ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes, 10.5, Carbon/Taupe Grey

My old friend, the gel kayano! I tried a variety of shoes the past 2 seasons, but found them lacking the support and cushioning I like for long run days. The ASICS gel kayano 31 fits great. I’m a 9 and wear a 9.5 for a little extra toe room because I run a lot of steep hills. I got these a couple of weeks ago. No break in time to speak of, though I always use moleskin on my heels for the first few weeks of any shoe.Light, comfortable ride, great stability. Mesh keeps my toes cool.. They hint at a little Hoka-envy with the profile, but are not as clown shoe as the Hokas. And I need at least some feedback from the pavement when running. I just got the solid black ones so I can wear them to the airport without looking silly on work trips, and pack my leather shoes.Great shoe, and has been for decades.

I'm a moderate distance runner who sticks mostly to treadmills these days. I do about two to three miles five days per week at a 5+ MPH speed. For as long as I can remember, I've been running in Asics Gel Kayanos (my prior pair were the Gel Kayano 27). Recently, I upgraded to the Gel Kayano 31, not because my previous pair had worn out, but because I essentially demoted them to outdoor/casual use (which is to say they have a lot of life left in them!).It's difficult to imagine, but Asics somehow always finds a way to improve upon the performance and design of each new Gel Kayano generation. The Gel Kayano 31 (as directly compared to the 27) brings a noticeable decrease in weight to the already lightweight formula via foam rubber and neoprene cushioning and stability mechanics where carbonized rubber and hard plastic were once incorporated. These changes make for a few alterations in the shoe's overall feel: 1) The 31 is significantly more wedge-like and has a more elevated feel than the 27. 2) Lateral stability feels a tad looser, but the comparatively wider footprint compensates well (in other words, it doesn't detract from the shoe's performance). 3) The 31 has a slightly faster feel in that there is more forward thrust provided by the wedged sole design. The swap to these softer and lighter materials MIGHT provide less overall durability in the long run (pun intended), but I doubt it, being as Asics has built a reputation for high quality manufacturing.Looks-wise, I like the styling, though I realize this is a matter of opinion. Honestly, it's not the most important aspect, but I will say that the all-black variant is definitely sleek!Overall, the Gel Kayano 31 is a worthy successor to the proud Kayano lineage. It's a pure running shoe vacant of bells, whistles, and gimmicks touted by other brands. Asics is nearly synonymous with running, so buy with confidence.Other notes... I find that they fit true to size...maybe a half-size lower than an equivalent Nike running shoe (i.e., if you're a 10.5 in Nikes, go with a 10 in Asics). My feet are of a normal width, so there's no concern in that regard.

Worth every penny. Have had spinal fusion, and both hips replaced. So, I know pain. These are honestly the best pair of shoes I've ever bought. Pain levels that accompany me on every daily walk dramatically decreased. Like walking on a supportive cloud. I'm going to keep a log of my walking distance, and gather more information on how long these shoes hold up. The price is expensive, and I need to justify the expense. I'll try and remember to update my review in 6 months

My 2nd pair of Asics running shoes. Comfortable and great looking. Just arrived today and I tried them on immediately. Perfect fit ( I wear 10.5). Very comfortable, especially the heel which has a snug collar that wraps around the back of your ankle. Comfortable footbed (will no more after a lengthy run or walk). This particular color scheme looks great too. Piedmont Grey with a pop of Fiery red. The shoe material is lightweight and might even be water resistant. Very pleased with these Asics. shoes.

I bought these on the suggestion of my podiatrist and they have been awesome. I suffer from constant foot injuries due to my active lifestyle and these shoes provide the necessary cushion to improve stress reactions.My only complaint is the squeaking. Every step has a pretty auditable squeaking noise that can be annoying.

My husband Jim wears a size 13 4E in athletic shoes. Finding his size in a well made, comfortable shoe is no easy task.The Asics Gel-Kayano has been his go to for many years.- Well made with durable construction including the outside sole.- Comfortable from the first wear.- Consistent in both size (shoe length) and width.- The inside of the shoe is supportive, with a comfortable arch support.I highly recommend this product.

Great shoe. Fits well. A little bulkie but worthed. No pain in my flat feet.

I've been a loyal Asics customer for years, and their size 10.5 always fits me perfectly, so I knew what to expect there. What I didn't expect was how these shoes would feel on a 20-mile run. Honestly, it felt like I was cheating!The carbon plate and the amount of bounce these shoes provide is incredible. I felt like I was being propelled forward with each step, and my legs felt much fresher than usual at the end of the run. They're incredibly comfortable, and I didn't experience any blisters or hot spots, even on such a long distance.Pros:True to size, consistent with Asics sizing.Exceptional bounce and responsiveness from the carbon plate.Incredibly comfortable for long distances.Reduces leg fatigue.Cons:Might be a bit pricey for some.I'm curious to see how durable the sole is over time.These shoes have definitely earned a spot in my regular training rotation. I'm seriously considering making them my go-to for all my long runs. They're that good.