Asics GT 2000 12 Introduction

Earlier this year ASICS unveiled a completely redesigned Kayano.

This is not the case for the GT 2000: there have been some noticeable changes found throughout the shoe, but it has retained some older aspects as well.

The GT 2000 is the “middle child” of the ASICS stability family. The Kayano is the oldest and wisest, some would say. While the GT 1000 is the baby of the family. Just because it’s the middle child doesn’t mean it’s forgotten about. In fact it has almost been around as long as the Kayano.

Entering its 28th year it has different numbering systems throughout the years.

It retails for 140 dollars and competes with the Saucony Guide, Brooks Adrenaline and Hoka Arahi.

Asics GT 2000 12 First Impressions

When I saw the diva pink colorway I knew I needed them. It was refreshing to see pink running shoes for men. They seemed brighter in person when I opened the box. If pink isn’t your color don’t worry, they have seven other colorways.

What stood out to me was how different it looked from the last time I ran in them (GT-2000 9). They also felt quite different from those as well.

They were lighter, and the cushioning was balanced between being plush and responsive. These two aspects together lead me to believe the 2000s were going to be a fast shoe and this immediately increased my excitement for them.

The maiden voyage of the GT-2000 was a 5k run. It was a comfortable run and I found myself pushing the pace some. By the end of the first run I was looking forward to many more miles in these.

Asics GT 2000 12 Upper

The upper of the GT 2000 is made with an engineered Jacquard mesh. It’s a double layer of breathable mesh. It provides a medium amount of structure while being flexible.

The simple lacing system makes it easy to get a perfect fit. The tongue has dramatically thinned down. This was an improvement but could be a drawback for some.

The flared heel collar is new. It supports the natural movement of the Achilles along with additional comfort.

Also in the heel counter is an ideal amount of cushioning. The simply constructed upper of the GT 2000 provides everything you need: structure, comfort and stability.

Asics GT 2000 12 Sole Unit

The ASICS GT 2000 underwent some major changes over the last two years. The changes continue but not as noticeable. Let’s break it down from the ground up. LO-HRD rubber covers the outsole.

It is lighter in weight without sacrificing durability. It provides traction in all conditions and surfaces. Aiding in this is the AHARPLUS heel plug rubber. This was placed in the high impact areas of the outsole.

The first change I noticed was no GEL in the heel. They moved it to the inside of the cushioning. Speaking of, FLYTEFOAM Blast Plus is the new compound which makes up the midsole. It is lighter in weight and 3D constructed. It provides a balanced ride. The weight and bounce are benefits of this new material.

This material is comfortable and allows you to easily push your pace, if you want to.

They moved away from the Duomax stability system for the 10th edition. The stability is now provided by the 3d Guidance System. The system includes 3 elements:

1. an increased heel bevel,
2. wider basenets,
3. and forefoot flare.

This means your heel is more secure, with a wider base and forefoot for more ground contact. This translates to a stable ride with smooth transitions and toe offs. The transition feels like Hoka’s rocker shape geometry. It’s a dynamic system engaging when you need it.

The 8 mm drop also helps with this.

Asics GT 2000 12 Conclusions

Have you ever had a moment where you don’t see a friend for a while and you are surprised by how much they have physically changed? Those are similar feelings I had reviewing the ASICS GT 2000 12. They were a different shoe from the previous pair I reviewed (9th). The changes were smaller compared to the last two versions. How did they compare?

The midsole got a new outsole rubber (LO-HRD), moved the GEL cushioning inside, and continued to use the 3D Guidance System. These changes result in a long lasting stable ride. It is a perfectly balanced ride, which encouraged me to run slightly faster than my normal pace.

One drawback is the break in time is slightly longer than other trainers. The 3D Guidance System is a strength of the shoe. It engaged when I needed it and did so without me realizing it was there. The GT 2000 is a versatile and universal trainer because of these things.

The upper of the GT 2000 provides structure and comfort while you run. The thinner tongue and flared heel collar were inspiring changes. That led me to get an ideal fit every time I laced them up.

ASICS has been the brand I have reviewed the most offerings from. Over time the line between the Kayano and GT 2000 has blurred. In past years one of my complaints about the GT 2000 was how much it shared with the Kayano. That it lacked its own identity as a trainer, but my opinion has changed with the 12th edition.

After running in both, I prefer the GT 2000 12 over the Kayano 30. First, it is a lighter and faster trainer with an ideal balanced ride. The GT 2000 excels at shock absorption, transition from impact to forefoot, and ample energy return. The transition is especially effective, making running in these easier.

If a friend was debating between the Kayano and GT 2000 12, I would tell them to save 20 dollars and go with the GT 2000 12. It is a long lasting stable, balanced, and versatile ride built for many miles.