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To find the latest and lowest prices for the Asics Gel Kayano 16 click here.

We’ve just managed to get our hands on these stock images of the new Asics Gel Kayano 16 (released 01/11/09). What do you think?  Our first impressions are very good.

In our quest to discover your favorite Asics Kayano we said that we’d like to see a reduction in weight, an improved colorway and more guidance from the Asics Gel Kayano 16.  And guess what? The Asics Gel Kayano 16 promises to deliver all of the above.

Apart from the colourway what’s new with the Asics Gel Kayano 16?

Firstly, a weight reduction. Like the Asics Gel Kinsei 3, the Asics Gel Kayano 16 has gone on a diet. However, reductions in weight elsewhere has allowed the the rear-foot of the Asics 16 to accommodate the largest GEL Cushioning System yet used on the series for improved shock attenuation, while shearing forces are addressed by a more aggressively decoupled heel environment.

As with the previous version, heel stability is maintained by the TPU plate placed directly over the silicone gel unit. 

The forefoot tooling of the Asics Gel Kayano 16 features a new injected Solyte cap placed directly over the forefoot GEL Cushioning System.  The advantage to injected Solyte is a much more consistent density, ensuring that the desired softness is more ‘dialed in’ than standard compression molded midsole material.  Injected Solyte is also lighter than standard Solyte contributing to the overall drop in weight.

Kinsei inspired; As with the Asics Gel Kinsei 3, incorporated into the shoe’s midsole and outsole, is a special vertical Flex Groove design encourages the foot to maintain a constant line of progression with each stride by following the foot’s centre-of-pressure during its gait cycle, and guiding it to an ideal toe-off position. This supposedly increases running efficiency and decreases fatigue, we will wait and see!

On paper the Asics Gel Kayano 16 look to be a winner, providing everything that we had hoped for. However, we have been let down in the past and can’t wait to put them to the test. Hopefully we should get our hands on some next week and will report back very soon!

UPDATE: Read Jason’s comprehensive review of the Asics Gel Kayano 16: click here.

Other Recommended Reading

1. New Asics Running Shoes Compared: Asics Kayano 15 vs Asics Kayano 14
2. 200 miles later – Asics Kayano 15 Running Shoes Review
3. The Great Kayano Debate: Asics Kayano 16
4. Deal of the week: Women’s Asics Kayano 15 S/S 2009
5. ASICS New Spring / Summer 2010 Running Shoe Range

Tags: asics gel kayano 16, asics kayano, asics kayano 155, asics kinsei 3, asics running shoes, shoe review