Currently in Saucony Ride 5s… Tried on these Asics today and really like how they felt. They’re outrageously expensive though. Does anyone race in these? I’m a small woman, and I’d like something at least as comfy as the Rides without going any heavier-feeling. My longest distance this year will be 70.3. Opinions?
That’s a completely different shoe than the Ride. Why was it recommended?
That’s a completely different shoe than the Ride. Why was it recommended?
X2. Not even close to the same shoe. Would like to hear the answer to that question as well.
My foot just can’t fit into Saucony’s for any amount of mileage, but the Kayano’s feel much clunkier than the Ride’s.
I wear a racing flat for 70.3 races.
Your inquiring depends on 1) your running style, 2) your resistance to injury, and 3) they type(s) of shoe(s) that you have been wearing in relation to your proposed change.
They are too heavy for my taste. You should check out the adics ds trainers.
I have but I’m a large man with really large feat. The 20 was fine, I didn’t care for the 19. I just started wearing some New Balance stablilty plus shoes that fel pretty good and cost less than the kayanos.
I just asked to try it on. I know the ride is a neutral shoe and the kayano is a stability one… I pronate a little (have orthotics, but haven’t been using them in my running shoes), but found the Rides worked great for me last season. That said, I was only doing 5k sprint distance tris. This winter I’ve been running in Brooks ghost 4s, and now when I go back to the sauconys the toe box feels a little snug.
Given my plans for more training volume and longer racing distances this year, I like the idea of something slightly cushier and more supportive. But don’t want to feel like I’m wearing sandbags on my feet. Last year was my first season, so looking for input from folks with more experience. I haven’t had any injury issues to this point, and would prefer to keep it that way (had nasty shin splints back in college about 20 yrs ago which was no fun).
Think I got everything covered above except running style. I’d say mid foot strike, hover across the ground rather than bound like a gazelle. 
I’d have you try on a Brooks Ravenna to start. Guidance shoes, good cushioning, but IMO great feel on hard surfaces. Another poster suggested asics DS trainers which would be a good one to try. They are very similar to the asics Noosa tri so might as well try that one too as it has a more breathable upper and port holes in the sole. For racing, try the DS racers or asics Gel-lyte (neutral) or super j’s (slight stability). I know, sounds like I am an Asics salesperson. I’m not, just work at a shoe store. I’ve found folks who like the feel of asics can fit into the ghost and really like the feel of the Ravenna.
Thanks for the suggestions! Guess I should add that I have narrow heels, if that makes any difference.
If you are upping your mileage, and worried about injuries, the kayano is a good shoe. The kayano is a classic that has been around forever.
FWIW, my daughter was upping her mileage last year in track and having some lower leg issues, she switched to kayanos and has been injury free since.
As long as you go to a shop that let’s you try running in different shoes, pick the ones you think feel best.
More support and more cushioning does NOT mean they will be a better shoe and/or prevent injuries better. Also, a little bit of pronation isn’t a bad thing.
The Ride works for people doing a mile through a 100 miler. So, for 70.3 training, it should be fine.
That being said, if you like it but want a bit more shoe, check out the Saucony Triumph, Brooks Glycerin, or Asics Nimbus. I would avoid the Kayano.
I’d have you try on a Brooks Ravenna to start.
I hated the Ravennas but I love the NB 870s. I’ve used the kayanos a couple times, way too much shoe for me.
From a quick try-on in the store, I didn’t like the Triumph as much as the Ride. I find my current Ghost GTX pair really clunky, but they’re gore-tex for winter running – so avoiding soaked, frozen feet and wiping out is my main goal with those. 
I’m glad to have a list of new things to try, including the Asics DS training and racing versions, and Gel-Lyte. Sounds like I may end up with another pair of (updated) Rides once I retire the current pair, but never hurts to look around. I’m using 500k as a rough replacement mark – does that sound about right?
How many folks race and train in different shoes? I’m wondering if I should consider getting more than one pair. You mentioned more cushion/support doesn’t necessarily mean better injury prevention. Since you work in the industry, can I ask what factors in a shoe do play into increasing comfort and avoiding injury? Is it strictly a ‘different stuff works for different folks’ thing, or are there shoe characteristics to look for? I like the idea of light, zippy racing shoes… I guess if I find my legs getting tired/sore at distance, I can always use them for sprint races or tempo runs.
Out of curiosity, can I ask why you’d specifically avoid the Kayano over something like the Triumph?
Based on the information you’ve told me, the Kayano simply sounds like it has too much support. It’s designed for somebody who pronates quite a bit, not just somebody with some minor rolling in.
As for what factors avoid getting injured, there isn’t a simple solution. When fitting shoes, I tell people to get away with the minimum they can, in both support and cushioning. For some, this could be a Kinvara. For others, it’s a Hoka or a Beast. You want to stay healthy (obviously) and have the shoe be a natural part of your foot.
If a shoe is too supportive (like what it sounds the Kayano would be for you), it will cause you foot to evert and turn out. I’ve seen some really bad cases of IT Band syndrome with this. That being said, I’ve seen some people who theoretically shouldn’t be in the Kayano wear it because it is the only one that fits them right and keeps them running.
Shoes are just a balance and there isn’t any magic one out there. Find the right cushioning, right support, right weight, and the perfect fit.
Good to know, thanks!
I have worn these for years and they are the best shoe I have even run in. I have lighter weight Asics noosa for shorter races and when I’m doing a sorter run. I find they feel close but I don’t know if they
Make me faster but mentally I am. And that’s half the battle
I’ve run in Kayano 17s and 18s but have since changed to DS Trainers. I suffer from over pronation and the Kayanos were great for that but as I started running more I just found they were too bulky.
I now use the DS Trainers almost exclusively and wear an insert in the shoe to help with the pronation. For shorter, faster stuff I have a pair of DS Racers which feel great on but have led to some calf issues for me.
I train in Asics Kayano’s, but I race in Newton’s MV2(3) for half iron or shorter. Keep in mind that training is one thing, racing is another. Tim
I used to run in kayano 18 and 19s, haven’t tried the 20s. I started having foot and knee pain from the kayanos. I switched to nike lunarglide3 and have been way better. I just ordered the saucony hurricane 16 to try out. The Mizuno Wave paradox was also recommended to me but haven’t tried them yet.