Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Kayano® 30
Write A ReviewRating Summmary:
673
673 total reviews
Review Breakdown:
17%5Rated 5 stars out of 5
4%4Rated 4 stars out of 5
72%3Rated 3 stars out of 5
3%2Rated 2 stars out of 5
5%1Rated 1 star out of 5
Customer Fit Survey:
76%"Felt true to size"
83%"Felt true to width"
86%"Moderate arch support"
Additional Reviews
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
I waited until I had some miles on my 30's to write a review. This spring, I was told by our local running store staff that Asics was changing the Kayano to be similar to the Hoka. His words were, "It's what the Hoka wishes it would be." Truth be told, I was a runner since 1979 of all distances including marathons until 2011 when I had to make changes and switch to hiking, walking, and other types of physical activities. I still wore my Kayanos but needed more stability and cushion. So I switched to Brooks Ariels. I like Brooks Ariels, but were difficult to find in my size (11B or D) and a light color. So I thought it best to try another brand. A couple of times I tried Hokas but the pain in my feet, knee and especially my hip from the shoes was unbearable. I tried several models, none worked. That's when the guy at the running store recommended I wait until the new Kayano 30 was released. When they were released, I went in, tried them on with my orthotics, and from Day 1 they have once again become my go-to shoe. Yes. I'm older. Yes. I have aches and pains here and there. But these shoes have once again made walking, doing intervals, and just plain wearing them and being comfortable a delight. Size Women's 11W with orthotics
Walkingnana,
30 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I used to exclusively wear Kayanos but they’ve been hit or miss the last few years. The 27’s were great and the 28’s were shorter and wider but once I broke them in they worked for me. The 30’s are a completely different design and I’m on the fence about the style and fit. They’re very cushioned. Perhaps more than I’m used to or comfortable with and they’re also shorter and wider than the Kayano 29’s which I found to be not as supportive as the 28’s. The wide base on the 30’s does give my pronation a fair amount of stability but I had to go with a narrow in this version and they only come in black which is a bit disappointing. I’m going to wear them inside a bit longer and try them on the elliptical trainer before I decide to keep or return them. I have a very unstable left ankle and narrow feet so they’re probably great for someone with wider feet and someone who needs less stability than I do.
Beth, Zappos Customer,
17 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
I have been buying the Gel-Kayanos since version 24. These are by far the worst. First, they feel too soft and not supportive like the previous versions. Second, they look ridiculous when on. The sole of the shoe is about a centimeter larger than the upper of the shoe. The material looks cheap, like knock-offs.
I am very disappointed and wish they were more similar to version 29. Not sure why they made the changes they did. Will be returning.
Verydisappointed,
16 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
Asics: LEAVE UGLY WEDGE HOKA SHOES TO HOKA. NO one wants them. The forefront padding / rocker you have in this shoe is going to cause MAJOR injuries to people. WHY are you changing your style to fit a HOKA design? Everything about your new designs scream HOKA. Yuck!
If you want ankle and foot injuries - buy this shoe.
BlazinTrails,
15 found this review helpful.
Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
In my opinion, the Gel-Kayano 30 is the first Gel-Kayano to be comfortable since version 12. However, the 30 ran about a 1/2 size short in length on me. The black/sheet rock color in size 9W felt short lengthwise, however, the 9.5M felt like it had a tad too much movement width wise. I could not get a comfortable fit no matter how many times I adjusted the shoelaces. I felt that I could have used a little more height above my mid foot under the shoelaces. I also felt that the cushioning in the heel pushes the foot forward. The cushioning in the 30 is great compared to many other brands, however I don't like an over amount of cushioning in the heels. I've tried on many brands of shoes and have not found a shoe that is comfortable and supportive. I decided that version 30 wasn't for me. Thank you Zappos.
Jbarsm, Zappos Customer,
5 found this review helpful.
Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
This is a good supportive shoe, well cushioned. The design did not work for me as it pushed my foot forward to the end of the toe box. I am sure it will be great for others.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
4 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Comfort1Rated 1 star out of 5
Style1Rated 1 star out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I hate the feel & look of these shoes. The heel cap sticks way out & doesn’t help with balance. It changes the way you have to walk wearing it.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
4 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
I bought these for a trip to Europe where I would be doing a large amount of walking. I am also a nurse and am on my feet 12 hours a day. I know about quality shoes. And these are it! They were perfect for my trip and this particular color looked great with my outfits even if I was dressing business casual. I would definitely recommend them. My feet never hurt once on the trip, they were tired but didn't hurt. Win win win!
Nicole T,
3 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Comfort1Rated 1 star out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
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I have had ASICS kayano shoes for years. They all fit like a glove until now. These kayano 30’s do not fit the same. My feet hurt after wearing these. I have never had this problem before. Wet disappointed.
Shelley, Zappos Customer,
3 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Great gym shoes. I over pronate and these keep my foot in proper alignment on the treadmill.
JP, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
The cushioning on the bottom has changed since the last version and it's not as great.
SMG2401,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I replaced my Kayano 28’s with these, and while they are comfortable overall, the back of the heel comes up significantly higher than the 28’s (I measured). This caused heel chafe, even after adding an insert. Also, I usually wear a 9 but have to size up to 9.5 in these, even before the insert. My heel has callused over and the shoes are comfortable and sturdy, so I’m keeping them.
Jen, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
Solid shoe, the one thing I wish it did better was roll from heel to toe when walking or running. It feels like I have clunky flat feet even after weeks of wearing them.
Ashley P,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
They are incredibly supportive! But the tread started to rip off after about 10 group fitness classes.
KAJ123,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I have worn the Gel-Kayanos for years, but then bought my first pair of Hoka a year ago, and loved them. When it was time to buy a new pair I checked out the ASICS and saw reviews saying the Kayano 30 was just as good, so I figured I'd give them a try. I would say my last ASICS from a couple years ago had similar arch support, but overall they aren't as comfortable as the Hokas. I bought a Hoka Bondi 8 and the Gel-Kayano 30, and there was no comparison. The Hokas have much better arch support and overall feel more stable and much more comfortable. It wasn't even close! I did like the style/color options of the ASICS a little better, but I have a bad ankle and need the best arch support I can get, so the ASICS are going back.
I'd also recommend:
Hoka
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Comfort2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Style2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These were 1/2 wider across the top than my narrow Gel Kayano 28 shoes. I'm returning.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Comfort2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Style1Rated 1 star out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
ASICS changed the design of the Kayeno 30 - it’s much different from the kayeno 28&29.
I have been wearing the kayeno for the last 10 years and I am wildly disappointed that they may the change. They look more hoka-like, and also have a dorsaflex footprint.
I want to return them. Super bummed.
Nina, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Comfort1Rated 1 star out of 5
Style1Rated 1 star out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I am so disappointed with these shoes! I have bought ASICS for years and have come to depend on the fit and comfort. I have narrow feet and the past several generations of this shoe have fit well. This shoe is just too much! The profile is much higher than the ASICS GEL-Kayano 28. The footbed is wider. The front of the shoe rocks forward at a steep angle. Within a few minutes my lower back was aching. Bigger and fancier is not always better.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
I bought these shoes 6 months ago and they have already ripped in two places and the tread is worn down. I wear them every day to walk the dog, not even to run in. I've never been so disappointed in a pair of shoes. I'm shocked at how quickly they came apart. Do not recommend to anyone.
Terrible_shoes,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Really love these shoes! They’re great for running and have excellent support!
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
These shoes provide improved cushion and stability for me. I've used these at the gym and for walks (I'm not a runner but walk a good pace and a lot miles). Whether on the road or treadmill, these keep my feet feeling good even after 5 mile walks up and down hills. Highly recommend. Love these.
GAJeanne,
1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These are great - good support and cushioning and fit my orthotics too.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
Great shoe if you're looking for considerable support, but still a lot of comfort. I especially love the extra support for the inside of my arches. My feet tend to pronate when I walk/run and these feel great.
Dinajoy,
1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
I've been wearing Kayano shoes since the first one. These are the best. A giant leap from the 29 shoe of last year. More cushion and stability. I like the "beefy" sole look and the way it cradles my heel. Thirty miles or more a week in these and no pain anywhere. You got it right Asics on this version. Just ordered another pair.
Denver D,
1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Asics
I have shin splints & Plantar fashiitis. I'm a nurse so I'm on my feet for long hours. These are the absolute best shoes! I won't wear anything else to work. I buy 2 pairs at a time so I can swap them out each day and give them time to air out & decompress. They seem to last longer this way. They usually last about 18 months. If I only buy 1 pair at a time then they last about 6 months.
Nurse13,
1 found this review helpful.