Why the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 30 is NOT Worth Every Penny

[@lightningkachow895]

I had the Kayano 27, and after running in it I told myself I would never run in them again. The Kayano 30 changed that…

[@ellleigh1216]

My approach to stability has changed so much over the years. I’ve used so many stability shoes but they all just feel like a plaster on the problem. I’m now wearing more natural footwear, like Altra’s and just focusing on form, no mater how fast or how long I run. I’m feeling so much better for it, I feel stronger and just enjoy running for the sake of running, rather than feeling like I need a certain thing to make my run go well.

[@P--O]

I have the same experience with stability shoes (Asics "GT" and "Kayano" older models) which I find really rigid and they take away from the "feeling". I think running stores which video film have a tendency to "overdiagnose" the pronation.

[@stevestarr9769]

I'm so old, the last Kayano I wore was version 7. As for the price, we are quickly approaching the day when $200 is the price for a basic good running shoe....insane.

[@FordyRuns]

It is too much now

[@marky1974]

I picked up a pair of Puma Forever Runs for less than 100 euros..also a stability shoe..havnt tried them yet!

[@jollyroger1009]

I have the 23, 29 and now the 30. I really liked the gel of the 23 and how it held my foot in place without needing an orthotic (I had been putting up with those for years), the 29 was a better version of that but this 30 is a very interesting take on the Kayano. Lovely ride, nice cushion (firmer than the 29) and the stability is still there without the clamping sensation. I didn't think it could work but it did, so as a super overpronator I'm very happy with the update. The "Fordy" guidance system might almost work better than the clamping style of stability in the older models like the 23.

[@FordyRuns]

i think they should have just called it FORDY guidance

[@ptlewis2000]

I appreciate this comment. I keep getting injured when I get squirrely with my other shoes and the Kayano always brings me back. Can’t get with Saucony stability except the Tempus so I always keep a Kayano (+ DS Trainer and GT 2000) in stock to keep me in check. But I’m replacing my 27 soon and was wondering to get the 28 or 29 on sale. Thinking 29. I will never ever ever pay full price for a Kayano, $120 tops if I’m desperate. .

[@phitur]

28 felt 'flatter' than 29, which I liked

[@abruenin236]

Yes, the 30 is firmer again. The 29 was so soft, that my feet were constantly moving inside the 29, resulting in some hot spots.

[@Risayogi]

@@ptlewis2000Oh man, I really miss DS Trainer. For me, it is still the best stability shoes for fast tempo and race day. The last of its kind. Can’t find similar shoes nowadays. Still don’t understand why Asics discontinue DS Trainer. 😢

[@dlepore373]

I been waiting for this review. My first tragic attempt at running was 10 years ago and i was put in Kayano 20. Had them forever but wasnt running until 3 years ago. Kayano was not getting much love so i let it be. Lots of changes and updates to 30 had picked my attention. Pricey but maybe worth it. Thanks for the great content as always Fordy.

[@pj8761]

The last Kayano I ran in was the 20. As far as price, I think you just have to run 1 year behind with these shoe models. Get the 29 now for $109, or just wait until next year and get the 30 on sale. The guide at 65 is a great deal.

[@npshmear]

EXACTLY what I do!

[@jes28899]

I’ve got these with your discount and I’ve done an easy run and tempo run in them and they’re amazing! I overpronate and I love the guide 15 but the max stack in these are lovely. They go through the different paces really well.

[@abruenin236]

I liked the Kayano 28, but sold the Kayano 29 after a few runs. The 29 was for me a step in the wrong direction. My Kayano 30 came yesterday and I took it for a first 5k run. For me, the 30 is so much better than the 29. Asics seemed to have fixed all the problems, they built into the 29. And I A/B compared it with the Puma Foreverun Nitro, which is very similar IMHO. But the Puma is a little tighter at the forefoot, for my feet the Kayano 30 is the better fit. But if your feet are not as wide as mine, the Foreverun might also be a good alternative for about half the price.

[@q20a08]

Does your foot have any problem with the more narrowed midfoot platform on the Puma ? My wide, flattened feet don't seem to match well with that. That's one of the main reasons the new wide footprint on the K30 grabs my interest.

[@abruenin236]

@@q20a08 yeah, I have also have wider feet. The Puma was OK, if there wasn't the K30 then I would have taken that one. But the Kayano in wide size (2E) just fits a bit better to my feet. AFAIK, Puma does not offer a wide alternative

[@StefanusWijayanto-w1e]

Any issues blister like most ppl??

[@colinmclellan4683]

I love my Kayanos but they are definitely past the point of diminishing returns for value. They are top of the max cushioned stability category in my mind though. I'd take a still easy to find Kayano 28 and call it a day if that category interests you.

[@gprks]

I guess Asics has a really high pricing in Europe, it will be just about £127-£128 here in Asia or around $160, which pretty normal for premium daily trainer like Kayano

[@nachillopf2627]

You get closer to hitting the nail on the head. K30 also $160 in Central America. The reviewer is from the UK, whose politicians recently had it go through Brexit... his issue is the incrementing costs of products in his country because of disorganized politicians and politics, not the product per se.

[@Itsmekvn]

Its only 109 british pounds and 132USD here in JAPAN so if anyone in Japan is watching this. You got that homecourt advantage with asics lol

[@shunta1984]

Fordy, hoping you reply to older video questions mate, i need to know if you would go for this or the ForeverRUN Nitro if im looking at a stability shoe. Im 85kg, average pace 4:40 per km, anywhere from 5 - 25km distance. Love your channel, love your insights, love your honesty! Thanks from New Zealand.

[@FordyRuns]

Defo not these the puma will feel more alive these are built for comfort

[@shunta1984]

You are a saint, cheers lad

[@ConcaCon]

I have recently bought the Kayano 28s in regular and AWL variants on sale for 82 and 76 EUR apiece. I adore them. It's a bit too warm for them at the moment however, so I'm using the Jolt 4 and the GT 1000 10, and occasionally the Adidas Swift Run 23 for the summer.

[@harveydoherty6995]

180 lbs is fair!! Things go up U absolutely cant pay the same f anything u did 20 yrs ago. Ridiculous to say its expensive..

[@richardharvey4216]

It’s £145 where I am and that is pretty standard for a top of the line shoe (nimbus, triumph, etc) but £180 is kind of over the top IMO

[@AlanskiNation]

Thanks for the honest advice about the price of Kayano 30 and i rather buy the Adidas Boston 12 is much cheaper than the Kayano 30.

[@FordyRuns]

welcome

[@nathaniel23946]

It’s only 160 here in the US. So it’s price is similar to other daily trainer shoes.

[@kessarinkullaphatkanon3695]

Price of the new 30, my current 29 are also around that. Actually i feel kayano price is quite stable.

[@Fozzee.1970]

But our prices include taxes.

[@almostaverageroger]

Which one would you recommend as a better marathon day shoe for people with over pronation issues, Kayano 30 or Arahi 6?

[@ColeRunning]

Great review mr fordy. I’m loving the Kayano personally, that being said I’ve only used it for 4 miles 🤣

[@redsox7897]

Guide 15 is not kayano. Kayano is better for walking because the emphasize is on the heel area. Guide 15 emphasize is on the front foot area and it is best for running. Ankle stability is better on the kayano also. But people are different. I like adrenaline gts much better

[@eddieyew2713]

I have the 29s and am looking at the 30. 29s are great and comfy but find them a tad heavy. Looking at the 30s for my next pair.

[@davidmurphy2960]

Kayano 4 to 27. Still in my worn out 27s, didn't like 29 or 30. Too much stack and roll off (10mm), too shallow heel upper at achilles, too wide midsole at heel, not enough AHAR grip on slippery stuff. I'm considering switching to New Balance 860 but TBH I just like Kayanos of old.

[@FordyRuns]

Old school I like it

[@emmalewin7493]

Definitely agree that Saucony Guide 15’s are good stability shoes and the improvements Saucony have made on these shoes are great. They make for more enjoyable runs, along with the Saucony Tempus. I wouldn’t spend £180 on the Asics, as for a start, I don’t really like shoes with a 10mm drop. I generally prefer 8mm or 6mm drop shoes. Also, £180 is way too much for stability shoes.

[@robertashworth2904]

I got the Gel Kayano 29. They were not as good as I expected. I was gutted as they were so expensive. Uncomfortable over long distances and, for me were sized too small. I always size up but these were half a size too small for the long runs. Saying that the GT 2000 are well worth the money. That’s what I’ve had before and will be getting them again, and again. Plus you can run forever in the GT2000.

[@StefanusWijayanto-w1e]

Did you got blister issues also?? I think many ppl have these problem with 28, 29, 30 series

[@phitur]

28 was perfect then marketing took over. I'll probably buy Tempus next time.

[@gregjohnson5791]

When I first saw a picture I was thinking might be a good one to think about buying but when I saw the price it “nope!”. Shame really as it looks so much nicer than older versions.

[@FordyRuns]

its a cracking looking version but the price is too high for most

[@NullNull-e5w]

Great video as always Fordy. I’m looking for a stability shoe to offer something different to my guide 15s (picked up last week with your code from Start fitness). Tried the tempus but heartbreakingly they feel so uncomfortable in the arch of my foot. Not sure if the kayano 30 is redundant if I have the guide 15, and I’d be better off picking up the mizuno wave inspire 19? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Keep up the great work

[@CrazyRichChIndo]

I have flatfeet and the shoes give the support and stability I need.

[@johnward4299]

Yes agree £180 is ridiculous price to pay. What concerns me most and not related only to the Kayano but other Asics trainers is that not enough attention is given to making the heel area more durable. These isolated pods wear down in no time - why not a solid heel piece for increased durability.

[@FordyRuns]

Fair comment

[@andyn6053]

the reinforcements in the toe box is rubbing against my big toe. Had to go up half a size and its not as snug in the heel now.....

[@davidlynch9049]

The Kayano has always been categorized as a long run shoe - I have run in them from version 1 to 28, where I thought they were no longer innovating this shoe, so I moved on. I guess the bigger runners could use it for daily training, but for the rest, I think that is a waste of money. The GT 2000 series is the daily ASICS stability trainer, and it arrives every December, so I am hoping the next iteration evolves to match the new Kayano. Yup, it's pricey (€200 in Germany), but if you keep it for only longer and recovery runs, I think it may be worth it. I think Asics should also come out with a stability tempo shoe with this new tech. I always loved their DS Trainer, but I think that is going or gone now. Finally, the Glide isn't really a comparable shoe, as it really hasn't changed much in years. I ran in a version 4 years ago and the one you held up looks exactly the same. I hated it btw, much too firm and not responsive.

[@FordyRuns]

would love to see a fast stability shoe from them

[@Harrysplaying]

Started with kayano 27 then got the Guied 15, on my third pair now. I am getting bored and would love to see someone make a shoe to top the guied 15.. Solid vid mr Fordy 👌

[@FordyRuns]

tks mate

[@zorancrevar2137]

Asics gel kayano 30 Can these sneakers be used by runners who do not have problems with foot pronation? Can it be used by runners who have supinated feet, or is the shoe only intended for runners who have pronated feet? Can you give a more detailed answer? Thank you.

[@carlito24uk]

Hey Fordy I was waiting for your review. Is this good or bad for a flat footed person who’s using it for walking? I get 20% off so price isn’t a problem. Is it too much cushioning for a Walker with a bad back?

[@virgilmot]

I’m running with Kayano 27 but they are over 1200 km and have to change them. I can’t get used to the new generation of Kayano 30. Do you know other shoes similar to Kayano 27 ? Thanks!

[@Crimsonvandal]

I love the GT 2000 11 but I hope ASICS modernizes a bit in the 12. The Kayano is a bit bulky for my tastes

[@FordyRuns]

its alot of shoe

[@miksiggins1522]

Haha, I do still have my pair of 1s I bought in 93 ( and 2sand3s). And so far those 1 are better than the 30s. Maybe they will break in but ugh not a fan so far

[@miksiggins1522]

Interesting for price, over here in Australia they are $280. In 1995 the kayano 2 was $270 and has hovered $260-280 ever since.

[@FordyRuns]

hero having the OG's

[@miksiggins1522]

@@FordyRuns yeah I have a habit of keeping my shoes.

[@craigtsmith6957]

29;28 and 27 - I agree price is getting heavy. But - on the earlier versions you couldnt kill them - over a 1000 km easy.

[@FordyRuns]

which is best?

[@craigtsmith6957]

@@FordyRuns 29 was a more comfortable shoe than the 28 and 27. I use the 27 (with 600 km on the clock) as a walk about shoe and after cleaning they look like new - hardly any wear on the sole. Best shoes for walking through airports🙃

[@StefanusWijayanto-w1e]

Any blister problems like most ppl??

[@ArnulfVonMetz1]

*The quality of the Kayano 30 does not feel good compared to the Kayano 29. I am disappointed!*

[@stubestrong]

Found they ride firm and feel hard work. K29 softer and faster.

[@lasereyes7349]

Are they good for 100 usd?

[@georgiariordan6109]

Wait they’re on $160 USD on the asics website. When were they that price?

[@marky1974]

How do these compare to the Puma Forever runs? I was getting ankle pain after running in the Velocity Nitros..I think I need more stability..

[@lavayuki]

For price, Asics always go on sale the following year, which is when I always buy them. I never buy them full price

[@RatinhoEsporao]

Do you recommend the saucing guide 15 for runners who run 8-10 miles and suffer from Morton’s toe? I ask because the kayana 30 was recommended for this purpose.

[@RatinhoEsporao]

Saucony* Guide 15

[@timverkoyen8742]

How would you rate it versus the Tempus?

[@FordyRuns]

Tempus is less built up

[@timverkoyen8742]

@@FordyRuns thank you! Love your content! Keep it coming!

[@ser1ification]

If you have flat feet Tempus might be restrictive in midfoot

[@grimaviistanbul]

DISAPPOINTED with the Asics Gel Kayano 30 I've been a loyal user of Asics Gel Kayano series for years, but my recent experience with the Gel Kayano 30 left me utterly disappointed. On the day I received the product, I embarked on a 10km run and noticed severe blistering on the tips of my middle toes and the inner side of my heel. I decided to give it another shot after a 5-day break once my feet healed, but unfortunately, the same issue persisted during another 10km run. It's quite a letdown especially considering the hefty price tag of 5499 TL attached to this pair, which is supposed to represent its high standards. I genuinely hope Asics takes a hard look at customer feedback and prioritizes satisfaction to match the high financial expectation set by their pricing. The comfort and stability that were the hallmark of the previous models seem to be lacking in this latest iteration.

[@Nick-pk4sq]

Definitely agree that the Guide 15 is a great value option in this space. I love my pair, they just eat up easy miles. Although they are a touch too firm for a really long distance (the furthest I’ve done in them is 18 miles and that was probably a little too far). Overall though they are a bargain.

[@FordyRuns]

Yep it’s such a good price at the mo

[@182mattyboy]

It’s concerning that it feels like shoe companies are pricing new runners out of the sport. Especially as shoes like these and others are marketed at newer runners. Who wants to spend £140+ etc on their first pair of shoes to ultimately find it’s not for them. Also companies are really pushing the line of fitness being for everyone and we should all run. It’s a great sentiment but you can’t then charge the earth for a set of trainers

[@FordyRuns]

yep buy the guide

[@kuriosites]

I like the outsole compared to the Nimbus.

[@FordyRuns]

yep its better

[@wendymorison2994]

I have the 30 and HATE this shoe! I'm sure it's made from recycled marshmallows. It is way too soft. Unfortunately, I bought them online, basing my decision on good online reviews. Huge mistake.

[@candid244]

Are you from UK? That's very expensive...if I convert the Malaysian ringgit I can buy almost 2 pairs of kayano30 here. Seems mark-up too much.

[@Onlyinthislife]

For people who don’t have 160$ ? Or you mean so people don’t have to go waste money on everything that comes out…review in short soft when walking firm when running responsive on the low energy return low that’s it

[@ser1ification]

It has enough volume for people who have issues with lower volume shoes, good stability, best for walking jogging. I’m still testing. I like the annivery colors

[@VarunStream]

I love Asics. This shoe is a FlyteFoam brick. “4D not Fordy” 😂

[@pensiveape6184]

Liked how you bashed Asics for an insane price for this shoe.

[@FordyRuns]

Keeping it real

[@pensiveape6184]

@@FordyRuns 👍❤️

[@pensiveape6184]

​@@FordyRunsI forgot to mention, I would highly appreciate your advice once you get your hands on Prime X2 if it makes any sense to purchase it if one already has X1. If in terms of stability there is no improvement, the answer is obvious. I have seen the photos of the prototype and it looks to me the same. Allegedly 2 plates. Yeah. And I need three eyes. For sight improvement.😂

[@oskarlindberg3321]

Is the Kayano 30 better for long runs compared to the Gudie 16? Im a heavy runner 95kg ich and feel like the guide 16 is a bit hard for longer stuff, Im looking for a long run shoe what its more comfy.

[@FordyRuns]

Yea

[@ser1ification]

You can’t compare guide to kayano come on..

[@manuel_877]

Like to Fordy and nice weekend for everyone. 🌞🏃🌞

[@FordyRuns]

Same to you!

[@ihussain1011]

£160 should have been the max price.

[@FordyRuns]

Agreed

[@MrNooge]

Massively disappointing. I was hoping to learn about the Fordy Guy Dance System and all the chat was about shoes!

[@StefanusWijayanto-w1e]

Only the price? Oh ok

[@humanmold]

All kayanos up until 28 looked great now they're boring af.

[@FordyRuns]

interesting thanks

[@charles88charles]

I loved GT2000-12 more compared to this clunky kayano 30

[@Wildbrooker4304]

Yep ASICS aren’t fooling anyone at that price point

[@FordyRuns]

It’s too much

[@Wings_nut]

Not a stability shoe guy myself; but solid review as always. Cheers, Chris.

[@FordyRuns]

appreciate you taking the time to comment

[@Wings_nut]

@@FordyRuns Of course