The Kayano is on its 30th iteration and it's one of the most popular true stability trainers in the world. It has a firm medial post and no floating plastic Trusstic shank. It costs $160.
The Kayano Lite is on its 3rd iteration and is a modern interpretation of the traditional Kayano. It doesn't have a firm medial post or a Trusstic shank. It also costs $160.
Which one of these stability trainers is better for you?
The Kayano 30 has one type of foam in its midsole: FF Blast+.
The Kayano Lite 3 has a single-density Flytefoam midsole. It has smoother ride transitions than the Kayano 30 but it has a stiffer forefoot due to the absence of FF Blast+.
The ride of the Kayano 30 is softer than the ride of the Kayano Lite 3 due to the FF Blast+ in the midsole so it’s better for longer runs at slower paces.
The firmer, lighter Kayano Lite 3 is better for shorter, faster runs. It’s more nimble than the Kayano 30 and it feels more snappy.
Both trainers have gel in their midsoles. The Kayano Lite 3 only has a small amount in its forefoot but the Kayano 30 has silicone gel in its heel.
Stability is better in the Kayano 30 than in the Kayano Lite 3 due to the extra stability elements. It has a Dynamic Duomax medial post which the Kayano Lite 3 doesn’t have.
On the outsoles, both trainers have firmer, more durable AHAR + on the heel, with softer AHAR rubber on the forefoot. The biggest difference is that the Kayano Lite 3 has a filled up midfoot medial side whereas the Kayano 30 has no rubber on its midfoot so the Kayano Lite 3 has the more durable outsole.
The Kayano 30 has a plush, comfortable upper filled with generous amounts of foam. It has a thick, padded tongue which is gusseted so no tongue slide occurs. The Kayano 30 runs warm so it’s better suited to cooler climates. It fits true to size and is available in a wide version too.
The Kayano Lite 3 also has a comfortable upper but it’s stripped down compared to the Kayano 30 and not as plush. It’s not as padded so it’s more breathable than the Kayano 30 and better suited to warm climates. The Kayano Lite 3 fits true to size and is only available in a standard width.
If you’re looking for a trainer for mainly long, slow runs, the Kayano 30 is the better shoe for you. It has a higher level of stability and is the more comfortable shoe. The Kayano 30 is heavier than the Kayano Lite 3 but it has a softer ride.
If you’re looking for a lighter, faster trainer for short runs, the Kayano Lite 3 is the shoe for you. It has a stiffer forefoot which makes it more snappy and it feels more agile than the Kayano 30. The Kayano Lite 3 weighs less than the Kayano 30 but it’s not as stable.
