Asics Mens Gel-Kayano 14 Running Shoes

Customer Rating:
Summary: Gel Kayano
Comment: Order was received in timely manner and exact size & color requested. Excellent value. Shoe is a 1/2 size small and glad I order 1/2 size larger.

Customer Rating:
Summary: A disappointment
Comment: I'm a longtime Gel Kayano user, having run in them since the VIIIs. The latest incarnation is a disappointment. Continuing a trend that started with the 13s, the shoe is even longer in the toe and tighter in the toe box and heel. It also feels firmer and less flexible; I read that Asics increased the amount of Gel cushioning used in the 14s, but placed a stiffer plate over the Gel in order to maintain stability.

Despite walking in them for a week to break them in, I have some pain in the arches, heels, and stiffness in the calves two weeks after switching from my 13s. Your mileage may vary, but I don't think this redesign agrees with me. Even if you have run in previous Kayanos, I would recommend trying them in a store before ordering.

Customer Rating:
Summary: like running on pillows
Comment: I have no knowledge of the previous versions of the gel kayano because this is my first pair, and so far I'm extremely satisfied with them. No more hard thudding on the treadmill that my old Reeboks use to make me do (i will never go back), so I definitely feel way less impact on the knees while running. Bonus that the shoes look good. Also, they are on sale at Nordstrom for 99.90 for the anniversery sale for about another week. I'm so glad i finally invested in a good pair of running shoes.

Customer Rating:
Summary: They've gone and changed perfection.
Comment: I remember slipping into my first pair of Kayano 13's and they were heaven. The 13's are the perfect width, have wonderful cushioning and my feet are never tired or achy after a run. I was thrilled about these new 14's and couldn't wait to buy a pair. Until I tried a pair on the other day. Asics has narrowed the toe box and heel, it doesn't feel as cushy and they're just not as nice. I think I had better stock up on my 13's before they're hard to come by. If you're a 13 fan, I recommend actually trying these 14's on before buying them online!

Customer Rating:
Summary: Kayano 14s vs. Nimbus 9
Comment: They don't sell either shoe where I live in northern Japan, so during a recent trip to Tokyo I decided to buy one pair of each. Now I alternate between the two. I like both shoes, but for different reasons. The K14s are a bit heavier, but have more cushioning. The Nimbus 9's have less cushioning, but are lighter. Both provide ample support. I feel like I'm working harder when I run in the Nimbus 9s, whereas the K14s help propel me along. I've had fast runs in both shoes and slow runs in both shoes. As a comparison I owned a pair of Kayano 12s which I didn't wear long enough to wear out. Compared to the K12s, the K14s are a little heavier but provide more cushioning and support. The K12s actually feel closer to the Nimbus 9s, but the N9s provide more support.