Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Kayano® 26

I have been wearing Gel-Kayanos for many, many years; I have been wearing ASICS shoes since the early days in the 1960s when they were Onitsuka Tiger. I have always had better luck with ASICS than with any other brand. As a heavier runner, I find the levels of support and cushioning in the Kayano perfectly suited to my frame. My only complaint is a petty one. I wear a 4E width, and I am profoundly grateful to ASICS for manufacturing this top-tier shoe in my width. I understand that the 4E market is very small, so it is unrealistic to ask for all color schemes to be available in 4E widths. But I just wish that once in a while they would make the 4E width available in one of the more exciting color schemes. Typically, the 4E width is only available in the blandest color scheme produced. As I said, it is a petty complaint, and I can live with the bland colors as long as the shoes permit me to continue running injury-free.

I am not a runner, but I thought I would try these shoes to see if I could use them as a walking shoe. They have a stitching on the bottom of the tongue that has material sticking out. After just a few days of that material rubbing on the upper part of my foot caused it to bleed. I have never experienced that before in a shoe. I also have high arches and I thought it had poor arch support.

I mainly use these for long walks with my dog. I had the previous edition of the Kayano, and these feel equally supportive and a touch lighter. For some reason they did seem to be a touch smaller than the previous version so I had to order a half-size up. I have flat feet and always put in an extra arch support, but these shoes have a very nice amount of support for over-pronators. My only complaint would be the lack of color options. I wish there were as many choices as with previous versions, but the shoe itself seems as good or a touch better.

Have mixed feelings about the shoe. Fits well and is supportive. It just doesn’t have that pop to it that most running shoes have on release. It absorbs the shock and dissipates the energy rather than sending you forward. Maybe that’s what it supposed to do, but it makes the miles feel a little further than usual. Even though the styling is a little aggressive, upon close examination, it’s an attractive shoe.

Great all around athletic shoes. I have had several versions of the Gel Kayano over the years and these seem to be as good as the originals I fell in love with. Will have to wear them to see about durability, but fit and comfort are much better than the Kayano 25. They are lighter.

I have what an experienced orthopedic surgeon declared to be the flattest feet he had ever seen. Walking and standing have been life-long uncomfortable experiences for me. I have never in my 56 years worn shoes as comfortable as these. Ever. I bought a pair of GEL-Kayano 25 shoes in black (had to go to an ASICS store to get them in black) and they were so comfortable I ordered these for more casual attire. We have standing desks at work, which I couldn't really use because of my flat feet, but in just a couple of weeks I have built up tolerance to standing most of the day. I had no idea this would ever happen for me. One word of warning on sizing. My original order was for my normal size, 10 1/2 D. I couldn't get them on. When I got the size 11 and loosened the laces a lot, they fit perfectly. Thanks you ASICS for making the perfect show for people with feet flatter than a duck's!

Got a 1/2 size up and they were perfect. Best overpronate sneaker on the market

I liked the look of these shoes but they felt like they had a lot of support at the heel and toes without enough support in the middle of the foot. I spent a week walking around and running in these shoes. My feet were hurting as it felt like pressure was being put on the ball of the foot or base of the toes due to that feeling of minimal support in the mid-foot. I liked the look but returned the shoes and went with Brooks Adrenaline which has cushy support for the entire foot.

Well , ......... I was completely surprised about the ASICS GEL -Kayano 26 , only one word comes to mind when I wear them .......AWESOME ,AWESOME ,AWESOME ,AWESOME ,AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME !!!!!!

$$$. Much improved from previous Model 35 which was a total disappointment all around. In fact this feels as though it is a return to the Kayano 24. Would be better if a straighter last.

I've lost count of how many GEL-Kayanos I've owned. This one is just a great as the last and the one before, and the one before . . . Please don't change it.

Fit perfectly. Feel good walking or running. Where them around the world, literally! I've been wearing Asics Kayanos for years. I've bought them online; I've bought them in Australia. Same great fit. Same great feel. Keep up the terrific work!

These are the best Kayno since the 20. I had the 22 and 24 in between and these are a big upgrade. Great motion control and cushioning.

I couldn’t have been more disappointed. I have been wearing the gel-kayano for years and now the cushion is gone to me. They are hard than the last. I returned them and bought Brooke.

The fit has been near perfection! I was shocked. I was absolutely not expecting such a great fit. I ordered a 12 4E and they fit perfectly, especially in the toe box. I am still shocked at how well they fit. Once I put them on, I hardly even notice them which is saying a lot. Other shoes, I can feel the rub or feel the break in them, but these, none of that. They are a great fit. Width: As I have stated, the toe box area has always been an issue for me and these shoes exceed my wildest expectations. Plenty of wiggle room but not so much wiggle room that I can park a few extra toes in the shoe. Comfort: I over pronate a lot and these shoes correct that. Are they like walking on air? No. Do they add spring to your step as if you're in low gravity? No. They have a firm support and a firm type of comfort. I don't worry that my foot is going to roll in them and there's enough cushioning that I'm not feeling every single pebble, groove or bump on the road. I also wear medium cushioned socks so that does help.

I have been wearing ASCIS singe my first Gel-Kayano 21. There has been some variance in comfort over he years and models with more than one pair in each version. These fit well and I am happy with the arch support and cushioning. The scheme is good---I have two new 26s. I like them better than the 25s which I felt were a step down/back. I you keep making them as good, I will keep buying them.

Great lateral support

I bought these for my son in black/electric blue. We both think the colors are sharp, especially the lime accent. They are worn for walking and fit the requirement for stability and cushioning.

Super comfortable, easy to wear all day long.

These Kayano’s are awesome. They fit great, true to size and the best support.

I love these shoes! Since I was a little girl I have had the worst time finding shoes that fit my 4E wide, high arched feet. I usually buy New Balance, because of the width, but I wanted to try a different brand for a change. The Asics Gel-Kayano 26 was the prefect shoe to try. The 4E width, wide rounded toe box and soft spongy gel that conformed to my arch was perfect. The first day I received these, I wore then to the zoo, walking up and down hills and walkways, and after several hours on my feet, I felt great. My feet didn't hurt and I could have walked further. I loved these so much that I bought a second pair so I could wear them at work. As a teacher, I am on my feet all day long and need shoes that will be comfortable and easy to wear, and will make my feet feel great, these are it!

These seem a little wider in the toe box than previous versions, which is good. They also seem to have more cushion. I have only worn them to exercise once, but they seem good.

I had to reorder a 1/2 size larger and I used a different insole for my foots comfort. The shoe is of great quality and appearance.

These are comfortable and supportive jogging sneaks. I finally had to go from the 25 to the 26, although I thought the 25 was great. I wear a wide fit and they were comfortably wide. My main complaint with this shoe is the laces. My laces have stretched one foot since I purchased them a few eeks ago. I did change out the laces because they were too long to wear without faces tripping issues. I should have changed the laces sooner, but I never expected them to stretch as long as they did. A very poor choice of laces for a running shoe that takes a beating.