ASICS GEL-KAYANO ACE 2 Golf Shoes Review

Golf Shoes or Shoes You Can Golf In?

Why I love Asics

You could say I’m a bit biased when it comes to my everyday shoes.

For over 20 years now I’ve worn ASICS running or walking shoes, unless I’ve needed more event specific footwear.

Started in 1949, A Sound Mind in A Sound Body is the motto for ASICS footwear and through research and innovation, the goal is to help create products that help everyone feel better.

When you have a brand that works well to create consistency and you can expect performance based on history, it is easy to continue trusting the products being developed.

I’ve done the same thing with my golf shoes for just as long, but with another major footwear company. 

I now have an ASICS shoe I can golf in: the ASICS GEL-KAYANO Ace 2.

Connecting to the Ground

Your hands on the club and the feet on the ground. Those are the two connections that are made in golf when it comes to control and power.

There are a few important differences in footwear when it comes to golf rather than everyday wear and it starts on the sole of the shoe and works up.

Inspired by the iconic stability running shoe, ASICS GEL-KAYANO Ace 2 Golf Shoes are another step forward in footwear technologies.

Here are key highlights that make these shoes you can golf in.

FG Traction Sole – The entire sole has spikes exactly where they need to be for stability during your swing.

Each sole is designed with spikes in a directional pattern for right and left foot grip.

I have a mix of golf shoes that have soft spikes and are spikeless to vary the level of traction I might want depending on the turf or the weather.

Wet cement, wood and smooth floors are not the most ideal for these (or any spikes) shoes.

As some of you may have found out the hard way, certain soles do not have anti slip traction.

Real and artificial turf are recommended for best use. 

Comfort

Rearfoot GEL® Technology – Probably the most iconic feature of any ASICS shoe product is the GEL® technology that provides shock absorption.

The ASICS GEL-KAYANO Ace 2 Shoes are built around the technology that started in the 1980’s.

As the name implies, it is like walking on a soft, shock absorbing layer that keeps each step from sending vibrations up your heels.

For me, this is the technology that has separated my choice in shoes.

Knowing the feel and cushioning of the GEL® is why I continue to purchase ASICS.

FLYTEFOAM® PROPEL cushioning – Every shoe has foot long impact absorption.

Most often you hear the term EVA to describe the material, which is made from ethylene, vinyl and acetate, but FLYTEFOAM® PROPEL is a lighter and softer material used to cushion the foot.

The thickness of this layer matters, because too much and you feel like you are walking on marshmallows, too little and it feels like walking on a wooden floor barefoot.

This layer needs to be specific for the style and function of the shoe and in this case, the soft underfoot and firm support match up well on a good walk around the golf course.

Fit

TPU heel cradle – A major part of any supportive footwear is how the heel of the foot acts when motion occurs.

In golf we want to keep the heel from unwanted sliding in lateral motion while providing a center step position when walking.

If the heel is allowed to move around more freely using the ground as a force power diminishes and can cause blisters while walking.

The ASICS GEL-KAYANO Ace 2 Golf Shoes offer a perfect fit

Ortholite insoles – Nearly every company has started labeling the arch support molding and insoles as orthotics.

This is one area I never believe the marketing team.

I have very flat feet and no shoe has enough orthotic support for me to use without foot and leg pain.

I do have arch supports that can move from shoe to shoe, so the insoles of every shoe come out when I get them.

There are a few manufacturers that have more support than others, but I would categorize ASICS shoes as extremely versatile.

If you need more support you can remove the insole.

Golf Shoes

Water resistant membrane on the upper – A golfer’s feet are never dry, so it is important to help keep moisture on the right side of the shoes.

The upper membrane helps keep water from entering the shoe’s interior for waterproof protection, while also having a breathable comfort during the dry hot days. 

Extra padding on the ankle and tongue – As soon as you slip your feet into these ASICS GEL-KAYANO Ace 2 Golf Shoes the ankle and tongue padding is soft and immediately comforts the foot.

This is what makes the shoes so good whether you are golfing or just finished golfing.

Summary

A lot of thought goes into every detail of the new ASICS GEL-KAYANO Ace 2 Golf Shoes.

I’ve trusted the brand for many years to keep my feet well supported and cushioned.

With a number of stylish colors and more traditional golf shoe options, ASICS has stepped up the golf game with technologies leading the way in many other activity footwear.

For more information: ASICS Website 

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