 Asics Gel Kayano 17 |
| Full Name: Asics Gel Kayano 17 |
| Category: Stability |
| Weight: 12.6 oz. (357 gr.) |
| Suggested Price: 140 $ |
| Recommended For: Over-Pronators, Runners with mid to low arches |
Asics Gel Kayano 17 General Info:
ASICS premium stability plus shoe – the Gel-Kayano 17 gets an update for 2011 that results in a slightly lighter shoe and improved cushioning due to a new sock-liner and better response due to ASICS Guidance Line technology being full length now. New colors are also introduced with the big news being an all black option. Most of the features that made the Gel-Kayano 16’s so popular are back as well.
Asics Gel Kayano 17 Sole Unit:
Continuing on to the Gel-Kayano 17 from previous Gel-Kayano’s is ASICS Impact Guidance System that is intended to enhance the foot’s natural gait. However ASICS improves the Gel-Kayano 17 by extending the Guidance Line the full length of the shoe resulting in improved responsiveness and gait efficiency. What this all means for the runner is a shoe that feels very connected to the foot and the rest of the body and allows for a efficient and easy running gait. Additionally the Gel-Kayaono’s Discrete Heel Unit adds additional cushioning and stability from previous Kayono’s resulting in some of the best cushioning available in a Stability shoe on the market. Unlike some shoes that use gels and/or other cushioning methods there seems to be very little break-down in the cushioning over time, so while the shoe may appear to be expensive, in my experience it also lasts longer resulting in a lower cost per mile.
Gel-Kayano 17 Heel
Rounding out the Sole of the Gel-Kayano are ASICS midfoot stabilizer called a Space Trustic System and a DuoMax Support System for the midsole and a Dual Density Solyte Lasting in the heal and forefoot for improved fit and comfort. This midsole and forefoot cushioning in conjunction with the improved heel cushioning all contribute to a very cushioned and plush ride – perfect for those looking for such a shoe in a stability package.
Kayano 17 Heel
Asics Gel Kayano 17 Upper:
Contributing to the ASICS Gel-Kayano 17’s improved cushioning is a new ComforDry Sockliner along with a revised upper that still incorporates ASICS Asymmetrical Lacing Design for an anatomically correct lacing system that is intended to follow the foots natural design for an improved fit. The Asymmetrical Lacing on the Gel-Kayano 17’s is indeed unique (although other ASICS shoes have added this feature recently) and is a big differentiator over other running shoes. If in the past the upper part of your foot felt compressed or pinched by the lacing system of your shoes you may find that with ASICS Asymmetrical Lacing, that this discomfort is a thing of the past as this is a very well fitting shoe with a decent toe-box as well.
Kayano 17 Forefoot
Asics Gel Kayano 17 Opinion:
Having been around for quite some time, the Gel-Kayano’s have been one of ASICS’ most successful shoes. When it comes to Stability Plus shoes, the Gel-Kayano’s have been at the top of consideration for many runners. Having run in many Gel-Kayano’s from the 13’s through two pairs of 17’s, ASICS has done a very good job of constantly tweaking the shoe and improving on it little by little. While the cushioning of the Kayano’s has always been its strength. With the 16 and the introduction of the Asymmetrical Lacing system, fit and comfort became amongst the best out there.
I would think that there are primarily two types of runners considering the Gel-Kayano 17: 1) Those currently running in the 16’s wondering if this upgrade is worth it, and 2) Those looking for a Stability or Stability Plus training shoe.
For those currently running in the 16, the 17 is definitely an improvement and you’ll love the decreased weight slightly better cushioning and responsiveness. That said if there were close-out deals on the 16’s and you could save some money, I might stock up on some 16s. But if moneys not an issue and you want the latest that ASICS has to offer, you won’t be disappointed in the 17s.
For those considering the Gel-Kayano 17 as a Stability Plus shoe and are ok at parting with $140+/- for a pair, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed unless you are a very light weight runner where the weight of the shoes while improved from the 16s is still a bit on the hefty side and/or if you want a more responsive shoe – which usually means not as plush a ride as the 17s give you.
At 6’2 and 175 lbs running on average of 70 miles a week, I go through a pair of shoes about once every 6 weeks and have already had the pleasure of running in two pairs of 17s and must say they are my favorite especially for that long run or medium long run when you want the most comfortable and cushioned shoe. My 16s have been resigned to shorter runs or trail runs until they wear out
My ‘nits’ with the Kayano’s have been few – one is weight which has been addressed and hopefully ASICS will continue to address this and the other is the breathability of the upper which became a problem on long runs during last year’s hot humid summer. So far no problems with breathability as it is winter so we’ll have to leave the jury out on that one.
Bottom line – If you like the 16’s you’ll love the 17’s and if you are looking for a very well cushioned Stability Plus shoe and are ok with the price – try these on, you may be very very happy
Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!
Review by Roy Dubé
Asics Gel Kayano 17 Price Comparison:
 | Asics Men's Gel-kayano 17 Running Shoe endless.com FREE overnight shipping, FREE return shipping (for 365 days). Ships internationally (FREE over 100$) | $85.45 |
 | Asics Gel-kayano 17 Shoes (white/lightning/navy) - Men's Shoes - 8.5 D shoes.com Free shippings, Free returns | $125.95 |
Not to nit pick, but weren’t the 15′s when they started the asymmetrical lacing?
I had to pay another $30 for inserts because these shoes did not stop my left foot from pronating. With the inserts, they work well. I’ve noticed that on long runs, such as half or full marathons, the askew lace design makes my upper feet sore.
Having a problem with the cushioning on the ball of the shoe, not the heel. Running over 5 miles, I’m having pretty bad pain that goes away as soon as I stop that radiates to my toes. Never had this problem with the 16s. I wonder if they took some cushioning away from the front.
I bought these shoes but the size 9′s are too wide for the front of my foot, causing my the sides of my feet at the front to blister from moving around but the 8.5′s are too small lengthwise…it’s too bad that the front part wasn’t made a bit narrower.
Roy, being that this is your long run shoe, what do you race Marathons in? I am switching to Asics and having a hard time finding a Marathon shoe like the Nike Lunarglide. I used the DS trainer and not sure I got enough support. I’ll get the Kayano’s, but they are a tad heavy for racing 13.1-26.2. I’m 195-205 lbs, depending on the season.
Been a HUGE fan of the Kayano line until the 16. I don’t know what they’ve changed, but it seems to me that they’ve gotten stiffer and heavier. I thought that the 17s would be better, but not the case. I really don’t like the off centered lacing either. I’ve given both the 16 and the 17 an honest tryout, only to have some of the most uncomfortable runs in a long time. I’m holding on to my 15s for dear life. Been searching desperately for a new replacement for my Kayanos, and so upset that I couldn’t continue with the same line.
I picked up these shoes because I overpronate. I had previously tried out Sauconys which after running I seemed to feel a bit of pain so I looked for a better shoe, thus Ascis.
I have had them about a week and after going out for 5k training yesterday my knee cap is feeling stiff and hurts a bit. I wear inserts already from my ortho. Is it Runners Knee I am feeling or do I need to break them in more?
So far I have never felt the pain from the Sauconys and not liking the switch to the Asics Kayano 17 as of yet. Couple days of rest and hopefully I can run my first 5k next week.
I have been running about a year i cover about 18 to 25 miles a week on a treadmill along side other cardio routine im a mild over pronator and never had any injury problems with my previous asics duomax basic trainers but bought the kayano 17s as a treat at 94.99 owch had them 2 weeks only ran about 22 mile in them over 4 sessions (xmas) arfter each session and next day had acheing calfs just put it down to new trainers bedding in now have a badly pulled achilles tendon in my left leg not happy and in pain have now sold them waiste of money gone for gt 2160s see if i have better luck with those.