Asics Gel Kayano 23
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By Jerry Nogueras Asics Gel Kayano 23 Review Facts
Searching for a high performing running shoe can get frustrating at times if you don’t know much about the market. Some runners have specific needs for their running shoes, and luckily, the Asics Gel Kayano 23 sneakers are loaded with different material and technologies that enhance the way runners feel when they wear them.
The Kayano 23 sneakers are soft, but not too soft to the point where they don’t provide foot stability. There have been concerns about the confined toebox, but besides that, the Kayano 23 is a leading running shoe in today’s market. Ultimately, the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is a great combination of durability, comfort, and stability. Asics has provided yet another great footwear product with the Kayano 23.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
- FluidFit technology in the upper molds the foot
- Impact Guidance System enhances the gait from the heel to toe
- The midsole is made of “Fluid Ride” material that offers to cushion and bounce back from the impact
- Forefoot and rear-foot contain gel cushioning that effectively absorbs impact
Cons
- Toebox is low and wide
- Somewhat stiff feel
- Uncomfortable fit
- High price
- Initially stiff (needs break in)
Outsole
Outsole
The Durasponge outsole is made primarily of rubber. The outsole of the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is equipped with a Dynamic Duomax technology that offers comfort and protection from the impact that occurs when the foot continuously hits the ground. This traditional Asics material fully supports the arch and provides the most stability. The outsole has a fair amount of tread that could run through elements such as hard soil or snow.
Midsole
Midsole
The midsole contains a “Fluid Ride” material that provides top quality durability and lightweight cushioning. Compared to past Kayano models, the 23’s have a firmer ride which provides more stability.
The FlyteFoam technology that is also applied to midsole contains fibers that add durable cushioning, a superior compliment to the comfort of the Asics Gel Kayano 23.
The forefoot and the rear foot are also protected by gel technology that easily absorbs impact. The midsole is extremely responsive, which is one of its best features.
The FlyteFoam technology that is also applied to midsole contains fibers that add durable cushioning, a superior compliment to the comfort of the Asics Gel Kayano 23.
The forefoot and the rear foot are also protected by gel technology that easily absorbs impact. The midsole is extremely responsive, which is one of its best features.
Upper
Upper
The upper is made of a stretch mesh material that has a glove-like fit. This mesh material is called FluidFit and provides a sturdy, natural fit.
By adapting to the foot’s shape, the runner will feel substantially more natural. The upper of the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is possibly the most flexible part of the shoe. The material is strong but thin, so the runner will feel very light when going out for a run.
By adapting to the foot’s shape, the runner will feel substantially more natural. The upper of the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is possibly the most flexible part of the shoe. The material is strong but thin, so the runner will feel very light when going out for a run.
Weight
Weight
Most runners would prefer a lighter shoe. The Asics Gel Kayano 23 weighs in at 11.5 ounces. The FluidFit material in the upper, the Dynamic Duomax material and the FlyteFoam located in the midsole keeps the shoe light.
Breathability
Breathability
The Comfordry sock liner on the interior of the shoe offers efficient moisture absorbing material which creates a superb level of breathability. The material in the upper is very thin and light which also provides excellent breathability.
Comfort
Comfort
The Asics Gel Kayano 23 scores high in comfort. Thanks to the FlyteFoam and Dynamic Duomax cushioning in the sole, the user can step into the Kayano’s and immediately feel the benefits of wearing these sneakers.
The only downside to their comfort is the narrow toe box. Many runners said that this is their biggest complaint about the Kayano 23.
The only downside to their comfort is the narrow toe box. Many runners said that this is their biggest complaint about the Kayano 23.
Style
Style
Starting with the design, the Asics Gel Kayano 23 features the traditional Asics logo on the sides, and “Dynamic Duomax” printed on the inner midsole and “FlyteFoam” printed on the outer midsole. From far away these sneakers look like a modern version of an Asics running shoe.
The Asics Gel Kayano 23 comes in about eight different color varieties, providing users with plenty of choices when purchasing.
The Asics Gel Kayano 23 comes in about eight different color varieties, providing users with plenty of choices when purchasing.
Durability
Durability
The outsole contains a large amount of rubber in the front, which means it’s safe to say that the runner could get a lot of mileage on these shoes before the sole starts giving out. The rear foot is also heavily equipped with “AHAR”; an acronym for Asics’ High Abrasion Rubber. This rubber offers solid protection.
Protection
Protection
Regarding the bottom of the feet, the Asics Gel Kayano 23 provides excellent protection due to the FlyteFoam and Dynamic Duomax technologies. These materials offer excellent cushioning that prevents the foot from being damaged or injured due to hard surfaces and long distances that the runner may encounter.
The lightweight FluidFit material in the upper is thin, and therefore wouldn’t provide much protection to the top of the foot if someone were to step on the runner’s feet.
The lightweight FluidFit material in the upper is thin, and therefore wouldn’t provide much protection to the top of the foot if someone were to step on the runner’s feet.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness
The Asics Gel Kayano 23 has a fair amount of responsiveness, but nothing extraordinary.
Surprisingly, the rear foot was decently responsive whereas the forefoot lacks responsiveness. This is mostly due to the extreme amount of cushioning that is included in the midsole and outsole. These features provide the shoe with comfort but take away from responsiveness.
Surprisingly, the rear foot was decently responsive whereas the forefoot lacks responsiveness. This is mostly due to the extreme amount of cushioning that is included in the midsole and outsole. These features provide the shoe with comfort but take away from responsiveness.
Support
Support
Support is a definite strength of the Kayano 23. The shock absorption in the forefoot and rear-foot definitely provide support in those areas.
The Duomex technology is positioned at an angle, it will only be utilized when your heel makes contact with the ground. This way, your foot can still move naturally without fully depending on the support from the Kayano.
This along with the soft cushioning will be able to help runners looking for that extra support while they run.
The Duomex technology is positioned at an angle, it will only be utilized when your heel makes contact with the ground. This way, your foot can still move naturally without fully depending on the support from the Kayano.
This along with the soft cushioning will be able to help runners looking for that extra support while they run.
Terrain
Terrain
The Asics Gel Kayano 23 is best for hard, flat surfaces like a street, sidewalk, or treadmill. They wouldn’t do very well with other trails or other rough surfaces.
Price
Price
The price for the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is a little high for a running shoe. The technology and features that are used in this shoe might be able to justify a high price, but overall the price may not be reasonable for potential buyers.
Traction
Traction
The “Guidance Line” groove on the outsole of the Asics Gel Kayano 23 assists with traction in order to stay in control and run at top speed. The traction in this shoe is decent, but it is best to use these sneakers on hard surfaces such as concrete instead of dirt. The “Guidance Line” undoubtedly makes the ride a lot smoother.
Flexibility
Flexibility
The flexibility of the Asics Gel Kayano 23 has improved compared to other versions, mostly due to the stretchy mesh in the upper. Since the FluidFit material provides a close fit to your foot, you will have as much flexibility as you would barefoot.
The sole has an average rate of flexibility, as it is the perfect mix of softness and stiffness. Needless to say, the runner can still have a great experience when it comes to flexibility within this shoe.
The sole has an average rate of flexibility, as it is the perfect mix of softness and stiffness. Needless to say, the runner can still have a great experience when it comes to flexibility within this shoe.
Stability
Stability
This shoe has a lot of stability in the heel and the midsole. The Kayano 23 has something called the Impact Guidance System, otherwise known as I.G.S., which has a section that enhances the natural gait of the foot and covers the heel to the toe-off.
This keeps the entire foot stable at all times. The FluidFit mesh on the upper also keeps the foot stable. This experience will keep the foot in the right position no matter how many miles you plan on running in these running sneakers.
This keeps the entire foot stable at all times. The FluidFit mesh on the upper also keeps the foot stable. This experience will keep the foot in the right position no matter how many miles you plan on running in these running sneakers.
Drop
Drop
The heel drop of the Kayano 23 is about 10mm. The drop in the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is pretty standard.
Key Features
Key Features
• Thin and lightweight FluidFit upper
• The midsole is made of lightweight material (FlyteFoam)
• Outsole has exceptional stability
• Durable
• High level of support
• The midsole is made of lightweight material (FlyteFoam)
• Outsole has exceptional stability
• Durable
• High level of support
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
Overall, the Asics Gel Kayano 23 is a high priced running shoe that could be worth it depending on what you are looking for in a running shoe. The advanced cushioning technology in the outsole and midsole provide the runner with an overwhelming amount of comfort.
The cushioning in the midsole also helps absorb impact from the ground so that you can run longer without the distraction of painful feet. Some users complain that the toebox of the Kayano 23 is way too narrow, so if you have wide feet you may want to reconsider. But if foot size is no problem for you, definitely consider the Asics Gel Kayano 23.
Read more about trainers for wide feet.
The cushioning in the midsole also helps absorb impact from the ground so that you can run longer without the distraction of painful feet. Some users complain that the toebox of the Kayano 23 is way too narrow, so if you have wide feet you may want to reconsider. But if foot size is no problem for you, definitely consider the Asics Gel Kayano 23.
Read more about trainers for wide feet.
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