ASICS Gel-Kayano

GEL-KAYANO

In 1986, ASICS developed a Gel-based cushioning technology which was used to make a series of high-performance running shoes. In 1993, this culminated in a silhouette that is now considered one of its flagship runners: the ASICS Gel-Kayano.

Named after its inventive designer, Toshikazu Kayano, the first Gel-Kayano model was inspired by the charismatic stag beetle and filled with powerful technologies like supportive Gel cushioning, breathable Coolmax lining and a snug-fitting Mono-Tongue system.

Following the Japanese principle of ‘kaizen’, or ‘continuous improvement’, Toshikazu developed stable and supportive shoes like 1999’s Gel-Kayano 5. Soon after, he started working closely with the ASICS Institute of Sports Science (ISS), using their expertise and testing facilities to maintain a steady evolution of the ASICS Gel-Kayano line. This partnership produced components like the supportive Biomorphic Fit structure, lightweight Solyte cushioning and the Space Trusstic System, which facilitated more efficient movement of the foot.

After completing the Gel-Kayano 13, Toshikazu Kayano moved on, and a designer called Hidenori Yamashita took charge of the line, making the captivating Gel-Kayano 14. New designers brought new perspectives, and on the Gel-Kayano 18, the primary focus switched from a scientific to an environmental one as the brand teamed up with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to reduce its carbon footprint.

The ASICS Gel-Kayano’s 20th anniversary arrived in 2013, and the experienced designer Yoshiyasu Ando paid homage to the line’s heritage on the Gel-Kayano 20 by filling it with proven features like the IGS system and adding new ones like the FluidFit webbing, which gave better lockdown and a more flexible fit.

Ando remained in charge for several more editions, bringing in energy-returning Flytefoam Propel technology on the Gel-Kayano 23 and making the streamlined Gel-Kayano 25 in 2018. Meanwhile, ASICS decided to bring back the Gel-Kayano 5 to take advantage of the nostalgia for Y2K styles.

This rerelease proved incredibly popular, and ASICS crafted two brand new silhouettes based on it. These attracted collaborations with clothing labels like Awake NY and GmbH, as well as British designer Vivienne Westwood, who also created unique versions of the Gel-Kayano 26 and 27 in a powerful fusion of fashion and technology.

Following this success, ASICS brought back more heritage models, rereleasing the ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 in 2020 with trusted design consultant Kiko Kostadinov. This led to sought-after collaborations with fashion brands like atmos, Unaffected and JJJJound, as well as other retro releases, including Kenzo’s Gel-Kayano 20 and Ronnie Fieg’s hybrid Gel-Kayano 12.1. 

Meanwhile, the core Gel-Kayano continued to evolve, with FF Blast foam being added to the 28, an adaptive 4D Guidance System providing greater stability on the 30, and an ASICSGrip outsole improving the traction of the 31.

Today, the ASICS Gel-Kayano remains one of the best pieces of athletic footwear around. Its cutting-edge features have supported runners for generations, while its distinctive aesthetic has seen it become a beloved lifestyle sneaker with timeless appeal.