Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Kayano® 26

I read the reviews before I purchased these shoes. I ordered 1/2 size up wide width and they were way too big. I wore Asics all the time then switched to Brooks. I thought I would give them a try again but it did not work out. Everyone has different needs in a shoe. This one did not meet my expectations.

I’ve been wearing Asics for years. My 2 yr old pair is worn out and I'm having trouble finding a replacement. The first pair I ordered (in the same size As old pair) was too small and felt very stiff. Sent them back & ordered this pair in a larger size. They too are small and the toe box is so shallow I could feel it pressing through my socks. Also the material used in the upper feels like hard plastic. I’m afraid these are going back as well. Will have to find another brand as the new ASICS don’t seem to be as well made as the older ones. Disappointed...

I had to return this shoe. I have worn these ASICS for several years and ordered my usual size 8. My toe bumped the end so I had to return them.

Not a good shoe for running! After about mile 3 my feet and legs were killing me. Returned.

I have worn Asics Gel-Kayano for years. They were one of the few manufacturers who made size 13 2A width. Now they have stopped making this narrow width and the B width is very big. The 26 is a boxy wide toe box and a bit small in length but not enough for me to order a size up. However, this shoe is so wide my feet move around in the shoe even when laced as tight as possible (making the laces extremely long??). The heel is snug but on a narrow foot like mine that is a good thing but it seems odd to have a snug heel fit with such a wide toe box. I wish a large retailer like Zappos would intervene with manufacturers to encourage manufacturing changes based on multiple reviews (i.e. 2A width, narrow toe box) to offer shoe models for all customers. I also wish manufacturers would listen to their customers and offer models they used to make. Can anyone recommend an athletic shoe for a long and narrow foot?

I tried to love these. ASICS has changed their design and discontinued several lines of their women's running shoes (I loved the Gel Kinsei & Gel Sendai) so often, I fish around with sizing and comfort until I find what works. I need these to teach a high intensity group exercise class so I require good lateral stability with high arch support. These seemed to fit the bill, however, after increased time wearing them around to break them in, I felt irritation (a burning sensation) in both of my Achilles. Disappointing because I loved the navy with almond. These are going back through Zappos 30 day Runlimited Guarantee. I'm trying the Gel Nimbus 22.

I’ve been running in the ASICS Kayano since the 14s, and I’ve always worn an 8. This is the first time in almost 12 years that I’ve had to switch to an 8.5. I received them in size 8 as a gift, and I couldn’t believe how small they were. I even took pictures of my 25s next to these 26s from different angles, and CLEARLY the 26s are smaller. I was disappointed, but I thought I’ll get the 8.5s and it will be okay. Unfortunately this was not the case. The 8.5s are just slightly too big, long in the toe box area. They are wearable, but I won’t be buying this model again, for sure. I loved my 25s, I don’t know why they changed so much of a great shoe. Might be time to move on to something new.