REASONS TO BUY
Supportive ride
Smooth cushioning
Comfortable upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Warm upper on hot days
Lacks pace versatility
Asics Gel-Kayano 32 Review
A comfortable and reliable stability shoe that works well for runners who want a supportive shoe that can handle big mileage, but it runs warm
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: The Best Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
The Gel-Kayano line has been around for a while. The last few versions have made minor refinements to a well-loved stability shoe. The newest offering, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32, pairs a lot of midsole foam with unobtrusive stability features to create a reliable shoe with a wide appeal. Unlike many options for runners who want guidance through the footstrike, the stability features here are unobtrusive, creating a smooth landing and natural feel. While Asics' FF Blast Plus foam isn't the softest, it's comfortable and supportive underfoot. The lack of pace versatility is a drawback for some runners, but we think this is a great option for runners seeking some support as they log easy miles. We love it for easy mileage.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We think the Gel-Kayano 32 is the best Gel-Kayano yet for runners concerned about comfort.
The Gel-Kayano 32 is great for clicking off miles at a relaxed pace.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning
The Gel-Kayano 32 is marketed as a max-cushioning stability shoe. Thanks to 37 mm of Asics' FF Blast Plus foam underfoot with an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, the shoe provides a lot of protection from the road. Compared to some non-stability-oriented competitors, it feels slightly firmer, potentially due to the stability features. Asics' 4D Guidance System returns in this version, offering significant support for runners without the intrusive feeling of more traditional stability features.
The Gel-Kayano has plenty of cushioning underfoot that feels forgiving, even on the longest efforts.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
This shoe had smooth landings across a range of paces. The slight increase in stack height at the forefoot from the last version is noticeable, making the transition from midfoot to forefoot smoother, particularly when increasing the pace. The Gel-Kayano 32 offers small but significant improvements in cushioning. The combination of a slightly firmer midsole with comfortable stability features makes this a great option for runners who want premium comfort without sacrificing support.
On hot days, we noticed the lack of breathability in the Gel-Kayano.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upper Comfort
The upper of this shoe is simple, but comfortable. We had no issues with hotspots, blisters, or rubbing during testing. However, we did notice that the shoe felt very warm on hot days, leaving our feet sweatier than usual.
The shoe's materials feel premium; we particularly appreciated the high-quality soft-touch materials around the ankle and heel cup. The padding is in a good position to prevent any heel-slippage, and the softer materials and compressible foam feel great over long distances. The gusseted tongue performs well, but it could be contributing to the upper's overall warmth.
Compared to the previous version, this Gel-Kayano feels a little more foot-shaped, which makes you feel stable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
The Gel-Kayano is a standout stability shoe. It is a great option for runners who struggle with pronation-related issues, particularly over longer efforts. We measured the stack height as slightly lower than in the previous version, and the shape of the midsole feels a little more nimble underfoot. The end result is a shoe that feels a little more planted on the run.
The wide platform and flared forefoot help maintain stability. However, this shoe isn't our first pick for uneven terrain, like rutted dirt roads or chunky gravel. For that type of running surface, we recommend a slightly lower stack height that feels more agile. But if you're sticking to the roads, this is one of the most stable options in our lineup.
The Gel-Kayano is not lightweight.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The Gel-Kayano 32 weighs 11.47 ounces in a US Men's 10.5.
This isn't the heaviest shoe in our lineup, but it's up there with the heavier models, and the bulk is noticeable. While it didn't impact our running experience or lead to a feeling of being bogged down, this is not the right choice if you're looking for a lighter shoe.
It was interesting how much mud stuck to the Gel-Kayano.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Traction
The shoe's traction is solid. We had no issues on the pavement. On dirt roads, the grooved rubber outsole grabbed well, but it did tend to clog up with dirt more than some competitors after a rain.
Should You Buy the Asics Gel-Kayano 32?
If you're looking for a reliable shoe that offers premium comfort and support, the Gel-Kayano 32 is a good option. On the other hand, there are non-stability shoes that offer more cushioning and comfort, and some stability shoes that offer more versatility. If you're a runner who doesn't need the stability, we'd recommend looking at other shoes.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you want a stable shoe with more versatility, we think you should seriously consider the Saucony Tempus 2, which offers solid comfort and stability but in a much lighter and faster package. If you're after premium comfort and cushioning, check out the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, which offers a soft and plush ride but lacks any real stability features.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Asics Gel-Kayano 32 versus top competing products:
—Nathaniel Bailey
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