The Kayano 33 vs Kayano 32
The Kayano 33 vs Kayano 32
The Kayano 33 has two big updates over the 32, and they are whoopers.
Firstly, it introduces a livelier foam into the midsole for improved energy return and performance, secondly, they have completely overhauled the support structure in place, and when I say, completely overhauled, I really mean removed, but don’t worry this is still a structured shoe, delivering phenomenal comfort and guidance for long runs.
Key Info
Kayano 32: Price £179.99. Weight Men’s 300g / Women’s 256g. Stack height Men’s 40 / 32mm, Women’s 39 / 31mm. Heel offset 8mm. Midsole composition FF Blast Plus Eco with rearfoot PureGel. Support 4D Guidance system. Upper engineered mesh upper. Outsole ASICSGRIP and AHARPLUS rubber.
Kayano 33: Price £179.99. Weight Men’s 298g / Women’s 259g. Stack height Men’s 40 / 32mm, Women’s 39 / 31mm. Heel offset 8mm. Midsole composition FF Blast Max on top of FF Blast PLUS with rearfoot PureGel. Support FLUIDSUPPORT. Upper lightweight engineered mesh. Outsole hybrid ASICSGRIP and AHARPLUS rubber.
Let’s start with what’s the same
It’s still ASICS flagship structure shoe, offering plush comfort, incredible cushioning and a great long run feel.
It features a new upper, an updated version of the engineered mesh used previously, and the outsole uses the same materials as before, although in a new configuration. The combination of incredibly hard wearing AHARPLUS and softer, grippy ASICSGRIP rubber promises a smooth, durable and grippy feel.
It also uses PureGel in the heel for super soft landings, but the rest of the midsole is where we see the big changes.
The updates
Firstly, ASICS have introduced the bouncy FF Blast Max found in their hugely successful Novablast series. Used alongside FF Blast PLUS, expect an extra energised step to your cushioned run.
Secondly, they have ditched the popular 4D guidance system. A series of designs that worked together, it was well liked in the industry because it delivered the support runners craved with a non-intrusive feel. Or to put it another way, you barely felt it as you ran.
So why replace it? Well, the FLUIDGUIDANCE system promises to take the concept of non-intrusive support to a whole new level. With no firmer constructions anywhere in the shoe, ASICS are delivering support through a wide base at the outsole, a clever merging of two foams, intelligent outsole design and very careful geometries.
The result is a supportive shoe that performs like a neutral shoe, which is surely the holy grail for an over pronator or support shoe wearer.
Conclusion
The change from the Kayano 32 to the 33 and specifically from 4D Guidance System to FLUIDSUPPORT is a monumental shift. One that might not just revolutionise the franchise, but the way structured shoes in general are built. Time, popularity and performance will very soon tell us if it will.