Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
GT 3000 4
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Asics GT 3000 3• Impact Guidance System that is designed to enhance the foot’s natural gait from the heel strike to the toe-off.• Durasponge outsole that uses AHAR+ rubber in high wear areas and keeps the shoe performing at a high level for longer.• Fluidride sole that gives you a strong combination of bounce back responsiveness and cushioning.• Gel cushioning in the midsole that provides extra cushioning and comfort along with shock absorption• Guidance line on the outsole that further enhances the gait cycle.
Upper
The upper is an open mesh material with added overlays. These overlays have been placed to solve bunion problems and are called Bunion Windows design for overlays. I don’t know how much it truly helps, but it’s a smart idea by Asics and if it helps someone with bunion problems then it’s worth it. The lacing system is your standard lacing system that helps with lacing security. Asics also uses California Slip Lasting, which is attached to the canvas of the shoe and helps provide comfort and stability. Then there is the clutch heel counter on the back that furthers the support and stability of the upper. Like the midsole and outsole, Asics put a lot of technology and thought into the upper. It’s truly an over-designed shoe meant to hold up under any and all conditions.
Midsole
Since the GT 3000 3 is part of the gel series, you’re going to find Asics gel technology in the forefoot and rearfoot of the shoe. The gel in the midsole absorbs the impact when your foot hits the ground and gives you a nice comfortable ride that is great in the transition. Along with the gel technology is the Solyte and FluidRide technology that is lightweight and durable. The FluidRide technology gives good bounce back and excellent cushioning. Finally, there is the DuoMax support system. This system furthers the durability and support of the shoe. All of this technology constructs a thick and durable midsole that provides exceptional cushioning, responsiveness, stability, and comfort.
Outsole
Asics has always provided a strong outsole on their line of shoes. The GT 3000 3 is different than most Asics shoes as it uses the exclusive AHAR+ technology. Typically, Asics uses their AHAR rubber, but the AHAR+ is lighter and thinner. Despite the rubber being thinner, it doesn’t take away from the durability of the outsole. The rubber is used in high wear areas and compounds when it strikes the ground. The outsole features three flex grooves that are spaced equally apart. These grooves add to the flexibility of the shoe and help you through the gait cycle. The forefoot of the outsole also features Asics durasponge technology, which has enhanced cushioning and durability. Overall, this is another strong outsole from Asics. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, but when you provide a consistent outsole that is a proven winner, there’s no reason to change things up.
Breathability
Despite the overlays throughout the upper, the shoe is very breathable. This is due to the number of holes in the upper, which are prevalent along the entire upper piece. From the forefoot to the tongue to the heel, there are plenty of breathable areas throughout the shoe. The heel counter takes away some of the breathing areas in the heel, but Asics did a nice job keeping the back of the shoe cool. The Comfordry Sock Liner goes a long way in adding to the breathability. It eliminates moisture and keeps your foot cool and dry. The sock liner is removable, but doing so takes away some cushioning and breathability.
Comfort
Asics always provides some of the most comfortable shoes on the market, and with the amount of work that they put into the midsole and upper of the GT 3000 3, they are continuing their tradition of comfortable shoes. The FluidRide midsole feels nice and soft underneath your foot and provides plenty of cushioning and bounce as you run. The upper fits nicely around the top of your foot, but still gives your foot and toes plenty of room to move. The addition of the heel counter, which wasn’t featured in the GT 3000 2, adds to the comfort as it keeps your foot secure. This shoe is comfortable enough for you to use in your daily life.
Style
A few runners have complained that the shoes are just too generic looking. Asics has never been over the top with their style. Their shoes are solid running shoes that look nice, but they don’t stand out in any way. I disagree with this sentiment. I think Asics puts together a nice, clean shoe that looks good. It may not be flashy, but you’re not buying running shoes because they look good. You’re buying them because they perform well. And the GT 3000 3 look just as good as any other shoe on the market. The shoe is available in a couple of different color options through Amazon.
Durability
Asics shoes never have an issue with durability. With a think midsole, ARAH+ rubber in high wear areas in the outsole, and a strong upper, you’ll get at least 300 miles out of these shoes. They are meant for long runs and hold over well over time. Some runners have complained that the stitching in the overlay comes undone too easy, but that seems to be more of an exception than the rule. Asics are known for well-designed shoes that are in for the long haul, and the GT 3000 3 is no different.
Protection
Even though the GT 3000 3’s aren’t marketed as a high protection shoe, they really are a high protection shoe. The overlays and construction of the upper ensure that the top of your foot will stay protected. The heel counter keeps your foot locked into place inside the shoe to ensure that it doesn’t roll or twist while running. The Guidance Trusstic System enhances your gait efficiency, keeping your foot on track as you strike the ground and go through the toe off. Like the heel counter, this ensures that your foot and ankle doesn’t roll or twist. You can run comfortably in these shoes knowing that your foot isn’t going anywhere and your run will be smooth throughout.
Responsiveness
Thanks to the gel cushioning system, the midsole is very responsive. You will feel a nice give and take when your foot strikes and ground and when it comes off the ground. There is plenty of cushion and bounce to the midsole. Asics gel technology is the gold standard in midsole cushioning and the GT 3000 3’s do not disappoint. While the midsole is responsive and active, the flexibility of the shoe leaves a lot to be desired. Due to the weight that the shoe carries, there is very little flexibility. There is three flex groove in the outsole, but it’s not enough to overcome the thick midsole and upper. A heavy shoe typically lends itself to a less flexible shoe, and that is certainly the case here.
Support
The shoe sports a 10 mm heel to toe drop. Asics has said that this shoe is ideal for neutral, little to no rolling, to overpronators, which is when the foot rolls inwards. Asics has always done a great job in designing a shoe that features maximum support. Their guidance line on the outsole, trusstic system and impact guidance all combine to enhance support and performance. All three features work together to give you a smooth gait cycle that keeps your foot supported throughout. The 100 mm drop is around standard for most running shoes. The midsole and heel counter also go a long way in keeping your foot supported throughout your run.
Terrain
The GT 3000 3 is designed to perform on the road. The outsole provides a solid grip, but the shoes are best kept on the road. The traction points are very understated, but they get the job done. I would use these shoes only for road use and be very cautious if you’re going to take them for a spin in any type of wet conditions. The outsole is durable and the entire shoe provides great protection, but the grip isn’t anything to write home about.
Price
Since the shoe has been discontinued, the price has gone down to $64 on Amazon. That’s a very affordable price for just about every runner out there. While the GT 3000 3 does have some issues, $64 is a tough price to beat for a shoe that is going to hold up over time and still has plenty of great features that every runner should look for when purchasing a shoe. If you’re in a money pinch or you just want to add something new and nice to a collection, the GT 3000 3’s are worth taking a look at, at that price.
Bottom Line
The GT 3000 3’s are not a perfect shoe by any means, but there are enough strong features, along with a very affordable price that makes the shoe worth taking a look at. If you’re looking for something that is durable, comfortable, supportive, and protective than it’s tough to go wrong with the Asics GT 3000 3. However, if you’re looking for something that is more responsiveness, lighter, and provides better traction then there are better shoes on the marker. Despite the shoe’s flaw, at only $64, it’s tough to not find this shoe attractive.
