Asics Gel-Kayano 15

April 2009. Reviewers praise the Gel-Kayano 15 as an excellent stability running shoe for runners with normal arches and mild overpronators. The new midsole platform and improved gel cushioning impresses the majority of reviewers, even though those additions have increased the weight of the shoe. The extra cushioning particularly impresses heavier runners, who value the additional support. Testers find the Gel-Kayano 15 running shoes stiffer than previous versions, and several owners complain that the shoes need a breaking-in period. The asymmetrical laces are praised for reducing irritation on the top of the foot, but several runners find the new laces tricky to tighten. The Gel-Kayano 15 running shoes (available for both men and women) are expensive, but reviewers also like the Asics Gel-1140 (*est. $90), which cost a lot less.

We found the best reviews of the Gel-Kayano 15 at Runner's World magazine and Women's Adventure magazine. Both publications enlisted numerous testers to try out the Asics running shoes, and Runner's World puts each model through rigorous lab testing. Running Times magazine also provides a helpful review, but they don't rate running shoes or choose a favorite model. User reviews at Buzzillions.com and RoadRunnerSports.com are also useful in assessing owner feedback for the Asics Gel-Kayano running shoes.