Head-to-Head
Gel-Kayano 32vsWave Rider 29
The Gel-Kayano 32 is a recovery / easy run shoe while the Wave Rider 29 is a daily trainer shoe. The Gel-Kayano 32 retails for $165 while the Wave Rider 29 comes in at $150 — a $15 difference. The Wave Rider 29 is the lighter shoe at 9.3 oz versus 10.7 oz for the Gel-Kayano 32. In our ratings, the Gel-Kayano 32 edges out the Wave Rider 29 — 9.2/10 versus 9.0/10.
| Rating | 9.2 / 10✓ | 9.0 / 10 | |
| Price | $165 | $150✓ | |
| Weight | 10.7 oz | 9.3 oz✓ | |
| Category | Recovery / Easy Run | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Firm | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | High | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 10 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 39 mm | |
| Stability | Stability | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Wide | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | High✓ | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Decent |
