Asics GT 2000 is a top shelf shoe. A great roadrunner, proving equally well during quick trainings and long runs, like a marathon. Very good cushioning and support in the midfoot area makes it one of the best shoes for pronators.

BASIC DATA

• brand –Asics
• type – GT 2000 4 (T606N-4390)
• release – autumn/winter 2016
• foot type – neutral/pronation
• intended use – paved surfaces, for moderate pronators, weighing up to 80 kg
• shock absorption – heavy
• heel drop – 10 mm
• weight – 320 g
• list price – 549 zł

FIRST IMPRESSION

GT 2000 attracts attention immediately on a display. You can see that this is but the top shelf. Probably the only shoe higher in ranks is Kayano. On the other hand, on trying them on, you start wondering whether the thin mesh is durable enough. It gives the impression of delicate and very air permeable. Fortunately, if you already know Asics shoes, you’ll know that their materials are really durable. Don’t worry – these shoes will prove well both in summer and winter, and the mesh survives really considerable mileage.
What you’ll notice next, are the strong looking laces and independent eyelets. It seems a very good choice. After putting the shoe on, you immediately feel as if you had a pillows under your feet- a large amount of gel is clearly perceptible. It must be if the shoe is to have such great shock absorption.

PARAMETERS

TECHNOLOGIES

• Dynamic DuoMax Support System  ASICS registered technology to increase stability and support for the runner. The current generation of DuoMax is lighter, while ensuring even better foot support.
• Guidance Trusstic System a midfoot technology which links the rearfoot with the frontfoot. It also shores the midfoot  as it prepares for propulsion.
• Comfortdry Sockliner a unique dual layer cushioning system combining the support of base foam with the slow recovery of lazy foam, for a customized insole. Also contains anti-microbial properties for a cooler, drier and healthier foot environment.
• FluidRide Midsole provides a unique combination of improving the shock attenuation while maintaining cushioning properties. With this technology it was possible to reduce the weight of the shoe while maintaining exceptional durability.
• Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Cushioning systems silicone inserts placed in the midsole and heel areas, reducing the force of the impact during the whole gait phase. They also allow movement of the foot in many planes during the gait.
• Guidance Line   allows the foot to perform a more natural heel to toe movement. This technology is based on 3 priciples: Contact, MidStance and  Propulsion.
• Descrete Eyelets Independent eyelets significantly reduce the risk of abrasion, as well as increase the fitting properties of the shoe.
• AHAR+ thinner and lighter version of AHAR. Placed in key areas of the outsole to improve the durability of the shoe.
• 3M Reflective™ Reflective materials improve visibility after dark.

INTENDED USE

According to the manufacturer, shoes are designed for people with neutral feet or with slight pronation. The shoes are designed for people weighing up to 80 kg.
According to me, these are the shoes for people with overpronation. Neutrals certainly won’t hurt themselves in this model, but paying extra for unnecessary technology (DuoMax) seems pointless. They are typical roadrunnes, not too light but perfectly fulfilling their role during training, especially on long runs.

TEST IN BATTLE

In GT series shoes I’ve been running for 4 seasons. At the beginning it was GT 1000, then I switched to GT 2000 probably because they had a nicer colour at the time. I have to say that each successive generation of these shoes is becoming more durable and better refined. While in the first models the mesh was quite quickly worn through, in the following it occurred only after 1000 km. The manufacturer recommends a change of shoes after approx. 800 km, so in theory we shouldn’t damage the mesh before the „end” of shoes. Due to the fact that the shoe is designed for people up to 80 kg, and I weigh 57 kg, it allows me to run comfortably in GT 2000 a little longer than „default”.

UPPER

Here you can note many changes and fixes in subsequent editions. Mesh from which the shoes are made, is well breathable. Nevertheless, I run comfortably in them even in winter, as opposite to e.g. Brooks Ravenna, which has a great ventilation, but you have to hide it in the box in the early autumn.
The mesh in Asics is also very durable. The only place where any damage occurs, is on the outer side, by little finger – and this is only after using them for more than 1000 km.

SOLE

Shoe tread in GT 2000 is designed for paved surfaces, but I ran in them on trail as well. If there isn’t too much mud or snow, they do well enough. In the sole we have two key technologies – gel cushion in the heel and midfoot erea and hardened DuoMax material on the inside of the foot. Thanks to gel inserts we gain a really good cushioning and freedom of movement in any plane throughout the gait phase. DuoMax improves stability, particularly for pronators. Thanks to this, the shoe makes it during long runs and marathons, when the legs get really tired.

DURABILITY

I mentioned above the durability of mesh, which the upper is made of. Case is the same the rest of the shoe. Independent eyelets and laces don’t wear out – I’ve never ever had to change them in Asics shoes. Insoles, after 1300-1500 km are only slightly frayed, but in my opinion they’d manage another 1000 km. The interior of the shoe is almost untouched, same as the heel, which protects the Achilles.

SUMMARY

The fact that I stumbled upon GT 2000 is some incredible miracle. Although, at the time when I was looking for my first shoes, there were maybe 2 types on the shelf designed for pronation runners. The choice was quite simple. However, since that time, when the old shoes are crying for retirement, I go to the store and take another GT 2000 shelf without slight hesitation. I know that it will always be a good choice, and the next version can only be better than the previous one.

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