I was hopeful that Asics wouldn’t alter too much on the GT 1000 4 since the GT 1000 3 was so good. Never fear!

The GT 1000 4 keeps everything that was right about last year’s version while making some subtle but functional changes.

The upper is still all sewn but the fabrics used are lighter and more flexible. The midsole remains unchanged and the fit is medium in the heel and mid foot while opening slightly in the toe box.

My test pair arrived in an understated but attractive silver black and blue color combination. My usual US size 10 fit was identical to last year’s.

ASICS GT-1000 4 General Info

ASICS GT-1000 4 – Lateral Side

For the fourth year in a row, Asics quietly packs a huge punch into the GT 1000 series. By utilizing older tech, Asics keeps the price point within reach and still provides a capable stability shoe.

For 2016, the GT 1000 keeps the same midsole but gets an improved upper and a slight reduction in weight. If you loved the older GT series, don’t miss this one.

ASICS GT-1000 4 Sole Unit

ASICS GT-1000 4 – Sole

Asics uses some of their older materials to build the GT 1000 series which helps keep the cost down. The midsole of the GT 1000 4 is still founded on SpEVA foam which was Asics’s go-to foam before SoLyte.

It is a proven platform but it is heavier than SoLyte. Another veteran material is the Duomax which comprises the posting under the heel and arch of the shoe.

This denser foam gives further support to an over pronating foot by slowing down the inward roll that many runners experience.

Externally, we find the GT 1000 4 is built on an identical semi-curved last as was the GT 1000 3. Still present is carbon rubber at the heel for high-wear durability and softer blown rubber up front for enhanced cushioning.

The sole is tied together by a brilliantly designed mid foot shank that adds stability and resistance to torque. The shank replaces the former Space Trusstic system found on older GT 2000 series shoes.

Asics also carves its Guidance Line flex groove from heel to toe. Also present is Asics’s iconic GEL cushion and it is found in the lateral heel and provides for a soft landing and a more controlled medial roll.

ASICS GT-1000 4 Upper Info

ASICS GT-1000 4 – Heel

The upper of the GT 1000 4 receives only a few refinements over last season. Primarily, the upper materials have been softened and the open hole mesh fabric is considerably more flexible and breathable.

The Asics “Tiger Stripe” logo is still present medially and laterally and serves as a major structural feature in addition to a decoration. It connects the midsole and eyelet row and also reaches back to the heel overlay.

Also still present is an internally mounted rigid heel counter to lend support to the rear foot. All overlays still utilize sewn construction.

The tongue is on the thicker side of medium and the laces are the oft-utilized semi-flat style. A standard foam sock liner is used in place of the OrthoLite style popular on many current running shoes.

ASICS GT-1000 4 Conclusions

ASICS GT-1000 4 – Lateral Side

I feel like I’ve written an identical review to last year’s GT 1000 3 but that’s simply because not much has changed about the shoe.

It’s still an outstanding shoe for a runner looking for stability, cushioning and value. The 1000 series really gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t; it’s just a great all-business package.

The GT 1000 4 comes in a bit lighter and certainly more breezy thanks to an upper redesign. This shoe is, to me, a testament that newer technology is not always better.

Almost everything that comprises this shoe is last gen technology but it just works. The shoe is incredibly stable and it lays down cleanly.

Sometimes I’ve had stability shoes be too hard on the lateral heel and end up slinging my foot into pronation more severely. Not here. The lateral heel of the GT 1000 4 is just dialed in right.

It keeps the foot from seeing too much velocity from heel strike to mid stance. From there the Duomax post takes over and, with the mid foot shank, provides firm support under a flexible arch.

This is still one of the heavier shoes on the market but it runs so well that I didn’t care and didn’t notice. As seen last year, the heel is still a hair loose for me but even then, it’s a minor gripe and it never caused me any issue.

The cushioning is dense but never overly soft; appropriate for a stability class shoe.

Asics delivers an essentials-only shoe that ends up being greater than the sum of its parts. Stability, cushioning, value, function and fit are all present.

What you wont find are many crazy colors or experimental technology. The GT 1000 4 says you don’t need all that stuff anyway.

We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of GT-1000 4 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.