ASICS Men's Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner

Having been used to running in stable shoes like Brooks Adrenaline, I was a little leery to switch to anything less stable and with nearly zero drop in them. However, that is what most trail shoes offer. I have improved my gate considerably and no longer need stable shoes according to the run store that did a gate analysis. Still, I wanted to get something a little more similar to what I was used to. I did some research and Asics Gel-Kahana 8 is a small step towards standard zero drop less stable trail shoes but retains a feel of a road shoe. Still, I was a little nervous to buy Asics. I don't mean to sound like a shoe snob, but after spending lots of money on running shoes, I found it hard to believe a shoe that was under $100 and could be found in an average sporting goods store and even some shoe stores would actually be a good shoe.Today I went out for a 7-mile run mixed with some road and some technical trail. From the moment I put them on the heel felt awfully snug and I was afraid they would wind up chafing the back of my heel. I really thought this would be a bad review. After about one mile into the run, I really didn't notice it though. Maybe there was a very short break in period. The shoes are somewhat lighter than my Brooks according to the technical specs but they felt a little heavier. Although they had a slightly heavier feel they certainly had more energy return and I really felt a spring in my step. I especially felt the spring in the toes when pushing off. I don't know where they put the "gel" in the Gel-Kahana, but if I had to guess it is in the toes. The fact that they are more stable than the average trail shoe really helped on the technical parts of the trail. When I wasn't looking and hit a few rocks or roots the wrong way I feel like they totally kept me from injuring my ankle at least slightly. The traction on more slick surfaces seemed a little better than my regular running shoes but not quite great, however, I am no trail shoe expert.Springy Feel: 9.5/10Comfort: 9/10Stability for a trail shoe: 10/10Stability for a road shoe: 8/10Weighty feel on your feet: 6/10Overall: 9/10All and all if you are a road runner looking to get on the trails and needs a shoe that can handle both, I HIGHLY recommend the Asics Gel-Kahana 8

I'm a recreational tennis player who experienced a "low grade" ankle sprain after accidentally rolling my ankle on a tennis ball on court. No surgery needed and was supposed to be a 6 week full recovery...ha! That was 2.5 years ago. The pain was so bad in the year that followed, even as I got my rest and did my PT rehab rebuilding muscle/stability. My recovery was fast tracked once I switched to Asics, specifically, the Gel Kahana 8 along with the Gel Foundation 13. I got both well under $100, and coupled with my insert (also meant for overpronation) I'm nearly 100% now and playing match play tennis again. I couldn't even do basic walking without pain for over a year so this is not a review about extreme sports use. I've probably been wearing the wrong support sneakers for my foot/arch type my whole life until now. I use these for everyday use, virtually no wear and tear after 1.5 years of continuous use. I don't play tennis in them...I use the Asics Gel Resolution 7 for that, FYI. But these are easy to swop out for orthodic insert, and the short laces are great for avoiding potential tripping. Great support from heel through to the toe. You need not be a trail runner (or any runner) to get great use out of these! Note, the biggest difference between this and Gel Foundation is way more space in toe box on the Foundation at the same size ordered, and lighter material/shoe. Both are fantastic. But do NOT purchase either shoe unless you have a neutral or, ideally, a moderate to severe overpronation. Otherwise you'll probably write a scathing review as to how crappy these shoes are.

It wasn't until recently I noticed the Kahana 8 as I've been running Gel Venture 6 and 8 lately. What a pleasant surprise! I have read they are discontinued and there are fewer and fewer vendors carrying what must be left of the inventory. I have a pair of Venture 5s as well and they and the Kahanas have a production date of late 2020.Prices have gone up for the Ks and the V5s significantly so finding them will likely be more and more difficult.I have a very "normal" 11M foot and these are extremely comfortable and seem to "learn" the foot as they break in. The arch support is great and I feel like my feet are being "corrected" with each stride and my natural tendency for a slight pronation is compensated for.As with many trail shoes (particularly the Venture 6) the inherent stability makes them great for the gym, too. Any reviews I've read pointing to durability issues with the sole peeling away I have not encountered. It may occur is a person's trail is over large rocks and such. I generally travel a local cemetery and grass/gravel/hills are all part of the route so it's not overly demanding of a shoe.I've had my Kahanas for over 2 years now and bought several pairs in different color combinations after falling in love with their comfort, style, and function. Now that they are "past tense" and what remains available are few I like having them for all my workouts in the gym, on the road, or the trail. If you can find a pair buy them. I'm 6'1" 195 solid pounds and they make me feel light as a feather and stable as an anvil for whatever I do.