The Asics Gel-Kayano 26 is a running pair designed for the long haul

The Gel-Kayano 26 is a modern running pair with comfort at its core, writes Veer Arjun Singh

The Gel-Kayano 26 offers solutions to a lot of things that runners tend to complain about. It’s a pair that favours neutral to over-pronators — runners with a slight inward roll of the foot on landing — as well as people troubled with flat feet. If you are new to running and not sure if you are a neutral, under- or over-pronator, I recommend you visit an Asics store and get a gait mapping done (it’s free if you end up buying a pair) to understand the character of your foot. People who suspect they may be flat-footed should definitely see a podiatrist before making distance running a hobby.

Performance (4/5)

At its core, the Gel-Kayano 26 is for runners who prefer a shoe that does not wrap around their feet, has a wide toe box and some wiggle room around the heel. The shoe has a slightly loose fit keeping in mind the minor swelling of feet that takes place over long distances. It’s also an intelligent shoe that combines different technologies to support the foot.

Starting with the most obvious, the new Gel-Kayano  gets more pronounced gel pods at the heel than the Kayano 25 for a cushiony underfoot feel. In my experience of running regularly with the Gel-Nimbus 21 and now the Kayano 26, it’s the best heel cushioning technology in running shoes for people who prefer a more stable and grounded underfoot feel over a bouncier one. Some more gel is infused in the forefoot area to ease the landing and toe off.

The midsole is a triad of three layers: FlyteFoam Lyte at the base for standard cushioning, FlyteFoam Propel concentrated around the forefoot for energy-return and a quicker toe-off and Dynamic DuoMax, a dense layer of foam for midfoot stability, which also helps counter the inward roll of the foot. The outsole is tuned for road running and offers good traction. The engineered mesh upper with its porous holes allow the feet to breathe.

Paired with medium-thick Asics running socks, the sweating and heating did not reach uncomfortable levels over distances below 10 km. I did, however, feel the fit could have been more snug. Some people might also find the shoe a half-size bigger than stated. The pair is not suited for CrossFit and other forms of rigorous functional training.

The Gel Kayano-26 at 311 grams apiece is on the heavier side of the spectrum, but the protection it offers is worth the extra weight, especially the extra support on the heel counter. Overall, the pair provides a stable ride and a light yet grounded underfoot feel.

Design (4.5/5)

The midnight blue colourway of the Gel-Kayano 26 is a thing of beauty. It’s the newest iteration of a legacy running pair that can easily compete with modern sneakers. It’s designed in a combination of three shades of blue. I specially love the comeback of the zig-zag gel pods and the detailing of the upper. The Asics logo on both sides has reflective properties, which makes the shoe attractive as well as suitable for night running.

Verdict (4.5)

The Gel-Kayano 26 is a sophisticated shoe for long-distance running with many fail-safe mechanisms in place to protect the foot, especially for over-pronators. Its chic design and varied colourways will make it a delightful investment.