ASICS Gel Kayano Lite
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Overview
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is a running shoe designed to provide stability and support for runners, especially those who overpronate (when the foot rolls inward excessively during a stride). This shoe is part of the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite family, known for its innovative approach to enhancing runner's performance through advanced technology and design.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Construction: Utilizes eco-friendly materials to reduce weight and environmental impact.
- Enhanced Stability: Engineered to support overpronation, improving comfort and reducing injury risks.
- High Abrasion Rubber Outsole: Offers increased durability and traction, making it suitable for various terrains.
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize stability and support in their footwear. Its innovative design offers a comfortable, durable option for daily training and long-distance events.
With an average review score of 87%, it's in the highest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite has been well-received for its lightweight design and stability features, making it a popular choice among runners who require additional support. The shoe's eco-friendly materials and responsive cushioning provide a comfortable and sustainable option for daily training and longer runs. The use of High Abrasion Rubber on the outsole ensures durability and excellent traction, which is appreciated by runners on various surfaces.
Overall, the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite offers a great combination of support, comfort, and durability, making it a valuable investment for serious runners. The consensus is clear: this shoe is a top performer in its category.
6 ASICS Gel Kayano Lite Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is crafted from recycled materials, making it both eco-friendly and breathable. This design choice not only supports sustainability but also provides a comfortable, irritation-free fit during runs. The engineered mesh ensures the shoe remains lightweight while offering adequate ventilation, which is crucial for maintaining comfort during long runs.
Midsole
The midsole of the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite features FlyteFoam technology, which offers lightweight cushioning and excellent bounce-back. This technology enhances the shoe's performance by providing a responsive ride, making it suitable for various running distances. The inclusion of eco-friendly materials in the midsole aligns with ASICS's commitment to sustainability.
Outsole
The outsole utilizes ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR), which provides exceptional durability and traction. This material choice ensures that the shoe can withstand the wear and tear of regular use on different terrains, from roads to light trails, making it a versatile option for many runners.
Size/fit
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is designed with a wide toe box, allowing for natural toe splay and improved stability. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners with wider feet or those who experience foot swelling during long runs. The overall fit is secure yet comfortable, accommodating a range of foot shapes.
Comfort
Comfort in the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is achieved through a combination of a soft, breathable upper and a cushioned midsole. The shoe's design focuses on providing a plush feel underfoot while maintaining enough responsiveness for an energetic run. This balance makes it ideal for long-distance running and daily training.
Cushioning
Cushioning in the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is provided by the FlyteFoam midsole, which delivers a soft yet responsive feel. This cushioning system absorbs impact efficiently, reducing stress on joints during runs. It's suitable for runners looking for a shoe that offers protection without compromising on performance.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper of the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite offers excellent breathability, keeping feet cool and dry even during intense runs. This feature is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing issues such as blisters and hot spots.
Stability
Stability is a key feature of the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite, designed to support overpronators. The shoe's wide base and strategic midsole design provide a stable platform, reducing the risk of ankle rolling and enhancing overall running efficiency.
Durability
Durability in the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is bolstered by the use of high-quality, abrasion-resistant materials in the outsole and upper. This construction ensures that the shoe can endure the demands of frequent running, making it a reliable choice for serious runners.
Grip
The grip on the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is reliable, thanks to the AHAR outsole that provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. This makes the shoe suitable for a variety of running conditions, ensuring safety and confidence on different terrains.
Flex
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite offers moderate flex, which is ideal for stability shoes designed to support overpronation. The flexibility is enough to allow for natural foot movement while maintaining the structural integrity needed to support proper running form.
Who should buy the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite?
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is perfect for runners who need extra support due to overpronation. Its stability features make it ideal for those with flat feet or low arches who require additional arch support to maintain proper running form. The lightweight design and responsive cushioning also make it suitable for long-distance runners looking for a reliable daily trainer.
Who should not buy the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite?
Runners who prefer a neutral running shoe with minimal support might find the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite too structured for their liking. Additionally, those looking for an ultra-lightweight or minimalist shoe may want to consider other options, as the Kayano Lite, while lightweight for a stability shoe, still offers substantial cushioning and support.
ASICS Gel Kayano Lite: What's it good for?
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is excellent for daily training and long-distance running. Its durable construction and comfortable fit make it suitable for regular use, while the stability features provide the necessary support for overpronators. The shoe's versatile design also makes it a good choice for a variety of running events, from short races to marathons.
4 ASICS Gel Kayano Lite FAQs
Is the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite suitable for marathon training?
Yes, the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite is an excellent choice for marathon training. Its combination of durability, comfort, and stability makes it ideal for the high mileage and varied conditions encountered in marathon preparation.
Can the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite be used on trails?
While primarily designed for road running, the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite can handle light trails thanks to its durable outsole and good traction. However, for technical trails, a dedicated trail shoe might be more appropriate.
How does the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite support overpronators?
The ASICS Gel Kayano Lite supports overpronators through its stable base and midsole design that helps control excessive inward rolling of the foot, thus promoting a more efficient stride.
What makes the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite eco-friendly?
The eco-friendliness of the ASICS Gel Kayano Lite comes from its use of recycled materials in the upper and midsole, which helps reduce waste and environmental impact.
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| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedOct 2020 | Oct 2022 | Apr 2022 | May 2023 | Jun 2022 | Feb 2024 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users |  | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 289 g W: 252 g | 281 g | M: 332 g W: 292 g | M: 303 g W: 264 g | 252 g | M: 269 g W: 232 g |
| Forefoot | ForefootM: 12 mm W: 11 mm | 14 mm | 18 mm | 30 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe dropM: 10 mm W: 13 mm | 8 mm | 7 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel | HeelM: 22 mm W: 24 mm | 22 mm | 25 mm | 40 mm | 37 mm | 35 mm |
| Usages | UsagesDaily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily runningSpeed training | Daily running |
| Brand | BrandASICS | ASICS | On | ASICS | Saucony | Saucony |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | ComfortableMaximalist | Comfortable | Comfortable | ||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | TechsASICS Gel | ASICS Gel | ASICS Gel | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsRoadStabilityOverpronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeLow archRocker |
- Oct 2022
- Jun 2021
- Oct 2020
