The Asics Gel-Kayano 29 is a sturdy, supportive shoe that’s well suited to long gym sessions and serious treadmill pounding…
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Asics Gel-Kayano 29
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$160 / £175 / asics.com
PROS
- Sturdy, stable feel
- Thick, grippy sole
CONS
- Collar could be a little comfier around ankles
- A little small, so make sure you go up half a size
Fit: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Performance: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
If you’re looking for a sturdy, highly supportive shoe designed to give you plenty of comfort while you work out or run, the Asics Gel-Kayano 29 is one of the best options available. Asics has a knack for producing quality running shoes, and this is no exception.
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There are a ton of technical-sounding features packed into this shoe. The foam midsole is equipped with FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, which provides plenty of support without having quite the same springiness as the New Balance 1080 v12s or the Puma Nitro Elites. And a LITETRUSS™ stability addition on the midsole’s inside angle will keep your foot from rolling too far inward during your stride.
All that trademarked tech seems to do the job, too; when on the treadmill, we felt stable and supported throughout. There’s a cushioned tongue and thick padding around the ankle, while the sock liner makes for a comfy fit. One potential gripe is that the collar sometimes seemed to dig in a little.
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Overall, though, this is a sturdy, stable shoe that fits comfortably and gives you support for lateral as well as forward motion. A grippy sole is backed up by the Gel-Kayano’s solid, foamy midsole, and the impressive shock absorption technology helps you deal with impact when running on treadmills, which can often feel hard and unforgiving underfoot.
Plus, at least 50% of the shoe’s main stretch-knit uppers are made out of recycled materials to reduce carbon emissions and waste – always worth bearing in mind when shopping for sports wear.
Words: Fred Garratt-Stanley