Brooks Beast / Ariel GTS 26 vs ASICS Gel-Kayano 33
Beast / Ariel GTS 26 or Gel-Kayano 33? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want maximum support and structure? Get the Beast / Ariel GTS 26.
Want comfort-first stability? Get the Gel-Kayano 33.
Get the Beast / Ariel GTS 26 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You need a roomier fit
- You like a less rigid forefoot
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (12mm vs 8mm)
Get the Gel-Kayano 33 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- Long runs are your thing
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
On the run
Beast / Ariel GTS 26: Maximum support for walking and easy miles. Very supportive, with front-to-back GuideRails that are prominent but well integrated. Best for walking and heavy heel strikers; the midsole feels limited for running.
Gel-Kayano 33: Comfort-first stability. Soft on landing at easy paces, with support that’s more gentle guidance than correction and a stiff, steady forefoot. It feels best slow, and at running pace some runners find it flat.
The Beast / Ariel GTS 26 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Beast GTS 24 lab test (RunRepeat) and Doctors of Running’s review of the 26.
Specs side by side
| Beast / Ariel GTS 26 | Gel-Kayano 33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 | $170 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38 / 28mm* | 40 / 32mm* |
| Drop | 12mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 12.5 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 11.2 oz | 9.1 oz |
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Walking & all-day wear, Easy days | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Beast / Ariel GTS 26. True to size with a very secure, structured upper. Called the Ariel in women’s sizes. Wide and extra-wide available.
Gel-Kayano 33. True to size. The toebox tapers on the little-toe side, so it suits normal-width feet. Plush heel and tongue. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Beast / Ariel GTS 26 · Shop the Gel-Kayano 33 · Compare other running shoes
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