Head-to-Head
Gel-Kayano 32vsVaporfly 4
The Gel-Kayano 32 is a recovery / easy run shoe while the Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe. The Gel-Kayano 32 retails for $165 while the Vaporfly 4 comes in at $260 — a $95 difference. The Vaporfly 4 is the lighter shoe at 5.9 oz versus 10.7 oz for the Gel-Kayano 32. In our ratings, the Gel-Kayano 32 edges out the Vaporfly 4 — 9.2/10 versus 8.9/10.
| Rating | 9.2 / 10✓ | 8.9 / 10 | |
| Price | $165✓ | $260 | |
| Weight | 10.7 oz | 5.9 oz✓ | |
| Category | Recovery / Easy Run | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Firm | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 6 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 35 mm | |
| Stability | Stability | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | High✓ | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | Medium | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Bad |
