Tuesday, May 5, 2009

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.

19 comments:

  1. The complaint I get about them at work is "the color is a bit too much." That and the price!

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  2. I have run in Kayano 13 and 2130's. Most recently I bought 2140, and it was a disaster -- heel pain and blisters. Have 25 miles on them and will go to charity. Hesitated to buy the 15's because of price I am now running in my old 2130's with about 250 miles on them and a pair of Brooks Trance 7's.
    Any thoughts on how they compare to the 2140's? Obviously I am trying to avoid that.
    Do you recommend them other than the price?

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  3. Be still my beating heart....your an ASICS man!

    Nice review....I'm personally a ASICS Cumulus kind of girl.

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  4. I love these shoes. I have been running in mine since Feb and haven't had any problems with them at all.

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  5. Great review, but yeah, at $135, they are pricey!

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  6. NY Wolve sorry I am not sure how they compare to 2140s I stepped out of the 2000 series at the 2120s.

    I do recommend them but of course suggest you go to a proper shoe store for a correct fitting etc. Most good shoe stores have a return policy even used. Road Runners is 30 days and Onlineshoes.com is 60 so it might be worth checking with the store you got your 2140s from before you send them to charity?

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  7. I gave my heart to Mizunos...but I used to wear Asics. Great review!

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  8. great review. possibly i think so because i love love love kayanos. they were my first running shoe 3 yrs ago and they keep on giving me what i need and more. wouldn't give them up for anything.

    price however, CDN$220 is a shocker. they are without a doubt, the most expensive pair of shoes i buy. have never had a pair of shoes fit so well and not give me blisters on the first day i wore them. so, they're worth the $.

    rg

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  9. I LOVE my kayano 15s!!! I am already on my 3rd pair :)

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  10. Thanks for the review my favorite sheik runner! :) I have been wanting to try out asics but I'm so scared because of my love for nikes.

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  11. I'm on my 2nd pair now and I love them. Any socks that you would recommend. By the way I love the blog just found it and really great job.

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  12. Tony thanks for stopping by, I can't suggest any socks specifically although I have had a bad experience with the Kayano socks which was annoying as they were $25 or so. I use standard Asics white, lycra, looped ones that I buy at a local discount store and are a buck a pair, which is a good job as my trail socks are $20 a pair! If you email me your addy I'll send you a pair and if they work I grab you some and you can send me a check

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  13. Bought the kayano 15s about a month ago, I have been running on a daily basis for about the past 3 years. This was my first pair of asics and I got to admit, they are worth every penny. I used to have knee pain, but ever since I switched to these no issues there... and I have a pretty low arch, pretty much flat feet, but these shoes did magic!!!

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  14. Thank you so much for having all this info! I'm sold!!! My last 3 pairs have been asics and I love them! But I seem to go through them quickly...I am looking forward to the Kayano 15! Thanks again!

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  15. Horrible!! I have run in Kayanos since 1997. I run approx 120-135 miles per month. My most recent pair, I enjoyed, are Kayano 14's. However, the Kayano 15's I recently purchased are terrible. Tried to make them work, I battled through 250 miles on them to try and break them in, They altered my strike pattern and caused intense pain throughout my outer legs (after heving been a runner for 5+ years). I have since discontinued using them and have reverted back to the 14's (with 750 miles on them). Immediately within 2 runs, I have zero
    pain(s). And am back to running 125-130 miles per week.

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  16. nice review. I switched to the Kayanos in Feb this year and I would have to say that these are the best shoes I have run in in a long time. I must admit though the only thing I wasn't to keen on at th beginning, which I might add is not an issue now, is that my feet felt like they were on fire, literally. The intense heat in my shoes was really intense and I couldn't wait to take my shoes off after eaach training session.

    Yes, they are very expensive, you should try paying $270 here in Australia. Not cheap but very comfy and no other shoe compares. I'm just about to purchase another pair but am not looking forward to forking out the money for them.

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  17. I'm sitting here with one Kayano 15 on and one shoe off. I'm getting blisters and hot spots on the inside of my heels. I've worn kayano for 8 yrs. Help

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  18. I have had the same problem. I used my kayanos two days ago for the first time, and I get blisters and hot spots on the inside of my heels. What can I do?

    Should I stop using them and get another model?

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  19. I just bought a pair of the Kayano 15's and I'm starting to regret it -- I think! I have an old pair of 2120's that I loved and fit great. Although they are the same size of shoe that I have bought in all my adult years, I think the 15's are too big. Consequently they are hurting my instep. Although I have to say my knees feel great! I've only worn them about 10 times so far. Does anyone else find this?

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