HOKA Arahi v8 vs ASICS Gel-Kayano v32

Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .

• Lightest stability shoe in the US with uniquely full-length H-frame support, but a clunky heel transition and quickly-compacting EVA midsole make it disappointing for heel strikers and long-run comfort; better as a walking shoe or for mid/forefoot strikers.

  Ride:Now the lightest stability shoe available in the US. New H frame (replacing the J frame) is thick medially and laterally and extends full-length heel-to-forefoot — rare in stability shoes. Softer EVA midsole than v7, but not a super foam, not responsive, good shock absorption. Forefoot rocker is nice but heel bevel is on the wrong (medial) side, making rear-foot transition clunky. Midsole compacts quickly and loses the initial softness.

  Fit:Upper is wider than the very narrow v7 with a much lower volume — sits close to the toes initially but breaks in with good stretch. Double jacquard mesh. Tongue is thicker and not gusseted but stays put. Heel counter is rounded and semi-flexible. Toe guard is stiff and bent inward at one point, causing some blistering.

  In their words: "softer than the prior version" · "really clunky rear foot transition" · "going to be better for slower runners"

  — Doctors of Running , 100 mi tested , source

• An excellent max-stacked stability shoe — light for the category, very comfortable, with effective full-length H-frame stability and a nice dual-foam ride; the reviewer can find no real dislikes.

  Ride:Very wide base. Dual density EVA foam setup with H frame replacing the previous J frame — thicker medially, extending onto the lateral side, creating full-length stability. Drop increased from 5mm (v7) to 8mm. Nice rocker, smooth ride, not overly soft but the right amount of softness. Weight dropped to 284g in UK 10, making it lighter than v7 and very competitive against shoes like the On Cloudsurfer Max (over 300g at only 37mm stack).

  Fit:Comfort is on point with perfect laces. Fit is true-to-size in Hoka (reviewer is UK 10 / US 10.5). High sidewalls create a sit-in feel. Heel kicks away from the Achilles.

  In their words: "lighter than version 7" · "the right amount of softness" · "more stable than the Clifton 10"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• A remarkably smooth, slightly lighter daily trainer whose subtle H-frame stability disappears underfoot; preferred by one reviewer over the Clifton 10 for the softer forefoot and smoother ride, and very close to it as a neutral-friendly option.

  Ride:Dual EVA layer with H frame delivers a very smooth, flatter, more protected heel feel — the H frame subtly smooths the ride rather than feeling like overt support. Feels softer under the forefoot than the Clifton despite less total stack, thanks to the EVA configuration. Lighter on foot than the Clifton, suiting a range of paces. Runs comfortably at long-run distances though slightly less cushioned under forefoot at 30k-plus than the Clifton.

  Fit:UK 9 / US 9.5 fits true to size; feels a little roomier than the Clifton in the toe box and midfoot. Similar padding on tongue, heel collar, and heel counter as the Clifton.

  In their words: "smoother than the Clifton" · "softer feeling in the foroot" · "opens up a little bit more"

  — The Run Testers , 37 mi tested , source

• A solid upgrade over the v7 — wider, more stable via the H-frame, and more comfortable; doesn't address wishes for a faster or more fun midsole, but sells well out of the gate.

  Ride:Mid-cushion stability shoe with H-frame replacing the J-frame — more stable than v7 but still comfortable and not clunky. EVA midsole feels similar to Clifton with no major technology change.

  Fit:Wider than v7 and much more forgiving, especially for bunions/wider feet; wide width available but many who needed a wide in v7 may not need it in v8.

  In their words: "a midcushion stability shoe" · "more stable than it used to be" · "fits more forgiving"

  — Run Moore , source

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 calls this the best and most runnable Kayano he has ever tested, praising the smoother transition, slightly firmer snappy ride, and improved full-length guidance — only real gripe is premature outsole wear.

  Ride:Smoothest heel and best transition of any Kayano to date. New 8mm drop (down from 10mm) with 40/32 stack makes the shoe feel smoother and snappier. Slight firmness keeps it from feeling mushy. Full-length 4D Guidance System provides medial stability throughout, most prevalent in rear/midfoot but extending into the forefoot. Nice forefoot rocker aids toe-off.

  Fit:Snugger, more performance-oriented fit compared to previous wider versions. Very secure lockdown with padded heel that doesn't bother the Achilles. Upper stretches somewhat; wide version recommended for those wanting more room.

  In their words: "a little bit more snug" · "a little bit snappy underfoot" · "premature wear on the outsole"

  — Doctors of Running , 100 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