ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs New Balance 860 v14
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, the New Balance 860 v14 is 6 g heavier, ₹2,000 cheaper.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 33 |  New Balance860 v14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.17 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 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 | 39 mm | – |
| Forefoot stack | 31 mm | – |
| Drop | 8 mm | – |
| Foam | FF Blast Max (top) + FF Blast Plus Eco (base) | – |
| Plate | – | nylon/Pebax plate |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | stability |
| Fit | standard | narrow |
| Sizing | – | go up half |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsRace dayBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better. | Avoid it if you want a shoe for fast running around 4:00/km pace. |
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 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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