ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 running shoes

GEL-KAYANO 31 running shoes

In 1993, inventive footwear designer Toshikazu Kayano created the first Gel-Kayano running shoe, launching a series that continues to support athletes to this day. ASICS packed each new edition with the best footwear technologies around, and in 2024, the Gel-Kayano 31 became the most cutting-edge silhouette to date.

Built for stability and support, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 has a 4D Guidance System in the sole unit that adapts to the specifications of the wearer’s foot and delivers a stabilising effect during runs. On top of this, the midsole, which has been carefully sculpted to provide a wide, stable base that holds the foot in place, contains a blend of ultra-soft, energy-returning FF Blast Plus Eco foam and shock-absorbing PureGEL cushioning for maximum comfort and injury protection.

Below this is a new hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole which is both softer underfoot and more durable than previous models, bringing excellent traction along with it. Meanwhile, the Ortholite X-55 sockliner adds further comfort and reduces the build up of moisture within the shoe.

The engineered mesh upper has been enhanced to be more breathable and easier to get into thanks to the knit collar design. In combination with the advanced pull tab on the heel, this allows the wearer to step in and out of the shoe without any problems. Reflective elements then appear across the outer to illuminate it in low-light conditions.

Like many other models in the series, the Gel-Kayano 31 is manufactured using efficient processes that reduce the amount of water consumed and carbon emitted. In addition, components like the insole, toe box and tongue are all made from recycled materials, which constitute up to 64% of the upper.

Aesthetically, the stacked midsole gives a bold look as well as an elevated feel, and branding effects such as the famous ASICS stripes logo on the sidewalls are rendered in subtly contrastive colours for an appealing touch.

With its environmentally friendly credentials, stylish appearance and stunning list of cutting-edge technologies, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 is the ideal shoe for runners looking to attain a stable and supportive underfoot experience over long distances.