ASICSWomen's Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes

Very nice version of the Women's Asics Kayano 31. Unlike the core 31 model, it has green flecks on the side of sole (for nighttime reflectors I believe) and is a bit more decorated than the core 31. Functioning is the same - it's aestheic. The soft material is also a slightly different weave. I think it's a more attractive shoe for my needs. Overall, for me Asics 31 Kayanos fit very well - I'm an overpronator with narrow feet and high arches. Feels like a very stable shoe and a lot of cushion.

I tried all the latest similar support shoes but for me ASICS remain best for my feet. ASICS Kayano are so comfortable and great support. I have pinched nerve (neuroma) in both feet and I haven’t had to put in my inserts yet to ensure nerve problem isn’t activated. Fit is great, very supportive and great for long walks .

I would definitely recommend these if you’re looking for a wide shoe fit for comfort. I use them for work and the gym totally worth the buy.

I purchased the ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 31 D Running Shoes (Size 9, Black/Bold Magenta) about a month ago to support my running and walking routine, as I’ve been staying active with gardening, home workouts, and chasing my 10- and 11-year-old nephew and son around our backyard trampoline. As someone who overpronates and uses a body measuring tape to track fitness progress, I needed a stable, cushioned shoe for 3-5 mile road runs and occasional walks. After logging about 50 miles, here’s my detailed take on their performance, including pros, cons, and tips for other runners.How I Used ItThe Gel-Kayano 31 is a premium stability shoe with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, 40mm heel stack, and 30mm forefoot stack, featuring ASICS’ 4D Guidance System, PureGEL heel cushioning, and FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam. I wore them in size 9 (D width, wide) for my slightly wider feet, running 3-5 miles 3 times weekly on pavement at an 8:30-9:00 min/mile pace and walking 2 miles daily. I tested them in dry and wet conditions, cleaned them with a damp cloth, and paired them with my men’s active T-shirts (used by my husband) for a cohesive workout setup. The Black/Bold Magenta colorway is vibrant yet practical, hiding dirt well.ProsExceptional Stability: The 4D Guidance System (wide base, medial foam, beveled heel) corrects my overpronation without feeling intrusive, as noted in Runner’s World. My ankles stayed aligned during long runs, reducing fatigue, unlike my old Nike Reacts, which lacked support.Plush Cushioning: The FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam and PureGEL heel deliver a cloud-like feel, with a 15.6 HA softness (per RunRepeat’s durometer test), ideal for heel strikers like me. My joints felt protected after 5-mile runs, and they’re comfy for all-day standing, as some users reported for work shifts.Breathable Upper: The engineered mesh upper and knit collar are more breathable than my previous ASICS GT-2000, keeping my feet cool during humid 75°F runs, as praised in Running Shoes Guru. The wide 98.9mm forefoot (D width) fits my 2E-ish feet perfectly, with no pinching.Durable Outsole: The Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole provides excellent traction on wet and dry pavement, showing minimal wear after 50 miles, aligning with reviews noting 500+ mile durability. It’s grippy for light gravel paths too, per OutdoorGearLab.Easy On/Off: The knit collar and pull-tab make slipping them on a breeze, a small but appreciated upgrade from the Gel-Kayano 30, as mentioned in Fleet Feet’s review. The Ortholite X-55 sockliner feels plush and secure, molding to my feet.ConsHeavy Weight: At 266 grams (9.4 oz), they feel noticeably heavier than lighter stability shoes like the Hoka Arahi 7, as RunRepeat noted. This slows me down on faster runs (under 8:00 min/mile), making them better for easy paces, per RTINGS.Snug Toe Box: Despite the wide D width, the toe box feels slightly snug after 4 miles when my feet swell, echoing a reviewer’s gripe on Running Shoes Guru. A 2E option might suit wider feet better, though size 9 was true to length.Poor Energy Return: The PureGEL and soft foam prioritize comfort over responsiveness, offering low energy return, as RTINGS and RunRepeat confirmed. They’re not ideal for speedwork or 5K races, unlike the Saucony Tempus, which has a lower drop for forefoot strikers.Pricey Investment: At $125-$165, they’re a premium purchase, as noted by a reviewer on RunToTheFinish. While durable, the cost stings compared to budget options like the ASICS GT-1000 ($100), especially for casual runners.ComparisonsCompared to the ASICS GT-2000 12, the Kayano 31 is cushier and more stable but heavier, per RunRepeat’s lab tests. The Hoka Gaviota 5 offers similar stability with a lower drop, better for forefoot runners, but lacks the Kayano’s plush heel, per RunRepeat. My husband’s Under Armour HOVR shoes are lighter but less supportive for overpronators. The Gel-Kayano 30 (my friend’s pair) is slightly less breathable and stable, making the 31 a worthy upgrade, as Runner’s World noted. For speed, the Saucony Tempus is snappier but less cushioned, per RunRepeat. The Kayano 31’s maximalist 40mm stack suits my long, easy runs best, per OutdoorGearLab’s recovery shoe focus.Tips for BuyersCheck Width Needs: If you have wide feet (2E+), the D width (98.9mm forefoot) is accommodating, but try the 2E version for extra toe splay, as RunRepeat suggests. Size 9 fits true to length for medium arches.Break Them In: Run 10-15 miles to mold the foam and loosen the toe box, as they feel stiff initially, per my experience and Running Shoes Guru’s feedback.Use for Easy Runs: Stick to slower paces (8:30+ min/mile) or recovery walks, as their weight and low energy return hinder speedwork, per RTINGS. They’re great for marathon training or standing, per Marathon Sports.Clean Regularly: Wipe the mesh with a damp cloth to maintain breathability and remove dirt, especially in the Black/Bold Magenta colorway, which hides stains well. Avoid machine washing to preserve the PureGEL, per ASICS care tips.Who Should Buy This?The ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 D is ideal for overpronators or runners needing max cushioning and stability for long-distance training (5K to marathons) at easy paces, as well as for walking or standing all day, per Fleet Feet’s review. It’s perfect for heel strikers and those with wider feet, but not for speed-focused runners or forefoot strikers, who might prefer the Saucony Tempus, per RunRepeat. The Black/Bold Magenta color pops for style-conscious runners.Overall, these shoes have been a game-changer for my long runs, offering unmatched stability and comfort for my overpronating feet. They’re plush and durable, though their weight and price make them a commitment. I’m thrilled with the fit and bold color, and they’ve earned a spot in my rotation alongside my fitness gear. If you’ve tried these or have stability shoe tips, share in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Super comfortable, true to size. Probably the most comfortable and supportive sneakers I've ever worn. Switching from Brooks to these was a dream.

I’ve been running in Gel Kayanos for at least 15 years. They offer the best arch support and there’s no break-in time required. Every time I deviate and try another brand I’m disappointed. I love how this pair has an elastic loop on the back to help pull them on with the laces tied. Best running shoes on the market.

These are fantastic running shoes and I especially love the large toe box!

Be aware of what you order! I ordered the "black/pure silver" but the pictures listed here show them to be black with a dusty purple accent. What I received had no purple but does have silver. I hate silver but I know I Amazon will just tell me "what's pictured is not always what you receive" which is insane to me but whatever.They're comfortable enough but I don't think the wides are really wide.