The Kayano is one of the most popular stability trainers. Runners love how supportive, cushioned and durable it is. It is also very similar in fit and ride from update to update. The Kayano 31 costs $165.
The Structure 25 has been completely redone. It is no longer classified as a stability trainer but it still has features which make it highly stable. The Structure costs $120.
Which of these supportive trainers is for you?
The midsole of the Kayano is made from one foam: FF Blast+.
The midsole of the Structure is made from a new foam called Cushlon 3.0. It rides medium soft which means that it is suitable for slow runs, recovery runs or slightly faster runs.
The softer Structure makes it more suited to slower, long runs compared to the Kayano which can handle faster runs better.
The Kayano has gel technology inside its midsole: the heel gel unit is hidden. The gel adds extra shock absorption and cushioning.
The Structure has a Zoom Air unit in its midsole but only in the forefoot. The air unit provides extra responsiveness upon toe off.
The big difference between the gel of the Kayano and the air bag of the Structure is that the gel can’t be felt underfoot while the air bag is very prominent and can easily be felt underfoot. This makes the Kayano’s ride transitions smoother than the Structure transitions.
The 10mm drop of the Kayano makes it more suited to heel strikers than the 8mm drop of the Structure. There is more cushioning and foam in the heel of the Kayano to soften heel strikes.
On the outsole of the Kayano is harder carbon rubber in the heel and softer blown rubber in the forefoot.
The Structure’s outsole also has harder carbon rubber on the lateral heel crash pad with blown rubber on the main section.
Stability in the Kayano is achieved through a firmer medial post to prevent overpronation while stability in the Structure is achieved through a higher, built-up medial side of the midsole.
Both are very stable trainers but the Kayano offers more stability than the Structure.
The upper of the Kayano is super plush and made from engineered jacquard mesh. There are no overlays except for the Tiger logo on the sides. The big feature is the rear external heel counter which keeps your heel locked in place. It fits true to size and is also available in wide and extra wide versions.
The upper of the Structure is also very plush and more suited to cooler climates because of all the padding. The Structure has an internal heel counter instead of a hard external one but foot lockdown is still excellent. The Structure is only available in a regular width and is true to size.
If you’re a runner looking for a traditional stability trainer with a firmer medial post, then the Kayano is the better option. It is better suited to faster efforts because of its firmer midsole and the gel in its midsole provides extra shock absorption. It costs $40 more than the Structure but it has a more secure heel counter and a higher level of stability.
If you’re a runner looking for a new type of stability trainer which rides more like a neutral shoe, the Structure is the better option. It has no medial post but instead has a built up medial side and a wide base. The Structure is great value for money and has a forefoot Zoom Air unit for extra pop.
