ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs ASICS GT-1000 13
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, the ASICS GT-1000 13 is 24 g lighter, 5.3 mm less heel stack, ₹12,000 cheaper, Ride −2.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 33 |  ASICSGT-1000 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 6.33 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 6.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 7.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 6.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹17,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Stability |
| Weight | 300 g | 276 g |
| Heel stack | 39 mm | 33.7 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 31 mm | 25 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8.7 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max (top) + FF Blast Plus Eco (base) | AMPLIFOAM Plus |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | mild support |
| Fit | standard | wide |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | Very light runners |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsRace dayBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | BeginnersWalking |
| Pros | Soft, bouncy FF Blast Max top layer · Stable firmer base layer · Plush heel and tongue padding · More breathable than the Kayano 32 · 8 mm drop · Comfortable on 20 km long runs · Safe option for a first full marathon · Suits flat, neutral and high arches | Premium-feeling materials for the price · Thick heel padding and stiff heel counter · Long, premium laces · Moderate, non-intrusive 3D Guidance support · Wide platform for a stable ride · Compact, feels lighter than its 270–280 g · Smooth heel-to-toe transition · Amazing step-in comfort, superb walking shoe |
| Cons | Durability doubts for runners over 90 kg · About 20% less structure than the Kayano 32 · Too soft for severe overpronators who dislike soft foam · Not for wide feet in the standard width · Expensive at ₹17,000 | Midsole lacks impact protection, ankles and calves worked extra · Not enough for excessive overpronation · Very flexible, durability doubtful · Outsole rubber feels softer than on premium ASICS · Lacks the ASICS feel of cheaper Gel Excite 10 and Gel-Pulse · Not worth the retail price |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better. | Avoid it if you are a serious runner wanting a ₹5,000 shoe that lasts 800 km, or if you overpronate excessively. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Kayano 33
This became my favourite Kayano of all the ones I have tested, and at ₹17,000 it is one of the safest full marathon shoes in India for most runners. Very heavy runners and severe overpronators who dislike soft foam should stick with the Kayano 32.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better.
Read reviewASICS
GT-1000 13
The GT-1000 13 does its job for light, beginner runners who slightly overpronate, and it is a great walking shoe, but the midsole did not protect me well. I would not buy it at retail, only at around ₹4,000–4,500.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a serious runner wanting a ₹5,000 shoe that lasts 800 km, or if you overpronate excessively.
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