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Asics® Gel Kahana 9

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The expected release date for the Asics Gel Kahana 9 is June 12, 2023.
The Asics Gel Kahana 9 will have the following updates compared to the current version.

Asics Gel Kahana 9
  • A Better ‘Experience of the trail’ than ever before.
  • Design the shoe for versatile mixed road and trail running shoes.
  • Enhanced combination of cushioning, support, stability, and versatility, wrapped into an attractive package with less bulk.

Previous model of the Gel Kahana:
The Asics Gel Kahana 8 release date was on April 19, 2021.

Latest Version of the Asics Gel Kahana

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Latest Version of Asics Gel Kahana

Asics Gel Kahana - Men

Asics Men's Gel Kahana - Latest Version of Asics Gel Kahana
Buy on Amazon

Asics Gel Kahana - Women

Asics Women's Gel Kahana - Latest Version of Asics Gel Kahana
Buy on Amazon

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    Price Manufacturer'sPrice

    • The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) for Asics Gel Kahana 9 is around $70.
    • Considering the versatility and cushioning of the shoe, this is already a bargain for both casual and professional runners.
    • Running beginners who want to experience track and trail running would be overjoyed to know that they could satisfy their wants by buying just one shoe model rather than two.
    • This price is not just a financial advantage because the features far exceed the price.

    Arch support and pronation controlArch Support and Pronation Control

    • The arch support of the Asics Gel Kahana 9 is a stability shoe that is recommended for a runner with normal to low arches.
    • Low arches foot sway to pronation, which is the foot’s natural inward rolling movement.
    • Pronation is a biomechanical issue common among runners with low and high arches.
    • The Asics GEL Kahana is proven to decelerate mild to overpronation and improve gait efficiency.

    TerrainTerrain

    • The terrain for Asics Gel Kahana 9 is designed for trail running.
    • It is lightweight and well-cushioned enough to use on the road, track, and gravel.
    • The shoe is versatile to be alternately used on uneven surfaces, with slight irregularities in between.
    • In ‘fact, its outsole has trail-specific lugs that adapt to the terrain.
    • It’s under the surface and conservative enough to be used on hard and even surfaces.
    • Furthermore, the cushioning technologies present in the shoe minimize impact, whether on the track or trail.

    UseUse

    • The Asics GEL Kahana is said to have a good balance of track and trail shoe features.
    • It has a conservative treading style and well-cushioned upper, which fare well on the road.
    • Trail-specific lugs and the DuoMax support provide excellent stability, comfort, and support for trail running.
    • Since the shoe is made for both surfaces, you could not use it in serious trail and track runs for the lack of other features.
    • Aside from mellow trails and the road, this shoe could also be used in the gym.

    DurabilityDurability

    • The Asics Gel Kahana is faring well despite heavy use.
    • In terms of durability, the Asics GEL Kahana does not disappoint.
    • The shoe may not be waterproof, but it handles water well.
    • It dries quickly, thanks to the open mesh layers of the upper.
    • The upper construction is also flexible and resilient to use on uneven terrain with slight irregularities.

    Fit and SizingFit and Sizing

    • The Asics Gel Kahana base fit is for those who have mid-foot, heel, and forefoot feet.
    • The Asics GEL Kahana has a standard length for a trail shoe.
    • It could only accommodate slender to medium widths.
    • Runners with wider feet should consider other options or pick a half-size bigger than their original size.

    WeightWeight

    • The Asics Gel Kahana weighs approximately 337 grams for men and around 277 grams for women.
    • These measurements can be considered standard for trail running shoes.

    Elevation of the Asics Gel Kahana 9

    Heel HeightHeel Height

    • The heel height for men and women in the Asics Gel Kahana is 38.1 mm and 36.5 mm.
    • The heel height could also be directly associated with the heel cushioning of the shoe.

    Forefoot HeightForefoot Height

    • The Asics Gel Kahana’s forefoot height for men and women is 26.1 mm and 23.5 mm.
    • This height helps the toe-off phase of the runner’s transition.
    • The height and materials of the forefoot could also influence the forefoot cushioning.

    Heel-to-Toe DropHeel-to-Toe Drop

    • In the case of Asics Gel Kahana, the heel-to-toe drop for men and women is 12 mm and 13 mm.
    • The Asics GEL Kahana shoe’ promotes a neutral gait because of the shoe’s cushioning technologies in the shoe’s construction.

    Components of the Asics Gel Kahana

    OutsoleOutsole

    • The outer sole of the Asics Gel Kahana is made of a Trail Specific sole.
    • It helps the shoes adapt to varied terrain, whether the runner is going downhill or uphill.
    • The Asics GEL Kahana’s outer sole seems tamed enough compared to trail runners in the market.
    • Its treading style is not aggressive, yet you could still use it in mellow trails and tracks with slight irregularities.
    • It has the AHAR outsole, which improves the traction and grip of the shoe on both even and uneven surfaces.
    • The Truss tic system is also present in the outsole to keep the weight of the sole at a minimum while improving its structural integrity for better transitions on the trail and track.

    MidsoleMidsole

    • The midsole of the Asics Gel Kahana is made from shoe technologies.
    • Given that it is a stability runner cushioning is very much expected to provide support and stability.
    • The pronation control of the shoe is also dependent on its cushioning, which is why Asics has given utmost attention to this part.
    • The SpEVA material covers the underfoot from the forefoot to the heel.
    • At its middle is the DuoMax support system, which acts as the medial post of the shoe.
    • Stability runners have a medial post that provides arch support and decelerates pronation while running.
    • In addition, there is also the Rear Foot GEL cushioning system, which is strategically placed between the midsole and outsole in the heel region.
    • It only covers the rear foot but provides excellent support and shock absorption on the heel strike.

    UpperUpper

    • The upper of the Asics Gel Kahana comprises resilient and flexible open mesh layers covering the whole structure.
    • The upper construction of the Asics GEL Kahana is not far from its predecessors.
    • Since the collection’s release, there are only minimal changes in the latest version of the upper.
    • Synthetic overlays hold the mesh and retain its structured support to the foot.
    • The upper facilitates airflow through the mesh and guarantees proper ventilation during standby and while running.
    • The traditional lacing system allows for a customized fit.
    • The tongue and heel collar are padded enough to provide stability and step-in comfort in the Asics GEL Kahana is designed won’t be a traditional shoe, so runners won’t have trouble figuring out which is which.
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    Asics Gel Kahana 9

    Asics Gel Kahana 9 - Men

    Asics Men's Gel Kahana 9 - Asics Gel Kahana 9
    Buy on Amazon

    Asics Gel Kahana 9 - Women

    Asics Women's Gel Kahana 9 - Asics Gel Kahana 9
    Buy on Amazon

    About the Author

    David Alegeta

    David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.