Back in 2002, John Mayer crooned, “Your body is a wonderland.” While he later clarified it was inspired by an ex, I like to pretend he wrote it for me. Not because my body is a wonderland, but because it’s more of a theme park—rollercoaster, candy stalls, and all. Over the last decade, my weight has swung wildly: from 55kg to 94kg and back down to 70kg today. The climb? Fueled by bad mental health and junk food. The descent? A disciplined grind of running 10k every single day since 2021. Rain or shine, weekday or Sunday, I walked. Headphones in, podcasts queued up—it became therapy, reshaping both my body and my mind. 

But life gets in the way, as it does. My trusty Puma sneakers—heroes of that journey—found their way into storage. Enter the new TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025 ASICS Gel-Kayano 31s, and suddenly, I’m lacing up again. Two weeks in, here’s everything you need to know. 

Bold, Chunky, Unapologetic 

There’s something surreal about wearing a shoe that debuted before you were even born. Since 1993, the ASICS Gel-Kayano series has been a staple for distance runners—a trusted companion thanks to its unbeatable cushioning, comfort, and pronation control (a fancy way of saying it helps your foot roll the right way when it hits the ground). Last year, ASICS shook things up with the Kayano 30, taking a “fix-what’s-not-broken” approach by adding a higher stack height, softer cushioning, and a bold new design. And guess what? It worked. 

The Kayano 31 builds on that success, keeping much of what worked while introducing a few smart tweaks: a new knit collar construction, a pull tab (a feature many running shoe brands have mysteriously abandoned), an updated mesh upper, and the fresh Hybrid ASICSGRIP sole. 

Finished in an eye-catching “Illuminate Mint/Summer Dune” colourway, the TATA Mumbai Marathon edition Kayano 31 demands attention. It’s bold, it’s chunky, it’s unapologetic. Adding to the visual drama is a design inspired by Mumbai’s iconic Queen’s Necklace—the way the shoreline glimmers under the golden streetlights at night. This shoe practically dares you to put it on and step out. It’s like a motorcycle idling, revving gently, just waiting for you to hop on. 

The Fit 

Despite its chunky appearance, the Kayano 31 offers a surprisingly snug fit, thanks to its well-padded heel collar. It’s almost like slipping into a thick, comfy sock with a supportive sole attached. The engineered mesh upper adapts well to the shape of your foot, though it could be a touch more breathable. While it’s not a dealbreaker, you’ll notice it on longer runs, especially in warmer weather. The toe box leans narrow, though there’s plenty of length for your toes to move. If you’ve got wider feet like mine, consider going up half a size for a better fit. 

Get Going 

Once you start moving, the ride feels smooth and stable. The Kayano 31 provides a balance of ground feedback and cushioning that inspires confidence with every step. While some competitors might offer a plusher sole, the Kayano strikes a happy medium—comfortable without being overly soft, and it even seems to improve as you break it in. 

 
What truly stands out is the grip. My previous running escapades in Puma sneakers often ended in slips and near-disasters during rainy 10Ks. With the Kayano 31, the Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole keeps you planted firmly, even on slick surfaces. The PureGEL foam and 4D Guidance System work seamlessly to keep your stride aligned and stable, making those long runs feel almost effortless. 

 
The midsole design deserves a special mention, delivering a buttery-smooth transition from heel to toe. It’s the running equivalent of a perfectly executed guitar riff—subtle but impactful. That said, at 305 grams, the shoe feels a bit hefty, which could slow you down if you’re chasing faster times. But as the name suggests, the Kayano 31 is built for marathons, not sprints, and it excels at steady, long-distance running. 

The Verdict 

After two weeks of testing, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 feels like a walking or lifestyle shoe cleverly disguised as a marathon runner—and that’s a good thing. It’s a reliable partner for runs, walks, or even casual outings, offering comfort, stability, and style. At ₹16,999, it’s not cheap, but it’s an investment worth considering for those committed to long-distance running or looking for an everyday companion to get moving. 

Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon or just aiming to rack up steps, the Kayano 31 doesn’t just meet expectations—it raises the bar.