My husband has special shoe needs due to a severe foot injury in his right heel (surgically reconstructed calcaneus held together with metal plates, screws, etc) that causes constant pain. He needs shoes that provide both a lot of cushion in the heel area and structured heel support, and he also needs new shoes at least every 6 months. The Asics Gel-Kayano (plus SmartFeet inserts) is by far the best shoe for his needs, and has been his go-to everyday shoe for years.
Unfortunately, the Gel-Kayano 23 model (and earlier models) came in pretty hideous colors for everyday wear. He's a professor, so he needs to look professional at work, and the 23 model didn't have a single option that worked well for that. The least obtrusive seemed to be the silver and blue model, and they aren't exactly high fashion--the main fabric is shiny silver with bright blue laces and reflective-shiny blue bands all over it. Imagine those shoes with chinos, a nice shirt, and a tweed jacket. It looked ridiculous, especially given that his students and many of his colleagues did not know about his injury. He also felt a bit self conscious wearing those shoes when we went to nice restaurants or other fancy events where all the other men were wearing dress shoes.
In contrast, we are so happy with the new styles available with the Gel-Kayano 24! The fit, comfort, and support are the same excellent quality that he has come to count on from Asics Gel-Kayano, and this time they seem to have hired a better designer, because there are a few options that actually look good too! We got the black/charcoal, and they look great!! The matte finish is a nice touch. They are classy & unobtrusive enough for him to wear to work every day & still look very professional.
If you have heel pain, especially from a calcaneus injury, I cannot recommend these shoes enough. They are wonderful for my husband's day-to-day pain management. And instead of being stressed out every 6 months hoping to find a decent pair of shoes, we just re-order these and are good to go. If you have severe pain or a disability, simple things like shoe shopping are not so simple--your entire quality of life rides on it. I highly recommend Gel-Kayanos for anyone who needs extra heel support & cushion, especially now that the 24s have the improved color options.
Lastly, I have a message for the Asics design people: If you have anyone reading these reviews, please learn from this! I'm sure runners are fine with the bright, shiny colors, because maybe it makes them feel safe, and either way, they only have to wear them for like an hour a day. But not everyone who buys these shoes is buying them for athletic purposes. Please always make sure to provide a more subtle, sober, professional option for those with foot injuries etc. who need your shoes for everyday wear. You have finally done this with the Gel-Kayano 24--please keep it up with future models! Thank you!!
Reviews with images
Great Shoes for Casual Wear
Had these shoes for five months now.I'd like to start that these are great shoes but for my use I haven't been able to find these great for running with but perfect for casual wear. These fit very comfortably and look decent fine for casual use like walking at state parks getting groceries etc. When running with them though they don't really stick on my feet. They feel loose, especially at the heel like they're not clinging to my feet with each running step I've since bought the ASIC's roadhawks which are phenomenal for jogging.All and all these are a step up from the previous casual wear shoes that I've had so currently being labeled (to me) as the best casual use shoes I give these shoes a 5 out of 5.
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CENGIZ AKYILDIZ
Best price I have so far for Kayano
Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2018
