The Stability Shoe That Doesn’t Compromise on Support

The Asics GT-2000 13 is marketed by Asics as a shoe for runners with a neutral footstrike pattern as well as those who overpronate. Could this be a unicorn of a shoe that meets the needs of both? Spoiler, we don’t thinks so.

As a neutral runner, I’d never considered a stability shoe- in fact, I may have held a slightly unfavorable opinion about them. But more brands have been leaning in to these “neutral stability shoes”. Which is to say that they very slightly correct your gait and honestly that’s more of what most folks need than something that’s really rigid and stiff forcing their foot in to a specific motion.

The Asics GT-2000 13 left me reconsidering my initial thoughts about stability shoes.

While it wasn’t  my favorite shoe ever, I understand why so many runners have turned to it repeatedly.

Asics GT-2000 13 Overview

The Asics GT-2000 model has been around for a long time and is a well-loved stability shoe.  So what makes up this shoe that has allowed it to reach its 13th model? Let’s find out.

The Asics GT-2000 13 builds upon the updates seen in the previous model with its continued use of the 3D Guidance System while also offering a new breathable mesh upper and more cushioning in the forefoot.

My initial impression after putting on the GT-2000 13 was “Whoa. This feels different.”

The PureGel technology paired with the FF Blast Plus foam gave this shoe a soft and cushioned feel that left me feeling a bit like Goldilocks- not too soft, not too firm- it felt just right.The cushioning in the 13 is not as soft as it was in the 12, adding a bit more firmness underfoot. If you’re looking for a more max cushioned feel, take a look at the Saucony Hurricane 24. In fact, that’s probably where we would direct most of our heavier runners looking for some stability.

It’s still sufficient enough to make this a great option for an everyday trainer and is versatile enough to be used for a variety of distances.

Runners with a heel strike landing pattern will likely find the cushioning in this shoe to be comfortable, and runners with a midfoot strike will appreciate that the GT-2000 13 offers some flexibility in the forefoot.

This would be a good shoe for everyday efforts, but it wouldn’t be a shoe I would reach for on race day or for speed workouts.

Asics GT-2000 13 Fit

I felt a bit like Cinderella when I slipped these shoes on for the first time. The fit felt just right in all the right places.

I have a wider forefoot and many shoes rub a bit, but the toebox on the GT-2000 13 felt roomy enough to be comfortable, but not so roomy that it felt like my foot wasn’t secure.

The updated heel collar has just the right amount of padding without having to worry about any unwanted irritation or rubbing. There’s also no need for my typical heel lock lacing because there was no heel slipping with the GT-2000 13.

Some stiff heel counters cause discomfort for me, but I didn’t find that to be the case in this shoe. Because the heel counters on this shoe are so rigid, I appreciated the addition of the loops on the back to help pull the shoe onto my foot.

The updated mesh upper was super comfortable. I didn’t notice any extra room, but some runners may find the upper to be a bit snug.

The tongue is thin and not really padded, but don’t worry, you’re not going to feel any laces digging into your foot. The tongue stayed put, and I never had to worry about it sliding around while I was running.

Asics GT-3000 13 Feel

This shoe wasn’t completely perfect for me. It wasn’t as responsive as I had hoped, and the cushioning absorbed too much energy during the run.

I definitely noticed this shoe working to roll my foot outward during landing. As a neutral runner, it ended up feeling like my body was working against the shoe instead of with it.

Runners with mild to moderate overpronation will likely appreciate the guidance from the Asics GT-2000 13.

If you prefer a firmer feel and don’t need much guidance, this one might not be your match, but it could be perfect for someone easing into stability.

Asics added AHAR® LOW HARDNESS and AHARPLUS™ heel plug rubber material to the outsole of the GT-3000 13 to help with the wear and tear. 

I just didn’t feel that there was enough traction in the outsole to be good in wet or slick conditions. You may want to pick a different shoe if you’re planning to go out for some rainy training miles. 

There you have it our review of the Asics GT-2000 13. While it wasn’t a full homerun for me, it’s a great stability shoe option for those training for longer distances.

Who Tried It?

I’m Stephanie. I’m a middle-aged middle of the pack runner bouncing back after chronic exertional comfortment syndrome. I’ll forever be on a mission to find the best pair of running shoes and the best pizza. When I’m not running I’m talking about running on my instagram page at @stephrunsdopey or coaching our local high school’s cross country team.

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