Asics Kayano 12.1

Buy ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1 at Mentastore

Looking to buy the ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1? In this collection you will find every Kayano 12.1 we carry at Mentastore, from metallic silver pairs to warm brown and cream colourways and a few sought after collaborations. Order online with shipping across Europe, or visit our store on the Heuvelstraat in Tilburg to see the shoes up close and try on your size. Every pair is new, unworn and checked by our own team before it ships.

The Gel-Kayano 12.1 sits right between two big trends: the retro runner look that made the Kayano 14 so popular, and the wish for something a little less common. If you already know the Kayano 14 and want a pair that fewer people on the street are wearing, the 12.1 is a very good place to start.

What is the ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1?

The Gel-Kayano line is named after ASICS designer Toshikazu Kayano and has been one of the brand's best known stability running shoes since the early 1990s. Almost every year a new generation appears, and the number tells you which one you are looking at. The 12.1 is based on the twelfth generation from the mid 2000s. The ".1" shows that it is not a straight copy of the original, but an updated version made for everyday wear.

That means you get the look of a classic 2000s performance runner, with modern materials and a comfortable lifestyle fit. You will also see people search for it as the Gel-Kayano 12, Kayano 12.1 or simply ASICS 12.1. In our collection they all point to the same model.

Design and comfort of the Kayano 12.1

The Kayano 12.1 has a slightly sleeker profile than the Kayano 14. The upper is built from breathable mesh with layered synthetic overlays that sweep from the toe towards the heel, often finished with silver or metallic details. The heel counter is firm and the midsole has a sporty, technical shape that clearly shows its running roots, without looking bulky on your foot.

Comfort is where the Kayano name has always delivered. GEL cushioning in the sole softens every step, the padded collar and tongue hold your foot in place, and the wide, stable base makes it a pleasant shoe for long days in the city.

Popular ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1 colourways

The 12.1 is released in smaller numbers than the Kayano 14, so the choice changes quickly. These are the pairs our customers ask about most:

• Black Pure Silver: a black base with bright silver overlays, the most versatile option for daily wear.
• Silver Burgundy, Silver Ice Blue and Silver Green: metallic silver pairs with a single accent colour, perfect if you like the Y2K running look.
• Brown Blue: warm brown tones with blue details, a good pick for autumn and winter outfits.
• White Graphite Grey Brown: a light, neutral pair that combines white and grey with an earthy brown touch.
• Ronnie Fieg Cream Pure Aqua and Kith Peat Cream: collaboration pairs with soft cream bases and subtle colour accents.
• Up There: a collaboration colourway that collectors look for.

Some pairs are in our own stock in Tilburg, others come from our trusted suppliers. Check the product pages for the current sizes and delivery time.

Kayano 12.1 for women and men

The Gel-Kayano 12.1 is a unisex sneaker and most colourways come in a wide size range, so the same pair works for women and men. Women often go for the lighter cream and white pairs, while men tend to choose Black Pure Silver or Brown Blue. We always show the EU size on the product page, so you simply order the size you normally wear.

How does the ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1 fit?

As general advice, most people take their usual sneaker size in the Kayano 12.1. The fit is padded and secure around the heel and midfoot, and the toe box is fairly standard in width, comparable to the Kayano 14.

• Between two sizes? Many people choose the larger one, especially if you wear thicker socks.
• Wider feet? Half a size up often gives a bit more room at the front.
• Already own a Kayano 14 or Gel-NYC? Most people take the same size in the 12.1.

The easiest way to be sure is to try a pair on in our store in Tilburg. Ordered online and the size is not right? You have 14 days to return or exchange.

How to style the Kayano 12.1

The Gel-Kayano 12.1 works best with relaxed silhouettes. Think straight or wide jeans, track pants, cargo trousers or shorts with white crew socks. Silver pairs look sharp with grey, black and denim, while brown and cream colourways match beige, olive and earthy tones.

Mesh and metallic overlays stay fresh with a little care. Brush off dry dirt, clean with a mild sneaker cleaner and let the shoes air dry. You will find everything you need in our sneaker cleaning collection.

Why buy your Gel-Kayano 12.1 at Mentastore

Mentastore has been selling sneakers and streetwear since April 2023, and more than 30,000 satisfied customers have shopped with us since. We are rated 4.3 on Trustpilot. What you can expect:

• 100% authentic: every item is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also items from our suppliers. Read more on our authenticity page.
• A real store at Heuvelstraat 92, 5038 AH Tilburg: try on, see the pair in person or pick up your online order.
• In-stock items ship within 24 hours when you order before 17:00 on working days. Items from suppliers take 1 to 10 working days.
• Pay later with Klarna, 14 days to return or exchange, and shipping across Europe.

Other Kayano models and related collections

Want to compare generations? The ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 is the most popular Kayano right now, with a slightly chunkier shape, while the ASICS Gel-Kayano 20 brings a more 2010s running look. You can also have a look at the ASICS Gel-NYC and the slimmer ASICS Gel-1130, or browse the complete ASICS collection.

Frequently asked questions

How does the ASICS Gel-Kayano 12.1 fit?

Most people take their usual sneaker size. The fit is padded and secure, so if you have wider feet or are between sizes, half a size up is a common choice. You can always try them on in our store in Tilburg.

What is the difference between the Kayano 12.1 and the Kayano 14?

Both are retro Kayano runners with GEL cushioning and layered overlays. The 12.1 is based on an earlier generation and has a slightly sleeker, more technical profile, while the Kayano 14 looks a bit chunkier. The fit is very similar.

Are the Gel-Kayano 12.1 at Mentastore authentic?

Yes. Every pair is new and unworn and is checked by our own team before it ships, also pairs that come from our suppliers. We only sell 100% authentic products.

Can I try on the ASICS Kayano 12.1 in Tilburg?

Yes. Visit us at Heuvelstraat 92 in Tilburg to try on different sizes, or pick up your online order in the store.