Mens ASICS Gel-Kayano 31, Black/Black / 9

I have supported and recommended the ASICS GEL-KAYANO for years for runners like myself looking to purchase a neutral running shoe that has sufficient stability to withstand 3 months of training on road surfaces. I purchased 2 pairs of the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 online on June 1, 2024 - the day they were released in the US. I typically purchase 2 pairs of running shoes at the same time so that I can rotate them to reduce wear on them while I’m training. Just like the previous model, the GEL-KAYANO 30, I was pleased with the alterations made to the midsole. The same could be said with the knit collar construction with the only difference being the added pull tab at the rear of the shoe. However after 3 weeks of running in the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31, I am extremely ... MoreI have supported and recommended the ASICS GEL-KAYANO for years for runners like myself looking to purchase a neutral running shoe that has sufficient stability to withstand 3 months of training on road surfaces. I purchased 2 pairs of the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 online on June 1, 2024 - the day they were released in the US. I typically purchase 2 pairs of running shoes at the same time so that I can rotate them to reduce wear on them while I’m training. Just like the previous model, the GEL-KAYANO 30, I was pleased with the alterations made to the midsole. The same could be said with the knit collar construction with the only difference being the added pull tab at the rear of the shoe. However after 3 weeks of running in the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31, I am extremely disappointed with the unnecessary alterations that were made to the shoe’s outsole. The ‘better gripping’ as advertised HYBRID ASICSGRIP is a major construction flaw. The ‘sticky’ rubber sections at the heel of the shoe are highly abrasive and lead to ‘heel slapping’ when contact is made on road surfaces resulting in the rear rubber sections on the underfoot to break down and eventually completely peel off on both pairs of shoes that were worn for less than 1 month. The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 (advertised as a neutral, stable running shoe for road surfaces) was obviously not tested before the premature release date on June 1, 2024. With the poorly constructed outsole, the midsole alterations made on the previous model no longer provide any sort of comfort, I experience foot pain after each run, and my time spent running has decreased considerably after purchasing these shoes. I would like to continue running in the Gel-Kayano in the future, but in the meantime ASICS needs to address this construction flaw. If I had the ability to do so I would provide pictures with this review in order to show potential consumers what to expect prior to purchasing this shoe.

I’m an Asics guy through and through, and the Gel Kayanos are my absolute favorite shoe. Every year I get the new model. The 29 was a really excellent running shoe, and lasted for an entire year. I run a minimum of 6 miles a day, and several marathons a year. Once I retired my 29s, I got myself a pair of the 30s. At first I was very happy with them but after only a couple months they started to fall apart. Asics was very kind and replaced them, but I couldn’t help thinking the quality had gone down a bit. So I was a bit hesitant to buy a pair of the new 31s because I didn’t want to end up in the same situation. Especially because I travel half the year so I need shoes that will last. That being said, I did buy a pair of the 31s and so far I’m very happy with them. ... MoreI’m an Asics guy through and through, and the Gel Kayanos are my absolute favorite shoe. Every year I get the new model. The 29 was a really excellent running shoe, and lasted for an entire year. I run a minimum of 6 miles a day, and several marathons a year. Once I retired my 29s, I got myself a pair of the 30s. At first I was very happy with them but after only a couple months they started to fall apart. Asics was very kind and replaced them, but I couldn’t help thinking the quality had gone down a bit. So I was a bit hesitant to buy a pair of the new 31s because I didn’t want to end up in the same situation. Especially because I travel half the year so I need shoes that will last. That being said, I did buy a pair of the 31s and so far I’m very happy with them. They are extremely comfortable, with excellent stability and cushioning, they look awesome, and the quality seems to be back on track.

I've had Kayanos for over a decade and these are a big improvement over some models. Fit was great, and the wider toe box on the 31s is a nice change over what was becoming a narrower trend. The ankle sock/band was also better than past years with a softer and snugger feel/fit.The changes in the shoe in the midsole were a positive. I would have concerns with long term durability based on a lot of exposed soft foam but first feel was ok.Two areas I was less thrilled with: this much foam in the midsole and outer sole left me feeling a little "floaty" feeling when using my orthotics. It's a high sole to begin with, almost Hoka-like, and while it was not uncomfortable it took some getting used to.The other was the lacing across the top of my foot. I had to try a few ... MoreI've had Kayanos for over a decade and these are a big improvement over some models. Fit was great, and the wider toe box on the 31s is a nice change over what was becoming a narrower trend. The ankle sock/band was also better than past years with a softer and snugger feel/fit.The changes in the shoe in the midsole were a positive. I would have concerns with long term durability based on a lot of exposed soft foam but first feel was ok.Two areas I was less thrilled with: this much foam in the midsole and outer sole left me feeling a little "floaty" feeling when using my orthotics. It's a high sole to begin with, almost Hoka-like, and while it was not uncomfortable it took some getting used to.The other was the lacing across the top of my foot. I had to try a few different lacing patterns to find one that was comfortable.Really a comfortable shoe for everyday use, but the shoe is almost too soft for me now.