Editor rating:
10/10 on
TRAVIS TRAMPE
User's rating:

PROS

  • Reliable stability for mild to severe overpronation
  • Redesigned, seamless “FluidFit™” Mesh upper
  • Daily trainer capable of handling high mileage
  • Midsole and outsole provide soft and smooth transition
  • Continues long tradition of Kayano quality and performance

CONS

  • High price (in-line with other quality stability shoes)

OUR VERDICT

The update to a new seamless upper combined with the design changes to the heel counter provides for a comfortable and very snug fit once you lace up the shoe.

The Kayano 22 continues to be a dependable stability shoe with good cushioning for logging many miles.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Gel Kayano 22
Model
Type
10.90 oz. (309 gr.)
Weight
160 US$
MSRP
10 mm
Heel Drop
Aug / 2015
Release Date
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 22 is targeted for runners seeking a premium daily trainer offering moderate to severe support for overpronation combined with exceptional cushioning for handling mile after mile.

Asics Gel Kayano 22 General Info

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 22 maintains a nice blend of stability, for those who need it for mild to severe overpronation, along with good cushioning for a comfortable ride.

The Kayano continues to be ASICS core stability shoe and the key updates were made to the upper to increase comfort while the midsole and outsole were retained from the Kayano 21.

With a shoe that is on its 22nd edition, I would not expect ASICS to make drastic updates to a shoe which has been a mainstay in their stability line-up.

The minute I took the Kayano 22 out of the box, I could immediately see the upper was updated to a seamless material while the sole looked similar to what I have come to expect with previous versions.

The cushioning and stability were unchanged from the previous model and were exactly as I anticipated with this latest version from the very first run.

The new “FluidFit™ seamless upper was comfortable from the minute I put the shoe on.

The change to the mesh upper along with the design updates to the heel counter in the shoe provided the Kayano with a similar yet improved comfortable fit as it wraps your foot.

The Kayano 22 maintains its dependable stability and cushioning that many runners have come to enjoy.

The newly designed mesh upper enhanced the overall comfort of the shoe and had little impact to the overall integrity of a stability of the shoe.

The Kayano 22 is will continue to compete directly with models such as the Brook’s Adrenaline GTS 15 and the newly launched Nike Odyssey for time in a runner’s rotation for those looking for a solid stability shoe.

The Kayano 22 remains a leader in the stability category and I found it very reliable and able to handle mile after mile as it combines a solid base of stability with ample cushioning throughout the entire transition.

Asics Gel Kayano 22 Sole Info

The ASICS Kayano 22 midsole and outsole are retained from the previous versions, including a standard 10 mm offset, for those runners looking for comfortable ride while demanding the maximum support to assist with mild to severe overpronation.

The FluidRide® midsole continues to provide responsive and secure cushioning underfoot while GEL cushioning in the heel and forefoot assist with softer ground impact and more smoother ride.

I found the ride and responsive transition very similar to that in the Kayano 21 and previous models.

The midsole for the Kayano 22 is similar to previous models so for those that came depend on the Kayano’s comfortable feel and transition will not be disappointed. I was pleased ASICS kept the sole of the shoe unchanged.

The sole on the Kayano delivers a smooth, comfortable transition similar to that found in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15, another popular stability shoe and is slightly more firm then the new Nike Odyssey, which debuted this year and has triple-density midsole foam which is lightweight and comfortable.

The stability of the Kayano is maintained via the Dynamic DuoMax Support System which controls overpronation.

The shoe retained its Guidance Trusstic System for support and Guidance Line for increased efficiency delivering a balance between cushioning and support needed by controlling the foot alignment throughout a runner’s foot strike.

The outsole continues to incorporate the ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) throughout the heel; a blown rubber DuraSponge material in forefoot along with a rear foot crash pad delivers that soft, smooth and durable cushioning and transition mile after mile.

The Kayano sole continues to provide the stability demanded of it while offering a soft and responsive ride from heel-to-toe.

Asics Gel Kayano 22 Upper Info

The biggest update to the Kayano was the use a seamless, mesh throughout the entire upper. The upper of the Kayano 22 was updated to include a new seamless mesh which is more lightweight and allows for more breathability.

The update seems to follow that found in other ASICS models like the Nimbus 17 which also has a new seamless mesh upper.

The upper includes the FluidFit™ mesh throughout while incorporating a stretch mesh layer combined with a new engineered mesh layer over the top for maximum comfort and breathability.

The new engineered mesh overlays wrap the entire foot which together allow for a very comfortable and flexible feeling while running.

The upper in the Kayano 22 feels similar to that in the Nimbus 17 in that it provides a more personalized and responsive fit.

There seems to be a trend for many brands to incorporate a seamless mesh in many of their top models as it decreases the weight of the shoe while increasing the comfort and flexibility through transition and foot strike.

You are now seeing more “seamless” mesh uppers from brands like Nike, Mizuno, Brooks and Saucony as well as many others.

The seamless upper provided for a more responsive and comfortable fit from the first run and I felt like it adapted to my foot and was more comfortable the more miles I put on the shoe.

The Heel Counter in the Kayano 22 was redesigned for increase support and improved heel fit. The Heel Counter was moved up and extended forward in an effort to expand support and stability.

This was a small and key change that many runners won’t notice right away but I found it to keep my heel comfortable and locked in place.

The Kayano’s overall fit of the upper remained comfy and secure. The newly designed mesh wrapped the entire foot keeping it in place while the updated heel collar kept my foot securely locked in place.

Asics Gel Kayano 22 Conclusions

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 22 continues on its long tradition of being a premium daily trainer for runners who are looking for a reliable stability shoe with plush cushioning.

ASICS made key changes to the upper which increased the comfort of the shoe while retaining that dependable stability for runners who tend to have mild to severe pronation.

This latest edition of the Kayano is one which will follow in the path of the 21 versions before it as it offers both stability and comfort while running mile after mile.

The shoe is responsive from heel-to-toe thanks to a soft and comfortable sole unit and is enhanced by the adaptive and comfortable seamless upper.

In my experience running in this 22nd version of the Kayano, those die-hard Kayano runners are going to enjoy the update to the seamless upper combined with the durable stability.

For those seeking a solid and reliable stability shoe that has stood the test of time, the Kayano is one that should be considered.

We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of Gel Kayano 22 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Asics Gel Kayano 22 Price Comparison

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