Is the Gel-Kayano 12.1 good for running?

No. It is a lifestyle shoe built on the GEL-Nimbus 17 sole. The cushioning is comfortable for walking and standing, but the weight and upper make it a poor choice for training.

It follows standard ASICS sizing and most buyers take their usual size. The layered upper has little stretch, so wide feet may want to size up.

How does it differ from the original Gel-Kayano 12?

The upper keeps the Gel-Kayano 12 shape, but the sole comes from the GEL-Nimbus 17 with dual GEL and FLUIDRIDE. That makes it softer and more cushioned than the original runner.

What is the Kith connection?

The shoe was designed in collaboration with Kith, which is why it uses the Edamame Green colorway and metallic armor-style overlays.

Can I wear it every day?

Yes. The cushioning and padded build suit daily wear. Just expect a heavier, warmer shoe than a knit runner.

One pair of shoes. No extra laces or accessories are included.

Where is the Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black" cheapest?

At Walmart, for $179.29, as of our latest check.

ASICS

Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black"

Best price now

$179.29at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

ASICS

Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black"

Best price now

$179.29at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $179.29 at Walmart on Nov 12.

Our take on the Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black"

The Gel-Kayano 12.1 is a lifestyle rework of ASICS's mid-2000s Gel-Kayano 12 runner, made with Kith. It keeps the layered open-mesh upper with metallic silver and black overlays and swaps in the GEL-Nimbus 17 sole with dual GEL and FLUIDRIDE cushioning. That makes it softer and more cushioned underfoot than a straight retro reissue, but heavier and less breathable than a modern knit runner. It suits people who want a chunky Y2K-style sneaker they can wear all day, not a performance trainer.

Best forEveryday casual wear and streetwear outfitsFans of early-2000s ASICS running silhouettesLong days on your feet where cushioning mattersCollectors of Kith and limited ASICS releases

Pros

Dual GEL and FLUIDRIDE sole gives plush, forgiving cushioning
Layered mesh and synthetic upper has real depth and texture
Metallic silver overlays give it a distinct armored look
GEL-Nimbus 17 tooling is proven and comfortable
Works as a lifestyle shoe without looking like a gym trainer

Cons

Chunky, heavy build compared with modern running shoes
Layered upper traps heat more than a knit upper
Not built for serious running or tempo work
Bulky silhouette can look oversized with slim trousers
Limited collaborative release can be hard to find in some sizes

Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black" prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Stadium GoodsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$179.29Free shippingChecked Nov 12
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What reviewers say

Owners of the Gel-Kayano 12.1 line praise the cushioning and the layered retro look, and the Kith link adds appeal. Common complaints are the weight and bulk, and the upper running warm.

What people mention

CushioningPraisedOwners describe the dual GEL and FLUIDRIDE sole as soft and comfortable for long days on foot.
WeightCriticisedSeveral buyers say the shoe feels heavy and clunky compared with lighter modern sneakers.
Upper breathabilityMixedThe layered mesh looks great but some wearers find it runs warm.
StylingPraisedThe metallic overlays and green colorway get consistent praise as a standout retro look.
Running useCriticisedReviewers note it is a lifestyle shoe and not suited to real training runs.

About the Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black"

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black" combines mid-2000s running style with modern lifestyle design. It was designed in collaboration with Kith.

The upper is breathable open mesh in a green shade called Edamame Green. Structural metallic silver and black overlays reinforce it, and their design is inspired by European gothic armor.

The shoe uses the GEL-Nimbus 17 tooling system, with dual GEL technology and FLUIDRIDE cushioning.

Brand: ASICS
Model: Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black"
Collaboration: Kith
Upper: Breathable open mesh with metallic silver and black overlays
Cushioning: Dual GEL technology, FLUIDRIDE
Tooling: GEL-Nimbus 17 tooling system
Color: Green
Size: 10

Specifications

shoe_size: 10Source
color: GreenSource

Questions and answers

Is the Gel-Kayano 12.1 good for running?: No. It is a lifestyle shoe built on the GEL-Nimbus 17 sole. The cushioning is comfortable for walking and standing, but the weight and upper make it a poor choice for training.
How does it fit?: It follows standard ASICS sizing and most buyers take their usual size. The layered upper has little stretch, so wide feet may want to size up.
How does it differ from the original Gel-Kayano 12?: The upper keeps the Gel-Kayano 12 shape, but the sole comes from the GEL-Nimbus 17 with dual GEL and FLUIDRIDE. That makes it softer and more cushioned than the original runner.
What is the Kith connection?: The shoe was designed in collaboration with Kith, which is why it uses the Edamame Green colorway and metallic armor-style overlays.
Can I wear it every day?: Yes. The cushioning and padded build suit daily wear. Just expect a heavier, warmer shoe than a knit runner.
What is in the box?: One pair of shoes. No extra laces or accessories are included.
Where is the Gel-Kayano 12.1 "Edamame Green Black" cheapest?: At Walmart, for $179.29, as of our latest check.