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ASICS are motivated to push the boundaries with each and every model and with this shoe, they truly have redefined what it means for a runner to have a stable and cushioned ride.
The ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ is synonymous with stability. With comfort. With performance. In its 29th edition, it is no different. Engineered in the lab to deliver the most comfortable yet stable ride, the shoe prioritises performance for even the most discerning runner.
What was the GEL-KAYANO™ 28?
Arriving onto the shelf in 2021, the GEL-KAYANO™ 28 delivered yet another knockout blow to shoes that aim to compete with it. A new upper so refined that it fits like a glove. A new midsole material and Gender Specific TRUSSTIC™ system that works with the runner to be at one with the road.
What is new in the GEL-KAYANO™ 29?
The release of GEL-KAYANO™ 29 is something else yet again. An improved midsole, a shift towards sustainability in production and use of recyclable materials and uses a new stability system called LITETRUSS™.
ASICS are motivated to push the boundaries with each and every model and with this shoe, they truly have redefined what it means for a runner to have a stable and cushioned ride.
The midsole in the GEL-KAYANO™ 29 sees the evolution of FLYTEFOAM BLAST™ (as seen in GEL-KAYANO™ 28) to FLYTEFOAM BLAST™ + that is .19% lighter, and a softer midsole. Delivering an overall weight reduction of 4% over its predecessor GEL-KAYANO™ 28.
The material compound underpinning FLYTEFOAM BLAST™ + provides an innovative rebound that delivers a responsive, stable and super cushioned ride. The added bonus is the durability. Our internal lab data* suggests the shoe feels the same underfoot out of the box as it does 500kms down the road. The shoe retains the energy within its midsole, helping to improve the return benefit to runners with a more responsive rebound.
The weight reduction, from the lighter midsole, allows a small increase in
stack height.
Men - 25mm / 15mm heel to toe drop.
Women -24mm / 14mm heel to toe drop.
ASICS have also redefined the concept of the TRUSSTIC™, which has long optimised the rotational stiffness of the shoe, giving it structure. LITETRUSS™ sees the integration of the TRUSSTIC™ system and DUOMAX™ into a single piece that extends from lateral through to the medial wall of the shoe. This is an exciting and innovative piece of engineering simplifies the construction process, reduces weight of the shoe and improves midfoot comfort. When I put this shoe to the test in the lab**, to my surprise, there was no difference in the perception of stability between GEL-KAYANO™ 28 and GEL-KAYANO™ 29 during over-ground, steady state running, and the lab did not detect any changes when considering kinematic and kinetic metrics. Goal achieved I say.
*Internal lab data references data Chris sourced from conducting his own testing at his own practice, The Biomechanics Lab, and this testing has not been independently verified.
** Lab refers to the independent testing Chris undertook at his own practice, The Biomechanics Lab, and this testing has not been independently verified.