ASICS - Gel-Kayano 31

I’m looking for a shoe for 5-10K towards half marathon (eventually). I currently run 5K at 5:00-5:15/km and I’m looking for something that’ll be comfortable with good energy return. I'm not sure how well to classify what good energy return is, but if it's a bit bouncier than Ultraboosts that would be a good start. I’ve gone back to running in ancient Ultraboosts after selling my Kayano 31s which I just didn’t get on with, they were the wrong size and the wrong shoe for me. I previously had (and returned) some GT-2000 12s which I didn’t really like the fit or feeling of either, so I’m not considering ASICS anymore. Despite the Ultraboosts having little pronation support I’ve also had zero discomfort running in them which makes me think I don’t necessarily really need a stability shoe either. I only bought the Kayanos because the running shop I bought them from convinced me I pronated, but I'm genuinely not sure how true it is because apparently they all say that! The problem I’m having isn’t lack of choice but almost too much choice. I just want a comfortable daily trainer with a nice energy return, not so fast or aggressive that I can’t do slower runs comfortably but still decent foam and comfort.  My shortlist so far is: *Saucony Ride 17* (if really discounted): Neutral with good comfort and decent midsole, some have said it’s a bit too stiff feeling but lots haven’t. Can get it for about £80-90 *Saucony Ride 18*: Lighter than 17 with even firmer midsole (according to RunRepeat measurements), about £20-40 more than 17 *Saucony Tempus 2*: Stability and bouncy Pebax midsole, glowing reviews everywhere, most expensive at £150+ *Saucony Hurricane*: Weirdly cheaper than Tempus in a few places, bulkier but more comfortable for longer runs, also supposedly better than Triumph 22 which nobody seems to like much  *New Balance 1080v14*: Super soft and squishy, reviews say good energy return for EVA though *Edit* - Forgot to mention the New Balance Rebel v4 also looks great, nice energy return and good comfort. *Adidas Evo SL*: Crazy energy return, fast and light, some issues with tongue and laces *Adidas SL2*: Not quite as good foam as Evo SL but super cheap, down to £70 in some places  *Puma ForeverRun Nitro*: Wildcard, crazy good reviews on RunRepeat and other places, only supercritical EVA midsole but could be good. Also as cheap as £70 in some places which seems great value Weird list, I know, but it’s really hard to know what to go for, if I should still get something with a bit of stability or not. There’s probably others that I’ve missed but I’m probably not looking at shoes with just bog-standard EVA foams, only because there’s so much competition at the £70-140 price point that you don’t really need to these days. I’m also nervous about spending a lot on a shoe after I ended up £80 down selling my Kayanos. I know much more what to look for fit-wise this time but I’d feel stupid having the same expensive lesson twice. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions that could lead to me finally making a decision please let me know.

Asics hands down! So many shoes to fit everyone's needs! I personally have the Kayano 31s for easy/recovery and SuperBlast 2s for everything else👌

I have keyano 30 and 31. The 32s are available for pre order right now though

Pretty sure I actually have the basic version they are wide enough on their own which is shocking because I really have wide flat pancake feet lol

Thank you! Just curious as i use the kayano 31 as well, but am just a casual runner. Might aim for some 5k pb’s in future though!

I am running in Peregrines on trails and for roads I have Brooks Glycerin GTS, Asics Gel Kayano 31, Puma MagMax and Brooks Hyperion 2. All three daily trainers are wider than Peregrines and have more stack but I tend to not overcomplicate my road runs

Haluuu! I began running with a Gel Kayano 31 while I was building my fitness. But through months of running and occasional strength training (which I recommend you do, not just occasionally!) my feet can already tolerate neutral shoes. So overpronation can be improved with strength training and consistent running!

I looked into the Puma Velocity Nitro 3s and actually ordered the ASICS Gel Kayano 31s but I realized how much exposed foam there was on the outsole. I’m sure it would wear away very quickly and possibly start to peel away the actual rubber itself like it did with the 1906r’s (pictures above)

I did my research, and asked few people. I have overpronate. Just bought Asics Gel Kayano 31. Very stable, good for beginner, and prevent injury.

I pronate badly, especially in my left foot. I use Gel Kayano 32's for my easy runs & Superblast 2's for my quicker sessions. Although I feel like I preferred the Kayano 31's (neither are very fun, they just stop me getting shin splints!). I love the Superblast 2 they're super stable for a non-stability shoe & will be taking me through the London Mara in April 👍🏻

Similar volume runner in my peak weaks, long time user of Superblast 2. Definitely my favorite, but I introduced the Gel Kayano 31 for some even slower miles & added stability. I like to reach for them 2x a week, particularly for doubles