5 Similar Shoes to Asics Gel Kayano

Pros & Cons of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Pros & Cons of HOKA ONE ONE Gaviota 2

3. HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4

HOKA One One is an extremely popular brand nowadays and is most known for its maximalist mentality when it comes to midsole foams and geometric rocker material to propel you forward.

As one of the lightest and softest stability shoes, Hoka has implemented its EVA J-frame technology to enhance stability and support throughout the heel-to-toe off. This is combined with its Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry to guide your foot in a natural and neutral positioning. 

To keep the lockdown, comfort, and breathability at a maximum, Hoka uses its engineered upper mesh to allow airflow in and out of the shoe for sufficient breathability. 

Hoka also implements a padded tongue for greater comfort on the top of the foot and a Molded Ortholite Sockliner to assist with odor management while also providing additional underfoot cushioning.

Pros & Cons of HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4

4. Saucony Guide 13

To increase support there is a TPU Guidance Frame, which provides medial stability that quietly guides the foot to prevent over-pronation.

This is a pretty traditional form of support, but its definitely just as effective as other more progressive forms of stability like the Brooks guide rails and Hoka J-Frame.

For greater lockdown and durability in the upper, Saucony implements an Engineered Jacquard mesh that is updated to flex more naturally with the foot while providing lightweight breathability.

This is combined with Saucony’s FORMFIT Contoured Footbed to create a cradle for your foot that provides added guidance and support.

Pros & Cons of Saucony Guide 13

5. New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v11

While it does have a sturdy heel, the top features a ultra heel to reduce achilles irritation by reducing rubbing.

This is often a problem for some people and it can really get in the way of performing comfortably, so I really appreciated the effort in trying to reduce achillies rubbing.

Although the New Balance Fresh Foam is known to deliver plush cushioning for those who want a soft underfoot feel, it feels a little stiff in this model. This is not a deal breaker because there is still plenty of cushion, but if you want something softer you’re better off going for Brooks or Hoka. 

For extra support you will have a medial post, which consists of higher density foam in the midfoot that works to correct overpronation. It is reliable and adds plenty of stability to your gait cycle.

Finally, the Blown Rubber outsole is pretty durable and provides good grip and a superior rebound off of the ground.

Pros & Cons of New Balance Fresh Foam v11

Reasons Why You Should Pick a Shoe Similar to the Asics Kayano

If you are looking for a shoe that reminds you of the Gel-Kayano, then you probably already owned that shoe, or you know its specifics in detail.

However, in case you need some guidance when it comes to why you should choose that type of shoe, take a look at how it can improve your running.

Comfort:

Ultimately, it all comes down to you feeling great while running or doing anything in your shoes. The Asics Gel Kayano is ideal for wearing on days when you spend a lot of time running, walking, or at work, but also need extra support through your gait cycle.

This shoe has some good arch support.

It is also suitable for athletes who train for competitions like a half marathon or marathon that need to wear shoes for a long time. You should also look for shoes that are easy to put on or take off when necessary.

Side note: Always untie and retie your shoes when you take them on and off to ensure proper fit, comfort, and lockdown for each run. 

Another aspect to consider is the room in the toe box area, it should be relatively roomy between the toe and the front of the shoe to allow feet to swell up comfortably, especially over long distances like the marathon of half marathon. 

Versatility:

On a typical day, you may head out to your local park or track to get in a run. You may also get the want to get farther into nature on a hiking trail while running.

Furthermore, if the weather is bad, you may be forced to stay in the gym and run on the treadmill or brave whatever the elements may hold for you outside.

To cover all of your bases, it’s important to have a shoe that can take you through all of these scenarios with satisfaction. The good news is that most of the time, a Gel-Kayano will get your through! 

A similar model would ensure that you can use it regardless of the surface. Some shoes may even be suitable for taking to work.

Durability:

Durable materials constructing the upper, midsole, and outsole can withstand high impact and abrasion, which can be important if you are running on a treadmill, or build with a bigger frame.

Additionally, premium quality components in the upper material, midsole foam, and outsole rubber can ensure extended longevity, which means the shoes might serve you for months or even years.

In other words, it is a shoe that you could train for, and then race a marathon in. 

Breathability:

You shouldn’t underestimate breathability for two reasons. The first one is preventing odors, and the second (and most important) is keeping your feet cool and comfortable even in hot weather conditions. This could prevent hot spots, blisters, and discomfort for the miles ahead. If you haven’t felt any of these before, believe me, you’re better off!

A best practice is to look for the most breathable, yet strong mesh fabric out there. Make sure that you are not sacrafaicing durability for breathability. It really does come down to what is more important to you, but there can often be a certain trade off between breathability and durability.

Constant Improvements:

At this moment, the latest model in the series is Asics Gel Kayano 27. 

Yes, that is the twenty seventh edition of this shoe, which shows the desire of the manufacturer to work on their products and ensure constant improvements.

Depending on the company, you may notice that your shoes utilize various technologies and approaches to ensure optimal support, comfort, and breathability.

Read the feature list carefully and make sure to find the optimal balance of firmness, flexibility, and support to fit your needs.

It may also be a good idea to drop by your local running shoe store to get fitted for the perfect pair of shoes. In my experience (as a customer and an employee) there is always a perfect shoe out there for you!

Brand:

With the risk of sounding spoiled, we definitely feel the need to reinforce the importance of choosing a premium brand.

Asics, Brooks, HOKA, and Nike are examples of reputable manufacturers and are some of the industry leaders. If you want similar shoes, you should go with a company with a similar reputation like Saucony, Adidas, or New Balance.

The only way to be sure about the quality of the shoes you are getting is to go with a premium brand. Those companies have amazing quality control, and they often deliver on their promises, and if they fail with one shoe interaction then they often come back stronger.

5 Similar Shoes to Asics Gel Kayano Wrap-Up

So that was a lot of information, but at the end of the day if you need running shoes similar to the Asics Gel Kayano, you want one that offers a great combination over the medial support and cushioning.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 and HOKA One One Arahi 4 both provide some awesome support and cushion that are most comparable to Asics Gel Kayano.

The construction of the upper can definitely have an impact on the lockdown and breathability of each shoe, but the shoes listed above all have an acceptable amount of lockdown over your foot and it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Overall you’re probably looking for a shoe with lots of medial support, so make sure you get a shoe that provides the stability you’ll need!

I would recommend searching around for sales and deals on these shoes, some are pretty new models, but you definitely have an opportunity find these for cheaper.