ASICS GT-2000 12: Consistently Improving
By Matthew Klein
Asics GT-2000 12Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.5 oz, 270 g (men's size 9), 8.3 oz, 235 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 36 mm / 28 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Moderate Stability Daily Training Shoe
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The
ASICS GT-2000 12 is a moderate stability daily training shoe for those
who want a sturdy but lighter ride and a secure performance-edged upper.
The new FF Blast Plus midsole makes for a lighter and bouncier ride.
The improved heel bevel and PureGEL add to the smoothest transition at
the rear this series has ever seen. The combination of factors,
including the internal 3D Guidance System, continue to provide moderate
unobtrusive medial stability along the length of the shoe. The updated
Jacquard mesh up top makes for a comfortable, secure and slightly snug
fit that adapts to the foot. Every part of this shoe improves from the
previous version, continuing the tradition of the GT-2000 12 being a
reliable, comfortable moderate stability daily training shoe for easy,
long, and uptempo mileage.
SIMILAR SHOES: Saucony Guide 16, Hoka Arahi 6
PAST MODEL: Asics GT-2000 11
FIT
The
ASICS GT-2000 12 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10.
The fit is slightly snug through with an almost performance-like feel.
The forefoot fits snugly and is tapered. The Jacquard mesh does stretch
to create mild secure compression. The midfoot is also slightly snug
with a thin gusseted tongue. I did not have to tighten the laces at all
to get a secure fit. The heel fits snug with a moderate amount of heel
collar cushioning and a stiff counter. I have not noticed the counter
due to the well-placed heel collar cushioning but those that are
sensitive should approach with caution. The security is excellent and I
have not had to lace lock the shoe at all. The slightly snug fit will
work best for those with normal or narrow-width feet. For those that
want more width, there is a WIDE version. The inner liner is comfortable
and can handle sockless wear. I found this opens up the shoe a little
for those who find it restrictive. However, I elected to wear socks
given the recent heat (SoCal Summer) has made my feet sweat as the upper
is a little warm.
PERFORMANCE
The
ASICS GT-2000 12 continues as a moderately cushioned daily training
shoe. The stack height has increased to 36 mm / 28 mm (31 mm
/ 23 mm of version 11). There is an 8mm drop and the shoe feels as such.
The midsole now features full-length Flytefoam Blast Plus with PureGEL in
the heel. This makes for a cushioned ride up front that has some bounce
to it throughout the length of the shoe. The weight has dropped further
from the last version to 9.5 oz. Combined with the new midsole bounce,
the GT-2000 12 feels lighter even than its listed weight. It still has
enough there to feel like a training shoe but it is light enough that it
gets out of the way while running. I have used this shoe for long runs,
easy runs and a fartlek. The relatively lighter weight and bouncier
ride work well for uptempo work, making it a great option for both newer
runners experimenting with different paces and experienced runners who
want something on the lighter end of the stability shoe market.
The transitions of the GT-2000 12 are far better than previous ones.
The heel now features a posterior lateral bevel and a geometry that
compresses well. This finally makes for a smooth, non-clunky heel
transition. The midfoot is fairly nondescript while the forefoot has
normal/moderate flexibility. The front of the shoe has a moderate
forefoot rocker and mild toe spring. The transition off the front of the
shoe feels smooth and easy.
Durability wise the GT 2000 12 has
been great. I have 30 miles on my pair with no major wear on the
outsole even in my usual spot (posterior lateral heel). I recently hit
100 miles on my pair of Kayano 30s and given the similar outsole setup
and initial wear I would expect a high number of miles out of the GT
2000 12. Surface wise the GT 2000 12 does best on dry road and mild
dirt. It was raining heavily in SoCal recently and I found the outsole
to have only average traction on wet pavement. The outsole can handle
mild trail but is certainly not a technical trail shoe. This is a
moderate stability daily training road shoe.
"This is a fantastic update that is not only my favorite of the series, but may be my favorite stability shoe of 2023."
STABILITY
The
ASICS GT-2000 12 is a moderate stability that utilizes newer
concepts/ideas. There are medial and lateral sidewalls in the lateral
heel and medial heel/midfoot. There are small sidewalls on both sides at
the forefoot, centering the front of the foot quite well and subtly.
The sole is wider with a filled-in midfoot. There is plenty of sole
flare in the forefoot and heel. The heel flare is offset by a solid
posterior lateral heel bevel and compressive geometry on the lateral
side. Finally, the 3D Guidance System inside the midsole provides
geometric medial stability. The foam provides more medial resistance the
harder you collapse in and gets out of the way when you don't. The
stability is not in your face but well-integrated into the sole and
feels quite good.
The GT-2000 12 will provide plenty of medial stability
for those with mild-to-moderate stability needs throughout the length
of the shoe. Those who want a post-like feeling will need to approach
this shoe with openness as it doesn't have the most direct feeling
initially but will provide plenty of support while moving.
Editor's Note: What is the 3D Guidance System? ASICS describes it as a combination of the wider base, stable geometry, and supportive upper.
Thoughts as a DPT: Progression in Stability Concepts
By Matthew Klein
The ASICS GT-2000 12 is the first of the series to move away from some kind of medial post or trusstic system. ASICS has taken huge efforts to progress forward in thinking about stability differently, as evidenced by the fact that medial posts are now rare within their line. Instead, we see their stability shoes (and many of their stable neutral shoes) with wide bases, filled-in midfoot regions, sidewalls and something called 3D Guidance systems. The 3D Guidance system is a fancy way of saying they have set up the internal structure of the midsole to keep the foot centered as needed. This essentially means that the shoe adapts to the unique mechanics of the runner, gently providing more resistance in response to more force placed in certain areas. The more stability you need, the more you may feel the medial side. The less, the more this disappears.
The GT-2000 12 and its internal geometric stability (like the recent Kayano and Kayano Lite) are a great step in the right direction. The more you compress the foam, the more you get into firmer elements that try to keep you centered. The elements are not there to completely stop motion (we know that doesn't usually work) but instead guide you forward. This is set along the length of the medial side rather than in a single spot (heel, midfoot, forefoot) to ensure the shoe works for a larger variety of people. We know people move differently and we also know people move differently at different times. Thus, adaptive stability, like the internal geometry of this shoe, is key to making better footwear that works with a variety of runners and not against them.
References
RECOMMENDATIONS
Everything
I recommended about the sole of version 11 was accomplished in version
12. There is a far better heel bevel, there are additional geometric
aspects that also allows appropriate compression at the posterior
lateral side and the bevel is facing more posterior lateral without
being extreme. The shoe is lighter with a bouncier foam that provides a
smooth ride that you can forget about while focusing on your run. My
only continued recommendation is the toe box. It is still a bit tapered,
although the mesh does stretch. I would like to see the forefoot be a
little more rounded for appropriate toe room. This does not have to be
clown-like, but a little more room can help the forefoot gently spread
and facilitate appropriate forefoot transverse plane movement for shock
absorption. Outside of that, this is a fantastic update that is not only
my favorite of the series, but may be my favorite stability shoe of
2023.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The
ASICS GT-2000 12 continues its place as a stand-out daily trainer for
those that need mild to moderate stability. The adaptive stability comes
from many newer methods, making it a great option for a variety of
needs in a variety of areas. The bouncier midsole makes it plenty
cushioned while the moderate stack height keeps it pleasantly grounded.
The lighter weight continues to allow this shoe to pick up the best but
it does best as a consistent pace easy and long run shoe that can eat up
miles. The upper continues to be slightly snug with a slight
performance fit, making it a great option for those with normal to
narrow-width feet. The GT-2000 12 has been a popular model in the
past and I see it continuing that trend not only with the stability
updates but the additions of a smoother bevel, decreased weight and
improved comfort.
I know I have repeated this several
times, but the upgrades ASICS has been making to its stability line are
impressive. They have completely upended their designs and clearly have
found something that works. The similarities between the GT-2000 12 and
Kayano 30 are noticeable and I encourage ASICS to continue experimenting
with these newer stability concepts. As the company that was once a bit
behind, it is nice to see them pull ahead, especially in an important
area that has received less attention in recent years.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A-/B+ (Slightly snug fit through with upper that does stretch a bit. Highly secure, best for those with normal to narrow feet)
Performance: A- (New
foam, lighter weight. Runs lighter than already lighter listed weight.
Great daily/long run shoe with versatility to handle uptempo work.
Smooth ride)
Stability: A [Moderate Stability] (Wider sole, Sidewalls, geometric internal stability provides adaptive but good medial stability)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (Shoe
upgrades in every way. Removal of post and integration of all new
concepts of stability while making the shoe lighter and smooth is an
excellent example of using current concepts of footwear to move forward)
Personal: A- (One
of my favorite stability shoes of the year thus far. Something I keep
reaching for but wish there was a tiny bit more forefoot room. )
Overall: A-/A
SHOP | SUPPORT DORAsics GT-2000 12Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING: MORE STABILITY SHOES FOR 2023
Asics GT-1000 11 - The most affordable stability shoe in the market
ASICS GT-2000 11 - The GT series elevates the midsole to bring it back to a more moderate cushion stability trainer
Asics Kayano 30 - Big changes bring Kayano into the future, creating a geometric stability option
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 - The long running stability trainer stays true with small changes
Brooks Hyperion GTS - All-new, lightweight stability offering using guidance
Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 - The redesign for the guidance-based stability trainer is an early 2023 favorite
On Cloudflyer 4 - An update to the mild stability trainer (a really solid walking shoe)
Salomon DRX Bliss - A new guidance based trainer for the roads
Saucony Guide 16 - A much-improved upper and soft insole highlight this stability shoe update
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
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