Editor rating:
10/10 on
KRISTIN LASSEN
User's rating:

PROS

  • Snug yet breathable, structured upper fit
  • Durable, responsive cushion
  • Stiff midfoot sole
  • Mid drop height (my preference), but I list as a "pro" because "mid" is more adaptable for those who prefer high or low than is either extreme.
  • I love the snug fit all through the shoe.

CONS

  • Close-fitting toe box will be a negative for runners who get black toenails or who prefer a roomy fit.

OUR VERDICT

The ASICS GT-3000 5 is a basic, breathable trainer that combines sufficient cushion with structure and stability.

Nothing stands out as different, extreme, or negative; together with this its fit and function are superb, making it a secure, quality shoe for a reasonable price given its materials, performance, and durability.
SHOE INFO
Brand
GT-3000 5
Model
Type
11 oz. (312 gr.)
Weight
130 US$
MSRP
10 mm
Heel Drop
WHO IS IT FOR
I recommend this shoe for beginner through experienced runners of all distances who need some structure in midstance into toe-off as it combats late-stage overpronation caused by hyper-mobile ligaments. It's durable enough for long runs yet light and streamlined enough for speed sessions.

On my first run in these shoes (5 miles) I wore thin socks, knowing it’s a narrow shoe, and got a small blister from the seam at the base of the laces on each of my 4th toes…(probably pre-irritated from my first run in GT-1000 two days before).

Slightly thicker socks allowed the next run (12 miles) to go by without irritation. My foot toughened; the shoe softened. Thin socks worked fine after this break in.

Asics GT-3000 5 General Info

This is the shoe I’ve wanted from ASICS, with its snug toe box and 10mm offset! It’s very similar to Kayano in fit, but the women’s Kayano has a 13mm drop, which isn’t my preference.

Asics GT-3000 5 - Medial Side

Asics GT-3000 5 – Medial Side

In testing this shoe I figured out why I prefer a more enclosed toe box even though I move to a roomy toe box for casual wear.

When running, the toe box feels like there’s more room in it, for me; immediately the pressure down in the forefoot with the change to a run, “opens it up.”

In watching a video from ASICS describing GT-3000, I learned that it is specifically designed to provide structure in the midstance phase where the bones need to pack together for toe-off.

Those of us with hyper mobility in the foot joints (I have loose ligaments) need the snug fit to “hold the foot in” and aid in more propulsive power through the toe-off.

Many people recommend sizing up 1/2 size given the snug fit, but I wear it in my regular size; my lax ligaments (the need for this shoe) are likely the reason that I also don’t get black toenails, as this is caused by the natural way toes lift up when swinging the foot forward (obviously mine don’t as much).

However, sizing up may make this shoe work for you if you want a little more room to move.

The GT-3000 5 also has medial posting with the brand’s Dynamic Duomax from the heel through midfoot and past the big toe.

This has been extended farther forward and backward (for heel strikers) from the 4th version of this shoe, and according to ASICS, extends through the toe which Kayano and GT-2000 do not.

Asics GT-3000 5 - Sole

Asics GT-3000 5 – Sole

This redirects the foot laterally to ideally toe-off between the 1st and 2nd toes.

This shoe competes primarily with Mizuno’s Wave Horizon, Brooks’ Ravenna 8 and Transcend 4, and the brand’s own Gel-Kayano.

In addition to what’s discussed above, the 3000 is slightly less plush in its cushioning than Kayano and is supportive in a different way.

With 3 bars in its midfoot plastic Trusstic system (keeps shoe from bending midfoot) versus 2 in Kayano and the other GT models, and the all-around structure of the shoe is designed to support a hypermobile foot.

The GT-3000 is a more enclosed version of the brand’s GT-1000 and GT-2000, all three quality shoes in my opinion.

Since GT-3000 is more narrow and snug throughout, ASICS offers width 2E for men and D for women for those with wider feet who want the same support. (The standard width for women is B, while the standard width for men is D.)

The cushion is about equal to GT-2000, the choice between coming down to foot shape and toebox preference with the 3000 holding the foot in for support through toe-off and the 2000’s toebox being more roomy yet still structured.

The GT-1000 is similar to both in midfoot fit but with less material put into the heel counter, midfoot Trusstic, and toebox structure.

GT-3000 fits a lot like Wave Horizon with two subtle differences: Horizon has a 2mm higher offset from heel down to toe and slightly more upward room in the toebox.

Compared with Ravenna 8, the drop is the same and cushion slightly more firm.

The heel and midfoot fit is similar with a little excess material in the lateral tip of Ravenna’s toebox, for me. (I love this shoe, though – If Ravenna had the 3000’s toebox, it’d be my perfect shoe).

Transcend 4 offers similar support to GT-3000 yet lacks the slight “give” in the medial toebox that makes the 3000 ideal for those who have developed bunions or just have a bit wider forefoot.

Asics GT-3000 5 Sole Unit

The midsole is composed of ASICS’ FluidRide® foam which gets the job done for a comfortable feel underfoot; rear foot and forefoot gel pockets for durable cushion.

Asics GT-3000 5 - Pair

Asics GT-3000 5 – Pair

Dynamic DuoMax® technology along the medial aspect to resist compression; and a Guidance Line running from heel into forefoot, with stability enhanced by a 3-barred plastic Guidance Trusstic System® in the midfoot.

I’ve appreciated ASICS’ midsole and outsole designs my entire running career; they offer moderate cushion with superb durability and hold the shoe stiff midfoot where our feet are stiff.

The gel added to the midsole greatly enhances the mileage that ASICS shoes can handle before compressing in the lateral heel and under the ball of the foot.

Asics GT-3000 5 Upper Info

The GT-3000 5 is outfitted with ASICS’ Heel Clutching System Technology which cups the heel for a cushioned and secure heel fit as well as counters excess heel movement with a robust plastic piece wrapping around the heel.

Moving into the midfoot, the engineered mesh offers a remarkably secure fit with breathability, which continues into the toebox: I love this upper! It’s enclosed without being “tight” feeling, rubbing, or pinching.

Asics GT-3000 5 - Top

Asics GT-3000 5 – Top

There’s a “bunion window” on the medial toe area to allow slight stretch to accommodate various foot shapes, located just below a strip of material that secures the foot through toe-off. The ComforDry sockliner feels great and adds cushion.

Asics GT-3000 5 Conclusions

Asics GT-3000 5 - Heel

Asics GT-3000 5 – Heel

If you think I’m singing the praises of GT-3000, you’re right! This is a stellar shoe built with quality materials and well-researched design features. For all that, it’s streamlined (not bulky) and is reasonably lightweight.

As a runner who seeks stability to counterbalance hypermobIle ligaments in my feet, I can assure you that this shoe meets it’s intended aim in a comfortable-and attractive-manner.

Do you need this kind of support? What do you think of GT-3000 5 compared with previous versions or other ASICS models?

We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of GT-3000 5 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Asics GT-3000 5 Price Comparison

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