ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe review – opinion, price, comparison, who it is for

ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe upper

The upper of the ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe is made from a thin woven mesh material with excellent breathability. Around the toe box, it is so thin that it is practically see-through, and there are similarly thin, transparent sections on the sides as well.

The upper has a narrower-than-average fit, which is most noticeable around the toe box, although it was not tight on my narrower feet. The men’s version is available in standard D width as well as a wide 2E version and an extra-wide 4E version. The women’s Asics Gt-2000 25 running shoe is available in standard B width, a narrow 2A version and a wide D version. The shoe fits true to size in length.

The lacing system is traditional, but it can be tightened effectively and holds the foot securely and steadily. The tongue is thin, has large ventilation holes and is attached on both sides. The tongue has minimal padding, with cushioning only at the top where you tie the laces so that the knot does not create pressure.

The heel collar is moderately stiff on the sides but heavily reinforced at the rear, so it holds the foot very securely. The heel collar is padded, sitting somewhere between moderately and heavily padded.

The midsole wraps up around the upper at the rear and midfoot to hold the foot securely. The insole is not glued to the shoe, so you can replace it.

The upper of the ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe holds the foot almost like a racing shoe, is lightweight and highly breathable, yet has enough padding to remain comfortable. This combination is rare among stability running shoes.

ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe midsole

The midsole of the ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe is made entirely from FlyteFoam Blast Max foam, but it feels slightly softer and lighter than in the previous version. The same foam is used in the Novablast 5 and in most of the Novablast 6 midsole, but because the Novablast has a higher stack, the ride and dynamics feel different. The GT 2000 15 midsole is both lower and wider, making it much more stable.

The additional width is part of the 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM, which provides the shoe’s stability. The midsole is asymmetrical around the heel, provides more support on the medial side, narrows less through the midfoot and is wider at the front. You can feel the support at the heel, but less so in the forefoot. The outsole design is also part of the 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM, and overall this gives the shoe good but unobtrusive stability.

The FF BlastMax foam has some responsiveness, and the shoe is also very light, not only for its own category. Based on its weight, it could even fit among versatile running shoes suitable for faster runs.

It is not stiff and does not have high torsional rigidity either, which is also unusual among stability running shoes. It does not feel firm, making it very comfortable even for lower-intensity runs.

There is a Pure Gel layer in the heel, directly under the insole. This gel layer improves the shoe’s cushioning and overall comfort.

ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe outsole

The outsole of the ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe is made from two different rubber compounds. At the heel, where most runners wear down the outsole more quickly, a thicker and more abrasion-resistant AHAR Plus rubber compound is used, while the forefoot uses a lighter rubber compound with better grip called AHAR LO. I had no issues with traction on dry surfaces. On wet surfaces, there is a slight sense of uncertainty, but in my opinion the grip is much better than on previous GT-2000 models. Based on my experience so far, durability is also good.

The outsole is segmented, but interestingly it only has longitudinal cutouts. Because the outsole is also part of the stability-providing 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM, a continuous rubber outsole runs along the medial side without transverse cutouts. This does not make the shoe feel noticeably stiffer, but it contributes to its stability.

What is it like to run in the ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe?

Cushioning and midsole

The ASCIS GT-2000 15 running shoe has a midsole that is not excessively high by today’s running shoe standards. If you are a heel striker, you will feel the asymmetrical support around the heel as well as the PureGel layer located in the heel, both of which improve cushioning. The midsole is softer and more comfortable than average, but also wider. It is not a racing shoe, but it does have some responsiveness, and you can run faster in it compared with your lower-intensity pace.

The FF BLAST MAX midsole is soft and flexible, but it is not explosively responsive like a racing shoe.

Stability and guidance

The ASCIS GT-2000 15 running shoe is a stability running shoe, so it is primarily designed for runners who pronate and whose ankles roll inward. It does not provide aggressive stability, and the support is not strongly noticeable except around the heel. In addition to the supportive elements, stability is helped by the wider midsole and the medial section of the outsole, which has no transverse segmentation.

The stability of the GT-2000 15 is clearly noticeable, but it does not force the foot into an unnatural movement.

Upper and comfort

The upper of the ASCIS GT-2000 15 running shoe is very well executed because it remains comfortable despite being made from a thinner material that is lightweight and highly breathable. The heel collar is padded and stiff to hold the foot securely while remaining comfortable. The upper has a narrower fit, but wide and extra-wide versions are also available.

The thin upper combines excellent ventilation with secure foot lockdown.

Ground contact and traction

The ASCIS GT-2000 15 running shoe has an 8 mm midsole drop, which works well for both heel strikers and forefoot strikers. If you land on your heel, you will feel the medial support, which tilts the ankle slightly outward. The outsole has a large ground-contact area but is segmented. It uses two different rubber compounds so that high-wear areas have thicker, more abrasion-resistant rubber, while areas where traction is more important use a lighter rubber compound.

Pace and responsiveness

The ASCIS GT-2000 15 running shoe is primarily designed for lower-intensity running and performs very well in this role because it is not stiff and has a comfortable upper. However, because the shoe has become very light and the FF BlastMax midsole foam has decent energy return, you can also run at a faster pace in it.

Long runs vs tempo vs training

The ASCIS GT-2000 15 running shoe is a versatile running shoe. It is not about outright speed, but you can run occasional faster sections in it. It has good cushioning and good stability, which means you can also use it for longer runs.

The GT-2000 15 can be used for slower, longer and moderately paced runs.

Who is the ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe recommended for – and who is it not for?

The ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe is recommended if you need stability but are not looking for an aggressively stable running shoe, for your low-intensity or moderately paced runs. Because it is stable and provides good cushioning, it is also recommended for longer runs. It is recommended if you are looking for a lightweight running shoe with good breathability for warmer summer days.

The ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe is not recommended if you have a neutral gait. It is not recommended if you are looking for a running shoe for colder days. It is not a racing shoe, although you can run at a faster pace in it. If you have wide feet, or if you are looking for a high-stack, exceptionally comfortable running shoe, you should consider another model.

What has changed compared with the previous version? ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe vs ASICS GT-2000 14.

The ASICS GT-2000-15 has changed significantly compared with the previous version and is 20 grams lighter.

• Upper: it is thinner, more breathable and narrower, the tongue is thinner and it holds the foot more securely
• Midsole: it uses the same FF BlastMax foam as the previous version, but it feels slightly softer and more flexible, which may be because the midsole is also 1,5 mm thicker
• Outsole: the outsole layout has changed; it contains the same zones and the same materials, but with a slightly different design

ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe alternatives – comparison

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe?

The construction and materials used in the women’s Asics GT-2000 15 running shoe are the same as in the men’s version. However, the women’s version has a 1 mm lower midsole and the upper has a different width. The women’s ASICS GT-2000 15 running shoe is available in 3 widths: alongside the standard B width, there is a narrow 2A version and a wide D version. In the men’s version, D is the standard width.