Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.1/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• ASICS High Abrasion Rubber reinforced outsole• GEL Cushioning Systems implemented in the midsole• Full-Length Guidance Line improves stride efficiency• Dynamic DuoMax Support System promotes stability and efficiency• Trusstic System improves stability while keeping weight low• Removable sockliner provides extra breathability• Full-Length Guidance Line corrects pronation
Upper
The upper portion of this Asics running shoe is mainly comprised of a supportive overlay that protects the foot from excessive movement while it is worn. Individuals who have worn the GT-1000 3 appreciate the added comfort and protection granted by this design feature, especially due to how well it performs alongside the supportive internal heel counter. A wraparound overlay used in the upper’s design provides runners with a more intimate fit and strategically placed eyelets allow for greater control over lace tension. Finally, a padded tongue and sock liner provide a bit more comfort and protection which will certainly appease the majority of runners but may alienate individuals with wider feet.
Midsole
The entire length of this Asics running shoe’s midsole is made from a foam technology called SpEVA. SpEVA is a very dense yet springy material that provides additional responsiveness to a runner’s feet with each step. This lightweight feel comes highly praised by runners since the sensation felt with this midsole material isn’t typically found in other running shoes. The ASICS GT-1000 3 midsole also showcases the manufacturer’s proprietary Gel Cushioning System, this is a gel-like substance intended to provide additional shock absorption during a run. Thanks to the inclusion of this gel to the forefoot and rear of the midsole, foot strikes, and toe-offs are more comfortable when running in these shoes. Finally, the DuoMax Support System located in the shoe’s midfoot section of the shoe helps to correct pronation issues that could otherwise lead to a running injury.
Outsole
The outsole of these Asics running shoes uses AHAR, a proprietary material that is short for Asics High Abrasion Resistant material. This is a rubber compound used in many Asics footwear products that are known for showcasing high durability. As a result of the implementation of this material, the entire underfoot of the Asics GT -1000 3 is incredibly resistant to wear and tear over hundreds of miles. This running shoe also incorporates DuraSponge material around the forefoot region. This selective use of a less durable but more responsive compound is very popular among runners because it allows the GT-1000 3 to react quickly when toeing off. Finally, these shoes feature flex grooves along the outsole that help to improve its overall flexibility.
Breathability
The GT-1000 3 offers a high level of breathability through its use of fabric liner material for its upper. This particular material works to maintain comfort for runners’ feet even when training in warmer climates and environments. Synthetic leather overlays are also used on this portion of the shoe but their ventilated design prevents it from inhibiting airflow. One potential situation in which breathability can be limited involves improper sizing, wearers who complain about a tight fit also remark that their feet have a tendency to accumulate sweat. Avoiding this issue is a simple as ordering these shoes in the proper size.
Comfort
The comfort present in these Asics running shoes can be mainly attributed to the high amount of cushioning. The greatly padded midsole and upper prove to be especially accommodating to heel and rearfoot strikers. The GT-1000 3 also features a crash pad that has been redesigned from previous models for the purpose of imbuing greater flexibility to the shoes, and consequently to the runners, during landings and heel strikes. Despite this amenity, the shoe ultimately feels rigid and inflexible, which may prove uncomfortable to some runners. Thanks to the arch support provided by this design, however, runners with flat feet will most likely experience the most comfort while wearing these shoes from Asics.
Style
Standard stylistic elements that are present in most Asics products can be seen here, such as their logo emblazoned on the side and a variety of color palettes to choose from. Women’s sizes offer a few more options than men’s, mostly involving bright and warm colors, with men’s featuring fewer options that utilize colder and more muted tones. Out of all available color options, the most popular one seems to be the all-black men’s design. Perhaps the most impressive stylistic element of these shoes is the manner in which Asics seamlessly blends their logo into the design of the GT-1000 3.
Durability
These Asics running shoes were built with long-distance runners in mind. The GT-1000 3 features double-reinforced stitching designed to maintain structural integrity even while racking up a high mileage. The AHAR material used for the outsoles of these shoes hold up excellently for endurance training, as a result, these shoes are an excellent training tool for a runner planning on competing in a half or full marathon. One area in which these shoes may not be as durable when compared to the rest of its design is in the midsole gel cushioning. Although it isn’t prone to bursting like air pocket cushioning technology, the springiness of this cushioning can degrade over time.
Responsiveness
A decent amount of responsiveness can be felt while wearing these Asics running shoes, customers have left very favorable remarks regarding just how well these shoes manage to respond to their movements. This impressive level of control and fast reflexes can be mostly attributed to the Guidance Trusstic System and DuoMax Support System implemented in the midsole of the GT-1000 3, which work to enhance the feeling of a run without sacrificing any comfort derived from the gel cushioning. It’s a marvel of modern footwear design that is sure to impress any speed-oriented runners.
Support
Thanks to the Asics GT-1000 3’s DuoMax Support System, an impressive level of support and stability are present in the design of this shoe. In particular, the Guidance Line vertical flex grooves implemented along the outsole provides runners with a smooth transition throughout the entirety of their stride, supporting the underfoot during every step of the weight transition. As a result of these design features, a distinct bounce can be felt in a runner’s stride while wearing these shoes.
Terrain
Since the Asics GT-1000 3 utilizes waterproof material for its upper and high abrasion rubber for its outsole, they function well in rainy and wet conditions. This shoe will provide runners with the necessary amount of traction to handle these otherwise treacherous environments. Regarding specific running surfaces, these shoes are best suited for asphalt roads, concrete sidewalks, and other similar forms of terrain. Running with these on highly technical trails is a bad idea but they can hold their own in less intense trail environments.
Price
Upon first launching, the Asics GT-1000 3 came with a fairly substantial price tag. Fortunately, the time has led to this running shoe being heavily discounted, albeit at the cost of making it harder to find online in certain sizes. Regardless as to whether a runner purchases these shoes at full price or with a discount, the excellent durability alone makes it well worth the initial investment. Asics made several upgrades from their previous GT-1000 model to improve several aspects of its design, from the use of AHAR outsole material to SpEVA midsole material, the quality on display with this model is well worth the current asking price.
Drop
Runners should expect a heel to toe elevation of around 10 mm. This is common practice when designing the midsoles of most common running shoes since the accumulation of extra padding around the heel works to mitigate any discomfort that may be caused from common track running habits such as heel striking. In addition to the larger surface area, the implementation of Gel Cushioning around the rear of the foot also helps to alleviate these potential stress factors. As a result, the vast majority of casual runners and joggers will have no problem adjusting to the Asics GT-1000 3.
Stability
As previously mentioned, some aspects of the Asics GT-1000 3’s design were implemented with the intention of mitigating some of the stability experienced in these shoes in order to avoid the sensation of having one’s feet trapped in a foam and rubber prison. However, the vast majority of features present in this running shoe, from its DuoMax Support System and Trusstic System in the midsole to the AHAR reinforced outsole, were intended to provide fantastic stability.
Flexibility
It is immediately apparent when running in these shoes that they were primarily designed to provide stability over any significant degree of flexibility. However, one aspect of its design was intended to provide a small amount of pliable feedback in order to avoid any discomfort from an excessively rigid shoe. That particular design quirk is the use of flex grooves along the outsole of the GT-1000 3 which helps to offset the rigidity that would otherwise be uncomfortable from the numerous stability features added to the midsole.
Traction
In order to get the most possible traction out of these running shoes, it’s important to use them on surfaces they are best suited for. Based on the design of the Asics GT-1000 3, the most suitable environments are roads, tracks, and some light trails. When sticking to these areas, many customers have said in reviews left online that they amount of control and grip they experienced was fantastic. This can be attributed to an outsole that was designed to allow maximum forefoot engagement and a tight-fitting upper.
Bottom Line
The ASICS GT-1000 3 provides the features and qualities that runners look for in a long distance running shoe. Most reviewers found the support and flexibility provided during runs to be above average. The ASICS GT-1000 3 delivers a lightweight running shoe made to last, making it a valuable investment. The ASICS GT-1000 3 features several important upgrades from previous versions in addition to the features that are loved by ASICS fans.
