Asics GT 2000 12 review

9 expert score
6.7 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 TJ Jones Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.
59 other reviews

Asics GT 2000 12 Verdict

The ASICS GT 2000 12 is a stability trainer that is both durable and versatile trainer built for comfort. Its small but noticeable changes have turned a good trainer into a great one.

The pros

  • Balanced Cushioning
  • Transition from landing to toeoffs
  • Versatile

The cons

  • Break in time

Rating breakdown

Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
9.0
Transition
10
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
10

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
GT 2000 12
Family
Previous model
Type
Weight
9.5 oz (269 g)
MSRP
$140.00

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

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Tight
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Wide

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Asics GT 2000 12 ?

This would be for a runner who needs an everyday stability trainer to take them on any type of run.

Asics GT 2000 12 Introduction

Picture of ASICS GT 2000 12

Earlier this year ASICS unveiled a completely redesigned Kayano.

This is not the case for the GT 2000: there have been some noticeable changes found throughout the shoe, but it has retained some older aspects as well.

The GT 2000 is the “middle child” of the ASICS stability family. The Kayano is the oldest and wisest, some would say. While the GT 1000 is the baby of the family. Just because it’s the middle child doesn’t mean it’s forgotten about. In fact it has almost been around as long as the Kayano.

Entering its 28th year it has different numbering systems throughout the years.

It retails for 140 dollars and competes with the Saucony Guide, Brooks Adrenaline and Hoka Arahi.

Asics GT 2000 12 First Impressions

Picture of ASICS GT 2000 12

When I saw the diva pink colorway I knew I needed them. It was refreshing to see pink running shoes for men. They seemed brighter in person when I opened the box. If pink isn’t your color don’t worry, they have seven other colorways.

What stood out to me was how different it looked from the last time I ran in them (GT-2000 9). They also felt quite different from those as well.

They were lighter, and the cushioning was balanced between being plush and responsive. These two aspects together lead me to believe the 2000s were going to be a fast shoe and this immediately increased my excitement for them.

The maiden voyage of the GT-2000 was a 5k run. It was a comfortable run and I found myself pushing the pace some. By the end of the first run I was looking forward to many more miles in these.

Asics GT 2000 12 Upper

Picture of ASICS GT 2000 12

The upper of the GT 2000 is made with an engineered Jacquard mesh. It’s a double layer of breathable mesh. It provides a medium amount of structure while being flexible.

The simple lacing system makes it easy to get a perfect fit. The tongue has dramatically thinned down. This was an improvement but could be a drawback for some.

The flared heel collar is new. It supports the natural movement of the Achilles along with additional comfort.

Also in the heel counter is an ideal amount of cushioning. The simply constructed upper of the GT 2000 provides everything you need: structure, comfort and stability.

Asics GT 2000 12 Sole Unit

Picture of ASICS GT 2000 12

The ASICS GT 2000 underwent some major changes over the last two years. The changes continue but not as noticeable. Let’s break it down from the ground up. LO-HRD rubber covers the outsole.

It is lighter in weight without sacrificing durability. It provides traction in all conditions and surfaces. Aiding in this is the AHARPLUS heel plug rubber. This was placed in the high impact areas of the outsole.

Picture of ASICS GT 2000 12

The first change I noticed was no GEL in the heel. They moved it to the inside of the cushioning. Speaking of, FLYTEFOAM Blast Plus is the new compound which makes up the midsole. It is lighter in weight and 3D constructed. It provides a balanced ride. The weight and bounce are benefits of this new material.

This material is comfortable and allows you to easily push your pace, if you want to.

They moved away from the Duomax stability system for the 10th edition. The stability is now provided by the 3d Guidance System. The system includes 3 elements:

  1. an increased heel bevel,
  2. wider basenets,
  3. and forefoot flare.

This means your heel is more secure, with a wider base and forefoot for more ground contact. This translates to a stable ride with smooth transitions and toe offs. The transition feels like Hoka’s rocker shape geometry. It’s a dynamic system engaging when you need it.

The 8 mm drop also helps with this.

Asics GT 2000 12 Conclusions

Picture of ASICS GT 2000 12

Have you ever had a moment where you don’t see a friend for a while and you are surprised by how much they have physically changed? Those are similar feelings I had reviewing the ASICS GT 2000 12. They were a different shoe from the previous pair I reviewed (9th). The changes were smaller compared to the last two versions. How did they compare?

The midsole got a new outsole rubber (LO-HRD), moved the GEL cushioning inside, and continued to use the 3D Guidance System. These changes result in a long lasting stable ride. It is a perfectly balanced ride, which encouraged me to run slightly faster than my normal pace.

One drawback is the break in time is slightly longer than other trainers. The 3D Guidance System is a strength of the shoe. It engaged when I needed it and did so without me realizing it was there. The GT 2000 is a versatile and universal trainer because of these things.

The upper of the GT 2000 provides structure and comfort while you run. The thinner tongue and flared heel collar were inspiring changes. That led me to get an ideal fit every time I laced them up.

ASICS has been the brand I have reviewed the most offerings from. Over time the line between the Kayano and GT 2000 has blurred. In past years one of my complaints about the GT 2000 was how much it shared with the Kayano. That it lacked its own identity as a trainer, but my opinion has changed with the 12th edition.

After running in both, I prefer the GT 2000 12 over the Kayano 30. First, it is a lighter and faster trainer with an ideal balanced ride. The GT 2000 excels at shock absorption, transition from impact to forefoot, and ample energy return. The transition is especially effective, making running in these easier.

If a friend was debating between the Kayano and GT 2000 12, I would tell them to save 20 dollars and go with the GT 2000 12. It is a long lasting stable, balanced, and versatile ride built for many miles.

How does the GT 2000 12 compare?

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Asics GT 2000 12
Saucony Guide 16
Expert score
9
9
9
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$139.95
US$139.95
US$139.95
Shoe type
Weight
10.1 oz
9.5 oz
9.5 oz
Heel Drop
12 mm
8 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
balanced
balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
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.

Reviewed by TJ

This review was written by TJ Jones on 28th March.
TJ Jones lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife and toddler son. He has been running for over half of his life. He has completed 3 full marathons and countless half marathons. In the daytime, he is a school counselor. He loves running no matter if it is on the road or trails

User feedback (5)

  • avatar-comment-1041025
    Sophia R.
    2 months ago

    I’m curious about how the arch support holds up over time. Did you notice any change after extended use?

  • avatar-comment-1040732
    Carol M.
    2 months ago
    9 score

    I’ve been in the GT-2000 series for years, and the 12th version is really solid! The guidance and stability are excellent, which is a must for my overpronation. But I did notice they feel a bit stiffer compared to the earlier versions. Overall though, great job on the update – still a solid dependable shoe for training. I’d give it a 9/10 personally.

  • avatar-comment-1037210
    Jen
    7 months ago

    Have you tried walking/raining in the rain with these shoes? They are so slippery (on the ball) that I can’t use them. The heel is no slip and has saved me from completely slipping over. Other brands are no slip. My previous versions of this shoe were also no slip. This newer model is not safe for me to use after the rain because of the slippery front part of shoe.

  • avatar-comment-1035580
    Lts
    10 months ago
    9 score

    I agree that it’s a good shoe but for different reasons. This is the first “new novel foam” shoe I have tried in the last several years that provides at least a satisfactory run and has some other good qualities. The firm foam feels high quality and well thought out. It feels structured inside the foam. It does not hold me back but it also doesn’t allow me to speed up as quick. It’s not a fast shoe to me but one for daily moderate runs of any distance. My typical leg soreness is almost non-existent the next day, which I have never experienced before in any shoe since I started running many years ago. Overall a nice surprise at the right time for me. If it was a bit faster it would be one of the best shoes I have ever run in.

    • avatar-comment-1035615
      Lts
      9 months ago
      2 score

      I commented two days ago on this shoe. I have to revise my feelings of the 2000 12. As noted the shoe is not fast. Well, for me I discovered that it is actually similar what I have felt from all the “new novel foams” the last ten or so years – energy sapping runs that do not provide enjoyment. Also, what’s with making the uppers feel like slippers? I get comfort but running shoes should be more substantial for the outdoors, not like walking around the bedroom. The 2000 12 is runnable but now I find it is unenjoyable, just like all those others foams with high-highfalutin names. These new foam have not made me feeling like “floating” or :feel like “running on clouds” as described. They’re really awful. Runners today do not know what a truly enjoyable run is.

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