For reference, I currently run 20-30 miles per week averaging 7-9 miles per run. I'm 5'10" and 180 lbs. I recently purchased the Kahana 5 on short notice to complete the 8.5 mile Super Spartan in Southern CA. I have since used the shoes on two trail runs of 9 miles each. Pros: the shoe tread pattern has excellent traction with very little slippage even on steep slopes. The shoe is very comfortable right out of the box with no break-in required. Great price. Cons: compared to my Asics Kayano 17's, the Kahana 5 is not as supportive. The Kahana 5 does not have much rigidity in the sole and no nylon plate. After 8-9 miles, I simple feel more foot fatigue in the Kahana 5 than the Kayano 17. In short, it's a good trail shoe at a great price for runs up to 8-9 miles, but I would not run farther than that in these shoes.
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First of all, I'm not a runner, so I can't speak for those conditions. I purchased these shoes because I'm on my feet all day at work. I was looking for something that was comfortable and had good traction, and these shoes fit the bill perfectly.
Aesthetics: I purchased the subdued black/charcoal pair, and I really like the simple looks with a little bit of silver thrown in for flair. The have the classic Asics design on both sides, though the inside and outside have a different look to give it some variance, which is cool if you like that kind of thing.
Fit and Feel: These shoes have a nice wide toe-box which is great for those with wider feet (doesn't really apply to me, but the extra room is nice.) The fit is really nice, pretty standard for a running shoe in my experiences. What I really love about these shoes is the cushioning. I tried on just about every pair of Asics I could find, as well as a few select pairs from other brands as well. The Kahana's by far offered the softest cushioning of any shoe. Both the heel and forefoot have a wonderfully soft and cradling feel with each step. While others I'm sure wouldn't like that and prefer more stability, it's perfect for me being on my feet all day.
Price point: These shoes are a great value in my opinion. In comparison to many shoes that were equal in price, and many that were also significantly more expensive, these were still the most comfortable shoes I tried on. While they might not offer all the supposed bells and whistles others may claim, the proof for me was in the footsteps, and these offered me the best of what I was looking for.
Summary: If you're looking for super soft cushioning and amazing comfort, these shoes are definitely worth taking a look at. The comfort to price point ratio is very favorable. I'd highly recommend these shoes.
Best Deals on ASICS Men's GEL-Kahana 5 Running Shoe
I had researched these shoes online and in stores and really liked them for their arch support, heel cup support, impact absorption, and high traction design of the sole. I couldn't find my size in any local stores so I researched purchasing them online. I was hesitant at first to do this since I was unable to try them on in a size that fit to make my final purchase decision. Amazon offered the shoe in my size, cheaper than I could find the same model locally, had a free shipping offer, and a no hassle return policy if they did not fit. The shoes arrived within the delivery time frame quoted at checkout and fit perfectly. Another thing I noticed when comparing them to other shoes I own is how light they are. Between the excellent support, cushioning, impact absorption, and light weight I feel like I am running on air.
Honest reviews on ASICS Men's GEL-Kahana 5 Running Shoe
I looked everywhere for a mix between stability and cushioning to no avail. Tried, New Balance, Nike -finally switched to ASICS and ran in the Nimbus and Keyanus (or however you spell it) for a year or two each and I didn't like either (I am 5'10" and 170lbs, which is a bit light for both, I believe). I run approx 20+ miles per week and run a marathon a year. The only reason I have been able to maintain my mileage is because of this shoe. For me, given my running nuances, this shoe has been phenomenal. I have run several halfs and one full marathon in the Kahanas with zero issues.
I read some reviews that they fall apart quickly, wear down etc. Some of it is true, but for the past 4 years of running in this shoe, I have consistently obtained 6 months of 20+ miles a week out of each pair. I actually buy two pairs at a time and rotate them, giving me about a year. Other running shoes cost about $120+ per pair. I get two pairs for that with the Kahana and get twice the mileage out of it. After a year, however, my Kahanas are worn down to the nubs on the bottom, but I have never had the fabric or any other part of the shoe fail. I run on trails as well, which beats the shoes up pretty good -still, I have yet to have a pair fall apart and I have been through 10-12 pairs.
This shoe is not like the GT 2160 or 2170s that ASICS has. Those are true stability shoes and so their ride is much stiffer (I tried a pair and they gave me knee/ankle problems). Again, the Gel-Kahana is a mix between the stability and cushioning. Highly recommended.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ASICS Men's GEL-Kahana 5 Running Shoe
For $39.21 and free shipping I gave them 5 stars.
They are comfortable.
The Black/Titanium/Red is a nice look. Maybe they make me look like I'm only 40.
The traction is nice and sticky but the soles probably wont last long walking on asphalt.
I wear a size 11 and these fit but I would have liked to try a wider shoe as I have widish feet.
The arch support is very good.
Made in Vietnam. Shoe box is recycled cardboard.
Update after 3 months: these are my go-to shoes because they are comfortable in any condition.
Update after 7 months: soles are holding up better than expected!
