SCORE: 8.9/10
Heel drop: 10mm
Weight: 10.5 oz (men) | 9.5oz (Women)
Shoe Type: Max-cushioned neutral stability trainer
Running Surface: Road
Pace: Marathon
Use: For overpronators, daily training mid-range marathon and recovery runs
Pros
- Stable
- Cozy upper
- Update upper design
- Lightweight than predecessors
- Comfortable for long runs
- Incredible stability features
- Versatile
- Durable AHAR + outsole
Cons
- Not highly responsive.
Take Away
The Asics Gel Kayano 29 stability running shoe has an improved cozy upper mesh that hugs the foot and offers the correct foothold. The Dual-density midsole provides sufficient support to overpronators. The reduced weight allows for easy transitions; thus perfect for long runs and easy mileage. Asics Kayano 29 rides soft and stable with a somewhat ground feel.
Introduction
Asics Gel Kayano 29 comes with a lot of improvements. The increased stack height and reduced weight are highly noticeable. The weight reduction is about 10 grams, which comes from the removed plastic system in the central areas of the shoe. The exposed gel cushioning is not as much as it was in the previous version.
There is conflicting information regarding the stack height. Online running shoe sellers indicate that the Kayano 27 has 25mm on the heel and 15 mm in the forefoot, making a 10mm heel drop. However, the actual measure, inclusive of the inserts and outsole, shows that this shoe is 35mm in the heel and 25 in the forefoot. Hence, there is evidence of increased stack height.
Asics Gel Kayano 29 Upper Design and Fitting
Asics transformed the entire upper layer of the Kayano 28. The upper part constitutes an engineered knit that is a touch stretchy. The irony is that Asics calls it a stretch-knit upper. I find this mesh exceptionally comfortable. The material is pretty dense yet breathable in humid weather. The upper fits true to size, keeping the feet contained.
Asics didn't give the Asics Kayano 29 a gusseted tongue but moderate padding. Well, this is a good consideration. Besides, the lacing system is neat and robust. There is plenty of padding in the Achilles and ankle, providing the typical Asics experience. Asics also added the OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner to enhance comfort.
The heel counter is solid but accommodative. It keeps the heel and ankle locked in and enhances the shoe's overall stability.
Generally, the upper of Kayano 29 has a neat 3D construction. It is true to size, comfortable, roomy, and with the exceptional lockdown. The upper radiates the typical Asics feel because everything is consistent with other Asics. There is no major issue about the upper to report.
Asics Gel Kayano Midsole Design and Performance
Making moderate stability running shoes is what designers had in mind. So, the midsole is the soul and spirit of Asics Kayano 29. It is where the magic happens.
Most noteworthy changes in the sole unit include the new FF Blast + midsole foam and approximately 1.5 ounces drop of weight. For the first time, there is no Dual-Gel cushioning system. Instead, Asics adopted the dual-density midsole design. The new FF Blast+ is soft and bouncy and combines well with the firm Litetruss foam underneath, and the solid heel counter to create a balance between landing stability and bounciness. This approach is replicated in Asics Gel-Nimbus 24.
The midsole is also pretty rockered through the forefoot to enhance seamless toe-off. I noticed that the FF Blast + foam makes up most of the forefoot to create sufficient compression for toe-off. The Flytefoam FF Blast + foam provides a significant amount of pop besides enhancing a soft landing from the heel to midfoot.
The midsole has a medial guidance (a medial-post Asics calls the Litetruss™ system, which runs from the heel to the anterior midfoot). The the Litetruss™ system is a common feature in the Asics GT-2000 stability trainer. The medial guidance is well integrated into the midsole to prevent uneasiness on the medial arch. Most importantly, the extended medial part from the heel area enfolds the medial and lateral regions to form a rail guard that keeps the foot in place during running.
Asics has ensured that Asics Kayano 29 caters to mild overpronation. Hence, integrating the medial support and a Lite trust support system does this job well.
The outsole has the AHAR rubber, particularly on the midsole's medial side, which creates a small lateral bias. There is a benefit to experiencing the Lite Trust when transitioning. The typical AHAR rubber makes Kayano 29 versatile across the terrain, whether wet or not.
Performance
The Asics Gel Kayano 29 is a shoe for easy efforts, mid-range and long runs, or easy mileages. This shoe is well cushioned, so the ride is quite soft and stable because of the slight posterior flare and lateral bevel in the rear part of the shoe. The soft Flytefoam Blast plus offers gentle compression in the heel for a soft landing, a pop toe-off in the forefoot, and overall quick transitions.
Most runners will love the full ground contact midsole, the flexible forefoot, and the great toe spring that combines well to promote natural running.
The Asics Kayano 29 is not a speed shoe, so it performs best at moderate paces. Its main purpose is to give overpronators stability and cushioning during recovery or easy long runs. It serves exceptionally as a daily trainer because of the solid AHAR outsole. It is likely to last over 400 miles.
The weight improvement is commendable since 10.5 ounces makes the Asics Kayano much lighter than its predecessors. It feels pretty lightweight on foot. Overall, the Gel, Kayano 29, is well-cushioned, stable, and rides smoothly.
Who Should Buy Asics Kayano 29
Asics Gel-Kayano 29 is for runners looking for a well-cushioned stability daily training shoe that has moderate heel and arch support. The medial Litetruss offers moderate medial stability compared to traditional posts. It works well with other features like rail-like guidance to guarantee stability. It is also a proper daily trainer for those with normal and narrow-width feet.
The Gel-Kayano 29 also fits a runner looking for a somewhat soft ride in a lightweight, stability daily trainer.
Reviewd by Charles Allen
Allen lives in Honokaa, Hawaii, with a wife and three kids. He is a regular trainer and has been running for the last eight years. Sometimes he competes in short marathons. He also provides personal training services to spice up his training sessions, especially on weekends.
