ASICS GEL-KAYANO 30

GEL-KAYANO 30

When Toshikazu Kayano created the first Gel-Kayano running shoe in 1993, he tried to make it as stable and supportive as possible. Thirty years later, ASICS’ designers followed the same philosophy as the brand celebrated three decades of its flagship series with the Gel-Kayano 30.

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 has a list of high-tech features, many of which are in the stacked sole unit. Its sculpted midsole has been fitted with a 4D Guidance System that adapts to the individual gait of each runner, thus providing great balance, and its overall shape has been altered to curve inwards on the lateral flank and slightly outwards on the medial side, which leads to even better stability.

For cushioning, the midsole is made from lightweight, bouncy FF Blast Plus Eco foam with a pillow of PureGEL in the heel that is 65% softer than the visible Gel used on earlier models. This delivers high levels of shock absorption and reduces joint stress, which in turn protects against injury, while the Ortholite X-55 sockliner brings even more comfort. Underfoot, the tread pattern has strategically placed flex grooves that allow natural movement of the foot, and an AHARPLUS heel plug makes the outsole incredibly durable.

The upper, meanwhile, is made from a flexible engineered stretch knit material with wider areas of mesh across the forefoot and the flanks that produce excellent breathability. There is also an external heel counter that helps to maintain stability and a series of reflective elements which both improve visibility and lend the shoe an eye-catching aesthetic.

The Gel-Kayano 30 is manufactured using environmentally friendly processes and resources, with the upper being made up of at least 75% recycled fabric and the FF Blast foam of around 20% bio-based material. In addition, the technique used to dye the sockliner consumes 33% less water than traditional methods while also cutting carbon emissions by 45%. 

All of this comes together to make the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 a technologically advanced running shoe with a low environmental impact that is stable and comfortable but also bold and stylish in its design. Such an impressive combination of attributes means that it is the ideal silhouette for a wide range of athletes seeking to be supported over many miles of running.