ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Shoe Review

The Asics Gel-Kayano now has a lighter option, the Gel-Kayano Lite. The Asics Gel-Kayano has historically been one of the most popular running shoes on the market. The support and stability provided by this iconic shoe make it a popular shoe for those who overpronate.

While I have tried the Gel-Kayano in the past, I haven’t been running in it due to the weight of the shoe. This all changes with the Gel-Kayano Lite. When you pick this shoe up and put it on you will immediately notice that it is lighter, faster, and even eco-friendly.

One thing to note is that Asics continues to sell the updated model, Gel-Kayano 27. For comparison purposes, the Gel-Kayano Lite is over 2 ounces lighter than the Gel-Kayano 27.

The Gel-Kayano^® Lite running shoe is lightweight and more sustainable. This shoe provides similar amounts of cushioning and stability as the Gel-Kayano 27 style, but it’s also lighter.

Asics.com

Below are pictures of the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite that I wore for this review. At the time of this review, there were 1 available colors for men and women. I wouldn’t be surprised if they added color options for this model.

Below are a few pictures of the Gel-Kayano Lite.

Below are a few pros and cons of the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite running shoe.

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Verdict

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If you are looking for a max stability running shoe, you need to try the Gel-Kayano Lite! This new shoe make it great for a daily trainer and long runs.

Until this point, I really only have been wearing the Asics GT-2000 shoe because of the balance of support and stability. Going forward, I must say that if I had to choose any Asics stability running shoe, I would choose the Gel-Kayano Lite.

I was skeptical at first because this shoe hasn’t changed in forever (27 versions), but this was a breath of fresh air and really cool to see how Asics is integrating improvements to existing shoes.

The shoe had plenty of room in the forefoot, something I usually have issues with. At the time of this review, there was no wide option for sale.

About the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite

The ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite is the latest Asics max stability running shoe equipped with FlyteFoam sole technology. If you look at the Kayano 27 and Kayano Lite side by side you will see that the FlyteFoam on the Kayano Lite includes more foam, which decreases the weight of the shoe without losing the stability and support.

The GEL-KAYANO™ Lite model is new to our performance running line. Like its namesake, this shoe produces excellent comfort underfoot and added support designed to set the foot up for an efficient toe-off.

Asics.com

This is the first iteration of this shoe and expect this shoe to be a favorite among those runners who need a max stability. The amount of support at 9 ounces was something that reminded me of Hoka, with a little less foam.

The one thing that stands out about this shoe is that it is eco-friendly. The upper mesh is constructed mainly of recycled materials, which I thought was cool that a running shoe could help the planet.

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Initial thoughts

When I first opened the box and picked up the GEL-Kayano Lite shoe, I immediately thought it was similar to the Hoka Clifton. The mesh upper and foam sole really struck me as a comparable shoe. One other thing that was similar was how light this shoe felt compared to the rest of Asics shoes I have worn.

In some of the other reviews I read about this shoe, some have said that this shoe wasn’t responsive enough for them. I didn’t notice that at all during my first run and while walking around in them.

My first real run was an 10 miler around my local streets and trails. This shoe felt great from the first mile to the last mile.

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Shoe Specifications

• Shoe Weight: Men’s: 9 ounces, Women’s: 8 ounces
• Sizing: Order 1/2 size up
• Foot Type: Low arches or flat feet
• Shoe Category: Stability
• Pronation: Moderate to Overpronate
• Sole Offset: 10mm
• Heel Stack Height: 31mm
• Forefoot Stack Height: 21mm
• Recommended Surface: Road (also soft trails)
• Previous Model: 1st Version

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Upper

The Asics GEL-Kayano Lite upper is that I thought was really unique with this shoe. At first glance it looks like a typical mesh upper, but the one thing that is diferent with this is that the upper is mainly constructed of recycled materials, which is something I havne’t really seen on the shoe market.

Sustainable Engineered Mesh. Soft, lightweight, and comfortable, the engineered mesh upper is formed with recycled materials for an eco-friendly design.

Asics.com

The eco-friendly upper of this shoe is lightweight and breathes well. The overlays provide a great fit that allows you to lace up and go. One other thing I thought was creative was the reflective materials that are part of the upper material. Something I always want when I am running at night, especially during the fall and winter months.

The mesh upper on these shoes may not be the best for runs in snow or rain.

Below are a few pictures of the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite shoe upper part of the shoe.

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Sole

The sole of the Asics GEL-Kayano Lite continues to use FlyteFoam, but this is now eco-friendly, something that I didn’t expect in a running shoe sole. Like many other Asics shoes, the sole is made of High Abrasion Rubber+ (AHAR), meaning it is extremely durable.

While this sole is different than some of the other Asics shoes, FlyteFoam is 55% lighter than the traditional EVA sole. This version of the shoe has a lighter and softer sole.

Below are a few pictures of the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite sole.

Buy the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite

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Other buying options: Amazon | Road Runner Sports | Jack Rabbit | Holabird Sports | Kelly’s Running Warehouse

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite Shoe Ratings

Please provide any feedback or experiences you have while running in the ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite running shoe!

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