ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 22 Running Shoe

I've worn the Gel Kayano for years. I buy a size larger than my shoe size because I salesman at Lady Foot Locker suggested that when I bought my first pair. He said your foot slides forward when you run so you need extra toe space. I've found this to be good advice. I love the Gel Kayano. You can buy cheaper Asics, but many of those don't have the gel going through into the front of the foot. If you're a runner, gel in the heel is WORTHLESS, you do not run on your heels. You need the gel in the front of the shoe. In the picture you can actually see the pink gel patches going up into the front of the shoe.I did notice notice this shoe seemed narrower than I was used to, but I can't be sure if that was the shoe or just because I'd worn my old pair for a year and a half and stretched it out. I also may have bought a wider size last time, although I don't think I did. I normally buy the 8B. Anyway, it is not uncomfortably narrow, just narrower than I'm used to.The laces are a little long even when you use the side-holes at the top.Overall, these are great shoes if you run every day, providing support and cushioning for your feet.

I am writing a comparison review of the two pairs of Asics running shoes that I purchased during Amazon’s Prime Day Sale. The shoes are the ASICS Women's GEL-Contend 3 Running Shoe (11 B(M) US, Charcoal/Sharp Green/Purple) and the ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 22 Running Shoe. I hope that my review may help you decide if you are contemplating choosing between the two shoes - or if you just want more information on one of those shoes.My History: I have suffered from plantar fasciitis, some over-pronation, and a bit of osteoarthritis in one knee so my physical therapist recommended the ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano’s to me several years ago. Ever since that time, I have been purchasing a new pair when needed and they have never let me down. Even though the design changes a bit each year, the support is there and they are always my go-to for new running shoes, no matter the price.While buying my new Kayano running shoes this past Prime Day, I came across the ASICS Women's GEL-Contend 3 Running Shoe and decided to give them a try for a few reasons; the sale price, the positive reviews, and the fact that they are also Asics running shoes. I thought could they really be that different?Both pairs of running shoes arrived and I was pleased, as always, with my ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 22 Running Shoes. They provided excellent arch support, a cushiony footbed, mesh overlays, and everything else I need to keep comfortable and on-the-go.The ASICS Women's GEL-Contend 3 Running Shoes are initially comfortable but that’s where it ended for me. I can see why they are significantly less expensive than the Kayano shoes. They simply do not have the arch support and cushioning that the Kayano’s offer. They also do not help with my over-pronation.I am going to keep the GEL-Contend shoes but only because I can place my orthotics in them and still use the shoes to run errands and around the house. Otherwise, I would have returned them because while stylish, I don’t care how cute my feet look if they hurt.The Takeaway: I will stick with my expensive ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 22 running shoes because I know exactly what I am buying year after year and they have never let me down.

I only received these shoes today, so it may be premature to leave a complete review. However, I am able to leave a few accurate comments, and will write an update after I have worn the shoes for awhile.In the last year, I have begun to experience the pain of plantar fasciitis. When on long walks, I tried wearing my usual shoes with a compression sock. It helped, but not enough! This Kayano 22 was highly recommended, and I adored the funky pink, orange, and green colors. After reading comments from other reviewers, I ordered size 9.5, a HALF-size up from my usual 9. Even after ordering, I reread the reviews, and decided to order a second pair a FULL-size larger, so that I could compare the two.Today I was able to make that comparison. The 9.5 was comfortable, though slightly tight in the toe box; the heel felt great, securely surrounding that pesky painful heel. The 10 gave my toes the "wiggle" room I think they need, and still gives the heel support. I probably could have been comfortable with the half-size larger, but - for me - I do believe wearing the full-size larger is what I need for longer, more rugged walking.I love the style (and colors!) of this shoe, the apparent breathability of the material, and the comfort and support it provides for plantar fasciitis.More to come after I've worn the shoes on walks....