ASICS

GEL-Kayano 21

GEL-Kayano 21
Daily trainer · Stability · Road
Below average (56/100)

Shoe details

Weight
11.4 oz
Release
2014
MSRP
$160
Stack Height
30mm heel - 20mm toe
Drop Height
10mm

Ratings & Reviews

Below average (56/100)

Based on product-line history, external ratings, and runner reviews.
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Scores better than 5% of all shoes.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Better Shoes Rating. Shading shows the expected rating range.
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Rankings combine runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, direct comparisons to other shoes, related product-line performance, and trusted external ratings.

The darker band shows the central rating range. The lighter band shows a wider range of reasonable outcomes. More reviews for this shoe usually narrow both bands.

Overall

Below average (56/100)

Overall rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Below average (56/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 5% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Cushioning

Excellent (94/100)

Cushioning rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Excellent (94/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 91% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Comfort

Good (74/100)

Comfort rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Good (74/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 47% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Durability

Good (73/100)

Durability rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Good (73/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 46% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Appearance

Average (64/100)

Appearance rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Average (64/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 18% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Value

Bottom-tier (50/100)

Value rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Bottom-tier (50/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 1% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

21%

3/14

Prefer this shoe over another.

Reviewers said this shoe was better than another shoe they ran in.

All Running Shoes

Scores better than 5% of 2,617 running shoes.

Below average

Daily Trainers

Scores better than 4% of 1,872 daily trainers.

4%

GEL-Kayano Family

Scores better than <1% of 10 gel-kayano family.

<1%

ASICS

Scores better than 6% of 266 ASICS shoes.

6%

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Popular shoe among LetsRun.com readers.
  • Rated above average on comfort.

Cons

  • A majority of reviewers like this shoe less than their last shoe.
  • Reviewers rate this shoe worse than the GEL-Kayano 20.
  • Rated below average overall.
  • Rated below average on cushioning.
  • Rated below average on durability.

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Current shoe
Reference shoe
Newest
Best overall / Best comfort / Best cushioning
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Stability
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
11.4 oz M
Stack
30/20mm
Drop
1mm
7mm
Release
2014
2025 Q2 Newest
2024 Q2
MSRP
$160 Lower MSRP
$200
Best price
$149.99
Ratings
Overall
Bottom tier (5%)
Below average (33%)
Exceptional (>99%) Best overall
Comfort
Average (47%)
Average (45%)
Exceptional (99%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Excellent (91%)
Good (70%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Average (46%)
Very good (83%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Bottom tier (18%)
Below average (22%)
Exceptional (98%) Best appearance
Value
Bottom tier (1%)
Bottom tier (6%)
Very good (86%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

No offers available

Better alternatives

Higher-rated shoes similar to this one

More from ASICS

Reader Ratings

10 reader ratings

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 10 written reviews

Reader review

British Girl · Dec 12, 2015

4/5

Overall

I have had both hips replaced in the last 4 years - this shoe gives me a lot of stability and cushioning for my hips. It withstands Utah heavy duty winter weather very well. I currently rotate 6 pairs of Kayano 20's and 21's
Comfort
4/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Reader review

[email protected] · Dec 2, 2015

4/5

Overall

I use it for everyday training.
Comfort
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
2/5

Reader review

seanluzzi · May 30, 2015

4/5

Overall

Great shoe. Lasts close to 500 miles. Great for summer, XC, or track distance training
Comfort
5/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

Reader review

Anonymous runner · May 8, 2015

4/5

Overall

Its been by favorite road shoe feels great lasts good. I have had heel spurs removed and shoe is super comfortable I am 55 year old, 25 mile a week guy. recently tried Hoka One One Stenson ran a 1/2 Marathon ater wearing them on several longer runs. I had a black toe nail first time ever. I but both insoles in and have used them for a few more long runs. toenail may have been because speed laces were tight on top but a little loose in toe box. They are not as comforible as assics but I never am sore (calves heals etc after running in them) so maybe they are going to soon be my favorite
Comfort
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
4/5

Reader review

Anonymous runner · Apr 14, 2015

5/5

Overall

Very comfortable ride, firm enough to support but flexible enough that I don't feel like I have boards strapped to my feet. I feel more comfortable with a narrower toe box and this shoe fits me perfectly. I have 384 miles on this pair and they are nearing end of life.
Comfort
5/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
3/5