Our verdict

The ASICS The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut is a versatile trail runner and hiker that offered us impressive comfort and jaw-dropping breathability during our testing at a pocket-friendly price. While we didn't find it to be the most durable, it's tough to find a better trail shoe at just $80. Treating our feet with nice cushioning, we believe that it excels in delivering an enjoyable experience on the trail.

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 Looks Mean in Mantle Green Pros

  • Fantastic value
  • Summer-ready mesh upper
  • Enough stack height
  • Stable ride
  • Good for heel strikers
  • Ready for hiking
  • GEL technology for amazing impact protection

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 Looks Mean in Mantle Green Cons

  • Durability could be better
  • Lacks energy return
  • Heavy

Audience verdict

89
Great!

ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 1011A767-003

We believe this ASICS trail shoe is an ideal choice for runners seeking:

  • A wallet-friendly, cushioned trail running shoe
  • A versatile all-rounder that handles trail running, hiking, and even road running when necessary
  • A shoe with a classic design that doesn't draw undue attention.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Who Should Buy

Who should NOT buy

If you're in the market searching for a bouncy ride with a higher-end feel or waterproof features, steer clear of these ASICS. Instead, we suggest taking a look at the Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 (or its GTX edition).

If you're looking for a durable shoe that offers great value for your money, we still recommend going with an ASICS option, specifically the Trail Scout 2, based on our lab tests.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut parts

Breathability

Breathability is a major concern for many trail runners, since it's difficult to come across trail shoes with a well-ventilated upper. We performed our jaw-dropping smoke test, and we were astounded by how fantastic this shoe performs in this aspect.

Even when the trails felt like embers, our feet remained well ventilated!

It performs admirably due to its mesh upper. The mesh is sufficiently dense to prevent light from passing through—as seen in the video below—yet it's thin enough to allow for proper airflow. It's a winning combination.

However, how can we determine why it breathes so well? We conducted a examination of the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut under our microscope.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut microscope

It is the aforementioned thin mesh that takes credit for the impressive 4/5 in the breathability test.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 4
Average 3.3
Compared to 83 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut took a serious hit in our lab tests, scoring an unfortunate 1 out of 5, the lowest score possible. We had braced ourselves for a low score, anticipating it even before the Dremel test, due to the shoe's thin mesh. However, the result still left us truly disappointed.  

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut dremel comparison

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut (left) - Asics Future Tokyo Womens Sport Bra (right)

We subjected both shoes to the same test (3.2N @ 10K RPM), and the results were clear as day.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 1
Average 3.1
Compared to 63 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1
Toebox durability
5

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 Looks Mean in Mantle Green | Heel padding durability

Sometimes, a shoe surprises us with stellar scores in the toebox area, only to underperform in the heel. Or the other way around. Unfortunately, we didn't encounter such luck this time. After conducting our Dremel test on the heel, we handed out a below-average score of 2 out of 5 to the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 61 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

As a budget-friendly trail shoe, we anticipated an average score when we used our durometer to test the softness of the outsole. That's exactly what we got: 84.5 HC.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut outsole

This outsole should easily extend beyond 700 miles, provided that you don't subject it to too many road runs, of course.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Outsole hardness
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 84.5 HC
Average 85.4 HC
Спортивные кроссовки asics gel-blast оригинал.
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
72.5 HC
Outsole hardness
95.0 HC

Outsole thickness

The outsole boasts an average thickness. With a robust 2.5 mm—a little behind the average—of rubber beneath the lugs, it's more than capable of assuring an adequate lifespan.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Outsole thickness
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 2.5 mm
Average 2.4 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.5 mm

Weight

When we first held the shoe in our hands, we could tell it was far from being feather-light. Our suspicion was confirmed upon placing it on our scale—the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut tipped the scales at a substantial 11.1 oz (314g), hurdling over the famous 10-ounce barrier.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 11.08 oz (314g)
Average 10.30 oz (292g)
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
13.37 oz (379g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

We were taken aback when we used our caliper to measure the stack height in the heel. It's not everyday that we stumble upon high-stack shoes boasting an impressive 33.3 mm of foam in the rearfoot!

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Heel stack
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 33.3 mm
Average 32.2 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
16.1 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

On the flip side, we were resembling taken aback by how thin the forefoot was. With a stack height of 22.9 mm—below the average trail shoe—that includes both the outsole, the insole and the lugs, there's not a lot of cushioning in that area. It's clear to us, this is a shoe built with heel strikers in mind!

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Forefoot stack
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 22.9 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
15.2 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The significant 10.4-mm heel-to-toe drop simply reaffirms our earlier observations. Such a high drop caters well to those who hit the trails heel-first. And that's exactly what this shoe delivers.

It's worth noting that budget-friendly trail shoes, often targeted towards beginners or slower-paced runners, tend to boast a quite-steep drop.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Drop
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 10.4 mm
Average 7.8 mm
Compared to 105 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 Looks Mean in Mantle Green | Insole thickness

The insole, with its comfortable 4.8 mm of thickness—just a touch above the average—it's just what we wanted.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Insole thickness
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 4.8 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
2.7 mm
Insole thickness
9.8 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

At 24.6 HA, this isn't your run-of-the-mill midsole softness that was the norm on trail shoes! Amplifoam delivers a soft and gentle touch—but don't expect an over-the-top bounce from the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut, especially considering it's an $80 trail shoe.

If you're on the hunt for a springy trail running shoe, Buy Men s Asics Cumulus 24 GEL-CUMULUS™ 21 της ASICS, Footwear ASICS Gel-Contend 7 1012A911 White Clear Blue 960.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Midsole softness
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 24.6 HA
Average 22.7 HA
Спортивные кроссовки asics gel-blast оригинал.
Compared to 82 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

While the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut may not be the ideal pick for winter trail running due to its outstanding ventilation, it becomes a great choice under cold temperatures when paired with thick socks.

After we checked the midsole softness in cold temperatures, we noticed that the foam might firm up slightly more than we prefer (up to 34.4 HA), but it still maintains a below-average firmness—a remarkable achievement for such a budget-friendly shoe.

While it doesn't turn stone-hard, you'll surely feel the shift as it becomes 39.7% firmer under cold conditions. That's a typical response for EVA-based foam, as you can see in Asics Trænere Gel Lyte.

Спортивный фирменный костюм комплект лосины майка asics Saucony Peregrine 13 with its TPU-based midsole.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Midsole softness in cold
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 39.7%
Average 26.4%
Compared to 82 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

Lateral stability test

With a stack that's above average and a cushy foam, one wouldn't typically anticipate excellent stability. Yet, these ASICS shoes left us with a great impression. Their Amplifoam midsole was stable in our runs and comfy during long hikes.

Torsional rigidity

The solid stability in the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut largely comes from its 3/5 torsional rigidity. Like nearly all other les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes, it's not super flexible. That rigidity, however, works in our favor, helping us remain stable on any terrain.

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 Looks Mean in Mantle Green.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 3
Average 3.5
Compared to 100 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

This shoe scores an impressive 4 out of 5 on our heel stiffness test, putting it well above the average trail shoe and providing a guided run. Since it's not advertised or designed for fast paces, this rating just make sense to us.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 98 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The landing platform doesn't hold any surprises. Using our caliper for precise measurements, we found that the midsole width is about average in the forefoot (109.5 mm), just 2 mm less than most trail shoes.

For those who overpronate, a wider shoe such as the Asics Dziecięce do biegania or the Schuhe ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23 1011B004 Black Black 002 might be a better choice.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 109.5 mm
Average 112.1 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
102.1 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.0 mm

Midsole width in the heel

Like they did with the steep heel-to-toe drop, ASICS pleased the heel strikers again with a midsole width that's wider than most shoes. At 89.5 mm, it will be really stable everywhere!

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Midsole width in the heel
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 89.5 mm
Average 89.7 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
77.2 mm
Midsole width in the heel
109.3 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Using our force gauge tool, it took us only 20.1N to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. This is 58% less than the average force, making this shoe one of the most flexible trail shoes we've ever put to the test in our lab.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 20.1N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
10.5N
Stiffness
54.5N

Difference in stiffness in cold

Thanks to its low-end longitudinal flexibility, it doesn't stiffen excessively in cold temperatures. In fact, after a 20-minute exposure to freezing conditions, it only required 32N to bend it to 90 degrees—nearly the same force needed to flex the average shoe at room temperature.

That said, the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut does display a notable 59.3% increase in stiffness from its normal state at room temperature. We find this significant as it results in a firmer feel compared to other shoes, largely due to this substantial change.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 59.3%
Average 35.1%
Compared to 103 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
102%

Grip / Traction

Lug depth

We enjoyed the versatility of the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut during both runs and hikes. This is partly due to its below-average-sized lugs—measuring just 3 mm.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut

These lugs are perfect for quick hikes and a wide range of running speeds. However, we noticed the performance getting worse on more challenging terrain. It's clear that no shoe can excel in every scenario!

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Lug depth
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 3.0 mm
Average 3.6 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1.7 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

The toe box doesn't offer much wiggle room at 97 mm of width, but it's sufficient for most foot types. We firmly advise that this shoe is suitable for narrow, medium, and somewhat wide feet.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut toe box space

However, if you've got ultra-wide feet, you should probably steer clear. Brands like Altra might be a better fit for you.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 97.0 mm
Average 98.8 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
92.0 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

At 72.3 mm, the shoe narrows by 34.2% from the widest point to the area of the big toe, being 30% the average.

Based on our tests, we find that it's a better match for those who have a significant size difference between their big toe and the rest—think Greek or Egyptian foot shapes. In contrast, those with Celtic, German, and Roman feet should definitely avoid the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut and, again, try something from Altra like the asics gel bnd white green blue orange men running.

For more information on uppers and foot shapes, check out our guide about uppers, Asics Launches the Retro GEL-Kayano 14 in New Piedmont Grey.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 72.3 mm
Average 79.0 mm
Compared to 68 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
70.5 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.1 mm

Toebox feel

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Toebox feel

Midfoot feel

The midfoot area feels absolutely normal. Our tests suggest that even those among us with flat feet should find it comfortable.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Midfoot feel
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Normal

Heel feel

Then, there's the heel—it pleasantly surprised us with its slightly-wider-than-average dimension while retaining a fair bit of rigidity. This strikes a fine balance between comfort and stability.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Heel feel
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Normal

Tongue: gusset type

A common shortfall of budget trail shoes is their lack of a gusseted tongue. Could ASICS have added one? Definitely, but no chance they do that. They need to distinguish budget shoes from high-end ones, and leaving out this feature is a really easy way to do it. 

So, predictably, there's no gusset in the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut, opening the door for debris, dust, and small rocks to easily get inside the shoe.

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Tongue: gusset type
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut None

Comfort

The The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut offers suitable padding, particularly in the heel area, providing substantial comfort. The only drawback we've noticed in our examination—which is common in trail shoes—is that the mesh can feel a bit rough.

Tongue padding

Recently, we've noticed a trend of super-thick tongues on les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes, like in the Salomon Ultra Glide 2. In most cases, this trend proves more of a downside, leading to uncomfortably snug fits and added weight. However, the Japan-based brand has navigated this issue, featuring a comfortable yet light 5-mm tongue. Kudos, ASICS!

Asics The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Tongue padding
Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut 5.0 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 106 les Asics choisies doivent être confortables et sécurisantes
Asics Gel Lyte III Work Pack
1.5 mm
Tongue padding
12.2 mm

Removable insole

In the The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut, we were able to switch out the insole for a thicker and Cena one. Swapping your own orthotics is also a possibility.

Test results
The shoe collab also marks the first reintroduction of the 1992 Asics trainers since their debut Yes