Summer Training Success: Featuring Asics GEL-Kayano 27

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

Training during these hot summer months can definitely make even the strongest of runners feel so out of shape! The good thing is that the rumors are true—training in the heat helps build fitness. Every time I’ve planned a fall race, I end up dreading the fact that the bulk of the training and the most intense weeks will land on the hottest part of the year. This is coming from someone who lives in a warm climate year round! Miami is regularly warm, so you would think I am used to it even when summer comes around. But it is a different kind of heat from June through September—very high humidity and dew point and a “feels like” temperature of 100+ degrees almost every single day!

Sadly, we’ve had the majority of our races canceled for the rest of the year, so it can be tough to find the motivation to train at all, especially when it’s stifling outside. I mentioned before and I’ll say it over and over again—new shoes can do wonders to give us a push to get out the door! I’m on my fourth week of using my ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 from Zappos and I’m truly loving them for the bulk of my training. Since my focus is improving my endurance, I’m incorporating several longer easy to medium-paced runs and this pair has been perfect!

Keep It Light

This goes for not just your summer training load, but also your entire outfit. The most comfortable way to run when it’s extremely warm out is with the lightest gear. You don’t want your clothes sticking to you, so make sure you wear light, breathable materials that keep you dry. This is especially important when it comes to shoes. You don’t want your sweat to keep you from reaching your pace goals! I, myself, am definitely not a fan of running shoes that absorb all my sweat and end up feeling heavy and sponge-like—no thank you!

The GEL-Kayano 27 have been the perfect pair for summer running since they are made with a mesh upper that allows air to flow through the shoes to help keep you dry. This is a bit of an update from the previous version, since they expanded the space in between the material’s fibers. Even the sock liner inside the shoe stays dry! By the way, the sock liner actually adds extra plush cushioning that I feel makes long runs much more comfortable! My feet tend to get sore, especially since I’ve had 12-years full of bouts of plantar fasciitis, so any extra cushioning that does not add weight is a plus.

Versatility

I have a neutral running stance and normal arch height, so I generally don’t have to worry about finding a good stability shoe. What I’ve noticed when researching running shoes is that it’s hard to find a pair that works really well for both neutral and overpronating runners. Usually the stability aspect tends to feel stiffer along the outsole if you are a neutral runner, therefore not as comfortable for speedier runs. 

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 27, however, is the best of both worlds! The DUOMAX support system helps limit the foot rolling inward (overpronate), but not at the cost of cushioning. It’s made with softer materials so from when the foot strikes the ground all the way to the push-off phase, it keeps the impact less intense, while providing the springiness we want to run at any pace. I noticed this the most when making turns on my runs—the shoe feels like it conforms to the shape of your foot like a foam mattress would, but kept my ankle secure as it rotated.

All in all, I feel the ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 does a great job at protecting my injury-prone feet during my high-mileage training program. After trying them out for every type of run—easy, long, sprints, tempo runs, and hill running, I find they work well for each, but are truly the perfect fit for medium to long consistently paced runs. Since these have been my go-to pair for the bulk of my easy and recovery runs, I even bought a second pair! There are several colors to choose from at Zappos, so take a look for yourself and don’t forget about signing up for the Zappos rewards so you can take advantage of the many benefits, like free expedited shipping, points on every purchase, and a 365 day return policy! 

Shoe Review: Asics GEL-Kayano 27

Sponsored by Zappos Running. All opinions are my own.

No races? No problem! You don’t need a race to keep on running. It’s true we find a good amount of motivation when we sign up for a big race, so it’s normal if we are feeling a bit bummed during this time as mostly all races have been canceled for the year. The thing about running that we often forget is that you can do it year round and get good at it, too—whether or not you have a race on the horizon. I, myself, think of other ways to get motivated. I create a list of short term goals for running that get me just as excited as my race goals do, and remind myself that reaching these smaller goals will only lead to better progress when I can finally race again.

Another way I motivate myself is with cool, new running gear. My favorite part of my wardrobe is running shoes, of course! I recently got another brand new pair from Zappos—the Asics GEL-Kayano 27. I shop from Zappos all the time, since they have an amazingly large selection of everything. I am a VIP member which also means I get free, super fast shipping, plus free returns for a year! I always have the best shopping experience and find everything I am looking for.

Next Level Performance

With the many months we have until our next races, it’s a great time to break up the time into different training blocks. One of the best ways to improve in distance running is to focus on the whole package, which takes time! So having lots of it is a good thing! Running in the Asics GEL-Kayano 27 is a perfect option if you are looking for a high-level stability shoe. My first impression of the shoe was how lightweight it is, especially after reading about the different systems that make up the shoe, which I thought would make the shoe feel heavy.

As I usually do with every new pair, I tried out the Kayano 27 for the first time on a short easy run. The first thing I noticed was how conforming the shoe felt during every part of the gait cycle. This is my favorite feature of Asics—the GEL that runs across many of their styles. It’s what lets the shoe move with the foot. Shoes without this feature tend to feel stiff when you push off the ground with the toes. The Kayano 27 does a good job with this transition and provides a springy step.

Built-In Comfort

Since I have a history of ankle and foot injuries and have dealt with plantar fasciitis for almost my whole running life, I try my best to find shoes that have a decent amount of cushioning but still provide the responsiveness I need for speed work. I have a pet peeve with running shoes—shifting of my heel, which is non-existent in the Asics GEL-Kayano 27! The external heel counter of the shoe truly holds the heel in place and makes it feel “locked”, so you can count on these shoes to feel more fitted than most other styles.

The DUOMAX support system is a game changer for those of you who overpronate naturally while you run. It’s what gives the shoe the stability aspect and controls that inward rolling of the foot. Not controlling overpronation during running can lead to a long list of injuries such as direct ankle and foot problems, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, and low back pain. It’s important for runners to pay attention to this when choosing the right shoe. This pair also has a specially designed trusstic system in the women’s shoe compared to the men’s, with softer foam.

I’m excited to keep using my GEL-Kayano 27 for the bulk of my training since so far I find that they truly protect my feet from the constant impact of my daily running. I highly recommend this pair for medium to long runs at a consistent pace, although they are pretty good at quick pace changes, as well! I’ll keep you all updated as I continue to break them in and use them for different distances and run types. In the meantime, check out all of the colors on the Zappos site and don’t forget about the VIP membership benefits! 

Shoe Review: Asics GEL-Cumulus 22

As runners, we love our shoes. We love them so much, we dread when they wear out too quickly and we have to toss them. It would be great if all the shoes we loved would last just a little longer, but unfortunately, since we also like our shoes to be light and fast, we have to sacrifice durability. What if I told you that this is not the case with the brand new pair I was lucky to try out from Zappos?! The Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 is made with lightweight materials that last longer than most other shoes—you can actually tell the difference from the first time you wear them rather than waiting to see at the end of their lifespan.

Zappos has been my go-to for all my running (and much of my non-running) gear. They have an extra large selection of products, so I always find what I’m looking for. Since becoming a VIP member, I’ve taken advantage of the benefits, including the free expedited shipping, expert customer service, and free returns for a year. If you haven’t joined, you are missing out!

Long Run Comfort

When trying out a new pair of running shoes, I always take a day to walk around in them first, then follow that with a short run to break them in further before attempting a longer run. These shoes are definitely more supportive than the lightweight shoes I am used to. The structure of the shoe is on the firm side, yet flexible enough to conform to the motion of the foot during the constant pounding on the ground. Some runners stay away from more rigid shoes because they feel it will limit their speed, but you definitely want some firmness if you are looking to run more than a few miles. That’s where the support comes from!

My first longer run in these shoes was a 14-mile run up and over the causeway several times, and I was surprised with how comfortable they felt during the inclines. Instead of the firmness limiting my push-off on the inclines, it actually helped! Asics’ FlyteFoam technology is what gives the midsole this responsiveness. I was a fan of the GEL-Cumulus 21, which I used for most medium runs for a couple of months. This updated version feels much softer, which is going to be great for all of my bridge runs!

A Summer Running Essential

Running in 90+ degrees and 95%+ humidity every single day has its benefit of building a great deal of strength and fitness. One of the worst problems of running in this climate is finishing every run with soggy shoes. It’s merely impossible to not get sweat into your shoes during these hot months, so it’s great when a shoe is made with the right materials to let your feet breathe and not get weighed down. The Ortholite X-40 Sockliner in the Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 provides the shoe with better moisture management than any other shoe I’ve used lately. The upper part of the shoe is made with a mesh material, which also helps the feet stay dry.

I lean more towards a neutral/supinated foot strike, so these shoes felt just right. If you are an overpronator, you may actually still find this shoe can work for you since it is extremely roomy for any orthotic. I actually tested this out by removing the insoles and replacing with my plantar fasciitis insoles I use sometimes and they did not feel tight at all! For those of you that fall into the overpronation category, the increased pressure through the heel when running can definitely cause pain and other foot and ankle issues. The GEL-Cumulus 22 is made with a gel cushion that you can visibly see in the heel of the shoe that reduces this pressure and provides the foot with better shock absorption—something that will greatly reduce your risk of injury.

All in all, the Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 is a well-designed shoe that feels great for just about any run. I will be using these for medium to long runs since the materials are longer lasting than other lightweight shoes I own. I highly recommend this pair for short to long distance training, so give them a try in one of the ten color options from Zappos. And don’t forget to take advantage of the VIP membership program!

A Colorful Shoe Review: Asics Gel Nimbus 22

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

If there is a way to get a runner hyped for their training program, it’s with a fun, new pair of shoes. My motto for gear is: the brighter, the better! Along with an energetic color, of course my running shoes need to have the right qualities to lead me to fast and comfortable miles. I tend to choose my running shoes based on the type of run I’m going for—easy, tempo, sprints, or long runs. If you’re like me and have issues such as plantar fasciitis, a history of foot or ankle injuries, or simply weak ankles, then support is the number one quality to seek.

I got a new pair of Asics from Zappos and I’m obsessed, especially since they are the brightest any running shoe can be! If you’re not into the neon colors, Zappos has so many others available. I get pretty much all of my running apparel and shoes from Zappos and they satisfy my every need without fail! You can always count on their knowledgeable customer service to help guide you to the best picks and take care of any issues. They also offer free expedited shipping if you are a VIP rewards member (which is FREE to sign up!) and free returns for one year. It’s the best place to shop for all running essentials!

Every Day Runner

If you are looking for all around cushioning, Asics Gel Nimbus 22 is a good choice. It’s packed with their signature Gel Technology both in the forefoot and rearfoot to provide comfort to the entire foot, while absorbing shock during impact. I’ve been running in the Nimbus 22 for about 6 weeks now, and they’ve only gotten better with every run. I’ve tried them out for every type of workout, but seem to love them the most for my medium to long easy runs. These are the sessions that I use as both recovery and aerobic work so I can tell you the Nimbus 22 are perfect for keeping my feet from getting sore or overworked.

At first this pair took a couple of runs to really break in. They felt slightly stiff, but by day three they were extremely flexible, yet still supportive throughout the gait cycle. Push-off feels springy, but not so much that excessive pressure rolls onto the balls of the feet and toes. One update from the previous model that adds to the responsiveness is an extra 2 millimeters of plush FLYTEFOAM Propel technology. It keeps it springy with a softer landing. The “stiffness” I felt is actually a benefit because it aids in supporting the foot when making turns especially at a fast pace. My ankles are on the weak side, so any time a shoe keeps my ankle from rolling is a bonus!

Durability is Key

The unfortunate issue year round distance runners have to deal with is the quick wear and tear of our favorite pairs. You would think speed workouts wear away shoes quicker, but for me it’s the every day pairs—the ones I wear for my easy medium to long runs, since they make up the bulk of my weekly mileage. Most brands create running shoes with the lightest materials possible, since it truly does make a difference for speed, but unfortunately make the shoes less durable. Asics uses a technology called Trusstic System, which enhances the structural integrity of the shoe, but still keeps it lightweight. Usually a significantly supportive shoe will be the opposite—heavy and bulky. There are other materials built into the Nimbus 22 that also improve the lifespan, such as AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber), which is embedded within the outsole of the shoe and does not add weight at all. If you come across a running shoe that lasts longer than the typical 200 to 300 miles, you have found a winner! I have not yet reached this mileage yet with my Nimbus 22, but can already tell how much they can withstand after over 120 miles in them so far.

As I mentioned in the beginning, running is much more exciting when you are wearing a good shoe and even more so when the shoe is bright and colorful. In my opinion, something about neon hues brings energy to my runs! These beauties are part of Asics’ Run in Color collection and are currently my favorite out of the many pairs I own! Again, if you are not a fan of the bright colors and are looking for a more minimal-toned, neutral, or less shocking shoe, Zappos has it all!

Shoe Review: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22

Sponsored by Zappos

All opinions are my own.

Constantly packing on miles every week means I am continuously rotating through different types of shoes in order to keep my feet healthy. It is not just our form that plays a role in our injury risk and performance, but our running shoes are an important part of the process as well. It’s hard to find a shoe that’s good for every type of run—some will be strictly for track work or fast speed sessions, others for long runs, and others for use on the trails. You really shouldn’t just wear one pair for everything anyways, but it’s good to have a pair that’s well-rounded for whatever workout you have planned.

This is where the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22 comes into play. I was lucky enough to try out a pair from Zappos, which have a very large selection of shoes, so you can be sure to find anything you’re looking for! As a Rewards Member, you get free returns for 365 days, so if you’re not happy with the fit or just don’t like the style, you can return them without a problem. You can also always count on their 24/7 customer service. They are extremely knowledgeable about all of their products and are there to help you with all of your questions. You only win as a Zappos Rewards Member!

 All Around Support

Most new runners will ask what to look for in a running shoe. This all depends on the type of running you do: sprinting, short distances like 5ks, or long distances such as half and full marathons. For the most part, one of the most important aspects to look for in a shoe is support. After all that’s what shoes are supposed to be doing anyway—supporting your feet. The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22 is created with rearfoot and forefoot gel technology, so basically the entire shoe cushions at every angle of the running cycle. The midsole has a specific foam called FLYTEFOAM technology that helps when running longer distances—I definitely noticed this difference comparing the NIMBUS 22 with my other long run shoes on a 15-miler over the weekend. 

The qualities of running shoes will also depend on your biomechanics and body features. Runners with a history of joint problems such as knee or hip surgeries, back pain, or arthritis definitely don’t want a minimally cushioned shoe made just for speed work. The NIMBUS 22 has you covered with pretty much perfect cushioning for these cases. If you pronate when you land (foot rotates inward), you should wear shoes that somewhat correct the pronation. The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22 are made for neutral runners, so won’t provide the correction you need if you overpronate.

Fast Quality That Lasts

Most running shoes made for fast running and racing last for what feels like a second. It’s not uncommon for these significantly overpriced race shoes to be good to toss by 125 miles. That’s at least a third of the durability of most other running shoes. The reason for this is because fast shoes are made as light as possible, with the least amount of material, which wears away quickly. The GEL-NIMBUS 22 are made with a rubber termed “AHAR”, or ASICS High Abrasion Rubber, along the outsole of the shoe, which reduces the overall wear. I was surprised that these shoes felt light for speedier miles, given the weight of the shoe is about 9 ounces.

Giving the shoe an extra spring-like feel during push-off is the special FLYTEFOAM technology. I felt my foot bounced right off after landing, preserving energy to help me last longer at my paces. Although the shoe felt a bit stiff at first when walking around, the sole actually felt springy with every step while running. I was worried that stiffness would make my heel striking too impactful for my plantar fasciitis-prone feet, but the extra layer of gel cushioning along the rear sole definitely lessened the impact with every step and made for a soft landing!

All in all the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22 felt the best for every day medium to long running at an easy pace. As far as speed sessions, I feel these are the best for tempo workouts since they hold up well for long intervals at faster paces. Using this pair will save me from having to replace my sneakers so often, since they are much more durable than most of the pairs I normally wear. If you are looking for a shoe with max cushioning, but still on the light side, I highly recommend the NIMBUS 22. And don’t forget to shop them from Zappos!