Our verdict

The Kayano 14 has come to rule the fashion world with its retro-futuristic vibe of a former runner. Even though we've found out it's no longer suitable for daily runs, it still features the brand's GEL technology cushioning, which makes it incredibly comfortable to walk in for hours on end. Our feet didn't get tired after exploring a new city thanks to the breathable and lightweight structure of this shoe, and its Y2K style made every street its runway. The only drawback is that it's definitely not the most durable sneaker on the market; so please, treat it with care!

Pros

  • Very stable overall
  • Comfortable for all-day use
  • Incredibly breathable
  • Pretty lightweight
  • Great lockdown feel
  • Features Gel technology cushioning
  • Retro-futuristic style
  • Trendy Y2K vibes

Cons

  • Not the most durable
  • Not affordable

Audience verdict

94
Superb!

Who should buy

Let the Kayano 14 go from conquering a race to being the owner of the streets next to you if you're looking for:

  • A trendy Y2K pair with a retro-futuristic and sporty vibe that is getting insanely popular.
  • A breathable and lightweight pair to walk around town for hours.
  • A stable and comfortable ASICS shoe that features the brand's GEL cushioning technology.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_01

Who should NOT buy

If you're looking for a pair of shoes to wear down until they can no more, this ain't it. The Gel Kayano 14 is not a durable companion that will be next to you through thick and thin. If that's what you need, the ASICS Gel 1130 might be your cup of tea!

This ASICS pair is definitely not on the cheaper side. If you don't mind changing brands and you want a sporty sneaker with that early 2000s vibe, the Nike V2K Run or the Nike P-6000 could be great options. Don't hesitate to have a look at them!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_pieces

Cushioning

Heel stack

Our caliper returned 32.7 mm when we measured this shoe's heel stack.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Heel stack_2

This means it's slightly higher than average, which our feet appreciated when we spent the whole day walking around town. Overall, we found this shoe really comfortable from minute 1, and its plush and lightweight nature made us want to wear it all day long!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_014

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 32.7 mm
Average 29.7 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

At 22.6 mm, our caliper indicated the Kayano 14's forefoot stack is higher than average.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Forefoot stack_1

We really appreciated this, as the shoe protected our feet from the small obstacles we ran into when we were out running errands.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_012

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 22.6 mm
Average 18.8 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
28.3 mm

Drop

Even though both the forefoot and the rearfoot are higher than average, there's still a considerable difference between both figures, which leads us to a 10.1 mm drop according to our measurements.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Drop_1

This means your heel will feel higher than your toes, but don't worry, it's completely normal! Additionally, there's no such thing as a "good" or "bad" drop, it's all about personal preferences.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_07

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 10.1 mm
Average 10.9 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

In order to measure the softness of any shoe's midsole, first we need to cut it in half. Why? Well, because we need to have full access to the material.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Midsole softness_1

When we stuck our durometer into the Kayano 14's foam, it returned 30.0 HA, which is pretty much average. This means that the shoe doesn't feel like a cloud underfoot, yet it is cushioned enough for daily activities.

In other words, do not let the fact that this shoe is not as squishy as a marshmallow make you think it's not comfortable. Some people prefer a firmer ride, and some others just love it when their feet sink into the shoe. And there's usually nothing wrong with that! Regarding this aspect, the Kayano 14 stands pretty much in the middle.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 30.0 HA
Average 29.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 64 sneakers
Number of shoes
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

And we say "pretty much in the middle" because of the tiny gel piece this shoe has at the back of the heel. It plays a really important role, so don't let its size trick you!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Midsole softness_GEL

At 25.0 HA, it's way softer than average, and our feet could tell!

You know, leaving aside any kind of running-specific knowledge regarding foot strike (which, by the way, you can learn about right here), when we walk, the first part of our foot that touches the floor is our heel.

Consequently, the beginning of every step felt like a dream in this shoe, as we landed on this extra soft Gel cushioning.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 25.0 HA
Average 33.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Insole thickness

To keep it all as lightweight as possible, ASICS opted for a 4.2 mm insole.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Insole thickness_1

Despite being thinner than average, we didn't find it uncomfortable or anything.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 4.2 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 is true to size (108 votes).

With a 2.9 out of 5 on our scale, most people have agreed this pair is true to size.

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 97 sneakers
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

When we measured this shoe's toebox width at the widest part, our caliper returned 100.3 mm.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Toebox width - widest part_1

So, great news! It's wider than average, which meant our standard-sized feet had plenty of space to rest happily. Also, we didn't have to deal with any uncomfortable rubbing from the shoe sides!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_016

What's more, its mesh at the toebox didn't put a lot of pressure on our standard-sized toes, as we had enough vertical space.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 100.3 mm
Average 98.9 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
91.3 mm
Toebox width - widest part
105.3 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We always take the measurements of the toebox near the big toe too, as exclusively measuring any shoe's widest part doesn't give us enough information to talk about its fit.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Toebox width - big toe_1

When we saw our caliper return 78.5 mm, we couldn't be any happier. This result shows the Kayano 14 doesn't taper like crazy towards the tip, but the best part is that it's also way wider than average.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_011

Our average-sized toes were really happy about it, as they had plenty of room to move around and wiggle. But when we found this extra space the most convenient was when we had been walking for hours, as our feet got swollen but this shoe didn't feel uncomfortable at all.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 78.5 mm
Average 75.0 mm
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
65.7 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.0 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Thanks to its running soul, the Kayano 14 didn't let our ankles play around much.

As you can see, the structure stopped our joints before they overextended themselves. After cutting the shoe in half, we saw all the padding it has in the heel collar and in the tongue, which are two key points that made sure our ankles felt safe and sound.

What's more, this shoe's materials also don't give in!

Torsional rigidity

During our wear tests, we felt this shoe hugged our feet comfortably yet safely. When we took it to our lab, we put our feelings into numbers after our torsional rigidity test.

As you can see, it wasn't easy for our fingers to bend it. Its solid structure didn't want to give in, so we decided to give it a 4/5 on this test. Which is a pretty high score!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_09

Still, according to our experience, it was comfortable from the very first minute we put it on.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The extra padded heel of this shoe felt pretty solid, as it held our feet in place comfortably.

As you can see, it wasn't easy for our fingers to bend it, so we decided to give it another 4/5 on our stiffness test.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_08

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Another reason why this shoe felt super stable was its wider midsole.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Midsole width - forefoot_1

At 113.3 mm, our caliper marked the Kayano 14 is a whole 4% wider than average. Our feet (and us too) loved this wider-than-average space, as every landing felt safe and comfy.

A great mix if you ask us!

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 113.3 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel is also wider than average at 88.2 mm!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Midsole width - heel_1

But don't worry, this doesn't mean the shoe felt unstable or anything like that. In fact, we really appreciated the wider base, and with the padded heel counter this Kayano features, our heel felt supported all day long!

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 88.2 mm
Average 83.2 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
67.7 mm
Midsole width - heel
103.1 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

The high torsional rigidity of the Kayano 14 didn't affect its flexibility at the ball of the foot at all.

As our force gauge claimed, we only needed 18.6N to make this ASICS pair bend all the way up to 90 degrees. During our wear tests, this translated into smooth transitions and an easy ride, which was perfect for our all-day adventures in town!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_04

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 18.6N
Average 22.9N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
5.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
51.8N

Weight

During our wear tests, this ASICS felt like a breeze. Quite literally too! Apart from being super breathable, its lightweight structure made our feet want to keep walking. This also adds some extra points to the general comfort levels of the shoe, which are already pretty high!

When we took it to our lab, the scale returned 12.4 oz/352.0g, which is a solid 10% lighter than average. We really appreciated this, as we wanted to rock this shoe from sunrise to sunset, and our feet didn't get tired at all!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Weight_1

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 12.42 oz (352g)
Average 13.86 oz (393g)
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

The Kayano 14 doesn't lose its layered mesh and leather upper design even after 13 editions. During our wear tests, our feet could feel the air flowing into the shoe, which made us think its structure was definitely well-ventilated.

To put our feelings into numbers, we took this ASICS to our lab to perform our breathability test, starting by putting a piece of the upper right in front of our light.

As you can see, it shone brightly and freely through the mesh parts, which indicates the air should also be able to get in and out easily. Let's see if our smoke machine agrees!

Wow! Look at that! Not only the toebox but also the tongue just let all the smoke out seamlessly. This wonderful display of breathability is even more impressive if we compare it with the Reebok Classic Leather, which scored a mere 2/5 on this same test. Consequently, we have decided to give the Kayano 14 a perfect 5/5 on our breathability test.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Breathability_3

Thanks to our microscope, we could see this shoe has 2 layers full of ventilation holes.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Breathability_4

The top one features big gaps that look like a bee hive with some threads dancing around. Then, underneath, we have this second layer with smaller holes that still let the air flow with no problems.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 5
Average 3
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

After such a high score on breathability, we didn't expect the upper to act like a shield when our Dremel attacked.

At 5K RPM and with 3.2N of force, the tool completely obliterated this ASICS' upper. As if it had been hungry for years, our Dremel bit off a considerable part of the toebox mesh.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Toebox durability_2

The results couldn't possibly be worse, so we have decided to give the Kayano 14 a sad 1/5 on our toebox durability test. (And if we could give it a 0, trust us, we would!).

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 1
Average 3.8
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The comfortable heel padding followed the same steps, sadly.

We panicked when we saw all those white threads flying around, but our Dremel didn't even stop for a second. Once the test was done, we removed the tool and looked at the second bite it had taken from this ASICS today. Yikes!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Heel padding durability_2

We could only give it another 1/5 on durability, and that sucks.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Our durometer returned 86.1 HC when we measured the Kayano 14's outsole hardness.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Outsole hardness_1

This score is pretty much average, which means the shoe should offer a healthy balance between traction and durability. But we'll have to ask our Dremel about that!

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 86.1 HC
Average 85.4 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
91.3 HC

Outsole durability

Our Dremel seemed hungry today, so we hoped it was already satisfied when we measured the Kayano 14's outsole durability.

This time at 10K RPM but with the same 3.2N, the tool dealt considerable damage to the shoe. Our tread gauge indicated the dent was 1.2 mm deep, which is slightly higher than average.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Outsole durability_2

This is definitely not the best result, but it's not like we were unhappy with it. This shoe's outsole should withstand constant daily use for a long time, and you can always add it to your rotation and let it rest from time to time.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 1.2 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 80 sneakers
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Despite not using the toughest rubber out there, ASICS decided to go for a thinner-than-average outsole.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Outsole thickness_1

We were pretty surprised when our caliper returned 4.7 mm, but we can understand the brand's decision. Instead of going for a chunkier piece of rubber that could potentially make the whole shoe heavier, the designers decided to keep it all lightweight and airy.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_06

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 4.7 mm
Average 5.4 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

After our wear tests, we can say this shoe's traction was standard, but nothing too impressive.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_03

The Kayano 14 features a running-style outsole with a fair rubber coverage. It has got different patterns and 2 wavy flex grooves at the ball of the foot. This enhanced its overall flexibility, which translated into an easier ride.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_05

It might not be the grippiest shoe around, and wet floors could definitely be a threat, but overall we're satisfied with the traction levels of this ASICS pair. In our experience, it did its job, and that's what matters to us.

Price

Even though the Kayano 14 is not the cheapest shoe out there, we've found its not-so-criminal price has a solid alibi based on a long story of trust, constantly improving technologies, and a loyal fanbase.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_010

Apart from all this, this ASICS pair has a really trendy vibe and a Y2K retro-futuristic design, which appeals to a wider public every year. But that's not all, as it also features multiple structural advantages that made us enjoy every step of our walks during our wear tests. Its comfort, stability and breezy nature are just the tip of the iceberg!

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 $160
Average $119
Compared to 108 sneakers
Number of shoes
$50
Price
$220

Reflective elements

This ASICS pair doesn't have any reflective elements, but this colorway has some silver touches that might shine a little bit more than other colors. Still, nothing that will help you when the night comes, though!

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Reflective elements_1

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 No

Tongue padding

The Kayano 14 is a pretty comfortable shoe that you can show off around town for a whole day if you want to. To show it doesn't play around when it comes to your feet's happiness, ASICS decided to add a crazy padded tongue that made our instep feel like it was dreaming.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Tongue padding_1

At the impressive figure of 16.0 mm, our caliper had to open wide to hug this chunky pillow of a tongue. We loved how comfortable it felt all day long, but the best part is that, despite its plushy nature, it did not have a negative effect on this shoe's wonderful breathability.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_015

The thing is... we do believe ASICS could have easily gone for a thinner tongue and still keep the otherworldly comfort levels of the Kayano 14. This would've made the shoe even lighter, which is always a positive point.

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 16.0 mm
Average 9.1 mm
Compared to 81 sneakers
Number of shoes
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Heel tab

The Kayano 14 doesn't have any kind of heel tab, but as it features a non-gusseted tongue, we didn't really feel like we needed one.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14_outdoor_013

We really like the Y2K aesthetics this former runner boasts. Its shiny details and overall old-school aesthetics make it super trendy. So when we learned how popular this model is, we weren't even that surprised!

It might not be ready to run anymore, but there are other ASICS pairs for that! In other words, you'll still be a gold medalist... but in style!

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 None

Removable insole

As we've already mentioned before, this shoe's insole is pretty simple.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Removable insole_2

But don't worry, you can always change it! The Kayano 14 features a removable insole, which is something we always appreciate a lot.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 Removable insole_1

Test results
Gel Kayano 14 Yes