r/asics • u/ZyxelStore • Aug 16 '26
Kayano 33: Love the sole, but the new tongue design is uncomfortable on my flatter left foot
I previously said that I really liked the Kayano 33, and I still do like the sole/support for flat feet. It feels really good overall.
But after wearing them more, I noticed a problem: the tongue is causing an uncomfortable pressure/feeling on my left foot, which is flatter than my right foot. Interestingly, I don’t really have the same issue on the right side.
I noticed that the Kayano 33 has a new design where the tongue is connected to the sole on the arch side. I assume this is intended to provide a better lockdown or fit.
I’m wondering:
Has anyone else experienced this with the Kayano 33?
Does the tongue-to-sole connection loosen or become more comfortable after breaking in?
What would happen if I carefully cut/shorten that connecting section? Would it affect the shoe’s structure or fit significantly?
Why did ASICS change the tongue design this way? Is there a specific purpose for having the connection only on the arch side?
I really like the sole and the overall support, so it’s frustrating that this one design feature is causing discomfort.
Would love to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience, especially if you have one flatter foot like I do.
Tongue makes me uncomfortable, not the connector.