Asics Gel Kayano Vs New Balance 1080: Which Is The Best Option For You? [2021]

Asics Gel Kayano and New Balance 1080 are both crowd’s favorite. Each of them has its own fan following and each of them is an excellent running shoe in its own right.

Then which one should you choose?

To find out, we have compared Asics Gel Kayano 28 and New Balance 1080 in this post. At the time of writing this post, these two are the current versions of the shoes.

In the sections below, we have compared Asics Gel Kayano Vs New Balance 1080. By the end of this post, you should be able to pick the right one for you.

So, without further delay let’s proceed…

This is our winner

The main differences between Asics Gel Kayano Vs New Balance 1080

• The heel-to-toe drop of New Balance 1080 is 8mm and the heel-to-toe drop of Asics Gel Kayano is 13mm for women and 10mm for men.
• New Balance 1080 is a bit lighter than Asics Gel Kayano. For women, New Balance 1080 weighs around 8.1oz or 230g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 9.1oz or 258g. For men, New Balance 1080 weighs around 9.3oz or 263g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 9.3oz or 263g.
• For the men’s version of the shoe, New Balance 1080 has 4 more sizes available than Asics Gel Kayano.
• New Balance 1080 has multiple toe-box widths, unlike Asics Gel Kayano.
• The latest generation of New Balance 1080 is 11 whereas the current generation of Asics Gel-Kayano is 28.

New Balance 1080 Vs Asics Gel Kayano – An Overview

Asics Gel Kayano is an overpronating and neutral running shoe and New Balance 1080 is a neutral running shoe.

Both of them have good cushioning and will provide you with a good running experience. Also, they are good at impact resistance and will protect your feet from the impact of landing.

In the following sections, we have provided a very detailed comparison of Asics Gel-Kayano and New Balance 1080.

By the end of the following sections, you will have sufficient information to pick the perfect pair for your needs.

Related: New Balance 1080v12 Vs 1080v11: What Changed?

Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Vs New Balance 1080v11 – Features at a glance

New Balance 1080 Vs. Asics Kayano – A head to head comparison

In the above sections, we have covered some basic differences between Asics Gel Kayano and New Balance 1080.

In the following sections, you will get a much in-depth comparison of these two running shoes.

Outsole

The outsole of New Balance 1080 is made from blown rubber. This is a lightweight rubber that provides this sole with durability and flexibility.

This also increases the cushioning and responsiveness of this shoe. Also, it provides them with a good grip over dry and wet surfaces.

Also, it has Flex Grooves that allow optimized flexibility without compromising the cushioning.

The outsole of Asics Gel Kayano is made from AHAR or Asics High Abrasion Rubber. This is placed in critical areas and provides you with excellent durability.

It provides you with excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces providing you with a stable ride.

Midsole

The midsole of New Balance 1080 is made from Fresh Foam X. This is an improved version of the much well-received Fresh Foam. It provides you with a better rebound and will provide you with a softer cushioning.

Also, this is a resilient foam and will not pack out under your weight. This is good with shock absorption and is adaptable to your stride. This provides you with customized cushioning and is great for any type of running.

This material is lightweight material and doesn’t add too much weight to the shoe. Also, it has laser engravings on the lateral zone. This will soften your landing.

The midsole of Asics Gel Kayano is made from Flytefoam Blast. This is a lightweight material that is responsive and will provide you with good cushioning. This material is also environmentally friendly.

This comes with a rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning system. This gel is made from silicone and will provide you with excellent shock absorption.

As mentioned earlier, Asics Gel Kayano is a neutral plus stability running shoe. In other words, it controls your pronation. For that, it uses Dynamic DuoMax Support System. This reduces the pronation by controlling the movement of your foot. Also, this helps in a smoother heel-to-toe transition.

It also has the space trusstic and reduces the weight of the sole. It also provides stability and structural integrity to the shoe.

The gender-specific trusstic present in this shoe tunes itself to the biomechanical needs of men and women. This provides each of them with protection and a smooth ride.

Also, it has the I.G.S or the Impact Guidance System. This helps you to have a smooth and balanced heel-to-toe transition.

Upper

The upper of New Balance 1080 is made from Engineered Mesh. This is a lightweight mesh and will not add bulk to these shoes. Also, they flex with your feet, providing you with a more natural movement.

It also has an ultra heel that holds the heel firmly in place. Also, the Achilles support not only improves the stability but also adds to the style quotient of these shoes.

It has bootie construction that provides you with a soft and irritation-free wrap.

The upper of Asics Gel-Kayano is made from Engineered Mesh. This mesh is also light and provides you with good breathability. It allows the foot to move naturally and doesn’t restrict the airflow. Also, this helps the upper to maintain structure.

It also has an external heel clutch. This uses an exoskeletal structure that wraps the heels and provides you with a secured fit. Also, it has a new X-Shaped structure that is lined with memory foam. This provides you with a customized fit.

Also, it has the EVA Sockliner. This provides you with added cushioning.

Weight

Asics Gel Kayano is heavier than New Balance 1080 for both versions of the shoes.

Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 9.1oz /258g for women and 10.9oz/309g for men.

New Balance 1080 weighs around 8.1oz/230g for women and 9.3oz/263g for men.

Price

The price of Asics Gel Kayano is a bit more than New Balance 1080. If you compare the prices of Asics Gel-Kayano 28 and New Balance 1080v11, the price difference will be around $10. (At the time of writing this post).

In the case of these two shoes, this may not the deciding factor after all. If you are a neutral runner you will be able to choose any of them based on your budget or pronation. However, if you are an overpronating runner, then your choice is limited to only Asics Gel-Kayano.

In the above sections, we have compared Asics Gel Kayano and New Balance 1080 in much detail. However, there are a few running shoes that will provide you with a similar level of experience.

We have included a couple of them below. Do take a look.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Asics Gel-Kayano 28

Asics Gel Kayano is a neutral plus stability running shoe. It will provide you with a cushy and comfortable run throughout your running session.

A running shoe that will provide you with a similar running experience is Asics GT 2000. It is also a neutral plus stability running shoe and provides you with a great step-in feel.

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• Engineered knit upper offers a supportive and comfortable foothold:
• Wide fit:

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Last update on 2023-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Running Shoes Similar To New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11

New Balance 1080 is a neutral running shoe. It will provide you with good cushioning, shock absorption, and an excellent running experience.

Also, it has a good in-shoe experience and will keep you comfortable throughout the run.

Mizuno Wave Rider can provide you with a similar running experience. It is shock-absorbing and will provide you with excellent ride quality. This may be one of the best alternatives to New Balance 1080.

1,040 Reviews

Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes

• MIZUNO ENERZY (FOAM): Offering versatility in its application, while still maintaining softness and resilience.  It will help enhance performance capabilities.
• MIZUNO WAVE: The MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses energy from impact to a broader area providing a stable platform and a superior cushioning.
• X10 Outsole: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2023-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

In the above sections, we have compared Asics Gel Kayano Vs New Balance 1080 in much detail. However, we liked one of them a bit more than the other.

New Balance 1080 has an overall softer cushioning and multiple toe-box widths. Also, they are lighter than Asics Gel Kayano. For the men’s version, New Balance 1080 has more sizes available than Asics Gel Kayano.

This is why we chose New Balance 1080 over Asics Gel-Kayano.

If you own any of these shoes, let us know in the comments sections below. We would love to include your experience in this post.

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