Asics GT 2000 11 review

7 expert score
0 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 28th March by Kristin Lassen Experienced Runner and Stability Shoe Expert
77 other reviews

Asics GT 2000 11 Verdict

The ASICS GT-2000 11 is a reliable light-stability shoe that offers good support through the footplant but less propulsion into toe-off than previous models. The upper is comfortable and attractive with neutral to fun to extravagant color options and narrow, wide, knit, waterproof GORE-TEX, Lite-Show, and trail running models to choose from.

The pros

  • Stable support
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Bolstered medial heel
  • Recycled materials used

The cons

  • Blocky transition
  • Moderate energy return
  • Up $10 second year in a row

Where to buy

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

Rating breakdown

Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
6.0
Toe-off
6.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
GT 2000 11
Family
Previous model
Type
Weight
9.7 oz (275 g)
MSRP
$140.00

Heel
mm.
Toe
mm.
Heel drop
8 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
Buy half size bigger
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Very stable
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Asics GT 2000 11 ?

Neutral runners to those needing more stability will enjoy this shoe for daily runs and long runs.

Who should not buy the Asics GT 2000 11 ?

Do not purchase this ASICS offering for a speed or racing shoe.

Asics GT 2000 11 Introduction

In addition to GT-2000, ASICS offers the flagship Gel-Kayano, heavy duty GT-4000, and lower priced GT-1000 for stability shoes.

Kayano is fitted with the best tech such as FF Blast+ foam versus FF Blast in GT-2000; GT-4000 is an option for heavy overpronators; and the GT-1000 is their budget-friendly option.

GT-2000 is somewhere in the middle of these options for price and tech, with the cost this year going up another $10 to $140 USD, making it $20 up from just two models prior.

This is the 27th shoe in a line that began with a different naming system and has tried out various fit types and materials over the years.

Older styles were more bulky but very stable with more recent versions trying out trimmed-down designs to cut weight and increase speed; each approach had its good and bad sides. The newest materials now allow for maintaining similar weight with more padding added back in.

Many long-time GT-2000 runners who have not been happy with recent editions of the shoe will like the 11. The ride reminds me the most of GT-2000 4, though I had to go up a half size in the 11 to get a similar fit.

The GT-2000 model 6 really cut material and weight, which was built back gradually to the 10. The 10 maintained a smooth transition into toe-off and a light, fast-feeling ride and introduced a new support system in the midsole.

The 11 feels more like earlier versions of GT-2000, prior to the design changes of the 6 and 7, but also moves backward in a smooth ride. This latest version is a reliable go-to shoe for long runs but is not as versatile for speed or tempo runs.

The fit is slightly smaller in length, and I had to go up a half size this year. Weight is down slightly this version (a smidgen of length?) to 9.8 oz. men’s size 9 and 8.3 oz. women’s size 8.

This latest design fits and rides a lot like the Brooks Adrenaline, with the GT-2000 bringing an 8mm. drop compared with the 12 mm. drop in Adrenaline.

Other similar shoes include the Saucony Guide, Mizuno Wave Inspire, and New Balance 860.

Asics GT 2000 11 First Impressions

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

“Great color, it’s cool and calming,” I thought, pulling this latest GT-2000 out of the box. I pointed out the fun “wings” aesthetic on both sides of the shoe, to my daughter, and had her shine my phone flashlight on them. The strip up the back of the shoe is reflective, but unfortunately the “wings” aren’t—that would be really cool!

From the first step I felt the beefed-up midsole under the inside heel. Compared with the 10 the new one felt noticeably higher.

Official stack heights for the 11 are 22 mm. down to 14 mm. for the women’s shoe and 23 mm. to 15 mm. in men’s. (The midsole looks much thicker, so I’m not sure how they measure that.)

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

This is only up 1 mm. from last year, but doing some rough measurements on my shoes, the midsole measures 3-5 mm. higher at various spots around the shoe, from the 10 to the 11. Is that due to compression with use? Yikes.

After a few laps on my first run I traded out my left shoe for the GT-2000 10 for comparison. The 10 (like the 6 and 7) offers a more smooth transition into midfoot and toe-off, so the heftier midsole brings that immediately noticeable downside.

The fit was only slightly smaller, but I have always been borderline about needing to go up a half size. After my first few runs I sent the shoes back for the bigger size.

Asics GT 2000 11 Upper

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

A breathable, open, jacquard mesh knit upper encases the shoe, with a well-ventilated support layer, including a toe-cap, added below it in the forefoot and ASICS logo material bringing structure to both sides of the midfoot.

A padded heel collar and well-built internal heel counter round out the back of the shoe, as is typical of this line. At least 50% of the main upper material is made from recycled content to maximize the use of resources.

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

The moderately-padded tongue is super soft underneath and is anchored down with laces running through a loop. The upper is well-reinforced around lace holes and adds a fun design with “wings” on the heel!

A wide strip up the back of the shoe and “glittery” specs throughout the upper provide reflective visibility in low light.

Many color options allow each runner to go with a bright or subdued tone to suit their fancy.

Asics GT 2000 11 Sole Unit

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

Visually “3D Space Construction” is printed on the standard, quality sock liner in the shoe, witnessing to the impact guidance system in the midsole, ASICS’ tech to guide the foot along. It works together with LITETRUSS, a firmer cushion under the heel and arch, and heel gel to support the foot at heel-plant through transition.

FlightFoam Blast replaces FlightFoam in the forefoot to bring a softer foam under the ball of the foot. This FF Blast also runs in a thin layer over the LITETRUSS to add a soft touch to the support.

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

I do like the midsole better this year, but the overall transition is unfortunately not as smooth as in recent years. GT-2000 has moved a step closer to a medium-long run specific shoe as opposed to a versatile shoe for all types of runs.

Hearty rubber pads continue to offer the grip and durability expected from this shoe to the outsole.

Asics GT 2000 11 Conclusions

Picture of Asics GT 2000 11

This version of GT-2000 feels more supported underfoot than the past few models, and FF Blast adds a softer touch under the forefoot.

The transition is not as smooth as in recent years and toe-off is average, so wear this shoe for slow-medium paces and medium-long runs when comfortable stability is desired in a reliable shoe.

With many fit and function options and a variety of colorways available many runners will find what they are looking for in GT-2000 11.

How does the GT 2000 11 compare?

Hoka One One Gaviota 4
Asics GT 2000 11
Saucony Tempus
Expert score
9
7
9
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$169.95
US$140
US$160
Shoe type
Weight
11.10 oz
9.7 oz
9.1 oz
Heel Drop
5 mm
8 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced/plush
balanced
responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
medium
medium
Stability
very stable
very stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
buy half size bigger
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Asics at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

$65

Asics GT 2000 11 price comparison

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

Reviewed by Kristin

This review was written by Kristin Lassen on 28th March.
Running long for over twenty years, Kristin has found peace and solidarity with like-minded 'soles,' cheetahs of all speeds and walks of life. Kristin holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science and an MA in theology; running is where her dual passions for truth and fitness merge. She teaches college classes and together with her husband raises four children, corn, and soybeans in rural Iowa.

User feedback (0)

Lowest price:
$65

Where to buy

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

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