Retro running shoes are still having a very good year, but the category is starting to split in two directions. On one side, you have technical-looking sneakers loaded with mesh, overlays and visible cushioning. On the other, the trend is getting slimmer, lower and noticeably less bulky.
That makes the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9, ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 and New Balance 204L an interesting three-way comparison. They share vintage running influences, but once you put them side by side, they are quite different shoes.
The short answer? Choose the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 if comfort and all-day versatility come first. Pick the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 if you want a more distinctive retro-tech look with a supportive feel. Go for the New Balance 204L if style is the priority and you prefer the newer slim-profile sneaker trend.
ProGrid Omni 9 vs GEL-Kayano 14 vs 204L at a Glance
| Model | Best For | Cushioning Feel | Silhouette | Style Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 | Retro-tech style and support | Supportive and structured | Chunkier | Early 2010s technical runner |
| ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 | Everyday comfort and versatility | Cushioned and stable | Technical | Y2K performance runner |
| New Balance 204L | Fashion and casual wear | Lower and firmer | Slim | 1970s runner meets Y2K styling |
There is one important distinction before going any further. These shoes may look like running shoes, and two of them began life in performance-running families, but today's versions are primarily bought as lifestyle sneakers. If you are shopping specifically for regular road running, a modern pair from the running shoes collection makes more sense.
Saucony ProGrid Omni 9: The Most Distinctive Retro-Tech Option
The Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 originally comes from the performance-running world of 2010, and Saucony has leaned into that history rather than trying to disguise it.
Its upper uses open mesh with layered materials and a TPU midfoot cage, giving it the busy, mechanical appearance that defines today's retro-tech sneaker category. Underfoot, Saucony uses GRID cushioning together with ProGrid technology. The result is a sneaker that looks convincingly archival because much of the design actually is. Saucony itself describes the revived Omni 9 as a 2010 icon and highlights its mesh construction, TPU structure and GRID and ProGrid cushioning.
Visually, the Omni 9 has more going on than either of the other shoes here. The layered panels, technical cage and substantial sole give it presence. With wider trousers, cargos or relaxed denim, that works extremely well.
It also feels less predictable than the GEL-Kayano 14. ASICS' retro runners have become common sights in major cities, while Saucony still carries a little more "where did you get those?" appeal.
You can browse current Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 sneakers. We currently carries multiple Omni 9 versions, including unisex, women's and collaborative releases.
The downside is versatility. This is not the shoe I would choose if you like clean, understated outfits. The Omni 9 wants to be noticed.
Best for: buyers who like technical Y2K sneakers but want something less obvious than the usual ASICS or New Balance choices.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 14: The Best All-Rounder
If one shoe in this comparison has already proved it can outlive the hype cycle, it is the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14.
The original design dates back to 2008. ASICS revived the silhouette with its late-2000s construction intact, including a layered mesh upper and visible GEL cushioning. The brand now positions the GEL-Kayano 14 specifically around heritage running aesthetics and everyday comfort rather than as its current-generation performance Kayano.
That distinction matters.
The GEL-Kayano 14 still has the visual credibility of a proper running shoe. The mesh, sweeping overlays and segmented sole were designed before "retro runner" became a fashion category. Yet it is comfortable enough for a full day of walking, commuting or travelling.
Among these three, the ASICS also hits the middle ground most successfully. The Saucony is visually busier. The New Balance is considerably slimmer. The Kayano sits in between, which is one reason it works with so many different wardrobes.
British Vogue included the GEL-Kayano 14 in its 2026 "sport-to-real-life" trainer trend, a useful description of exactly where this shoe now sits. ASICS also continues to feature the model prominently within its SportStyle portfolio.
Wear it with straight jeans and a T-shirt and it works. Put it under loose tailored trousers and it still works. Shorts? No problem. That flexibility is difficult to beat.
Current versions of the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 are available, including classic silver-based combinations and more fashion-oriented colorways.
Best for: anyone wanting one fashionable sneaker that can handle long casual days without becoming difficult to style.
New Balance 204L: The Fashion Choice
The New Balance 204L is playing a different game.
Rather than reproducing one specific archival running shoe, New Balance blends eras. The brand says the 204L combines the slim structure of 1970s running shoes with 2000s-inspired design details. Depending on the version, you will find premium suede or suede-and-mesh uppers, a low-profile shape and an EVA outsole. New Balance also notes that some 204L versions run small and recommends sizing up if you are between sizes.
That low stance is the whole point.
For several years, sneaker trends kept getting bigger: thicker midsoles, exaggerated heel units and increasingly complicated uppers. The 204L goes the other way. It is long, slim and much closer to the foot.
GQ has specifically pointed to the 204L as part of fashion's move back toward slimmer silhouettes, while collaborations with brands such as Auralee have pushed the model further into fashion territory.
The 204L therefore looks particularly good with outfits where a bulky sneaker would feel heavy: straight-leg jeans, relaxed tailoring, shorts, skirts and wider trousers that still expose some of the shoe.
What you give up is some of the plush, technical sensation found in the ASICS and Saucony. This is the most style-first sneaker of the three.
Browse New Balance 204L sneakers to see the current colorways.
Best for: someone who follows sneaker trends closely and wants a lower, cleaner silhouette rather than another chunky technical runner.
Which Is the Most Comfortable?
For pure everyday cushioning, the GEL-Kayano 14 has the strongest case.
Its GEL cushioning and substantial running-derived sole make it particularly well suited to walking-heavy days. The ProGrid Omni 9 is close behind and may appeal more to people who prefer a slightly more structured, supported sensation.
The 204L is comfortable for normal casual wear, but that is not its main selling point. Its lower sole simply does not provide the same amount of shoe between your foot and the pavement.
If your typical day involves airports, sightseeing, commuting or hours on your feet, I would lean toward the ASICS first and the Saucony second.
Which One Looks Best?
This is where personal taste matters more.
The ProGrid Omni 9 has the strongest retro-tech personality. It looks like a piece of early-2010s running equipment rediscovered at exactly the right moment.
The GEL-Kayano 14 is arguably the most recognisable of the three. Silver overlays and mesh are almost shorthand for the Y2K runner trend at this point.
The 204L looks the most current if your wardrobe is already moving away from chunky sneakers. It fits neatly into the slim sneaker movement that has been gaining ground through 2026.
So rather than asking which one looks "best," ask what is missing from your rotation. If you already own several technical runners, the 204L brings something genuinely different.
Which Sneaker Is Better for Everyday Wear?
For most people, ASICS GEL-Kayano 14.
It offers the easiest combination of comfort, styling flexibility and proven staying power. It can look sporty without forcing the rest of your outfit to look sporty.
The Saucony is the more interesting choice if you are bored with seeing the same sneakers everywhere. The New Balance wins when appearance matters more than maximum cushioning.
That makes the buying decision surprisingly straightforward:
- Buy the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 for the strongest balance of comfort, style and everyday versatility.
- Buy the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 for a supportive retro-tech sneaker with more personality.
- Buy the New Balance 204L for the slimmest silhouette and the most fashion-forward look.
Can You Run in the ProGrid Omni 9, GEL-Kayano 14 or New Balance 204L?
Technically, their heritage can make the question confusing.
The GEL-Kayano 14 and ProGrid Omni 9 descend from genuine performance-running designs, but footwear technology has moved a long way since their original eras. The 204L is explicitly sold by New Balance as a lifestyle model.
For occasional light activity, the shoes are capable enough. For regular 5K runs, long-distance training or structured running programs, however, buy a modern running shoe designed for that job.
Today's running models offer newer foam compounds, geometry and purpose-built performance features that these lifestyle-focused sneakers are not trying to compete with.
ProGrid Omni 9 vs GEL-Kayano 14 vs 204L: The Verdict
There isn't one winner for everyone because these three sneakers represent three slightly different directions in current footwear.
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 is the safest all-round choice. It is comfortable, easy to style and still looks relevant years after its comeback.
The Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is the choice with more character. Its layered construction and visible technical DNA make it ideal if you want the retro-runner aesthetic without buying the model everyone else already owns.
And the New Balance 204L is the one to buy if you are looking forward rather than backward. The retro references are there, but the low-profile shape feels aligned with where sneaker fashion is heading now.
If I were building a rotation rather than buying just one pair, the most interesting combination would actually be a GEL-Kayano 14 and a 204L. One gives you the full technical-runner look. The other covers the slimmer side of today's sneaker market.
For a single pair that needs to work almost everywhere, though, the GEL-Kayano 14 remains hard to argue against.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 better than the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9?
The GEL-Kayano 14 is the more versatile choice for most buyers because it combines substantial cushioning with an easy-to-style retro runner design. The ProGrid Omni 9 makes more sense if you prefer a more structured feel and a less common technical aesthetic.
Is the New Balance 204L comfortable for all-day wear?
Yes, it is designed as a lifestyle sneaker and works well for normal everyday use. However, its low-profile construction provides a different experience from the more substantial cushioning found in the GEL-Kayano 14 or ProGrid Omni 9.
Does the New Balance 204L run true to size?
New Balance states that certain 204L styles run small and recommends considering a larger size if you fall between sizes. Always check the sizing information for the specific colorway you are buying.
Which sneaker is best for walking?
Of these three, the GEL-Kayano 14 would be my first choice for long periods of casual walking, followed closely by the ProGrid Omni 9. The 204L is better suited to buyers prioritizing a low-profile fashion silhouette.
Which sneaker is the most fashionable in 2026?
They represent different parts of the current market. The ProGrid Omni 9 and GEL-Kayano 14 fit the continuing retro-tech runner trend, while the New Balance 204L reflects the move toward slimmer sneaker silhouettes. British Vogue has highlighted sport-to-lifestyle running shoes for 2026, while GQ has specifically identified the 204L with the shift toward lower-profile footwear.
