Asics Gel-Kayano 32 - Women's Review

Comfort and Fit

The updated Asics Gel-Kayano fits like a traditional running shoe but better. With ultra-smooth textiles throughout, this shoe truly cradles your feet in comfort.

The undercarriage boasts a bit of arch support and, combined with the smooth-to-the-touch feeling of this shoe, its all-day long comfort is worth celebrating. Aside from its softness, the comfort of this shoe is inherent in nature and nearly devoid of technical elements. The Gel-Kayano is full of comfort-inducing features. Instead, it relies on what Asics knows has worked throughout their legacy. The mesh feels smooth, has a gentle stretch, and pairs with a cushioned tongue that prevents any pressure from the laces. It's not flashy, but it's consistently comfortable, with a fit that feels natural and easy from the moment you put it on. The Gel-Kayanos are designed with comfort in mind for the average runner, making them an ideal choice for comfort-minded individuals who want a pair of shoes that can handle a variety of activities.

Cushioning

The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 offers a substantial amount of foam underfoot, which helps soften each step, while also providing a steady and supported feel as you run.

The cushioning in this shoe isn't as plush or squishy as some of the extra-soft, maximalist trainers on the market, but that slightly firmer feel has its advantages, especially for newer runners.

It provides a sense of balance and control with every stride, helping your foot land confidently while still absorbing impact from the road. Rather than giving a pronounced “bounce” with each step, the shoe delivers a smooth, controlled transition from heel to toe, making your running gait feel natural and effortless. The combination of the carefully shaped midsole and responsive foam works together to create a stable platform that supports your foot without ever feeling rigid or uncomfortable. Even during longer runs or higher-mileage days, the cushioning maintains its integrity, ensuring consistent comfort throughout.

Breathability

While the upper material of the Gel-Kayano is slightly thicker than what you might find on some of the most breathable running shoes, it strikes a thoughtful balance between structure and comfort, making it all the more appealing.

The engineered construction of the Kayano provides enough support to keep the foot secure throughout the stride, while still allowing for natural movement and flexibility. Despite its denser feel, the shoe doesn't trap heat or create a confined sensation, so your feet remain comfortable even on longer runs or warmer days. The soft, cushioned lining works in tandem with the slightly structured material to provide a cozy, glove-like fit that doesn't compromise ventilation. This combination of support and comfort makes the upper particularly well-suited for everyday mileage, where consistent reliability takes precedence over ultra-lightweight breathability.

Runners can feel confident knowing the shoe will hold up mile after mile, maintaining its shape and comfort without stretching out or becoming restrictive over time. Overall, the upper delivers a dependable, snug, and comfortable fit that enhances the running experience, offering a perfect balance of warmth, support, and long-lasting wearability for daily training.

Traction

As a stability shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 seems to pride itself on its ability to inspire confidence in its wearers. This holds when it comes to traction.

Asics designed the outsole of this shoe to be a dependable partner in all kinds of daily running conditions, and it definitely delivers. The combination of Asicsgrip rubber and AHAR Plus on the outsole gives it solid hold when the ground is wet. It's not meant for steep, rocky trails, but the Gel-Kayano performs confidently on typical road routes. It moves smoothly over damp grass, loose gravel, and wet pavement, offering a stable and controlled feel throughout. If you're looking for a road shoe that remains reliable in unpredictable weather or on uneven surfaces, the Kayano is an excellent choice.

Should You Buy the Asics Gel-Kayano 32?

If you need a comfortable stability shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 tops our list of recommendations. The Kayano blends support, cushioning, and all-around comfort in a way that makes it a dependable partner for runners who want a shoe they can count on day after day. Athletes seeking a springier, more energetic feel may find it a bit flat, but those prioritizing stability and a smooth, predictable ride will find a lot to like. Newer runners, as well as those who want a secure and steady trainer without extra flash, will feel right at home. After decades on the market, this update demonstrates precisely why the Kayano remains one of Asics' most trusted stability options.

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