The Kayano 21, like Kayanos past, is a stability model with a high degree of cushioning in both the heel and forefoot. The shoe is designed for mild to moderate overpronators who appreciate a softer ride for the long haul—be it marathon training or an everyday run.
The key update in previous model was the addition of the FluidRide midsole, a two-layer compound that provides both a softer feel upon contact with the ground and gender-specific cushioning. Likewise, FluidFit in the upper offered a comfortable stretch mesh coupled with stretch reinforcements for an optimized fit.
Our staff found the fit and feel to be very similar to the Kayano 19 and Kayano 20, but here is what's changing in the newest edition:
- Reduced Weight - It's the lightest Kayano yet, according to ASICS. The FluidRide midsole reduces weight by 15% and increases "bounce back" by 20%.
- New Sockliner - The brand new ComforDry X-40 sockliner gives you a plush feel underfoot, adding the already-cushioned ride of the FluidRide.
- Redesigned Rearfoot Crash Pad Geometry - The crash pad has been repositioned to slow the rate of pronation more gracefully.
- Larger Gel Units - Our staff noted that the gel units in the heel we're the most prominent we've seen to date. When we tried the shoe on, we were impressed with cushioning in the rear of the foot.
For those concerned that the updates to the Kayano 21 will alter the shoe's fit, you need not worry. ASICS has focused largely on shaving weight off the shoe and enhancing the cushioning just beneath the foot. Our in-house Kayano fans remarked that the FluidFit resulted in an almost identical fit to the Kayano 20. The cushioning, however, seemed to resemble the Kayano 19.
And did we mention? The latest edition of the Kayano family will be available in several, exciting color ways—including two, sharp colors for the Lite Show editions.
Shop the ASICS Gel-Kayano 21 for women and ASICS Gel-Kayano 21 for men.
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