As the retro runner revival seems to be taking over for 2023, all eyes are on the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 . Having started to gain traction towards the end of last year thanks to the tastemakers at JJJJound, the model has since gone on to drop in a number of nice, neutral colourways, and has also been the focus for a recent KITH collab.
Despite the Japanese brand’s pedigree within the sneaker industry, its recent surge of popularity has no doubt led to a tonne of new fans jumping on the ASICS wave, and we’re sure that this new-found fanbase will have plenty of questions - such as ‘how does the ASICS GEL-Kayano fit?’ and ‘How comfortable are they really?’. Now, if you’re someone with those questions in mind, then fear not, as we’re about to answer both of those, and more, right here.
Now, first things first - here’s a quick history lesson on the GEL-Kayano 14. Part of ASICS’ longstanding GEL-Kayano range, the shoe first launched back in 2008, and was primarily designed for running. In fact, the GEL-Kayano 14 was such a successful runner, that it actually won an award for it, and word has it that ASICS fans were actually disappointed when the brand dropped its successor, the GEL-Kayano 15 a year later.
After retiring the model for a while, the GEL-Kayano 14 was then revived in 2020 thanks to Kiko Kostadinov, who pushed for the brand to revive the model over its predecessor, the 13. Favoured for its futuristic look, the shoe was perfectly positioned to lead the charge on the emerging retro runner trend, which didn’t really hit the mainstream until last year. Since then, it's gone on to be one of the biggest sneakers of 2023, so if you’re looking to get involved, here’s everything you need to know.