These are wonderiful shoes. I am so glad I found them. I suffered from shin splints and my pt told me I was wearing the wrong kind of shoes. I do some exercises but I've started wearing these. No blisters, no shin splints. love them.

I agree completely with Jeremy's review of 2 May. A few 5km runs in Kayano 16s and the inside of my heels are tender, bruised and blistered. The culprit is the hard-as-rock and largely unpadded heel counter, which pounds the inside of the heel like a hammer with each step. I cannot use these shoes at all.

The lacing is awesome for me. It's the reason I like the 16s better than the 14s. But I guess everyone's foot is different. I had the asymetrical lacing with my last pair so I new it was good for me.

I too have found a problem with the lacing system on the Kayano 16. After completing a very hilly half on Saturday, May 1st, I noticed that the joint of my big toe on the left foot was very sore, to the point I was having a hard time walking. It is better now as far as walking is concerned (four days later), but I am still not able to run in those shoes. Just putting them on brings the pain back. I am going back to the store (Arlington Heights, IL), shoes in hand, on Saturday May 8th; I will update and let all know what they say.

I have had the 14's and the 15's, both without this problem. The 15's even have the off-set lacing system, and I never experienced this problem once.

As far as cushioning, support and stability, I am very pleased with the shoe. I get about 300 miles out of my Kayanos; the durability is obviously influenced by my 220 pound frame.

I honesty can't remember how many pairs of high-end Asics that I have bought throughout the years, including many of the Kayano models. Lets just say that the number is very high. Unfortunately, I can't wear the Gel Kayano 16s. My heels hurt all of the time, yet I've only had these for a few weeks. Last week, my legs and feet felt like I jumped off the roof and landed on concrete. I have never had this trouble with them before and always have sworn by Asics.

Who knows, perhaps I have a faulty pair?

The bulk of my use is for walking. I have next to zero arch support in these, where I always had adequate arch support. The heel area is just too hard, which is starting to feel like my heels are bruising.

I was running with the Gel Kayano 15's until they wore out. Decided to try something else, just to see if I coud find something less pricey. Bought a pair of Asics GT-2150's and got a new blister everytime I ran in them. Took them back, and got a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire. Hated them! Like running in bare feet. No cushioning at all. Now, I'm back to the Kayano's and everything is good. I love these shoes. Haven't had the "big toe" problem yet (knock on wood), so I'll just keep running and never leave again!

I still like the Kayano's, but really liked the 14's best. My IT band issues are coming back with the 16's for some reason. The lacing system doesn't bother my toe like some are saying, but I just don't like the looks of it. It took me SO long to find the Kayano's, lots of trial and error, and I really don't want to go through that again, but I'm just not crazy about the 16's. Might have to start looking elsewhere.

I have been running in the Kayano for over 8 years and loved them. They have seem my through many miles and several marathons. They have helped with shin splints, too. I only wore my new pair (version 16) for a short 3 mile run on the treadmill. The lacing system really irritates the joint of my big toe. I have a slight bunion on each foot, so the asymmetrical design does not work for me.

Now, I need to find a new, similar, shoe...any suggestions? Thanks

Jennifer

Is anyone else having problems with the new lacing system on the Kayano 16's? The info about the shoe says:
Asymmetrical Lacing Design
An anatomically correct lacing environment that reduces potential for irritation and provides improved comfort and fit.

I have run in Kayanos for years and one thing I loved about them is that I could put them on and run any distance without a breaking-in period. I have never had the shoes hurt me, and I run a lot. I am a 200 mile a month runner, and Kayanos have been my shoe of choice a long time and a lot of races.

I always buy two pair and alternate them, so when the first pair began hurting me right at my big-toe joint where the laces start, I thought it was THAT pair of shoes. BUT the second pair does the same thing. I loosened the laces, but the top of my foot radiating out from the joint on both sides is bruised, purple and bright red. No blister, just painful bruising. I have been trying them for about 3 weeks now, but the pain continues.

I have never had to return Kayanos. Do you know if Asics will take them back? Maybe they would trade me for some 15's?

Has anyone else experienced this?

Brooke Nelson

To start I have only had these shoes two weeks so I can not honestly rate there durability yet. Everything else about this shoe is amazing! I'm an average runner, 3 to 5 miles per run 4x per week. I've always been prone to shin splints, foot, ankle and knee aches, not any more though! I'm so glad I finally did some research and spent the money on these shoes. I hoenstly could not be happier, I no longer have any pain during or after my runs, I am running longer and I can feel the difference in each step. It's like running on clouds. Hopefully they'll hold up. I would reccomend these shoes to anyone! This is my first pair of Asics and I don't forsee myself going with another shoe, ever.