with a mingling of comfort and performance-based technology. The GUIDANCE TRUSSTIC SYSTEM® Technology truly shines through, distributing impact and support throughout the base of the foot, and optimizing effort. From the steady rhythm of the treadmill to non-predictable steps of the neighborhood the fit formed perfectly.

Performance:

While we might not be training for an ultra marathon, staying active and fit is a necessity. The Forefoot and Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning Systems lets the whole shoe absorb shock, and evenly disperses the force, allowing you to feel a minimal impact. Created to enhance gait efficiency, the Trusstic System® blends the elements of the Guidance Line® construction creating bonus support for the midsole and enforces the integrity of the shoe. The bounce-back reaction from the FlyteFoam technology gives you that added push, making it seem like running somehow just got a little easier, and dare we say, a little more pleasurable.

Style:

Offered in seven different styles, you can choose from an eye-grabbing vibrant colors to the sleek modern minimalist choices. The reflective fabric pieces will catch the eye of motorists while also going a long way to compliment your running outfit and make you look the part of a true runner. If you happen to buy a pair to wear out and about with your favorite jeans, then you’ll be able to find a color combo that’s right for that occasion as well.

Value:

If you’re serious about fitness and you’re in the market for a shoe that gives you a foundation to reach that next mile marker or milestone then you’re not looking for an ordinary, every-day shoe. You need advanced support, innovative design, and proven fabrics to make sure you’re not wincing in pain after the first few sprints. Hovering around the $160 price point, the Kayanos are the shoe that fits the bill for mid-distance running and cross training.

Buy Now: $160 or to learn more, go to: ASICS.com