Asics GT-2000 13 running shoes

The Asics GT-2000 13 running shoe is now available for pre-order and will be available for purchase on September 1st. Since the previous version was one of my favorites, I’m excited to test it out, but there’s a lot to know about the shoe already, so I’m writing a preliminary review of the shoe.

The Asics GT-2000 13 running shoe is a versatile, stable running shoe with very good value for money. Compared to other stable running shoes, it is lightweight at 275 grams (the previous version was almost the same), suitable for long, slow, low-intensity runs, but also for faster runs and interval training. The GT-2000 13 is unchanged in terms of features, but the upper, midsole and outsole have been changed. The good news is that the price of the shoe has remained unchanged, although now that the 13th version is coming out, we can expect significant promotions on the GT-2000 12 running shoes.

Asics GT-2000 13 upper

The upper of the Asics GT-2000 13 running shoe is made of Jacquard (variable weave pattern) mesh fabric, which has better breathability than the previous version, which was average. Not the best choice on warmer summer days because it can make your feet hot. The upper is comfortable, with medium cushioning, but as a stable running shoe it holds the foot firmly. It fits true to size, but if you have wide feet, you may want to buy a half size larger. The heel collar is high, the bottom is very stiff, the top of the heel collar is softer. The heel collar is padded so it is not only stable but also comfortable. A new feature of the GT-2000 13 running shoe is that the heel collar has a pull tab. The tongue is as thin with small pads as in the previous version.

Asics GT-2000 13 midsole

The Asics GT-2000 13 Running Shoe Midsole is made with FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam, one of the most advanced foams used in Asics’ everyday running shoes. FF Blast+ foam is a lightweight, dynamic, comfortable foam, the same foam Asics uses in the Novablast 4, Gel-Nimbus 26, Gel-Cumulus 26 running shoe and the stable Gel-Kayano 31. The midsole of the GT-2000 13 is 0.5mm thicker than its predecessor, measuring 36.5mm at the heel and 28.5mm at the forefoot. This midsole thickness is less than the aforementioned Novablast 4, Gel-Nimbus 26, Gel-Cumulus 26 running shoes, and on the other hand, like the previous version, the Asics GT-2000 13 running shoe midsole is also made with 3D Guidance System technology. This technology is basically a special design of the midsole geometry that is shaped to keep the foot and ankle stable and straight. The 3D Guidance System has several elements: the sole is wider, the heel and forefoot have edges on both sides to prevent the foot from tilting in either direction, the midfoot is bent over the upper to form a sidewall, the forefoot forms a curved rail (guidance line), the heel is slanted. At the back of the midfoot, under the heel, is a layer of PureGel, a hexagonal gel that improves shock absorption. Overall, the midsole of the Asics GT-2000 13 running shoe hasn’t changed much from the previous version, which is good news for me because I really like the previous version. There’s nothing outstanding about it, it does its job unobtrusively, keeping the foot stable.

Asics GT-2000 13 outsole

The outsole of the Asics GT-2000 13 Running Shoe Outsole is segmented, but the shoe has a continuous rubber area on the inside of the sole to improve stability. The outsole is made from two different hardness compounds, AHAR LOW HRD for the more demanding areas and AHARPLUS for the outsole, a more durable rubber with better grip. In the previous version, which had an outsole made of the same compound, I ran 400 km, and the grooves in the outsole were worn away in the more heavily used areas, but nowhere was the outsole completely worn away. The outsole is durable compared to other running shoes. Grip is good, but not perfect on wet surfaces.

Summary

The Asics GT-2000 13 Running Shoe is a versatile, moderately stable running shoe. Stability is provided by the 3D Guidance System, which is aggressive and does its job unobtrusively. Runners with a neutral foot position will find it comfortable for their easier runs. The upper is comfortable with medium breathability. The midsole is versatile, the PureGel layer improves shock absorption and the FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam provides moderate to good dynamics and comfort. There are only minor changes to the shoe from the previous version, but the upper, midsole and outsole have been changed. The changes have made the shoe 5 grams heavier, which is not noticeable.

Which stable Asics running shoes to choose?

Asics currently offers three stable running shoes for daily running.

• The entry-level stable running shoe is the Asics GT-1000 13, which features the 3D Guidance System for stability, a midsole of FlyteFoam foam that’s moderately dynamic on the stiffer side, and weighs 274g
  It is recommended for running up to half marathon distance
• The more advanced Asics GT-2000 13, which also features the 3D Guidance System for stability, like the GT-1000 13 running shoe, but the midsole foam is FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam, which is more dynamic, lighter and softer. The shoe weighs 275g
  Recommended for running up to marathon distance
• The most comfortable and stable Asics Gel-Kayano 31 running shoe, with stability provided by the more advanced and stable 4D Guidance System, the midsole foam is FlyteFoam Blast Plus, just like the GT-2000 13 outsole. The shoe weighs 305g
  Recommended for longer, slower runs, even longer than a marathon