ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 vs New Balance 860 v14
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, the New Balance 860 v14 is 6 g heavier, ₹2,000 cheaper, Ride +1.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 32 |  New Balance860 v14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.00 | 8.17 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹17,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Stability |
| Weight | 300 g | 306 g |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | – |
| Forefoot stack | 32 mm | – |
| Drop | 8 mm | – |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | – |
| Plate | – | nylon/Pebax plate |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | stability |
| Fit | standard | narrow |
| Sizing | true to size | go up half |
| Recommended runner weight | 72 kg; he suggests it for real overpronators and says under 80–85 kg consider the GT-2000 14 | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Best Kayano upper he has tested, softer, thinner, more breathable · Taller toe box and very wide extra-wide fit · Very effective 4D Guidance System · No tiredness after a half marathon · Plush heel padding, balanced heel clip · Highly durable AHAR Plus hybrid outsole · Drop reduced to 8 mm · Excellent for walking | Bounce and energy return rare in a stability shoe · Strong, traditional stability: wide platform, raised medial foam, plate · Premium engineered mesh upper and build · Thick outsole with good traction · Foam expected to last 1,000 km · Great value at ₹6,000–9,000 |
| Cons | Overkill for lighter, moderate overpronators · ₹17,000 price, he regrets buying it · 300 g and bulky for faster paces · Firm on the first run · PureGEL feels like a gimmick | Runs about a full size small · Snug fit even after sizing up · Not for fast paces around 4:00/km |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are under about 80–85 kg with only moderate overpronation, or if you want to run faster than 6:00/km. | Avoid it if you want a shoe for fast running around 4:00/km pace. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Kayano 32
The Kayano 32 is top quality in every way and its guidance felt like it laid a flat road for my foot. But for my weight and moderate overpronation it was too much shoe for ₹17,000, and I would buy the GT-2000 14 or 13 instead.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are under about 80–85 kg with only moderate overpronation, or if you want to run faster than 6:00/km.
Read reviewNew Balance
860 v14
The 860v14 is one of the best shoes for flat feet and overpronation, and for me it beat the Kayano with extra bounce and stability. I give it 9 out of 10 overall, and at ₹6,000–9,000 it is a highly recommended buy.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want a shoe for fast running around 4:00/km pace.
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