The first thing revealed by a run in the GEL-Kayano® 18 is the lighter platform.  At 12.7 oz., a tenth of an ounce has been removed from the previous version. 

The rear-foot of the Asics Kayano 18 features the largest heel 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 Kayano 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.