Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Impact Guidance System is ASICS unique approach to whole foot support while running• DuoMax® Support System creates a lightweight yet supportive shoe• Gel cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot promote better toe-offs and a more natural gait• FluidRide makes a lightweight, responsive, and durable shoe• The Guidance Trusstic System improves gait efficiency while also supporting the midfoot• A Guidance Line makes your gait more efficient• Heel Clutching System cups the heel to keep it in place and prevent slippage
Upper
ASICS calls upon a few components to provide a secure fit and comfortable ride in the GT2000 v4. With a breathable mesh and synthetic upper, an improved heel counter, and a lacing system that feeds into flexible internal straps, this shoe should be a runner’s dream. Runners may be pleased with the fit provided by The Personal Heel Fit technology with the Heel Clutching System that seeks to secure the heel for better stability, when jogging, walking, or running. To top it off, ASICS added a proprietary Comfort Dry sock liner, which is made of a superior anti-bacterial material that keeps your feet and shoes fresh, even after a long run.
Midsole
The midsole’s FluidRide system is a key feature in the ASICS GT2000 4’s comfort. The system features a two-layer structure comprised of Solyte ™ and SpEVA™ materials for a lightweight shock absorber and cleaner rebound. Support and stability are provided courtesy of the Dynamic DuoMax system with its dual-density foam.
Outsole
The outsole of the ASICS GT2000 4 reaps the benefits of the company’s Internal Guidance System (I.G.S) that serves to cohesively bundle up the many components (technologies and materials) at play to provide a more natural feel for runners. The I.G.S., with its unique GEL cushioning system, helps with shock absorption leading to better durability and reducing the chances of injury. This GEL system, that ASICS is well known for, incorporates silicone gels injected into key impact areas of the shoe’s sole – in this shoe, both the fore- and front foot is treated. Another component lending itself to comfort, support, and a more effective gait is the Trusstic System with its plastic “bar” running under the arch of the sole.
Breathability
Keeping air circulating around the feet and toes is essential for cooling and optimal drying. ASICS pairs the mesh upper with its unique Comfort Dry Sockliner to this end. They work together to provide a drier, cooler environment for the runner inspiring more confidence on the run as well as extend the life of the shoe.
Comfort
ASICS tried to provide the runner with everything needed for a comfortable ride but some feel, it fell a little short. With a shoe that does not seem to properly fit, the mechanics can feel all wrong. While some maintain that despite an initial very snug fit, the shoe will eventually break in very comfortably, others maintain that this was not the case. With this shoe, there was concern over arch placement and rigidity, a too narrow toe box, and blistering and chafing from fabric on the heel. ASICS does offer a standard and wide size and some have taken advantage of the wider width but still found less comfort than expected in this shoe. But, for some, ASICS’ integrated Solyte midsole material did what it promised – helped with comfort and stability even providing a little bit of a plush. So, after determining the size best for a proper fit, many report a secure, swift experience with a glove-like feel that can make it a solid contender for a daily trainer.
Style
What this shoe might lack in other areas, it makes up for with its colorful sense of style. Not overstated and with plenty of combinations to appease even the pickiest runners, ASICS has done well.;The color options are dynamic and energetic.;Women can choose from silver/turquoise/lime, charcoal/flash coral/flash yellow, lapis/safety yellow/soothing sea, turquoise/hot pink/navy, black/pool blue/flash yellow, pink glow/soothing sea/indigo blue, azalea/turquoise/white, black/peach melba/sport pink.;Men have a great variety as well with carbon/black/hot orange, silver/white/royal, Asics blue/silver/flash yellow, mid-grey/black/safety yellow, safety yellow/onyx/carbon, black/silver/lime, black/blue jewel/flame orange, flash yellow/black/silver.;With the wide array to choose from, many also use ASICS GT2000v4 as a fashion shoe to be worn casually.
Durability
Another example of how the I.G.S. comes into play with the ASICS GT2000 4 is in the use of the compound AHAR (ASIC’s high abrasion rubber) in the outsole’s DuraSponge at points of heavy contact. This serves to extend the life of the shoe by reducing wear. While carbon rubber tends to be the most durable, ASICS doubles up on materials trying to strike a balance using blown abrasion resistant rubber in the DuraSponge that is lighter and more flexible absorbing more shock but retaining some measure of durability without sacrificing comfort. The durability of the GT2000 4 is also enhanced through the shoe’s use of Dynamic Duomax. With its higher density EVA material, foot stability and natural movement are encouraged thereby reducing addition unnecessary wear and yielding a longer shoe lifespan. The SpeVa and Solyte Midsole technology work together to withstand midsole breakdown and provide many miles of running fun. In addition, the well-made upper, constructed of seamless mesh overlay, is built to last for many miles of running or exercising.
Protection
ASICS goes to great lengths to provide protection for the whole foot with their great shock absorption in the GT2000 4. The GEL system sets up the toe and heel areas with extra cushion-y support and the heel cup keeps prevents foot slippage. ASICS also offers a GT4000 4 Lite-Show PG (Plasma Guard) model for runners that run in wetter weather and in colder, harsher winter conditions. Readers report being pleased with the Lite-Show’s full coverage weather protection and reflectivity on the upper for safety.
Support
The ASICS GT-2000 4 features a step up in their Duomax offering with the Dynamic DuoMax technology providing necessary support especially in the heel and the ball of foot for long runs without any foot pain. The Guidance Line, paired with DuoMax’s unique stabilizing system and higher density EVA material, better stabilize the feet for more natural movement making one less inclined to overpronate. They encourage a solid ground strike and a more stable toe off to eliminate pain in the shin and knee because of inward foot roll. As an ideal design for individuals with slight to moderate overpronation, heavy pronators will not gain much benefit finding it insufficient.
Terrain
The traction of the rubber outsole of this shoe is appropriate for not just roads, but also track surfaces, as well as gravel paths. It is not recommended for trail use or even slightly technical terrain as the sole cannot support such conditions with stability or confidence.
Drop
Shoe drop is determined by the differential between the measurements of the forefoot’s and heel’s distance to the ground. The outsole of the women’s GT2000 4 is 11mm at the toe and 21mm at the heel. The men’s is 12mm at the toe and 22mm at the heel, with drop of 10mm. Many runners find this to be a traditionally comfortable drop to keep them moving forward in comfort and with less inclination to injury.
Stability
A comfortable and stable feel is essential to a runner’s confidence in a race or just a weekend run. The ASICS GT-2000 4 created the unique Impact Guidance System with this in mind, designing it to enhance stability as well as performance, by creating a more natural, fluid, and confident feel. The midfoot stability of the shoe helps prevent inward foot roll providing ideal support for mild to moderate over-pronators. A component of the IGS, the Trusstic System, helps to stabilize the shoe by implementing a supportive shank is in the outsole that extends from the arch to the forefoot. It aims to enhance forward propulsion by moving energy along the bottom of the foot for an effective gait cycle.
Flexibility
The DuraSponge located in the outsole’s forefoot aims at enhancing cushioning and flexibility and while it may achieve this aim, it cannot compensate for the overabundance of features which overwhelm the shoe. Many feel that with all the features of this shoe, it creates too stiff a ride to offer much in the way of flexibility. This makes it not suitable for a racing shoe but could possibly be best as a daily trainer instead.
Bottom Line
The ASICS GT-2000 4 is a high quality, high-performance shoe that is designed to go the distance and get runners to any marathon finish line. Unfortunately, this shoe does not seem to live up to expectations. While it has several notable features that are appealing to runners looking to protect both their feet and their knees and a smoother transition throughout the mid-foot strike, quite a few athletes feel dissatisfied with the overall fit and feel. The FluidRide technology integrated into the midsole does offer comfort and the modernized heel counter does secure the heel offering improved support helping reduce overpronation, however, this shoe feels heavy and snug and does not seem to inspire confidence. The lacing system is touted as top notch and there are some that do clearly enjoy this shoe claiming it is supportive and dependable and feels that the GT2000 4 is a good shoe for them.
