ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 vs Nike Vomero Plus

Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .

• The reviewers praise the Kayano 32 as one of the best stability shoes on the market, noting it has evolved from feeling like a heavy tank to riding like a comfortable daily shoe while retaining excellent guidance. However, they find it less versatile than the Nimbus 28 due to its firmer, blockier ride and heavier weight.

  Ride:Firmer and more controlled than the Nimbus 28 with a blockier but more uniform landing feel. The 4D guidance system provides adaptive stability that is noticeable but not overdone. Drop reduced from 10mm to 8mm versus previous version, improving transition smoothness. Less versatile than the Nimbus for picking up the pace.

  Fit:True to size with a slightly more snug forefoot fit than the Nimbus 28. Thicker upper fits closer across the top of the toes adding a sense of security. More padded tongue with padded sections and a bigger medial gusset for additional medial support. Slightly more padding around the ankle collar.

  In their words: "fantastically stable shoe" · "very plush, comfortable shoe" · "more controlled and everything is more uniform"

  — The Run Testers , 30 mi tested , source

• Matt's shoe of the year for 2025 — a plush, wide, stable-neutral daily trainer that's slightly lighter and more responsive than the GT-4000 4, better for picking up the pace but less aggressively supportive.

  Ride:Softer FlyteFoam Blast Plus midsole with a '4D Guidance' stable-neutral setup — wide base, sole flare, tall sidewalls, slight medial wedge feel. Smoother and bouncier through the midfoot than the GT-4000 4 since there's no medial post. Nice forefoot rocker, transitions well.

  Fit:Upper is a touch more snug and lower volume on initial try-on than the GT-4000 4, with a plush tongue and well-padded heel collar; widens over time. Wide available.

  — Doctors of Running , 200 mi tested , source

• A heritage stability shoe that has evolved into a genuinely runnable daily trainer with strong durability and support, though it runs narrow and shallow so buyers should size up in width.

  Ride:Much more runnable than previous Kayano iterations thanks to the FlyteFoam Blast Plus midsole. 4D stability system provides both medial and lateral support on a wider base for good ground control.

  Fit:Runs narrow and shallow; reviewer sized up to 4E. Length is fine but width needs attention. Shoelaces feel a touch short.

  In their words: "it runs narrow" · "much more runnable shoe" · "great durability"

  — Run Moore , source

• Still the king of the max-stability shoe world — comfortable, supportive, and versatile — but the only meaningful change is 2mm more foam, making it hard to justify the £180 price tag over the cheaper previous version.

  Ride:The extra 2mm of FlyteFoam Blast Plus softens the ride versus the previous version, while the 4D Guidance System uses a softer, springier insert that you bounce off as you pronate rather than a firm post.

  Fit:True to size with good lockdown; wide platform and built-up sidewalls create a stable cradle.

  In their words: "this is a max stability shoe" · "still the king of the stability shoe" · "It's always been too heavy"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .

• The reviewer's preferred max-cushion shoe overall thanks to its exceptionally bouncy ZoomX midsole, edging out the Clifton Pro despite being pricier and heavier.

  Ride:Full ZoomX midsole gives a very bouncy, high energy-return ride with a 45/35mm stack and 10mm drop; smooth despite the high drop thanks to a moderate rocker.

  Fit:True to size in UK9 (US10); thick, warm, well-padded upper; also available in wide fits.

  In their words: "booming bouncy mid sole" · "sink in and then come straight back" · "extra springy ride just wins the day"

  — The Run Testers , 99 mi tested , source

• EDDBUD says the Vomero Plus SE offers a huge amount of cushion, carrying over heavily from the discontinued Nike Invincible Run, and is great value at the discounted price.

  In their words: "huge amount of cushion" · "borrows heavily from the previous version" · "can't lose under 100 quid"

  — EDDBUD , source

• Fordy's clear favourite long run shoe, powered by ZoomX foam; he used it heavily through a prior marathon block and it's the obvious, default pick again for this training cycle.

  Ride:ZoomX foam that's proven epically reliable for long runs.

  In their words: "absolutely loved it" · "epically reliable for my long runs" · "constantly recommend on this channel"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• Kofuzi likes the Vomero Plus's peppier, comfortable midsole and thinks it could work as a speedy long-run or marathon shoe for bigger/taller runners, but at 10 oz he personally finds it too heavy for anything beyond easy everyday runs.

  Ride:A similar midsole design to the Neo Vista 3 with more pop, very comfortable and well-padded, but noticeably heavier at 10 oz.

  In their words: "a lot more pop to it" · "too heavy to do anything"

  — Kofuzi , source