Helen Skelton's Asics trainers blend comfort with maximum stability for walking - trust me, I wear them too
Whether it's axe throwing on holiday with family or hiking in the Lake District, Helen Skelton has favoured one pair of trainers this summer
Helen Skelton is spending her summer outdoors in the sunshine. This week, she shared pictures from the sunny Lake District filming for her television show, Lost and Found in the Lakes. Recently, she was on holiday with family, adventuring with her children, exploring trails by bike, and hiking with a friend across the fells.
It's hardly surprising that Helen is making the most of the weather. She's known for her love of hiking and distance running, having completed an ultra-marathon and the London Marathon multiple times.
On her feet this summer are a pair of Asics Kayano trainers, one of the best running shoes. I recently tested the newest pair, the Kayano 33, and I can see why they were Helen's top choice. It's a plush shoe designed for comfort and support over speed, making it a great walking shoe for the summer months when you don't need quite so much grip on the dry trails.
Helen wears the Asics Kayano 31, a previous model with this unique pink colourway and orange edges on the sole. Being so popular, it's no longer available to buy anywhere. I've recently been running, walking, and generally going about in the new Asics Kayano 33, and I recommend them just as much.
Asics Kayano 33 review
When I pulled on the Asics Kayano 33 for the first time, I immediately noticed how stable they felt. I'm an overpronator (my foot rolls outward when I run or walk), and the new foam in the midsole (called Fluid Support) is ideal for this. It works with the foot's natural path, guiding it straighter as it rolls forward. A wider base also helps. It's a noticeably pleasant difference from other running shoes I've tried.
However, despite the firm stability, they still feel plush underfoot. I could walk or run for miles in them without an issue. This is down to other midsole foam, designed to feel springy and comfortable like you're walking on clouds. It's the best of both worlds.
The Kayano 33 are more stable than most running shoes, which can prioritise responsiveness and speed over stability, leaving you slightly wobbly when you walk in them. On slightly more uneven terrain, the stability comes in very handy, so I can see why these are so popular for both running and walking workouts.
The combination of the above and the surprisingly good grip on the base makes them a winner for dusty, rocky, or uneven terrain where you want to trust that your shoes will support you.
I've worn mine for 10km runs and up to 21,000 steps in a day, so I feel confident in recommending them. I'd add that they won't be best for speedier runs, as you'll want a little more propulsion in a lighter design (for that, I'd recommend the Asics Superblast 3). If your terrain gets more mountainous or it rains, you'll want a good pair of waterproof walking boots, like the Hoka Anacapa 2. The Gel Kayano 33 also have a narrower fit than some other shoes, making it not quite as suitable for those with wider feet.
The Asics Gel Kayano is a running shoe fit for any walking workout. You could also follow Helen's lead and cycle in these shoes. They are available in several colours, including black, purple, blue, and pink.
The sales are on for summer, and you can save on the previous version of the Gel Kayano running shoe. This model is slightly heavier and slightly less breathable than the newer model, but still just as good for walking and running.
The Asics Kayano 33 differs from similar shoes, like the Asics Gel Nimbus 28. While the Nimbus is a shoe with maximum cushioning and a neutral fit, making it great for runners pounding the pavement, the Kayano allows for a little more ground feel and focuses on stability. It's still comfortable and cushioned, but not quite as much as the Gel Nimbus 28. It's a better shoe for those prone to overpronation.
Overall, it's a better shoe for walking. It would be my pick of the two if you're looking for a shoe for both running and walking workouts or as a daily trainer.
