Facts
| Terrain: | Road |
|---|---|
| Arch support: | Stability |
| Use: | Jogging |
| Weight: | Men: 315g |
| Heel to toe drop: | Men: 10mm | Women: 10mm |
| Pronation: | Overpronation |
| Arch type: | Medium arch |
| Strike Pattern: | Heel strike |
| Distance: | Daily running | Long distance | Marathon |
| Release date: | Jun 2019 |
| Brand: | Asics |
| Type: | Heavy | Big guy |
| Width: | Men: Narrow, Normal, Wide, X-Wide | Women: Narrow, Normal, Wide, X-Wide |
| Price: | €200 |
| Colorways: | Black, Blue, Grey, Purple, White, Pink, Red, Brown |
Rankings
Expert Reviews
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86 / 100 based on 8 expert reviews
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I enjoyed this shoe. I'm probably going to to keep training in these for a while before I switch to something else.
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Although it lacks top-end speed, the ASICS GEL Kayano 26 can serve as an ideal every day shoe for training or racing from 10K to the marathon.
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ASICS has been doing stability right for a long time with the Kayano, and the GEL-Kayano 26 is no exception.
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Even with the significant changes, the GEL-Kayano 26 remains a good candidate for runners needing & wanting a medium level of guidance to offset any pronation.
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The ASICS Kayano 26 is a solid everyday stability trainer built for many miles at different paces. Unfortunately the high price tag and the many similarities it shares with the other ASICS stability offerings hold it back from being an outstanding shoe.
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If you were a fan of the Gel Kayano 25, you should like the 26 solely based on the shoe getting a bit lighter and the tweaks to the outsole to make the forefoot more flexible. Just remember though, not that much has changed between models.
- The Asics Gel Kayano 26 is a running shoe that’s designed to heighten performance on the roads. It is also an update to a well-established series of stability running shoes, taking the lead as one of the industry’s go-to products that function against the progression of overpronation.
- The visible and mechanical changes take the form of the zigzag pattern of the GEL® shock-attenuating technology in the heel for aggressive impact mitigation. This GEL® configuration is a sign of reverence to past Gel Kayano models like the Kayano 16, which also employed the discernible wave-like structure of the GEL®. This current-day embodiment of nostalgia is a tribute to the Japanese wisdom of ‘respecting the past in creating the new.’
- The 26th iteration of this family has an open-weave upper that moves away from the uniform sipes of the Gel Kayano 25 model, as well as an increase in natural reflectivity which makes it quite visible to anyone.
The Gel Kayano 26 was constructed using the standard measurements. When it comes to size, consumers are welcome to get a pair using their usual sizing expectations. It is worth noting, however, that trying on the shoe first before making a purchase can drastically ease any doubts about an off-putting in-shoe experience.
Widthwise, this Asics running shoe is available in Medium and Wide variants for both men and women. Those who have medium or broad foot dimensions are welcome to acclimate themselves in the shoe-wrap.
The AHAR® or Asics High Abrasion Rubber is used as the layer of protection for the heel section. The durable construction of this material helps in extending the life of the midsole foam. It also lasts long as it resists abrasion caused by surface contact and continued use.
DuraSponge® is a spongy version of the AHAR® compound. It is used for the forefoot section of the external pad. Such a placement assists the heightening of the cushioning quality of the platform, particularly when it comes to the toe-off phase of the gait cycle.
Flex grooves line the surface of the outsole. These shallow trenches are meant to make the midsole adherent to the natural movement of the foot, bending in cadence with the heel-to-toe transitions.
The base of the Asics Gel Kayano 26’s midsole is made up of the FlyteFoam® Lyte. This aptly named piece has a lightweight build, but it isn’t flimsy. It’s tasked with delivering quality cushioning, even after many uses. Lyte is made up of organic nanofibers which are friendly to the environment.
A concentration of FlyteFoam® Propel graces the forefoot section. This feature has a bouncy configuration that allows it to energize the forefoot lifts. Its malleable nature works with the blown rubber outsole and the FlyteFoam® Lyte in providing invigorated steps.
The GEL® shock-mitigating technology is wedged into both the forefoot and heel of the platform. These silicon-based portions are designed to absorb the force generated by the foot-strike, then transfer the energy to the foot, allowing for a cycle of energetic forefoot lifts and smooth landings. The visible zigzag that makes up the heel GEL® is touted to amplify the absorbing capacity.
The Dynamic DuoMax™ is a dense foam in the midfoot of this stability running shoe that’s meant to support the arch and prevent it from buckling or overpronating during the run or when standing idly. This stability mechanism fundamentally averts injuries brought about by anatomical deviation or irregularities in gait.
The Trusstic System™ is a thermoplastic layer that sits between the midsole and outsole. This midfoot add-on bolsters the structural integrity of the cushioning system while also acting as a foundation for the tendons and muscles of the underfoot. Such inclusion prevents fatigue or tendon inflammation due to straining.
The Impact Guidance System® links the technologies of the midsole together without sacrificing flexibility and the natural capacity of the foot to move. No part of the platform hinders their counterparts.
The ComforDry™ X-40 is a removable sockliner that offers extra cushioning for the foot. This lightweight insert has antibacterial and anti-moisture capacities to prevent odor and sweat-retention.
Serving as the exterior of the Asics Gel Kayano 26’s upper unit is the jacquard mesh. This cloth-like material offers flexibility, a form-welcoming fit, and breathability through a set of tiny and gaping ventilation holes.
The FluidFit™ construction is composed of stretchy fibers that adapt to the motion of the foot as it gears itself for each takeoff. It is even made seamless to provide a non-irritating wrap.
Printed overlays reinforce the structure of the upper, sustaining its upright form and saving it from looking soggy over time. These synthetic layers also help the traditional lacing system in giving a locked-in fit.
MetaClutch™ is an exoskeleton that rests on the back of the façade. The purpose of this feature is to help the fabrics in holding the foot in place and maintaining its steadiness.