The Asics Gel Kayano 31 is a stalwart in the stability category. It uses the latest technologies in the Asics arsenal and the softest, plushest materials. It is also one of the most expensive stability shoes on the market at $165.
The Asics GT 2000 (12) is a staple in the light-stability category and one of the most popular shoes in the medially-posted running shoe market.
The GT 2000 is $25 less than the Gel Kayano. Which shoe is the right choice for you?
The Gel Kayano has a single-density midsole with a firmer medial wedge. It has no plastic shank and a hidden Gel pad in the heel. All the features of the Kayano add to the weight of it.
The Gel Kayano is medium-soft and consists of Asics’ FF Blast+. It has a 10mm drop.
The women’s version of the GT 2000 has a 10mm drop, the same as the men’s version. With the GT 2000, you get FlyteFoam and not FlyteFoam Blast in the midsole which results in a softer forefoot.
Both shoes have plenty of cushioning but it’s the firm type of cushioning. The Kayano has deeper cushioning for long, slow runs whereas the GT 2000 is more versatile and can handle shorter, tempo runs due to its lighter weight. The ride of the GT 2000 doesn’t feel as clunky as the Kayano.
The outsoles of both shoes have Asics High Abrasion Rubber which has has great durability and plenty of traction. Bothe shoes have Trusstic systems to provide midfoot support and rigidity.
Stability in great shoes is excellent due to the firm midsoles with minimal lean bias.
The Gel Kayano has a breathable mesh upper with a comfortable midfoot and adequate toe-box height. It has a padded, gusseted tongue so no tongue slide occurs. It has a large heel clutch and padded heel counter which locks the heel down well. The Kayano fits true to size and comes in normal, wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) versions.
The GT 2000 is made from a light and breathable engineered mesh but it doesn’t look or feel as “expensive” as the Kayano upper. It has a narrow fit so you need to go up a half size or get the wide version if you don’t have very narrow feet. The GT 2000 doesn’t have an external heel clutch but it does exceptionally well at holding the heel in place. The GT 2000 also comes in regular, wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) versions.
If you’re a runner who wants a stability shoe with a plush upper and you don’t mind paying more, the Gel Kayano is the shoe for you. The Gel Kayano has all the features of a flagship stability shoe and has a premium look and feel.
If you’re a runner who wants a light stability shoe with a supportive midsole, the GT 2000 is the shoe for you. The GT 2000 has a softer forefoot and a smoother ride due to the uniform FlyteFoam and EVA from heel to toe. The GT 2000 feels less clunky than the Kayano and also weighs less.
