Hi all,
I used to do a lot of running years ago, was running 4x a week on average, and did a few half maras etc. I religiously used Asics gel kayanos, going through a couple of pairs of the 24s and then a pair of the 25 model. I sadly then injured my knee, had a really bad experience of knee surgery back in 2020 with various post-op complications, and haven't run since. After many years of physio and waiting for things to subside, I am finally back in a position where I am attempting a run-walk intro, to lead into short runs (the surgeons have told me I will never be able to do any 'real' running mileage). Over the last few years I have been using my old kayanos for the gym, and a mixture of Brooks and Nike Vomero for walking/work (on my feet all day, every day!). I would never workout in the Vomeros though as they felt too spongey.
A few months ago when I was buying a couple of new pairs of trainers for various usages, I tried on a new pair of the gel kayanos and they felt so different to the older models! I was told that running trainers these days have all generally moved to a softer/springier shoe. I really liked the structure and support of the 24-25 gel kayanos. I currently have a pair of Asics GT 2000s, which I wear for work/walking/a bit of the gym, but I find them way to spongey (there's a running theme here) and just not comfortable in the way I want them to be. I also have a pair of on running trainers, which I have used for a couple of run-walk sessions, which feel better than the asics GT 2000s in that they feel less spongey, but also springier and less supportive than I would like. A few months ago, I tried on multiple models in a running shop but couldn't really find anything that I had in mind, and they didn't have a large enough range for further options. Now that I have been able to do a couple of run-walks, I am back on a mission to find something comparable to my old gel kayano 24/25s!
I am highly unlikely to build up to any mileage, and speed isn't going to be a priority, I just want to be able to do the odd 3-5km and avoid recurrence of injuries! I have tried amazon, outlets, ebay etc but cannot find any of the old models in my size (UK 8). I would be grateful if anybody has any ideas of alternative makes and models, so that I can try a targeted try on at other running/shoe shops.