ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 vs Gel-Kayano 30: Should You Upgrade?

Introduction

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 was a massive overhaul of the series, moving from a fairly traditional medial-posted stability shoe to a centrally guided design with both medial and lateral stability, a new 4D Guidance System, and a slightly wider fit that was very different for the Kayano line. The Gel-Kayano 31 follows with mild updates throughout, while keeping enough similarities that many runners will wonder which version to consider. This comparison breaks down where the two differ so you can decide with confidence.

Specs and Construction

The two shoes are nearly identical on paper. The Gel-Kayano 30 comes in at 10.7 ounces for men’s size 9 and women’s size 10.5, about 303 grams, with a 40 mm heel and 30 mm forefoot for a 10 mm drop. The Gel-Kayano 31 is almost the same at 305 grams with the same 40/30 stack and 10 mm drop.

Both use pure Gel in the heel with FF Blast foam through the length of the shoe, so the ride is very similar with only a couple of small updates separating them.

Ride and Stability

In the rearfoot, version 31 has slightly less lateral heel flare, and the transition is a bit smoother. Both shoes have significant posterior heel flare, but the geometry collapses well at heel contact. Version 31 breaks in at the heel strike a little better than version 30, though not dramatically.

The midfoot is just as stable in both: a wide base runs the full length of the shoe, and the forefoot is very similar with a touch of flexibility and toe spring, so runners with mild toe mobility issues should do fine.

The 4D Guidance System uses internal geometry that adds a little pressure along the medial side of the shoe, with sidewalls on both sides and a wide sole flare keeping you centered. Interestingly, this midfoot section is a more responsive foam rather than a firm medial post, meant to bounce you back out at midfoot landings. Version 30 barely shows this; it simply feels like a wide platform with sidewalls. Version 31 delivers noticeable bounce out of the midfoot, and the arch feels higher, giving a post-like sensation without getting in the way.

Upper and Fit

Version 30 fit wider, though the volume was slightly lower because the upper was fairly thick. Version 31 uses a thinner, slightly more breathable upper that adds a bit of wiggle room up top. Runners with higher-volume feet may prefer version 31.

Both have a well-padded heel, so runners with heel sensitivities should be comfortable despite a stiff heel counter, and both tongues are gusseted with no security issues. Wide-fit feet do fine in either, while narrow feet may struggle; alternative widths exist for those runners.

Durability

With 100 miles on version 30 and 25 miles on version 31, the wear is exactly the same. Durability and grip are good, and these are more road shoes than anything else. The outsole is slightly softer in version 31 with marginally quicker wear, but nothing worth worrying about, and it should deliver a similar mile count.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are on a budget, go for the Gel-Kayano 30. They are not different enough to justify the now $165 Kayano 31, and version 30 is available on sale.

If you want more of that midfoot post-like arch feeling, a bit more bounce from the midsole, and a thinner upper with a little more volume, version 31 is the better pick. It also transitions more smoothly at the heel and has a slightly more optimized fit.

Both shoes are best for easy runs and longer runs rather than fast efforts. At 10.7 ounces, neither is a light or fast shoe; they are built for training miles.

View more details for Asics Gel-Kayano 31

Conclusion

The Gel-Kayano 31 is the more refined shoe, with smoother heel transitions, more midfoot bounce, a higher arch feel, and a more breathable upper. The Gel-Kayano 30 remains an excellent value on sale and keeps you just as centered and guided. Choose the 31 if those updates matter to you and the 30 if price is the priority.