If you have you ever worn Asics Gel Kayano running shoes or are considering them, this article will help you decide which shoe might be the best fit for you.
One thing is true; the Kayano's one of the most popular supportive shoe models on the market for those who tend to overpronate.
However, if you would like to try something else, let’s take a look at the top-rated running shoes similar to the Asics Gel Kayano
5 Running Shoes Similar To Asics Gel Kayano
1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
2. HOKA ONE ONE Gaviota 2
3. HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4
4. Saucony Guide 13
5. New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v11
My Top Pick : Brooks Adrenaline GTS
- Tremendous Stability
- Durable
- Smooth and Soft Transition for Stability Shoe
- Highly Rated & Reviewed
5 Running Shoes Similar To Asics Gel Kayano (5 Alternatives with Reviews)
1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
The list definitely starts with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 because it may be one of the most loved support shoes on the market. Beyond that it is the most comparable shoe to the Asics Gel Kayano on this list because of how it combines support and comfort in a traditional package.
Brooks used an Engineered mesh to construct the upper, which provides solid lightweight structure and breathability. To complement this mesh, this is made in an updated 3D Fit Print design to provide further structure and support around your foot.
To add extra stability through your achillies, the Heel Counter is updated to create a more comfortable and secure heel fit
The midosle and outsole have many features aiding in its construction, but it all starts with the DNA Loft foam in the heel to deliver a plush and luxurious cushioning while maintaining responsiveness and durability.
To add more comfort Brooks also implements a BioMoGo DNA, which fuses BioMoGo midsole and DNA cushioning technology for a fully custom responsive ride that adapts to the needs of each and every runner. Trust me, it’s as good as it sounds.
For greater support Brooks implements its Guide Rails technology for a holistic support system that helps to protect your knees by keeping excess movement in check. In other words, its helps with overpronation.
For better flexibility there are Omega Flex Grooves throughout to optimize forefoot flexibility without compromising cushioning, as well as a segmented crash pad that flexes with the foot, offering customized cushioning and stability for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Finally, a blown rubber outsole covers much of the bottom of the shoe, which helps with versatile traction and durability. Here are five Adrenaline alternatives if you would prefer to go down that rabbit hole.
Pros & Cons of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
- Tremendous Stability
- Durable
- Smooth and Soft Transition for Stability Shoe
- Highly Rated & Reviewed
2. HOKA ONE ONE Gaviota 2
Second on the list is the Hoka One One Gaviota 2 because of its excellent arch support, wide platform and impressive geometric rocker.
Featuring an engineered mesh on the upper to stay lightweight and allow for excellent airflow and breathability. To accompany this mesh Hoka implements arch-lock wings to provide necessary structure around the midfoot.
To keep things comfortable on the inside there is a molded Ortholite sockliner to help with odor management while providing additional underfoot cushioning.
It is a little stiff for the first couple of miles, but after that I felt it sink in and mold to my feet.
Making up the bulk of the shoe is the signature think midsole.
On the Gaviota 2, you’re getting excellent stability from the RMAT J-Frame, which provides dynamic stability by placing RMAT along the medial side of the shoe and around the heel to guide the foot naturally without using a standard medial post.
Put simply, RMAT is HOKA's blend of rubber and EVA foam for durable, responsive cushioning.
As usual with Hoka, this shoe features a Late Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry, which is a rockered midsole design engineered to create a stable base of forefoot support. Finishing off with the outsole, there is a Hi-Abrasion Lightweight Rubber strategically placed for increased traction and durability.
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.
It’s Hoka One One Arahi 4 is the premier supportive shoe for this brand, buts its surprisingly breathable and lightweight.
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
Those looking for a soft, responsive, and supportive shoe will enjoy the Saucony Guide 13. Saucony has been designing some great shoes for years now, and in my personal opinion this company has some of the best upper design on the market.
Featuring the excellent PWRRUN+ midsole foam the Guide 13 offers a full-length responsive cushioning compound that provides a springy and responsive underfoot feel.
For those who crave reliable comfort on any run and need some support, Guide 13 gives the best balance of feel-good cushioning and fluid guidance through the gait cycle.
-PWRRUN cushioning provides a just-right softness & responsive
-Strong support through the medial TPU frame guides each foot through its natural gait cycle for a smooth run.
-Ultra comfort with the FORMFIT as it surrounds the foot
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
For those who crave reliable comfort on any run and need some support, Guide 13 gives the best balance of feel-good cushioning and fluid guidance through the gait cycle.
-PWRRUN cushioning provides a just-right softness & responsive
-Strong support through the medial TPU frame guides each foot through its natural gait cycle for a smooth run.
-Ultra comfort with the FORMFIT as it surrounds the foot
For those who love a mix of responsive cushioning, reliable stability, and a wide toe box, then the New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v11 is going to be a shoe to seriously consider.
Starting off with an engineered mesh upper you are going to have a secure and comfortable fit with flexible support. New balance is well known for having a wide toe box, so wide feet are going to really enjoy this one!
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.
- Engineered mesh upper for a fit that feels uniquely yours
- FRESH FOAM midsole cushioning is precision-engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight synthetic/mesh material
- Proven stability that keeps you on your feet
Pros & Cons of New Balance Fresh Foam v11
- Engineered mesh upper for a fit that feels uniquely yours
- FRESH FOAM midsole cushioning is precision-engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight synthetic/mesh material
- Proven stability that keeps you on your feet
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:
First, you want to make sure that the manufacturer used only top-quality components when constructing the shoe. That is what Asics did with their Kayano series.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.
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API