GEAR CHECK: Asics GT-2000 6

The lightened-up Asics trainer gets a new FlyteFoam midsole for high-mileage bliss.


Morgan Petruny |

Price: R2,299.90
Weight: 232g (Women’s) | 297g (Men’s)
Type: Road
The Right Shoe For: Runners who need moderate support and cushioning in an everyday trainer

The sixth iteration of Asics’s tried-and-true workhorse returns in a lighter, more streamlined package. Most significantly, the men’s and women’s versions shed 19.8 and 45.3 grams, respectively. One way Asics dropped weight was by upgrading the shoe to FlyteFoam – which Asics uses in other models like the Gel-Kayano – to lighten the midsole without sacrificing bounce and durability. That makes the GT-2000 an even better bargain for runners who don’t want to break the bank on a solid stability shoe.

The shoe’s upper and heel are slimmer than in previous versions. And gone are the layers of exterior overlays and plastic heel counter, giving the shoe a lighter and sleeker feel with an all-around better fit. Our testers felt this new seamless construction delivered the same level of support they’ve come to expect. “These shoes provided plenty of stability and helped keep my feet from rolling inward,” said one. “Especially throughout those long runs, when material usually starts breaking down.”

Courtesy of Asics

The shoe offers over-pronators solid control without muscling you around on runs. And all of our wear testers appreciated the upper’s cozy construction and loved that this stability shoe is well-cushioned but not clunky. “The heel and mid-foot cushioning was perfect,” said one. “It gave me a springy ride, without the mushy feeling that often comes with too much padding.”

Midsole

The new FlyteFoam mid-sole won over nearly every tester for its impressive durability, and several wear testers said that the GT-2000 6 would become their new go-to shoe for long runs. While some missed the shoe’s familiar plastic heel cradle, most reported that they still got the support they needed when they piled on the mileage, and weren’t slipping out of the shoe – even those with narrower feet.

Some found the shoe a shade too stiff, but most didn’t mind the firm ride. Some even appreciated it. “They’re not really flexible, but that lack of flexibility acts a bit like a spring or recoil for me,” said one. Plus, the shoe’s cushioning feels on point – padded in the right areas without feeling too pillowy. Results from our tests at the RW Shoe Lab agreed that Asics hit the sweet spot for cushioning.

Outsole

Testers said the new GT-2000 delivered good traction, calling out the shoe’s firm grip on damp roads. “While I questioned the traction during my first run on a treadmill, it gives ample traction on sidewalks, dirt, and rough terrain,” said one. Some of that stickiness comes from the new version’s outsole, which has additional grooves through the rubber in the forefoot to help with flexibility.

Upper and Lacing

The sleek new upper feels more breathable than the previous version and has a snug and supportive fit around the arch. “I felt like I could wear it barefoot,” said one tester. Opinions divided over the toe box – some said it was too spacious, while others welcomed extra wiggle room. A few testers also noted that the shoe’s upper eyelets sometimes dug into their feet on the first few wears.

Courtesy of Asics

All the Stats You Need!

Men’s

Weight: Heavy | 297 grams
Heel-To-Toe-Drop: High | 9.9 mm
Heel Height: High | 34.5 mm
Heel Cushioning: Light
Forefoot Height: Moderate | 26.1 mm
Forefoot Cushioning: Moderate
Flexibility: Very Stiff
Stability Features: Moderate
Energy Return: Moderate

Women’s

Weight: Heavy | 232 grams
Heel-To-Toe-Drop: High | 9.5 mm
Heel Height: High | 33.2 mm
Heel Cushioning: Moderate
Forefoot Height: Moderate | 24.6 mm
Forefoot Cushioning: Moderate
Flexibility: Stiff
Stability Features: Moderate
Energy Return: Moderate

We put each shoe through real-world usage and a battery of mechanical tests in our lab to provide you with objective – and exclusive – data. In addition to measuring a shoe’s weight, we measure sole thickness (everything that sits between your foot and the road), how well the foam cushions your stride, and the flexibility of the forefoot. All this is taken into account in our reviews of each shoe.

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