Asics GT-1000 11 Introduction

Coming in hot with the 11th version, the GT 1000 is still the king of budget friendly stability shoes. Offering components that are found in their premium models, it is refreshing to see a running shoe have such a complete package that won’t break the bank.

Updates include a cut in weight, a redone upper, and a more modest stability profile. The cut back in stability, specifically the LITE TRUSS dual density system, follows the trend of brands looking to appeal to wider audiences and not pigeonhole themselves into just one running type.

Competition are the likes of Brooks’ Launch GTS, Saucony Guide, and New Balance’s 860 line. It is the little brother or sister of the GT 2000 shoe.

Asics GT-1000 11 First Impressions

Upon unboxing, I liked the traditional black and white colorway and the look of the mesh upper. It felt light and flexible in my hands and the material was nice and light.

Putting them on the first time, I was reminded by how much firmer the midsole is than other shoes I normally run in.

They were comfortable to walk around in and my first run in them felt decent. This is not isolated to just the GT 1000 line so I had an idea of what I would be getting myself into from the start.

While a snug fit, they were very comfy on first lace up.

Asics GT-1000 11 Upper

The shoe fits very true to size. The upper was snug, but not uncomfortable with lots of room in the toe box. ASICS shoes tend to run on the narrow side so I would go half a size up if this bothers you since I do not see any offerings in wide.

The upper material was breathable mesh that felt great on my feet. No issues with rubbing or blistering. I ran some of the hottest, most humid days of the east coast summer in these and had no issues.

I have not ran in the GT 1000 since the 8th version, but I am glad that the issues I had with the heel were corrected. it is plush and cups my heel nicely with a good locked in fit. No blistering or rubbing.

The lacing was a bit snug and I was not the biggest fan of the detached tongue. I had to make sure to tie these carefully so the tongue didn’t go inward. It was never too much of an issue thankfully but I think this is the one area where you can tell this is a shoe at a lower price point than their premium shoes.

Asics GT-1000 11 Sole Unit

Starting from the bottom, there is a copious amount of AHAR (High Abrasion Rubber). I am always impressed by it; as it gives the shoes a very long life. The outsole pattern gave me great traction and control on landing and lift off in all kinds of weather.

The midsole compound, FLYTEFOAM is firm, but light and bouncy. There is a section in the outer heel with the famous GEL cushioning that ASICS has made a name for. It helped soften the ride on impact.

Moving onto the stability profile is LITETRUSS, a traditional dual density approach. The medial side is firmer (but not too firm). ASICS boasts this eliminates the need for a medial post and they are right. It corrects my stride and guides my foot, but it is not in an aggressive manner like other support shoes do.

The ride was middle of the road. The 8mm drop had me landing and lifting off on my midfoot. The stability corrected my foot strike when I was tired but it wasn’t aggressive. The FYTEFOAM was firm, but not to the point of discomfort.

Asics GT-1000 11 Conclusions

I think ASICS did a good job of providing a stability shoe that appeals to a wider audience without alienating their core fan base.

I remember there was a considerable backlash when Brooks introduced their Guide Rails system. While the stability is quite light, it still feels like a stability shoe to me.

I think this works best as an everyday trainer. When I wanted to just zone out the shoe did great. I could pick up the speed, but I found I was overworking myself so I stuck to just easy runs in them.

I wish the ride was just a little softer on days I needed to recover from a hard effort the day before.

For the price, this shoe is a steal. If you need something for everyday running with some support that doesn’t break the bank, then this is for you. I think runners of all skills can appreciate it.