I ran 40 miles in the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 — and it's one of the most comfortable running shoes ever

Tom's Guide

2 days ago

When there have been 32 models of a running shoe, you can generally be sure of a couple of things. One is that it's a very good and popular shoe, and the other is that the brand won't make huge changes to new models frequently.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is certainly a very good running shoe, offering a cushioned and stable ride that's primarily designed to support runners who pronate, where you roll your foot inwards excessively upon landing.
It's also not a huge update on the Asics Gel-Kayano 31. The last big change to the line was with the Asics Gel-Kayano 30, and while the Gel-Kayano 32 has some changes that make the ride a little smoother than on the 30 and 31, I didn't find its performance to be that different.
In my Asics Gel-Kayano 32 review, I'll run through my testing of the shoe and compare it to previous models. I'll also explain some of the best running shoes for over-pronators from other brands, like the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 and Saucony Hurricane 24.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 launched in May 2025 and costs $165 in the U.S. and £180 in the U.K., which is the same price as the Gel-Kayano 31. The price is in line with most top-of-the-range stability shoes, but there are cheaper options like the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is currently available in 10 colors, including the White/Orange Glow model I tested. There are wide and extra-wide versions of the shoe, which I found fit me well in my normal running shoe size.
One of the main changes to the Gel-Kayano 32 is an 8mm drop from heel to toe, rather than the 10mm drop on the past few models.
This lower drop is a result of there being an extra 2mm of foam under the forefoot, with the overall stack height of the Gel-Kayano 32 being 40mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot.
Despite the extra foam, the weight hasn't risen with the Gel-Kayano 32, which is 11oz in a US men's size 10 — a fraction lighter than the same size with the Gel-Kayano 31.
The Gel-Kayano 32 features a new engineered mesh upper to fit better and be more breathable than the upper on the Gel-Kayano 31.
I didn't notice a big difference myself, but it's a comfortable upper with a lot of padding around the collar and a stiff internal heel counter to add structure and support at the back of the shoe.
If you regularly run in warmer conditions, you might find that the plush padding at the back gets soaked with sweat, but the thinner material in the forefoot means I didn't find my toes overheating during longer runs.
Most of the midsole of the Gel-Kayano 32 is made from FF Blast Plus foam, with a small PureGel insert under the heel. Both of these materials are mainly designed to deliver a comfortable ride, rather than be especially responsive or bouncy.
There are several stability elements in the midsole of the shoe as well, which make up the 4D Guidance System. Your foot sits within the sidewalls of foam to add support, and the Gel-Kayano 32 has a wide base to create stability.
These are common elements in running shoes, but more novel is the chunk of springy foam used on the inside of the shoe. This is designed to essentially bounce your foot forward when it rolls inwards, combating overpronation without using a traditional 'medial post,' which would be a firmer material to block the roll.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 uses two materials for its outsole — AHAR Plus and AsicsGrip. These are both thick and durable rubbers, and I've had no problems with grip during my testing.
Fresh out of the box, the outsole can feel a little firm and slappy, but I found that it softens a bit after a few runs.
Although I am a neutral runner, I have enjoyed running in the past few models of the Gel-Kayano, with the 4D Guidance System on the shoe creating stability without being intrusive or uncomfortable.
Like the past two models, the Gel-Kayano 32 offers a lot of comfort thanks to the high amount of cushioning in the midsole, and I particularly enjoyed using the shoe for my 90-minute Sunday long run at an easy pace.
I found that the slightly lower drop on the shoe made the ride feel a bit smoother as I rolled from heel to toe, and the extra foam under the forefoot of the Gel-Kayano 32 increases its comfort on longer runs.
To compare the Gel-Kayano 32 to the 31 directly, I did a short run wearing one on each foot and found the newer shoe rolled through a little more easily. But it was a marginal difference — the similarities between the shoes far outweigh any differences.
For most of my runs in the shoe, I ticked along at a relaxed pace, which is where the shoe is at its best, but I tried some progression runs in the Gel-Kayano 32 where I moved from an easy to a fast pace.
When you do run faster in the shoe, you feel its size and weight, and keener runners will probably want to pair it with a lighter, speedier shoe for workouts and races. However, if you're a newer runner or one who isn't too fussed about chasing times, it will work for all your runs.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is one of the best stability running shoes available and excels when it comes to comfort, in particular, even managing to be a little more comfortable than its predecessor.
However, with much of the design being the same as the Asics Gel-Kayano 31, and the performances mostly being the same as well in my testing, I'd look for a deal on the older model first — it often drops to $125 on Amazon, and I'd expect it to be under $100 in the big sales periods like Black Friday.
Other good options that come in cheaper than the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 include the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2, which I think is a great daily trainer with supportive elements and a slightly bouncier midsole.