ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs Puma ForeverRun Nitro
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, the Puma ForeverRun Nitro is 26 g lighter, 2 mm more drop, 2.9 mm less heel stack, ₹1,000 cheaper.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 33 |  PumaForeverRun Nitro | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 7.67 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 7.5 |
| Value | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹17,000 | ₹16,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Stability |
| Weight | 300 g | 274 g |
| Heel stack | 39 mm | 36.1 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 31 mm | 26.1 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max (top) + FF Blast Plus Eco (base) | Nitro (dual density with a firmer foam) |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | mild support |
| Fit | standard | wide |
| Sizing | – | – |
| 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 runsLong runsTempoBeginnersRunners 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 | Bouncy Nitro foam, rare in a stability shoe · Works at slow and fast paces · Light, non-intrusive heel clip for mild support · Snug midfoot with a wide forefoot and roomy toe box · Excellent grip · Acceptable outsole wear after 500 km · Lighter than the Kayano at 280 g |
| 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 | Upper developed a cut · Only mild stability · Rarely discounted, long sold at ₹16,000 |
| 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 need aggressive stability or prefer the plush, highly protective feel of the Kayano. |
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 reviewPuma
ForeverRun Nitro
After nearly 500 km, the ForeverRun Nitro is a mild stability shoe that does not feel like one, thanks to its bouncy Nitro foam. At ₹7,000–9,000 it is the best value for money.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you need aggressive stability or prefer the plush, highly protective feel of the Kayano.
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