ASICS Gel-Kayano 32

Matt's top stability shoe of 2025 and possibly his top training shoe overall — full-length medial stability, the first 8mm drop in the Kayano's 30-year history, and a resilient bouncy 4D guidance system.

Best for: Long runs, easy runs, and all-day standing for runners who need full-length medial stability with bounce

Matt's stability shoe of the year so far — a comfortable, softer, smooth-transitioning easy/long-run stability trainer with consistent full-length medial support, though too heavy for faster workouts.

Best for: Easy runs and long runs for runners who want a soft, relaxed ride with aggressive medial stability and a smooth heel transition.

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.

Best for: Runners needing medial stability who want a premium stability shoe that can also pick up the pace; long-time Kayano wearers looking for a more runnable, less clunky version.

A smoother, lighter-feeling update with a first-ever 8mm drop and a moderate stable-neutral ride that guides without feeling posted; battling the Glycerin GTS 22 for Matt's stability shoe of the year.

Best for: 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.

Best for: Walkers and standers with mild stability needs who want a softer, bouncier ride with full-length guidance

Solid, no major updates — nothing changed enough to warrant much attention.

An excellent modern stability shoe that delivers plush comfort and subtle support for easy and long runs, though it's heavy and not versatile enough for uptempo work.

Best for: Stability-seeking runners who want maximum comfort and support for easy and long training runs at consistent paces.

A very comfortable stability shoe with subtle, non-intrusive 4D guidance — firmer and more controlled than the Nimbus 27 with a smoother transition, and preferred by Nick even as a neutral runner, though it's clunky at faster paces.

Best for: 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.

A very good comfortable stability shoe that improves slightly on the 30 and 31 via a smoother lower-drop geometry; still one of the best options for runners who genuinely need stability, but not versatile and not the best value at full price.

Best for: Runners who need stability for easy daily miles and long runs, plus neutral runners who want a supportive cushioned trainer.

A refined iteration of the Kayano line with a lower drop, slightly lighter feel, and a bit more energy than previous versions, making it a solid cushioned stability option for easy daily miles though not a dramatic upgrade over the 30 or 31.

Best for: 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.