Asics GT 1000 9 Intro

The Asics GT 1000 9 returns for its ninth edition with a new design and a few key updates. It is a budget friendly trainer packed with premium features you would typically find in a high end model.

Asics has three stability tiers: the GT-1000, GT-2000 and the Kayanos. The GT-1000 is the base model but it shares many features with the GT-2000 and even the Kayano.

The Asics GT-1000 9 competes with the Saucony Guide, Brooks Ravenna, New Balance 870v5 and Nike Zoom Structure.

It retails for 100 dollars, at least 10 dollars cheaper than its competitors. They all provide comparable stability to the GT-1000.

Asics GT 1000 9 First Impressions

Asics GT 1000 9 – Pair

The gray and black colorway made me happy, right out of the box. My first thought: these could be worn on a run as well as during daily life. The updated engineered mesh gives a sleek appearance.

The combination of the gray and black make the shoe pop. The Asics logo stands out because of its reflective look. The black heel stands out in contrast to the rest of the shoe.

I immediately noticed how light these shoes felt when I held them in my hands the first time. When I slipped into them, there was a noticeable bounce to them I haven’t experienced in other Asics trainers.

There was a familiar snugness provided by the heel counter which hugged my heel and continued through the midfoot.

I took the GT 1000 9 on a relaxed 10k for their first run. They were a balanced ride with a small bounce to them.

Asics GT 1000 9 Sole Unit

Asics GT 1000 9 – Sole

Let’s start from the ground up. The outsole is made from AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber), a carbon rubber. This material is the standard for most Asics trainers.

DuraSponge appears in the forefoot, it is a blown AHAR compound that increases the flexibility of the shoe. The outsole handled both wet and dry conditions well.

Asics GT 1000 9 – Medial Side

The midsole is primarily made from Flytefoam Lyte. It has become Asics go-to material for their midsoles. It is lightweight yet firm with a hint of bounciness to it.

An addition to the midsole has been a rearfoot gel cushioning system near the heel area to improve shock absorption and energy return. This allowed for the GT 1000 to be a versatile trainer built for different distances and speeds.

The stability support in these are provided by the DuoMax support system. This is a dual density foam place in the midfoot area on the medial side.

This is Asics’ go to method of providing stability in their trainers. The DuoMax support system is complemented by the guidance trusstic system, a thermoplastic midfoot.

The forefoot of the GT 1000 9 has a full length guidance line and a vertical flex groove to improve your gait. There are three horizontal flex grooves in the forefoot for flexibility.

With 31mm of stack under the heel and 21mm on the forefoot, the shoe has a 10mm offset, in line with traditional offerings. These three aspects work together to make the shoe more stable along with providing smooth toe offs.

Asics GT 1000 9 Upper Unit

Asics GT 1000 9 – Toe

The engineered mesh upper has undergone an update for the GT1000 9. It is a newly designed mesh for increased breathability. The engineered mesh is a bit tight at first but stretches out over time as you run in them.

It dries quickly as well. The toe cap has moved underneath the mesh giving a more stylish appearance. There are no points of irritation because the upper is seamless.

The amount of cushioning is similar to both the GT 2000 and Kayano. It is ample throughout including the tongue and especially the heel collar.

One difference between the 1000 and the 2000 and Kayano is an absence of the MetaClutch exoskeleton heel system. This made the fit a little looser than the others but not enough to make it uncomfortable.

The cushioning still locked in my feet and resulted in a secure and comfortable fit. The lacing system is simple and effective allowing you to tie the perfect tie on the first attempt.

Asics GT 1000 9 – Top

The GT 1000 9 runs true to size. The upper provided a tailor fit from heel to toe. It is tighter in the heel and midfoot area before expanding out in the forefoot area.

The snugness in the midfoot area might bother some runners but for me it wasn’t an issue. Overall, it was a simple and solid upper built with both comfort and style.

Asics GT 1000 9 Conclusion

Running in Asics always brings back fond memories for me. They were the first pair I owned and the brand in which I ran cross country in high school.

In all my experience with Asics I have never ran in the GT 1000 before. They did not disappoint.

The midsole of the GT 1000 9 provides a similar ride to the other options in the Asics stability lineup because it has many of the same features.

The new combination of the Flytefoam and GEL cushioning work to provide a firm yet bouncy ride. It excelled in the 5k to 10k length runs, any longer and your feet and legs start to feel tired.

There were two drawbacks with the midsole. The most important is that the longer the run the more unforgiving the shoes are.

The other drawback is the absence of the Flytefoam Propel cushioning found in the forefoot of other Asics trainers,I missed that added bounce from it.

The upper received a visual redesign utilizing new materials. The new engineered mesh is both breathable and durable.

Asics GT 1000 9 – Heel

The GT 1000 has a very similar fit to the other Asics offering because again, it shares many of the same features. I found snugness in the midfoot which will bother some runners.

The Asics GT 1000 9 is priced at 100 dollars, lower than most of the trainers it competes with in the moderate stability field. Just because it comes in at a lower price doesn’t mean it is not as good of a shoe.

In fact it is a better shoe than some of its competitors. The reason for this is all of the premier features included at an affordable price.

The Asics GT 1000 9 is a universal trainer. It would work well for wherever you are on your running journey.

Whether you are a new high school cross country runner to a seasoned marathon runner the GT 1000 9 could help along the way.

These are going to be my go to recommendation for people who want to start running and need a stability trainer.

If you need a new stability trainer that is loaded with features but won’t break the bank then look no further than the Asics GT 1000 9.

We purchased a pair of Asics GT 1000 9 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.