ROAD RUNNING WORKHORSE: Asics Gel Kayano 30

Performance shoes for the marathoner and ultra runner

- GIRISH MALLYA

We reviewed the black pair of Gel Kayano 30. The first thing you notice is the marked departure from the 28th and 29th versions, both in terms of aesthetics and structure. It's been completely redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up.

The Kayano 30, is structurally built different. The former versions had cushioning and stability as two different components, but the Kayano 30 blends the two in an integrated manner. The cushioning The cushioning of this pair is now much closer to the popular Nimbus series, and stability is achieved by making the shoe wider in the midfoot landing section. The stability of these shoes is the big highlight for us.

On the flip side, the Gel Kayano 30 does not look as cool and attractive as the previous editions because the Gel bubbles are not externally visible mid sole and not mid sold stability component is now not visible from the outside. Also, we would not recommend buying dark-coloured performance shoes in a tropical country like India, because they absorb heat during the run and make the feet warmer.

The mesh upper is quite functional and adapts to your foot quite quickly without any possibility of blisters. It's wide enough to accommodate relatively broad-footed runners; narrow-footed runners will need to lace it tightly. The laces are quite wide and grip quite well. We would have liked a little more breathability and flexibility in the upper fabric.