Review; Asics Gel Kayano 15

I have been running in the new ASICS Gel Kayano 15s since January this year and have over 200 miles on them, so it seemed a good time to write a review. This is my third iteration of wearing the Kayanos, I switched when the 13s were available and you can read my report on the 14s and the reason for switching here.

The first thing you’ll notice about them is the asymmetrical lacing this is designed to contour over the foot and avoid undue pressure on the bones on the top of the foot. This may seem odd at first but my trail shoes have the same type of lacing so it was familiar to me, to be honest I found it hard to tell any difference between this and the 14s. One noticeable difference is the toe box which is definitely roomier than the 14s and from the side there is visually less of a curve along the lace line to the top of the tongue given your toes more “wiggle room”, the heel continues to offer PHF; Personal Heel Fit, which molds to your heel shape over time, which it seems to, I have never ever had a blister or even a hot spot on my heel. Inside the shoe is now lined with a ComforDry footbed liner, this is designed to mold to your foot and provide breathable comfort, personally these are the first things I take out and replace with my custom orthotics.

Moving down. Both the 13s and 14s felt flat in the forefoot after around 200 miles (this was an improvement, for me of fifty miles or so over the 2000 series), so far there is no sign of that. This is due to an increase in their proprietary Solyte foam in the forefoot. The heel has more gel than the 14 and this may cause some people a problem due to the increase in “roll”, personally I am enjoying the ride. This is also where you will find the dual density EVA that provides the support, these shoes are rated for pronators looking for support Road Runners Sports describes them as Support+ and Runners World recommends them for runners with normal arches who need a stable, well-cushioned shoe.

The sole pattern contains the gender specific Trusstic System allowing for “greater midsole deformation and more efficient foot function”. The tread pattern is nothing out of the ordinary, the forefoot is flexible but not sloppy, the heels do contain a longer lasting type of rubber that reduces wear and extends the life of the shoe. Size wise as usual I went up a half size and that fits perfectly with a regular white looped sock. The 15s are a bit heavier than the 14s weighing at 12.8 ounces but unless you work at the Post Office or the meat department at Wholefoods and weigh things every day you would never notice.

Available in red/white or gold/grey I went for the latter as they hold up against the dirt a bit longer, there are some nice female colors available too.

Warning! This are not cheap shoes they retail for $135, if you hunt around you can pick them up for a bit less or wait for the sales. Road Runners Sports have abandoned their buy 5 pairs get $100 gift certificate so I am stuck paying VIP retail, which is a bit less! But that being said in my mind they're still worth the money.