Asics Gel Kayano 21

Color: Royal/Lightning/Flash Yellow

Intended use: All runs except in bad weather.

Surfaces tested on: Road, 21° C/73° F

Upper: Spacer mesh, TPU welds, synthetic leather.

Midsole: Tri-density EVA foam with heel and forefoot Gel pads. Firmer foam insert on inner side. Midfoot plastic shank. 10mm heel drop.

Outsole: Heel carbon rubber, blown forefoot rubber.

Weight: 351 gms/ 12.4 Oz for a half pair of UK10/US11, D Width

Widths available: D-standard (reviewed), 2E (Wide) and 4E (Extra wide) in select colors.

US Retail: $ 160 

The 2014 Kayano 21 is here, and it now happens to be one of the softest running shoes in Asics’ line-up when it comes to cushioning. And just how soft? More than the Kayano 20, and surprisingly, more than the Asics Gel Nimbus 16 too. This aspect is the key difference between last year’s avatar and the just released 21. There are some other subtle design updates, consistent with Asics’ approach of incremental evolution. The upper hasn’t changed much on the Kayano 21 from a material or design perspective. In comes some small updates (on fit) worth a mention, which we’ll cover later. The midsole has major updates, and that’s what makes the Kayano 21 so different from the 20. 

As you might already know, the Kayano midsole is built using three different densities of foam – there’s an upper layer of foam just below the strobel, which is glued on top of the second layer of foam – the latter also has ‘Dynamic Duomax’ insert on the medial (arch side) which is hardest in density. In earlier days, Duomax foam used to be a different (usually grey) color and pasted together with softer density foam. As footwear technology evolved, brands were able to mold both these densities together without the need for adhesives. The recent trend has been to make the colors of both densities tonal so that they integrate aesthetically. And blended almost too well on the Kayano 21 – would have been difficult to tell had it not been for the speckles on the area featuring Duomax.

This harder density foam is usually placed by brands to control inward foot roll (pronation), but don’t let the ‘pronation control’ tag put you off. The Kayano 21 should work for majority of runners who just want a well cushioned shoe with premium looking (and feeling) materials. So much so, we’d go as far to say that if you’re unhappy with the un-plushness of the recent Nimbus 16, consider the Kayano 21. The shoe’s behavior has changed drastically since the days of Kayano 17/18, so if you’ve been staying away from the Kayano because of your past experience, then it’s about time you gave your perception a refresh.

This year, the midsole construction has been overhauled to make the ride softer. Be it the upper or lower layer of foam, both of them have gone softer in density. The visible part of the heel Gel pad is also thicker when compared to last year, and forefoot Gel now moves closer to front of the shoe. The Kayano 21 also gets rid of the angled foam stacking on the heel (see picture above). There’s more of the softer, white midsole foam just below the upper heel which makes that section softer to land on.

The heel and forefoot now feel way more padded than the 20, which feels flatter (and firmer) in comparison. Outsole changes do their bit to influence cushioning too. The heel crash pad is now larger – the area of rubber mounted on heel midsole foam has been increased, and heel striking will result in the crash pad flexing, adding to cushioning feel. Also mentionable is the fact that heel rubber placements on either sides have increased articulation. Rubber on lateral rearfoot is now split into two parts instead of one (Kayano 20) and the medial side sees introduction of a flex groove. This allows those parts to move independently of each other, enhancing the sensation of a softer ride and transition.

The forefoot is more flexible than the 20 due to the softer materials, with the likelihood of revised forefoot Gel placement playing a role too. The forefoot is very well padded, making landings soft for forefoot strikers. If there’s any drawback of that, pressure is felt under the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal, the probable reason being the density contrast between the soft midsole and much harder blown rubber pieces. The exposed ‘guidance line’ is wider than Kayano 20 and overall gap in the center of the outsole has been increased. This wide groove is accentuated by the softer midsole foam, and weight loading results in building pressure on that portion. However, this is not something you’ll feel immediately; it only comes through once you’re past 6-7 kilometers of continuous running. There is no pain or soreness, you just finish the run feeling that the foot has worked harder in the front.

Use of a new tongue and collar lining is a welcome update. The Kayano 21 tongue and collar feels much more luxurious, much in thanks to this new mesh with a softer hand feel. The tongue design has been changed, and the softer lining turns over to the front lip, making it feel softer when you tug on them. Incidentally, the fabric used is the same as what’s used on the Nimbus 16, with striking pattern similarity. However, the tongue continues to feature a gusset free construction, making it prone to tongue slide. That there’s a small lace-loop in the center is of no help at all.

With the radical shift towards softness, the Kayano couldn’t be more different from what it used to be a few years ago. Once the torch bearer for running shoe firmness, the new Kayano is a reset of its earlier self, transforming into an ultra cushioned offering. While this broadens the appeal of Kayano 21 to a larger consumer base, the update is obviously going to upset a few gents who were used to (and liked) the firm ride of earlier models. In that case, the $100 Asics GT 1000 3 is something you could consider – that shoe has a similar Duomax midsole minus the visible forefoot Gel units and some amount of upper plushness.