ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 vs Nike Vomero Plus
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .
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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"
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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.
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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"
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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"
Nike Vomero Plus — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .
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His pick for best cushion shoe — a big slab of springy ZoomX-based foam that hasn't lost its bounce over 100+ miles of testing, protecting the legs on easy runs without feeling dead underfoot.
In their words: "never loses that bounce" · "sink in nicely, but then you bounce right back"
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The best marathon training shoe for everyday runners thanks to its versatility and comfortable ZoomX ride.
In their words: "by far the best marathon training shoe" · "phenomenal outsole" · "can go from road to gravelly trails"
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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"
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Ben Parkes recommends this as a more readily available long-run shoe than his top pick, citing its ZoomX cushioning and available width options, despite its heavier weight.
Ride:A generous helping of Nike's premium ZoomX foam to absorb impact on long efforts; on the heavier, chunkier side but still capable of getting up to pace.
In their words: "really good chunk of Nike's premium" · "good for wider footed runners"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 if
- Easy runs, recovery miles, and daily training for runners wanting cushioned stability without intrusive support features; also works well for neutral runners who want a comfortable cushioned shoe. — The Run Testers
- Walkers and standers with mild stability needs who want a softer, bouncier ride with full-length guidance — Doctors of Running
- Stability-seeking runners who want maximum comfort and support for easy and long training runs at consistent paces. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a smoother heel transition, slightly lower drop, more forefoot cushioning, a stiffer forefoot (helpful for hallux limitus / toe mobility issues), or who are sensitive to arch pressure and prefer moderate guidance over a medial post. — Doctors of Running
- Long runs, easy runs, and all-day standing for runners who need full-length medial stability with bounce — Doctors of Running
- Runners who need mild-to-strong stability and want a comfortable, reliable easy/daily trainer — also works well for neutral runners who prefer a firmer, more controlled ride. — The Run Testers
Consider the Nike Vomero Plus if
- Long runs, including for wider-footed runners who need width options. — Ben Parkes
- Easy and long runs for neutral runners who want a soft, bouncy, fun max-cushion daily trainer that can also handle some tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Runners looking for the spiritual successor to the Nike Invincible 1/2 — a fun, plush, do-it-all daily shoe with enough versatility to race in. — Ben Parkes
- Plush cruiser for easy and recovery miles, on-feet-all-day use, and heavier runners needing impact protection — EDDBUD
- Long runs and marathon-pace blocks, and a good option for heavier runners. — Ben Parkes
- Versatile max-cushion daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and even first races — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a recovery / easy and the Nike Vomero Plus is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 weighs 298g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Nike Vomero Plus weighs 281g, has a 43mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $165 for the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and $155 for the Nike Vomero Plus.
Should I buy the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Run Testers on the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32: Easy runs, recovery miles, and daily training for runners wanting cushioned stability without intrusive support features; also works well for neutral runners who want a comfortable cushioned shoe. Ben Parkes on the Nike Vomero Plus: Long runs, including for wider-footed runners who need width options.
Per The Run Testers, Ben Parkes.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Nike Vomero Plus is lighter, at 281g versus 298g (men's 9) — about 17g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
Measured by stack height, the Nike Vomero Plus has more underfoot foam — 43mm at the heel versus 40mm.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Nike Vomero Plus is cheaper at $155 versus $165 MSRP — about $10 less.