Are you considering upgrading from the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 to the Gel-Kayano 31? In this post, we’ll break down the key differences and upgrades that Asics has introduced in the Gel-Kayano 31, focusing on stability, cushioning, and comfort features. Whether you’re a runner or a walker, understanding these changes will help you decide if the switch is worth it.
Stack Height and Weight
First, let’s talk about stack height. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 maintains the same stack height as the 30, with 40mm in the rearfoot and 30mm in the forefoot, creating a 10mm drop. This height ensures you get a familiar feel underfoot, whether you’re walking or running. However, the 31 is slightly heavier, by around 5-6 grams, compared to the 30, but this extra weight brings in additional stability features, which we’ll dive into next.
Cushioning and Stability Features
The heel bevel is one of the more subtle changes in the Gel-Kayano 31. The posterior lateral heel bevel in the 31 is slightly less pronounced than the 30, but during testing, we didn’t notice much difference when walking or running. The shoe still provides a centred and stable landing during heel strike, ensuring smooth transitions through the gait cycle.
The Gel-Kayano 31 really stands out in its 4D Guidance System. Unlike the Gel-Kayano 30, the 31’s 4D system offers a more noticeable bounce-back as your foot pronates. This feature pushes your foot back toward a neutral position, offering enhanced stability with every step. Combined with a lateral sole flare, the shoe offers dual support: the 4D Guidance System keeps you aligned, while the lateral sole flare resists excessive inward motion, ensuring your foot stays centred within the shoe. This is exactly what you want in a modern stability shoe—guidance without restricting natural movement.
Note: If you enjoy feeling extra pressure under the medial arch, you’ll likely appreciate the Gel-Kayano 31. However, if you’re not a fan of firm support under the arch, you may find it uncomfortable compared to the softer feel of the 30.
Upper Design and Fit
The upper of the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 has seen a significant upgrade in terms of comfort. It’s plusher than the 30, with extra padding that adds to the overall comfort but also slightly increases the weight. Despite this, the fit remains true to size, with plenty of room in the toe box for natural toe splay. The Gel-Kayano 31 is available in normal, wide, and extra-wide sizes, and the regular fit worked perfectly for us—no need to size up like we sometimes do with other brands like Hoka.
Tongue and Heel Counter
Both versions 30 and 31 feature a gusseted tongue to ensure the tongue stays in place while running. The heel counter in the 31 has been updated with a design that grips the heel snugly, preventing slippage. The heel tab makes it easy to slip the shoe on, and the combination of tongue and heel stability means your foot stays locked in securely throughout your run.
Key Differences Between Gel-Kayano 31 and 30
To summarise, the three major changes in the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 compared to the 30 are:
- A more responsive 4D Guidance System that offers superior bounce-back and foot alignment.
- A slight modification to the heel bevel, although the difference is minimal in terms of performance.
- A more plush, comfortable upper, which slightly adds to the shoe’s weight but enhances comfort.
Final Thoughts
If you prefer a more traditional stability shoe with noticeable arch support, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 is an excellent choice. However, if you favour a softer, less structured feel, you may want to stick with the Gel-Kayano 30. Both models offer great performance, but the choice ultimately comes down to your preference for stability and comfort.
If you are interested in a more moderate stability shoe then you might be interested in our review comparing the Gel-Kayano 31 with the GT-2000 13
If you have any questions about the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 or 30, feel free to drop a comment below. Don’t forget to like the post and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more shoe reviews!
