Comparison:
ASICS Kayano vs Saucony Hurricane
The Kayano and Hurricane are two popular, premium stability trainers. Here, we'll be comparing them.
Comparison:
The Kayano is on its 32nd iteration. It's ASICS max cushioned stability trainer and immensely popular for its comfort, build quality and consistency from iteration to iteration.
The Hurricane is on its 25th version. It's Saucony's version of the Kayano, a premium daily trainer with stability features.
This comparison will tell you which of these trainers you should buy.
Similarity and differences: Gel Kayano 32 vs Hurricane 25
Expert score
10/10
9/10
Weight
10.5 oz
10.4 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
6 mm
Verdict
What it is: Overall, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a refined stability trainer that delivers plush comfort, reliable support, and a smoother, lighter ride. With its responsive midsole, secure upper, and durable outsole, it offers a versatile and dependable option for daily miles and long-distance training.
Verdict: I enjoyed running in the Kayano 32 across everything from easy recovery miles to longer tempo runs. The small refinements—slimmer midsole, more responsive FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco, and adaptive upper—felt profound, enhancing the shoe’s overall versatility. My only minor gripe was the slightly reduced breathability could feel limiting on hotter days. Still, the Kayano 32 is capable of carrying you through all of your training, whether your next race is a 5K or a 50K.
The Saucony Hurricane 25 is an excellent, supportive stability trainer suitable for both neutral and over pronators. It doesn't have a poking arch sensation and its stability features are not overbearing. I thoroughly enjoyed using the Hurricane 25 for relaxed runs and long runs however it’s still a bit too heavy and cumbersome for uptempo runs.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$164.95
US$169.95
Sole unit: Gel Kayano 32 vs Hurricane 25
The Kayano 32 has a firm midsole consisting of only FF Blast+. It also has a silicone gel insert in its rearfoot for shock absorption. Under the arch, it has a 4D guidance system that responds to excessive load.
The Saucony Hurricane 25 has a medium-soft dual-density midsole made of PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN. PWRRUN PB is a soft foam with excellent energy return while PWRRUN is a firm foam that provides support and durability. PWRRUN PB is on the top and PWRRUN is on the bottom.
The Kayano with its firmer ride provides more support and stability. The Kayano feels more like a traditional stability trainer. It feels stiff and not overly soft. If you are a heavy over pronator, the Kayano is the better choice.
The Kayano is better for faster paced runs. The Kayano has a stiffer forefoot and this makes it feel more snappy during transitions. The stiff forefoot helps to pick up the pace.
The Hurricane has a plusher ride with more long-distance comfort. It feels more similar to a neutral daily trainer. The Hurricane is better for long runs and slow paces. It has more cushioning depth.
When it comes to outsole durability, the Kayano wins. It has firmer exposed midsole foam which is more resistant to abrasions and chips. It also has harder outsole rubber which offers more protection for the midsole.
Upper unit: Gel Kayano 32 vs Hurricane 25
Both trainers have comfortable uppers but the Hurricane has more padding and this makes it feel more luxurious. The Hurricane has a thicker tongue and more padding in the collar. The Kayano is more breathable and better for warm climates than the Hurricane.
They both have narrow-fitting uppers but the Kayano is slightly wider and more accommodating. The Hurricane is very narrow and it’s recommended to get the wide version. Heel lockdown is excellent in both.
Which one to buy: Gel Kayano 32 vs Hurricane 25
If you prefer a stability trainer with a firmer ride that has a rigid sole, get the Kayano 32. It offers more support and stability than the Hurricane 25 due to its firmer ride with less lean bias. It’s the better choice for faster runs as it’s easier to pick up the pace in. It also has a more durable outsole.
If you prefer a softer riding stability trainer that feels more like a supportive neutral trainer, get the Hurricane 25. The Hurricane has a plusher ride with more long-distance comfort so it’s better for long runs. The ride of the Hurricane also feels more modern and more energetic than the flatter ride of the Kayano 32.
Best price online: Gel Kayano 32 vs Hurricane 25
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African marathoner based in Malaysia, where the humidity is high and his shoe rotation is even higher. He’s a runner with a full-blown addiction to running shoes. Most people buy shoes to run—Brandon runs to justify buying more shoes. If there’s a new drop, he’s probably already logged 100km in them.
