I’ve been holding out on you.
I’ve had these sexy new shoes in my possession for over a week now and haven’t mentioned them yet.
Well, today, that changes.
These are the new Asics Gel Kayano 19’s. My last pair of shoes were Mizunos—largely because I kept hearing so much about them and had to know what the craze was all about. Let’s just say I knew I’d made a mistake when I kept secretly pulling out of my old ratty Asics for runs. (Who was I hiding from? The Mizunos??)
Before I met Asics, I was a Nike girl—mostly because I loved the Nike+ device. (Way to go on that marketing campaign, Nike!)
Now. There are several other brands of shoes I’ve never tried that also have super devoted fans (like Brooks), and I’m aware that I could be missing out on a magical shoe relationship, but I’m starting to get sick of the brand hopping. I just don’t know that I’ll ever venture out again.
I think I’m ready to call myself an Asics Loyalist for Life.
According to my self-diagnosis of my stride (I should really get this professionally assessed someday in case I’m full of crap), I have one pretty neutral foot and one super over-pronating one. To deal with the over-pronating one, I need a shoe with a lot of support, and I love the extra cushion many Asics offer. Soooo dreamy.
I’ve only worn the Kayanos on a few runs and walks, but here are my thoughts so far…
–They’re super, super light. I feel like this is kinda cliché to say, since almost every shoe claims feathery lightness these days, but in this case, it’s true. These things are so light, I almost chucked them across the room just pulling them out of the box after misjudging their weight. (Slight exaggeration…)
–They’re not as supportive as I’d hoped. Womp womp. I was IN LOVE with my old Asics Nimbuses, which were like pillows wrapped around my feet, and was hoping these would be similar. (I actually tried to find another pair of Nimbuses to replace my old ones, but of course, I have the same size feet as everyone else on the planet and can therefore never find old shoes in my size.)
–They really conform to your feet. I haven’t decided how I feel about this yet, since right now they almost feel constricting in their snugness, but there’s definitely no fear of heel slippage, and I think they’ll loosen up a bit with wear. If you’re into midfoot stability, these are all over it.
–I’m not going to lie to you and say that the way they look didn’t factor into my buying decision. I loooove the bright hot color trend going on right now and couldn’t help being drawn to it during my search. Pink and black is one of my go-to color combos anyway, and the bright green trim adds just enough edginess without being too flashy. Swoon.
P.S. By “too flashy” I mean…
Yiiiikes.
Bottom line: I’m pretty happy with my purchase, but I still miss my Nimbuses. I might have to play around with thick socks and insoles to achieve the dreamy ride I once got from those.
That said, the Kayanos are still much more supportive than any other brands I’ve owned or tried on. And besides, some people say that too much cushioning makes runners lazy, so maybe this is good for me.
Ultimately, Kayanos are probably best suited to neutral runners—but, hey, at least one of my feet is happy!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
I have those same exact shoes in the same exact color. I too started off with Nike before I knew of any other running type of shoes. Now I wont even bother looking at any other brand besides Asics. If it ain’t broke, dont’ fix it, right?
Exaaactly. :) Funny that we went for the same pair. You have excellent taste! ;)
Ok…just ordered some asics! I’m usually a mizuno fan but I’m now doing more cross training (workout videos, elliptical, weights) than running so thought I’d try a new shoe brand too. Got the asics GEL-blur33 cross training in an obnoxious bright yellow (sweet.).
Can’t wait to try them! Happy you’re loving your new purchase. :)
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Awesommmme! Asics for life! :) I’d love to know what you think of the blur33’s. And good call on the obnoxious yellow. :) Good for night running maybe??
I am an asics fan too! I have the gel nimbus. .. and it is time for me to get the newest release. .. I always try to check out other brands to see what the fuss is all about, but I usually come back to the asics. And I agree – I like the hot pink color without it being totally cray cray!
Yeah, I heard the nimbus is coming back, actually. I’ll be on the lookout! I hate that I’m so easily swayed by others, but I figure there has to be something to it if everyone feels so strongly about the same brand!
Are these your first pair of Kayano’s? I have had three pairs-I’m wondering how similar they are to previous versions.
This is my first, so I can’t comment on that unfortunately!
I go back and forth between Asics and Nikes. Lately I’ve been loving Nike Free Runs but have had several pairs of Asics that I enjoyed. I like to purchase new workout shoes every few months and rotate through them. I know, shoe freak!
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I keep trying to tell my husband that it’s semi-normal to get new shoes every few months, but he doesn’t believe me, haha. :) It is fun picking out new kicks every time, but I also wish it was possible to get the same shoe every time if you find something you really love!
Mizunos are my all time favorites!!
Isn’t it funny how we all like different – I haven’t tried Asics in years because the last pair I had I hated.
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It IS funny! And it’s also funny how one bad egg can ruin that brand for us forever! :) Realistically, there are probably certain shoes in every brand that I could fall in love with, but it’s just easier to stick to a brand rather than risking the regret of branching out and picking wrong!
I do wish shoe companies didn’t have to churn out brand new shoes every year and get rid of the old ones. If it ain’t broke…! :)
I LOVE Asics! I’ve been buying them years and wear them for everything – cross-training, weight-lifting, dance, kickboxing, you name it. The support is phenom. I love the style of your new ones – did you get them around town, or order them online?
Amazon! :)
Hi Kim!
I’ve always been an Asics gal, too, and recently tried to branch out and move away from the BEST shoes ever (Asics) to Mizunos since there has been so much hype with longer distance runners about them! I even bought a pair of Mizunos thinking I could really make the switch and did one run in them only to immediately head back to Scheels in search of my beloved Asics! I have the EXACT same pair you reviewed/have and I couldn’t agree more about all of your points—seriously though, they are my FAVE and I almost bought two pairs since I love them so much and struggle every year with a new pair if my old Asics style is retired or I can’t find my size! I swear we’d be friends in real life!!!:)
Take care and have an awesome weekend in your new shoes!!!
Sarah
We are the same person. :)
I have got to stop falling for shoe hype! But now I’m all confused about all those people who are in love with Mizunos…what am I missing there??
Hope you have a fabulous weekend too!!
I’m an Asics girl too! I wore the Nimbus for a long time, but when they hiked up the price (again!), I tried out the Cumulus on the recommendation of friends who own a running store. I love it! I try to buy the previous version too, but sometimes it’s hard to find my size.
I think I looked at the Cumulus…now I don’t remember why I didn’t go with them! I wonder if they’re cushier than the Kayanos.