There are some shoe models that we never expect to get a real response on, they fly under the radar because they are a staple shoe. However, the ASICS GT-2000 clearly has a lot of passionate fans out there, many who have been unhappy with the model for the last several versions. So when our first photos showed up on social, our inbox was lit up with responses. Before we can go any further, we can definitely say this shoe has been markedly improved and if you were expecting something firm or squirmy, then you will be pleasantly surprised.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- An ASICS stability staple gets a full redesign from top to bottom, yet still manages to run as well as its predecessors.
- Weighs in at 10.3oz or 292g for a US Men’s 9.
- Features 29mm of cushion and has a big 10mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at $120.00 USD and comes in 5 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
So many feelings going into this test and people had plenty to say about these, “did they finally fix the …” or “did they stop messing with the…”. hopes were very high and we wanted to prove people wrong, to say the least. Out of the box, the shoe’s upper really shines. The forefoot is held well and opens up quite nicely, the collar and tongue are well padded, and once laced in you get a really nice lockdown. Under the forefoot, that FlyteFoam and GEL are noticeable and make it a touch softer. The heel definitely doesn’t feel soft by any means, but you can feel the structure here more than anywhere else especially on the medial side just below your arch. The more you stand on it, the more you can really feel it, so let’s hit the roads.
On the roads, the shoe performs well. That firmness and support in the heel will be more apparent for heel strikers so it definitely delivers on stability if you need it. The front half of the shoe definitely feels a little more springy and even more comfortable to some degree, but nothing prevents you from taking off in these things if you want to. It can sometimes even feel like two different shoes were merged together here. A faster, more responsive neutral shoe (front half) was blended with a firmer more structured back end. This is really an ideal scenario for many runners who suffer from support issues, but if you are someone who needs that help at the front of your foot, then not sure the GT-2000 is going to deliver that.
Bottom line is that these are an easy run and they definitely feel better than the last few versions of the GT-2000 that we have seen. The mid and rear foot stability really shines and the addition of the FlyteFoam to the front of the shoe really makes them capable. Our only flag is against those who need forefoot support, but overall they are quite enjoyable… even for neutral runners.
Construction: Upper
The upper uses a one-piece mesh design, but with plenty of reflective support overlays that help keep your foot stable. Next, they added a padded EVA sock liner which is removable. The collar and heel are very well padded and then it all finishes with a pretty sizable and rigid internal heel counter that keeps you locked in place.
A close-up view of the synthetic mesh upper 
That super comfy collar and padded tongue, just plush back here
Construction: Midsole
For the GT-2000 9, ASICS has mixed a bunch of midsole tech to try and deliver the best possible ride. First, this uses the FlyteFoam tech we have been falling in love with on other ASICS shoes. On here though, this is a dual-density design which provides support, but then also delivers that bounce back. They also have their Guidance Line and Trusstic Systems which is a groove that decouples the midsole internally allowing for greater efficiency and better flexibility during stride while still giving you structural stability. Lastly, they have planted their GEL tech in both the rear and the front which just gives you a little extra cushion.
The all FlyteFoam midsole on the front half of the shoe 
As we move to the rear, you see that firmer foam and the Guidance system come into play 
The definitive line between rear foot support and front end propulsion
Construction: Outsole
ASICS continues to use its high abrasion rubber blend (AHAR) for all their shoes. They have placed this rubber on those areas that need it the most for durability and traction control, so you will find a ton on the forefoot and then that smaller U shaped ring circling the heel.
The AHAR outsole clearly visible on the front and the rear U
Style & Aesthetics
The GT-2000 9 is just so definitively ASICS in its look, it just feels super nostalgic to some degree. There are 6 different colorways including an all-black option as well as the flashier blue seen here. They have not gone too crazy here and I think we’d love to see some options that push it a bit more.
Overall Conclusion
What ASICS has done with the GT-2000 9 is to bring back the shoe that people loved. It definitely isn’t for everyone, but for those that need a little bit of extra stability coupled with a decent amount of cushion. The dual density midsole coupled with their structure built truss system makes for not only a comfortable ride, but also plenty of support from the mid-foot back. It kind of looks like a monster of a shoe with all these features, but the weight and tech together make it more than capable.
Learn more on the ASICS website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
