The Asics GT 1000 is the base model in Asics' stability category and shares some features with the GT 2000 but retails for $40 less.
The Asics GT 2000 is a staple in the light-stability category and one of the most popular shoes in the medially-posted running shoe market. Which of these shoes is the right choice for you?
The GT 1000 has a FlyteFoam midsole which is durable and light. The GT 2000 has a FlyteFoam & FF Blast midsole which is slightly softer than FlyteFoam in the GT 1000. The GT 2000 has a more forgiving midsole which is better suited to longer runs above 10km.
Both shoes have the medial support system which is a wedge that reduces over pronation by controlling the movement of the foot. The also both have Guidance Trusstic Systems that provide midfoot rigidity. These features make the GT 1000 and GT 2000 very stable.
The GT 1000 only has a rear foot gel unit to provide shock absorption whereas the GT 2000 has rear foot and forefoot gel units.
Both trainers have 10mm offsets so they are both suitable for heel strikers as there is plenty of foam in the heel to soften heel strikes.
There is plenty of rubber on the soles of both shoes. The GT 1000 has AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) in the forefoot and softer blown rubber in the forefoot. The GT 2000 has AHAR+ in the rear foot which is firmer and more durable, and has AHAR in the forefoot instead of regular blown rubber in the GT 1000. The outsole of the GT 2000 should last longer than the GT 1000.
The GT 1000 has an engineered mesh which is flexible, breathable and light. The fit is tight at first but the upper stretches and loosens up after a couple runs in them. The upper is seamless, comfortable and dries quickly. The GT 1000 runs true to size and comes in regular, wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) versions.
The GT 2000 is made from a light and breathable engineered mesh that looks and feels more “expensive” than the GT 1000 upper. It has a narrow fit so you need to go up a half size or get the wide version if you don’t have very narrow feet. The GT 2000 doesn’t have an external heel clutch but it does exceptionally well at holding the heel in place. The GT 2000 also comes in regular, wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) versions.
If you’re a runner looking for a great value-for-money stability shoe with a responsive ride, the GT 1000 is the shoe for you. The GT 1000 has a similar ride to its more expensive siblings (GT 2000 and Kayano) and shares many of the same features such as a rearfoot gel unit, DuoMax Support System and Trusstic System. The GT 1000 has a comfortable upper and a durable outsole.
If you’re a runner looking for a stability shoe for longer runs, the GT 2000 is for you. The GT 2000 has an extra forefoot get unit for shock absorption and has an AHAR forefoot outsole for increased durability. The extra features in the GT 2000 adds extra weight and it is also $40 more expensive.
