Editor rating:
8/10 on
JON OBER
User's rating:

PROS

  • High amount of cushioning. Perfect for long distance training
  • Improved upper material.

CONS

  • Shoe is not flexible.
  • Despite improved upper, toe box still felt restrictive
  • Price

OUR VERDICT

The ASICS Gel Kayano 24 is a heavy duty everyday trainer. It provides a comfortable, cushioned ride that allows the runner to lock into long distances with ease.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Gel Kayano 24
Model
Type
11.30 oz. (320 gr.)
Weight
160 US$
MSRP
10 mm
Heel Drop
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
This is best suited for beginner runners looking for an everyday trainer that aids against over pronation. It is ideal for training for long distance races like the half and full marathons.

ASICS is back again with the Kayano 24. Not too much has changed in this model, but there is an improved upper and increased room in the toe box.

I enjoyed running medium to long distances in these and felt they excelled when I did my longer runs at a slower pace. The shoe is incredibly comfortable which made it easy to log high mileage runs with ease.

Still holding true to ASICS, is their tendency to run on smaller side. There was an improved fit in the upper and I did not feel like I was spilling out of the sides like I did with the 23s but it still felt small in the toe box.

I would buy half a size up if snug shoes are an issue for you.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 General Info

In its 24th incarnation, The Kayano is ASICS’ flagship shoe and is not going anywhere. It is ASICS’ golden child when it comes to stability.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 - Top

Asics Gel Kayano 24 – Top

Competition includes other high end stability shoes such as The Saucony Hurricane ISO and Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS.

I liked the black color with hints of yellow when I unboxed them. Unsurprisingly, the shoe felt heavy and a bulky in my hands.

Putting them on and running for the first time were incredibly comfortable though. My natural stride in them had me going a little slower, but it felt like I could go for hours.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 Sole Unit

If you’re a fan of what ASICS did last year to the 23, you’re in luck. The sole unit is identical to last year’s model. In fact, there are no differences when placing the sole of a Kayano 23 next to that of the 24; I checked!

All of ASICS’ top tiered tech is there. Gel in the heel and the Dynamic Duomax cushioning aid with shock absorption and controlling over pronation.

A personal favorite of mine is the guidance line, a physical divide in the outsole helps control the foot from strike to lift off.

Introduced with the 23 is the return of ASICS’ new FlyteFoam. This is a composite that ASICS boasts is substantially lighter than the competition and promotes adaptive cushioning.

It was introduced to compete with the likes of Saucony’s Everrun and New Balance’s Freshfoam.

The sole is incredibly sturdy and handled great. I never felt out of control and it transitioned well when I would take on hills. The ride of the had me mostly striking and lifting off on my midfoot.

I really liked this because the higher 10mm drop gave me an expectation that I would heel strike, which was thankfully not the case.

While the Flytefoam acted as a springboard, the other parts of the shoe seemed to work against it when I would try and go fast.

I really struggled to do faster runs because of this, but it was not as big of an issue with recovery days or the long runs I did.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 Upper Info

Asics Gel Kayano 24 - Toe

Asics Gel Kayano 24 – Toe

The upper of the shoe continues to use the seamless Fluidfit material giving it a glove like feel. The toe box felt tight to me, but it is improved from last year. I don’t feel like I’m falling out on the sides like I did with the 23s.

The lacing system did a great job of evenly distributing pressure on the top of my foot. The added overlays on the eyelets were a nice touch and gave me assurance that this shoe would last no matter how tight I tied them up.

The heel continues to have a large exoskeleton clutching system. It’s always been apparent in the Kayano and this year it is no different. It allowed my heel to stay in place at all times.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 - Heel

Asics Gel Kayano 24 – Heel

Asics Gel Kayano 24 Conclusions

I really wish ASICS did not set the price tag so high for these. There was a time when the latest model of Kayanos did not have as much of a price difference as other shoes on the market but that was long ago.

At least the Kayano will always have the best shoe tech before the other models. it’s still a hit to the wallet and something that will go against my review of it.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 - Sole and Medial Side

Asics Gel Kayano 24 – Sole and Medial Side

This is a great shoe for training. It is great for the shakeout days and the recovery runs when you went too hard the day before. It is exceptionally well in the long run to continue building your base.

It is NOT a shoe I would recommend to be used in a race. I would not recommend it for days you want to go fast. The stability aspects of it just do not mesh well in situations where you want to push yourself.

I did not see the full benefits of these shoes until I wasn’t wearing them and was in my lighter shoes for my faster days. Wear these shoes in a rotation if you want them to excel.

We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of Gel Kayano 24 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Asics Gel Kayano 24 Price Comparison

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