Asics Gel-Kayano 32 Review: The Gold Standard Gets an Upgrade
Gel-Kayano 32: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 303g
- W: 257g
Best For:
- Daily training
Price:
- $280
Stack Height & Drop:
- 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot
- 8mm drop
Favourite Features:
- FF Blast+ Eco
- Pure GEL cushioning
- Hybrid Asics Grip
Release Date:
- July 15th, 2025
What’s the Gel-Kayano all about?
The Asics Gel-Kayano series has long been the gold standard for stability running shoes, blending reliable support with plush, high-mileage cushioning. In recent years, Asics has been steadily evolving the line, by not only reinforcing stability, but also improving comfort and ride quality with each update. The Gel-Kayano 30 was a big leap in that direction, with its shift to the new 4D Guidance System and a softer, more forgiving midsole that made it feel more modern and less chunky.
Now the Gel-Kayano 32 builds on that momentum. It keeps the same supportive framework that made the 30 a standout for over pronators and long-distance runners alike, but refines the ride with an even lighter and more responsive FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam. The result? A smoother, more energetic feel underfoot without sacrificing the reliable guidance and comfort that Kayanos are known for.
For runners and walkers who need a bit more structure, but don’t want to feel weighed down, the Gel-Kayano 32 delivers a fresh balance: soft, stable and now just a little snappier.
What’s New in the Gel-Kayano 32?
While the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 already made waves with its revamped 4D Guidance System, the Gel-Kayano 32 doesn’t overhaul the formula, but it does refine it in a few key ways. This update is more about fine-tuning than reinventing, but those subtle tweaks still make a noticeable difference on the run.
Here are some of the changes to know about:
- A Softer, More Stable Ride - through slight adjustment in the geometry.
- Re-engineered outsole configuration to complement the adjusted midsole.
- Heel-to-toe drop is now 8mm (previously 10mm in the Gel-Kayano 31)
- The upper has little change, offering the same secure lockdown and breathability as the Gel-Kayano 31.
What do these changes actually mean and what's the difference in comfort and performance
Josh’s Perspective:
Straight out of the box and onto the foot it's exactly what I expected from a Gel-Kayano. Perception is not always reality though and over the years, this shoe has retained a high level of expectation as the ultimate cushioned, supportive daily trainer. The new Gel-Kayano 32 in my opinion hits the mark in stability and definitely doesn’t lack cushioning.
The biggest difference in feeling for me was the extra support under the ball of the foot. Now this came as a surprise, mainly because the shoe looks like it is less voluminous in overall surface area, so my theory here is the outsole configuration has helped with overall output in forefoot stability, in conjunction with the increased forefoot stack (2mm higher) Looking closely at the 32 v 31, there are three less pieces of rubber in the version 32 (8 in total). However the outsole still covers the same surface area, so the team at Asics has executed an outsole that doesn’t add weight but generates better outcomes of support by encapsulating the flex grooves in higher impact/friction areas.
My first few runs in this shoe included an easy 30 minutes at 5:30 pace and an hour at 5:15 pace. Rain was present on the hour run which can certainly impact confidence with grip but the shoe grabbed the surface well.
I can say the longer I ran in the shoe, the better it performed, with improvements in perceived effort. When running for extended periods of time we can’t fight with the shoe, it needs to work for you. The Gel-Kayano 32, in my opinion, is the best update with the little adjustments made. It's remarkable how Asics has executed the outcome of performance with minimum alterations.
The upper fit and feel, especially across the arch, with the thinner tongue, was a nice change, providing great comfort and breathability.
Our Thoughts:
Reputation comes with consistency in performance. The Gel-Kayano Franchise has owned the supportive and cushioned category for three decades now. Brands have been chasing Asics for a piece of this market, and while the footwear industry has changed significantly over the last 30 years, the Gel-Kayano has always been ahead of the curve.
In recent years we have seen more and more walkers use this shoe, and this just adds to the usability of this product, but it has and always will be a performance running shoe. What we have found more valuable here in Australia is the offering of widths in this shoe. It's an important part of the overall picture. When a brand invests and believes in a model, they'll offer it in more widths to ensure the market demand can be met, and the fit of the shoe can be tailored to the exact specifications required.
Asics, a leader in engineered footwear, taking controlled, measured changes to all models in their line-up, the Gel-Kayano 32 will remain the market leader in its category for another 12 months at least.
