So, off the top of my head, and without consulting...for the symbolic price of 0.10 euro cents per correct answer...what are the most iconic ASICS Running shoes? One, two, three...answer again! For sure, as a good runner, two reference models will come to your mind almost immediately: the ASICS Gel Nimbus 19 and the ASICS Gel Kayano 24. Two best-selling shoes from the Japanese brand that are directly related to each other:
- Gel Nimbus 19: Cushioned training shoe for neutral runners.
- Gel Kayano 24: A highly cushioned training shoe for runners with a pronated stride.
In addition to being the most successful and long-lived series of the Japanese brand, both models also share the fact that they are designed for long-distance running. This is to add and add kilometers on the asphalt, and trying to offer the best running performance to the runner.
Gel Kayano 24, constantly evolving thanks to users
In the specific case of the latest version of the Gel Kayano, they have been improving the runner's experience for more than 20 years - 24 years to be precise - offering comfort and stability in equal parts with every step.
It is clear that the key to the success of models like the Gel Nimbus 19 and the Gel Kayano 24 lies in their constant evolution edition after edition. An evolution that wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the fact that the ASICS Running heads have been attentive to the demands of the users in each new update. To such an extent that comments from popular runners have been made about the Kayano 24, such as:
"The Gel Kayano 24 are the perfect model for that profile of runner that we have overpronation, or simply for all those runners who are looking for more stability."
"The ASICS Gel Kayano 24 is probably the best update ASICS has ever made to this legendary saga".
"In my humble opinion, the Gel Kayano is one of the best models we've seen to date in the family for pronator runners".
But it's not all roses for the ASICS Gel Kayano 24, because some experienced runners have also dropped some buts: "As a running shoe, I love the Gel Kayano 24 , and I adore them; but what I don't like so much is their price".
Of course, it never rains to everyone's liking, and the perfect shoe, for the moment, does not exist. At Runnea we have not yet had the opportunity to test them 100%, but we are already working on it, and soon we will have the pertinent review of the ASICS Gel Kayano 24 with all the details. But to have from what, at the time, one of our #RunTester of the Runnea Team, David Cardenas commented about the ASICS Gel Kayano 23 -elected as the best shoe in its category in the Runnea Best Shoes Awards 2016-:
"The iconic ASICS pronator is modernized and technified to continue to guarantee: maximum cushioning, stability and overpronation control for more kilometers. The Gel Kayano 23 is the example of how to make the model grow in performance, adapting to new times, designs, trends and new technologies, without losing its recognizable identity and philosophy."
That said, the ASICS Gel Kayano 24 promises a lot, and it generates very high expectations, and are they fulfilled? In the absence of a more in-depth analysis, and with the review of rigor, we can say that the first impressions point to it; and that the ASICS Gel Kayano 24 are able to meet all the needs of the pronator runner. Mostly because the latest version of the Gel Kayano does not touch any of the aspects that have also worked in its predecessor version of the Gel Kayano 23.
What remains the same in the ASICS Gel Kayano 24
High cushioning capacity (midsole)
As in its previous version, the midsole of the ASICS Gel Kayano 24 also features a whole compendium of new technologies and innovations, such as the combination of materials:
- FlyteFoam: which being a material 55% - according to ASICS lighter than the rest, this compound ensures great reactivity and lightness. It also recovers its shape after each impact.
- Gel System: Characteristic and exclusive ASICS system, which is inserted both in the rear area and in the front area, with the idea of minimizing impacts.
- Dynamic Duomax: The technology that inserts different densities, in order to correct pronation in the tread.
- Trusstic System: The system that provides the necessary stability and firmness to the shoe.
Guaranteed resistance, traction and grip (outsole).
As in the Kayano 23 version, the latest installment of the Kayano 24 also features no significant changes in its outsole, where ASICS Running designers continue to go for the following materials:
- AHAR+ (Asics High Abrasion Rubber): high-strength compound, which appears strategically placed in the areas most exposed to wear to offer greater durability.
- Solid Rubber Outsole: Softerrubber than the AHAR+ material but serves to enhance traction, even though vaya is detrimental to durability.
- Trusstic System: Included at the level of the plantar arch, and whose mission is to reinforce stability, but also to contain the torsion of the foot in full transition.
- DuraSponge: Material included to provide a more stable, flexible and balanced stride.
- Guidance Line: ASICS' exclusive technology, in the form of a transverse line between the flex grooves, which, as its name suggests, serves to guide the foot in its natural progression in each stride.
- Flexion Lines: A network of three wide flexion grooves in the front of the shoe, which contributes to improving the impulse phase, also improving the traction of the shoe.
What changes in the ASICS Gel Kayano 24
Improved fit, maximizing comfort
- Engineered Mesh with Jacquard Mesh: Thanks in large part to a newly redesigned upper, which includes a noticeably improved fit, featuring a more open, lightweight, breathable and stretchy mesh construction. It therefore offers a more flexible nature.
- FluidFit: Technology included in the inner mesh, which allows the foot to move more naturally.
- Metacluch: In the heel area, and it is a resource that provides extra stability in the back of the shoe. A material that has already been seen in ASICS Running's most innovative and premium running shoes, such as the MetaRun.
Increased comfort
The internal space between the toes is wider, resulting in a very comfortable model for long distances at medium paces.
New range of colors
Both the men's and women's models, which, in addition to improving the aesthetics of the shoe, makes it difficult for runners not to choose the model they like best.
Reduced weight
ASICS Running has managed to reduce the weight of the Gel Kayano 23 by up to 30 grams, so this latest version of the Gel Kayano is 320 grams in the men's version, depending on the size, and 265 grams in the women's model, while maintaining a standard 10-millimeterdrop.
All in all, and always keeping in mind, the opinion of that large group of runners who have had the privilege of testing the ASICS Gel Kayano 24 confirm that this model continues to adapt to the passage of time, and whose construction continues to provide maximum cushioning and a high level of stability and support to face long distance races. A safe option for the overpronator runner.
At Runnea we are already " on mode" to test this ASICS Running shoe!
Photos: ASICS Spain (Facebook)
Read more news about: Running News
