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ASICS

GEL-Kayano 26

GEL-Kayano 26
Daily trainer · Stability · Road
Good (76%)

Shoe details

Weight
11.1 oz
Release
2019 Q2
MSRP
$160
Stack Height
22mm heel - 12mm toe
Drop Height
10mm

Ratings & Reviews

Good (76%)

Rated better overall than 76% of all shoes.
?

This score rates better than 76% of other shoes we judged.

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

Percentile vs. all shoes. Shaded bars reflect our uncertainty.
?

Rankings are based on real review data, but there is always some uncertainty.

The shaded bar shows a plausible range for this shoe’s rank based on the review data we have and normal variation in runner feedback. More reviews usually narrow the range.

Overall

Good (76%)

Cushioning

Excellent (94%)

Durability

Excellent (92%)

Comfort

Very good (88%)

Appearance

Average (58%)

Value

Bottom tier (7%)

All Running Shoes

Better than 76% of 2,492 running shoes ranked.

Good (76%)

Daily Trainers

Better than 74% of 1,818 daily trainers ranked.

Good (74%)

GEL-Kayano Family

Better than 60% of 10 gel-kayano family ranked.

Average (60%)

ASICS

Better than 87% of 256 ASICS shoes ranked.

Very good (87%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

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

Cons

  • Reviewers rate this shoe worse than the GEL-Kayano 25.
  • Rated below average overall.
  • Rated below average on comfort.

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 26
ASICS GEL-Kayano 32
Saucony Kinvara 16
GEL-Kayano 26
GEL-Kayano 32
Kinvara 16
Current shoe
Reference shoe
Best overall / Best comfort / Best cushioning
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Stability (Maximum)
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
11.1 oz M
—
—
Stack
22/12mm
—
—
Drop
1mm
—
—
Release
2019 Q2
2025 Q2
2025 Q2
MSRP
$160
—
—
Best price
—
—
$129.95
Ratings
Overall
Above average (69%)
Below average (32%)
Exceptional (100%) Best overall
Comfort
Very good (88%)
Below average (36%)
Exceptional (100%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Excellent (94%)
Above average (62%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Excellent (92%)
Average (48%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Average (58%)
Below average (29%)
Exceptional (99%) Best appearance
Value
Bottom tier (7%)
Below average (25%)
Exceptional (100%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

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Reader Reviews

19 reader reviews

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 19 reviews

K 25 was great. K 26 is a disaster.

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

1/5

Overall

Been w/ K's or +10 years. Bought extra 25's when 26's came out. Ran my first 50 mile week in 26's last week, and my forefeet are still hurting two days later due to lack of cushioning in forefeet and toe box being tighter. Had to stop & walk late in a 16 miler due to pain in the forefeet. Feels like a lot of cushioning in the 25 removed to lighten shoe. Felt like cardboard inserted instead of decent cushioning, and that's w/ using a Spenco insole. Very disappointing. Could do 20 miler in all previous K's. Not the 26's, not even 10M, w/o feeling foot pain. Will hope for better when the 27's come out.
Comfort
1/5
Cushioning
1/5
Durability
1/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
1/5

Truly Terrible Shoes

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

1/5

Overall

The Asics Kayano 26 are legitimately the worst shoes I have ever run in. The flytefoam is hard as a rock, providing no cushioning whatsoever.
Comfort
1/5
Cushioning
1/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
1/5

20+ years in Kayanos

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Over 20 years ago I'd stopped running with knee and ankle pain from overpronating and probably other issues. Loving running as much as I did, I eventually went back to a running shoe store. They analyzed my gait, put me in different shoes on a videotaped treadmill, and sold me the most expensive shoes in the store. The spendy shoes got me back into running, usually injury free, and it's been a great run ever since. This particular model has a softer rubber in the forefoot that is wearing out too fast. Hopefully they fix it in the next edition.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5

Great Shoe

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

This is my third pair of Kayanos and I have loved every pair. ASICS makes a high quality shoe that provides excellent cushion and support for heavier runners. My only complaint is that the sole of the shoe wears quickly and some stitching in the toe box has come loose on mine.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

WORLDS BEST SHOE

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

SHOE HAS BEEN VERY COMFORTABLE AND PROVIDES GREAT SUPPORT AND THE APPEARANCE IS GREAT
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5