SCORE: 8/9
Weight: Men’s 9.7oz (275g) size 9 W 8.30oz (235g)
Heel Drop: 8mm (35mm/27mm)
Shoe Type: Mid-cushioned stability daily trainer
Pace: Marathonand Up-tempo
Surface: Road
Pros
- Seamless
- True-to-size fitting
- Supportive
- 3D space construction
- Durable
- Versatile
- Accommodative to a variety of feet
Cons
- May not fit runners sensitive to stablity systems
- Moderate stability
Take Away
Asics GT 2000 11 is a mid-cushioned stability daily training shoe. It has an exciting new upper with a knit and energizing update in the midsole. The forefoot has the super soft FF Blast cushioning that provides a blasting toe-off. At the same time, the new LiteTruss offers guidance and protection. Hence, Asics GT 2000 11 offers moderate lateral support to runners with supination and overpronation issues.
Introduction
The Asics GT-2000 11 is a mid-cushioned stability running shoe. Hence, it is a step down from the Kayano 29, a max-cushioned stability running shoe. It also has several comparable features to the Asics Cumulus. Note that Asics GT 1000 11 is a budget version of Asics GT 2000 11 with minimal premium features.
The Asics GT 2000 11 represents years of reliability. The GT 2000 series has remained true to its purpose as a reliable workhorse. Asics GT 2000 11 exhibits luxury, comfort and stability, and durability. It has gone through a significant transformation. Designers took exciting stability ideas from other outstanding Asics models like the Kayano 29 and Cumulus 24. The Asics GT 2000 utilizes 3D space construction, a gender-specific technology that makes the shoe conform to gender-specific gait. Therefore, Asics GT 2000 exudes a modern kind of stability.
Asics GT-2000 11 Upper Design and Fitting
Asics GT 2000 11 has an exciting upper concocted with an engineered jacquard mesh, which is incredible, lightweight, durable, and accommodative. The mesh has a knit-like texture resembling the one in the Cumulus 24. However, this jacquard mesh is thinner and somewhat open than Cumulus 24. So it has more aeration to provide a breathable experience. Therefore, Asics GT 2000 11 upper is somewhat warm and still suitable for running in hot or humid weather.
The non-gusseted tongue, ankles, and Achilles have plenty of padding. Hence, the overall upper design offers the typical Asics feel and experience. Interestingly, Asics gave the GT 2000 11 a nicely constructed traditional heel counter instead of the typical Asics plastic heel clip. The heel counter works much like Asics’s traditional heel counter. Thus the overall heel lockdown is excellent.
The Asics GT 2000 11 fits true to size. The toe box is roomy and the midfoot snuggish, thus profiting an excellent foothold.
The lacing system is neat, and the laces are long enough for making a runner’s knot. Besides, Asics included an OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner to enhance comfort.
Asics GT-2000 11 Midsole Design and Performance
The midsole has the greatest upgrade. It is partially FlyteFoam and the more responsive FlyteFoam Blast foam. Hence, Asics gave this shoe a dual-density setup whereby the FlyteFoam runs from the heel to the midfoot then the entire forefoot is FlyteFoam Blast (FF Blast) foam.
How Did Asics Achieve Overall Stability?
Halfway from the midfoot area to the heel is a stiff foam called the LiteTruss (a medial post running from the heel toward the anterior midfoot).
The LiteTruss wraps the midsole medially to provide structure. By shrouding the lateral and medial regions, the LiteTruss forms a guidance system that keeps the foot in place. It also prevents uneasiness on the medial arch and channels energy in a single direction. What makes LiteTruss unique from the traditionally firm medial posting is that it is soft and accommodative. LiteTruss is also present in the GT 2000 10 and Kayano 29, and its ability as a stability enhancer is unquestionable.
There are geometrical shapes within the midsole, which Asics calls 3D space construction. 3D space construction does more than provide gender-specific stability. The geometrical shapes deform according to a runner’s running stride to provide stability where it is rightly needed. Therefore, the accommodative LiteTruss posting and the 3D space construction ensure that Asics GT-2000 11 can be worn by various runners. ‘Impact Guidance system’ is the term Asics uses to describe the entire stability structure.
Asics retained the external Gel but redesigned the shape. The positioning at the heel is strategic and fits heel strikers. It sits below the heel, the initial ground contact for heel strikers. Therefore, the Gel does well to absorb the landing impact and works in tandem with the beveled heel to form a seamless heel to toe transition and, subsequently, a blasting toe-off.
Outsole
Asics used the AHAR rubber on the outsole. This rubber is common in Asics running shoes and has a reputation for stability. The AHRA rubber foam the crush pads on the outsole, making Asics GT 2000 11 stable across terrains. Asics also added flex grooves in the forefoot to maintain flexibility and create toe springs that smoothen the overall ride of Asics GT 2000 11. Asics also broadened the base to give this shoe a stable platform. Hence, this show has a few millimeters broader platform than its predecessor.
Asics GT-2000 11 Overall Ride
In my experience, the Asics GT 2000 11 fits the moderately cushioned stability shoe description. It has considerable stability and moderate cushioning compared to the Cumulus, which is entirely soft because of the FlyteFoam Blast Plus midsole. I always experience moderate lateral support whenever I run in Asics GT 2000 11 since my foot sinks into the midsole, and the guidance system pushes me forward.
I love the energetic toe-off of the FlyteFoam Blast forefoot. However, I find the Kayano 29 more stable and soft than the GT 2000 11. It also has more profound rocker geometry and thus has a better rolling forefoot experience. Hence, the Kayano 29 has a premium plush experience, while the GT offers lightweight, elegant stability experiences. However, Asics Kayano 29 is a few ounces heavier than the GT 2000 11.
The GT 2000 11 is a versatile running shoe. It can pick up the pace and is comfortable for all-day walking and daily training. It is also sufficiently stable for long-distance running. It ensures that the foot is held into one throughout the gait cycle. It is somewhat heavier than cutting-edge stability trainers like the Saucony Tempus. However, it is a solid workhorse daily trainer, and the FlyteFoam Blast in the forefoot makes the ride pretty soft and excitingly springy.
Who Should Buy GT-2000 11?
Asics GT 2000 11 is a better option for runners who prefer the mid-cushioned stability daily training shoe over the max-cushioned Asics Gel Kayano 29, which has a much softer ride.
It also suits runners seeking moderate arch and heel support since the LiteTruss system provides moderate stability than the firm traditional medial posting. The moderate medial post makes this shoe accommodative to all runners. Besides, Asics offers wide options to accommodate wide-footed runners.
By Charles Allen
He lives in Honokaa, Hawaii, with a wife and three kids. Allen is a regular trainer and has been running for the last eight years. Sometimes he competes in short marathons. He also provides personal training services to spice up his training sessions, especially on weekends.
