Asics Gel-Kayano 31 - Women's Review

At 8.43 ounces for a women's size 6.5, this 13 mm drop shoe might not help you hit your fastest pace, but it excels in other areas. The redesigned outsole offers enhanced traction for technical running, and the improved breathability of the upper ensures better airflow during your runs. The 4D Guidance System comes in clutch for runners who want a stable feeling underfoot.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 is the crème de la crème when it comes to landing comfort and cushioning.

As measured by our in-house testing team, the rear side of this shoe sits at a comfortable 38 mm and the forefoot at 25 mm. The midsole is comprised of bouncy, almost squishy FF Blast Plus Eco foam, which rebounds well and offers a generous crashpad for repetitive landings. The heel contour feels a bit more comfortable than the Kayano 30, leading us to believe that the stability components have undergone a slight upgrade. Overall, the Kayano 31 has an incredible bouncy midsole. It isn't the most over-stuffed shoe we've tested, but for combined landing comfort, cushioning, and stability, this shoe rocks.

Upper Comfort

The upper of the Gel-Kayano is a bit stretchy, creamy, and just plain comfortable.

It's not a complicated design, and that simplicity works in the Gel-Kayano's favor. The upper features a single layer of engineered mesh that prioritizes breathability while maintaining a gentle, structured hold around the foot. The tongue follows a standard design, and it is nothing flashy, but it offers just enough cushion to prevent irritation and ensure comfort throughout your run. Matching that level of plushness, the heel collar wraps around the ankle with soft padding, creating a 360-degree cocoon of comfort and contributing to the shoe's secure lockdown. Notably, the Gel-Kayano runs a bit wider than many comparable road shoes, which makes it an attractive option for runners with wider feet or those who simply prefer a bit of extra room to breathe and splay their toes. Whether you're winding down from a tough week or heading out for a shakeout jog, the upper's fit and feel make the Kayano a reliable companion for recovery days and lower-intensity efforts.

Stability

The landing pad of the Gel-Kayano is wide, providing a comfortably stable launch pad during leg turnover.

Asics included a 4D Guidance System in the Gel-Kayano, and it delivers one of the most stable rides I've tested this season. This system's subtlety makes it especially effective. The structure works behind the scenes to guide the foot without feeling stiff or overbearing. It doesn't rely on rigid sidewalls or intrusive medial posts, so runners get a stable experience that feels natural and fluid throughout the gait cycle. The upgraded midsole foam adds to that smoothness by consistently rebounding underfoot rather than packing out or collapsing under pressure. This helps maintain alignment and control for runners who overpronate or simply want a more supported ride. Altogether, the Kayano's thoughtful blend of responsive cushioning and underfoot guidance makes it an excellent choice for runners seeking dependable stability without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

Responsiveness

I never expected the Kayano 31 to be responsive. If I had, my expectations would have been dashed.

The Kayano 31 is made for easy mileage, offering a plush and steady ride that feels most at home during recovery runs or daily base-building efforts. While the midfoot bounce is noticeable and provides a sense of cushioned support, that sensation doesn't fully translate into significant energy return or forward propulsion. The result is a shoe that prioritizes comfort and control over speed or responsiveness. Runners who are seeking a reliable, stable platform will appreciate the feel of the Kayano on foot, but those chasing a more dynamic, performance-oriented experience may find its technical edge falls a bit short of more modern, faster alternatives.

Weight

Well, of course, the Kayano 31 is heavy.

After all, it offers a built-in stability system, a chunky underfoot stack, and plenty of trampoline cushioning. A women's size 6.5 weighs 8.43 ounces, a noticeable amount of weight when you start picking up your pace. If you are looking for a comfortable stability shoe, toting around this extra weight is worth it. It might be too heavy to be your next track day shoe, but runners who want the features the Kayano offers won't mind the weight since it feels well-balanced while running.

Traction

Like its stable and well-padded brethren, the Kayano offers a more well-tractioned outsole than most road shoes.

With textured, round, and square shapes stacked atop the base Hybrid AsicsGrip outsole, the Kayano is ready to tackle a variety of surfaces, including loose gravel, tight turns, and slick pavement. The unique patterning offers a confident grip without compromising flexibility, giving runners extra reassurance when conditions are less than ideal. While the traction isn't entirely foolproof—especially in extreme weather—it outperforms the majority of road shoes I've tested recently, making it a standout feature for those who log miles on varied terrain.

Should You Buy the Asics Gel-Kayano 31?

The Gel-Kayano 31 is not the most versatile shoe in our lineup, taking it out of the equation for some runners. If you know that comfort and stability are your top priorities, then the Kayano is a logical running shoe choice for you. While it lacks the speed-driven features found in more performance-oriented trainers, the Kayano excels in delivering a smooth, supported ride that feels especially well-suited for recovery days and easy miles. The overall design comes together cohesively, offering a well-cushioned, structured experience that can help reduce fatigue and support consistent training, particularly for runners who value long-term reliability over fast turnover.

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