ASICS Gel Kayano 32 Review
by iRUN Singapore on November 18, 2025
ASICS Gel Kayano 32 Review: Putting the Sexy in Stability
Specs
Price
$259
Weight
295 grams (men’s US 9)
Pronation Control
Stability
Stack Height/Drop
40 mm heel, 32 mm forefoot/8 mm
Introduction
Stability shoes are like the accountants of the running shoe world: dependable, reliable, sensible and supportive. Stability trainers have never been the life of the party and are not exactly what you’d call thrilling. They’re the shoes you reach for because you have to, not because you want to.
That’s why the Kayano is such a special shoe. The Kayano is the only stability trainer that makes you want to wear a stability trainer. It keeps you stable without forcing your feet to do things they don’t want to do.
This is the 32nd version of the Kayano and it has been refined to a point where it’s one of the most polished trainers on the market. It’s the most modern, least clunky Kayano to date. The Kayano 32 has an increased stack height with an FF Blast Plus Eco midsole so it offers even deeper cushioning.
For support, it has ASICS’ 4D Guidance System to correct overpronation throughout your gait cycle. A soft, engineered stretch knit improves comfort around your foot for a plush step-in feel.
Looks wise, the Kayano 32 has a sleeker profile that enables it to blend in with the flashier neutral trainers. You can wear it for a long run and then out to brunch without dishing out dad vibes.
The Good
The best thing about the Kayano 32 is that it doesn't feel like a stability trainer. Often, stability trainers have firm medial posts that poke into your arch to prevent you from excessively rolling your ankles inward. The Kayano supports your midfoot but it doesn't poke into it. This makes it a lot more comfortable than your typical stability trainer.
The Kayano is suitable not only for over pronators but for neutral runners as well. It has raised edges in the rear that basically act as guidance rails but you don't notice them during runs.
Another great thing about the Kayano 32 is that it has a stiff forefoot. This makes the ride snappier and allows you to shift up a gear when you need to. It's easy to pick up the pace when the forefoot is not excessively flexible.
The outsole is built to withstand a bomb. The hard-wearing AHAR rubber doesn't show much wear even if you're a heel striker or you're hard on outsoles. You can use the Kayano 32 as your daily driver because it will easily last you hundreds of kilometres.
With 40 mm of stack height in the heel, the Kayano 32 has enough cushioning for long runs and full marathons. It's not designed for racing but there's enough cushioning depth and protection for 42 kilometres.
The upper provides excellent foot lockdown and is generously padded in the collar and heel tab. A stretchy heel pull tab and tongue pull tab make it easier to slip it on. It also has a semi gusseted tongue that prevents any tongue slide. It has a true to size fit with an accommodating forefoot and toe box.
The Bad
The FF Blast+ W Eco midsole foam is cushioned but it doesn't have the high level of energy return or bounce that some of ASICS’ other training foams have. Some runners also might find the ride a bit too firm for such a tall midsole. Hopefully they put some FF Blast Max in future versions which feels lighter, bouncier and plusher.
The upper of the Kayano 32 is not the best upper if your feet run warm or they sweat profusely. There are ventilation holes on the top of the toe box and on the side panels but the knit material is not extremely porous and the padding in the collar soaks up sweat. It’s a shoe that’s better suited to cooler climates than warm, tropical ones.
Final Thoughts on the Kayano 32
The ASICS Kayano 32 is one of the best traditional stability trainers currently on the market. It provides enough support and stability without being overbearing or uncomfortable. It has a stiff forefoot that enables you to pick up the pace and it has an accommodating, plush upper. It has no major weaknesses and it’s suitable for you even if you aren’t an over pronator.
Compared to the previous version, it has a firmer ride which makes it more stable because there’s less lean bias. It also has 2 mm extra stack height in the forefoot which makes it more suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, supportive ride that’s firm but well cushioned, the Kayano 32 is a great choice. It’s also a great option if you want a stability trainer without the poking arch sensation.
In the ASICS shoe rotation, it fills the role of the daily trainer for your slow, easy mileage. It pairs well with either the Magic Speed 4, or Superblast 2 for speed training and the Metaspeed Sky or Edge Tokyo for racing. The Magic Speed 4 and the Edge Tokyo are the better options if you need more stability.
Reviewed by Brandon Law
