Group,
I have run in Asics Kayanos for a decade or more with really no problems or complaints. I seem to not like the XIIs as well despite the claimed improvements and reduced weight. I guess my complaints are basically fit and feel. Is it just me, or do others have the same sort of issues? I can surely find some older models for a while, but made need to make a switch going forward. Thanks,
I’ve run in several older versions of Kayano’s over the years. About three weeks ago I considered switching back to them from the Saucony Omni’s that I’ve been using for three years now.
I compared the Kayano’s to the Saucony Hurricanes - for the usual 30 seconds in the running store. I found the Saucony’s much more comfortable, for what it’s worth.
I found the 12 wider than the 11 so I went to the ladies shoe.
Next pair will be something different though
jaretj
For me, it is the feel that I don’t like with the XII’s. I have been wearing Kayano’s for the past couple of years, and just found some more XI’s to keep training in. Not sure, they just feel wayyyyyyyy different.
Hmmmn. Your making me wonder, I just got my first ever pair of Kayano XII’s thinking it might be time for a little medial posting. I only ran in them once yesterday very short, so not sure yet. I like the toe box which is wide enough w/o being sloppy. I’ve been having trouble getting a proper fit in Nike’s (once again they messed with the last and are too narrow now). Adidas just don’t have enough cushioning. Not sure what to do. I need cushioning and a little bit of control, not much.
did you try this year’s Gel Empire?
did you try this year’s Gel Empire?
No, sounds like I should. What’s the difference?
Agree that they are wider and I think they are a little longer. I went out and found some 11s to get through another year.
I guess I am different, I like them. I had last years version and thought this years version is a big improvement over last years. I thought they fell a lot more comfortable than the red ones.
i have really flat feet, so that is why I tried them. I really like them
Just got a pair of the XII’s and my first impressions are similar to yours…the fit is more like the DS trainer (which I use as a racing shoe) than the Kayano XI’s. A noticable difference in the weight.
I noticed this as well as I’ve run in Kayanos for about 6 years (I use them for long runs only, 2+ hours). The XIIs are much lighter with the SoLyte midsole and felt a little more “responsive” than the past which is fine, but not what I (and apparently a lot of others) was looking for in my long run shoe. But, they did “loosen up” after about 50 miles, so I’d keep giving them a shot.
The XII do feel bigger than my older ones by about 1/2 a size. I still like the shoes, not as much as the older versions, I think I’m going to try a 1/2 size down when i swap them out.
Fit and feel are definitely different. I had been using Kayanos for many years, but with the latest model I started getting blisters on my toes. No change in running volume, socks, terrain, etc., so it had to be the shoes. I ended up switcing to Nike Cesiums.
I don’t like the price so I never buy them.
The Empire is a lot like last years Kayano. different midsole construction (two piece with forefoot type cradle) and geared more towards late stage pronators. But it fits and works a lot like last year’s Kayano.
The Kayano XII is a big departure from the previous versions both upper wise, midsole wise and fit wise. I"m sure they’ll get it nailed a bit better next year. I’m seeing a lot of customers who liked the XIs not likeing the XIIs but a lot of customers who have never worn a Kayano before seem to love the XII. Just depends on the fit you are used to.
This is exactly the switch I made… Kayano to Hurricane.
Good stuff thus far… too bad they didn’t make me any faster!
My husband and I also swicthed to the Hurricanes and now I have switched to the 2100’s. I have not worn Kayano in two years. The 2100’s fit well and retail at $89.00.
I have always worn Asics but the XII is my first pair of Kayanos. I personally love the fit and they have helped my knees immensely (runner’s knee is what prompted me to upgrade to the higher end shoe). However, I have very fat, flat feet so I can see how this wouldn’t be a great shoe for the average person.