Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• AHAR outsole with DuraSponge rubber• Flytefoam midsole with Gel Cushioning• SpEVA for added energy return• Impact Guidance System• Guidance Line technology• Guidance Trusstic System• Dynamic DuoMax• ComforDry Sockliner• Exoskeletal resin heel counter• Discrete Eyelets in the lacing system
Upper
Though its open mesh material does provide a breathable fit, the GT-2000 6’s upper received the highest amount of criticisms. This feature is advertised as offering a comfortable sock-like fit, yet a number of reviewers stated that it began to come apart after a month of usage. Holes will form in the fabric very quickly, and stitches will tear with very little effort. However, they did state that the Heel Clutching system kept their foot more secure and stabilized throughout the day. In addition, they appreciated the look and feel provided by the Discrete Eyelets in the shoe’s lacing system.
Midsole
The GT-2000 6’s midsole is completely jam-packed with cushioning and stability features that consumers appreciate. It’s also the first model to be equipped with Asics’ trademarked Flytefoam midsole technology. Made of organic super fibers, it’s specially engineered to be both durable and lightweight. The brand’s famous Gel cushioning system is also present to enhance shock absorption. Atop the midsole is spEVA, a combination of standard EVA foam and rubber ball material, which increases energy return. Stabilizers come in the forms of four different features. The Dynamic DuoMax reduces pronation by limiting the amount of stress placed on the foot. The Guidance Trusstic System is placed in the midfoot area to prevent twisting and keep the foot more rigid. Guidance Line technology, consisting of a vertical flex groove in the forefoot, takes on all the pressure caused by impact and promotes balance. Finally, the Impact Guidance System, found in this line’s previous models, works with the foot to enhance a more natural gait.
Outsole
Easily the most durable part of the entire shoe, the GT-2000 6’s outsole is constructed from Asics High Abrasion Rubber, or AHAR. It’s specially engineered to withstand high impact and keep the midsole shielded from rough surfaces. This also strengthens traction for a much more secure run. At the forefoot, a softer blown rubber called Durasponge is placed in to provide the foot with more cushioning and a greater bounce. Reviewers greatly appreciated not only how well this feature held up during their runs but also how strong its traction was.
Breathability
Though it may lack durability, the GT-2000 6 upper has proven to be just as breathable as its predecessors. The open mesh’s ventilated coverage gives the runner a sock-like fit that still enables unrestricted airflow. Focused mostly around the forefoot and sides, where hotspots are usually located, this material allows for more targeted temperature and moisture control and promotes greater levels of comfort for the runner. The inclusion of a ComforDry sockliner heightens this comfort by wicking away sweat and keeping the foot dryer for longer.
Comfort
Reviewers seem to be quite split when it comes to opinions about the GT-2000 6’s comfort level. When they find their perfect fit, buyers love the long-lasting cushioning its Flytefoam midsole provides. Its sock-like fit and breathable wear are enhanced further by the removable ComforDry sockliner, which also draws away moisture to prevent possible irritations. All of its stability features work together to promote a more natural and balanced gait, which then limits the runner’s chances of experiencing long-term pain. Unfortunately, a number of reviews state that this model does not fit true to its listed size. Furthermore, they noticed that its supportive and stabilizing features were not as strong once they sized up.
Style
The GT-2000 6 retains the same general look of its predecessors. There are some obvious differences, such as the reduced amount of overlays featured. The lacing system on this model as also changed, swapping out a more traditional look for the brand’s Discrete eyelets. Its resin heel counter is also much more subdued from previous models, yet still proves to be just as effective. It also has the same general color schemes for both men and women in noticeably different hues. Though neutrals are still more prevalent for this model, buyers can still find several eye-catching hues of blue, yellow, and even pink.
Durability
Without a doubt, the GT-2000 6’s lowest reviews have focused on its lack of durability. Though the outsole and midsole prove to be sturdy, thanks to its AHAR material and Flytefoam technology, its open mesh upper is another story. Across all online retailers, reviewers state that the mesh upper began to tear apart after just one month of use. Even the inner lining around the heels will wear down and cause blisters. Considering that this was never a huge issue with any of the previous models, this unfortunate drawback is particularly confusing to a huge number of buyers.
Protection
The GT-2000 6’s protective features are placed in its outsole and midsole. Its durable AHAR material safeguards the rest of the shoe and protects the runner from jagged or sharp surfaces. The combination of Flytefoam technology, Gel cushioning, and spEVA material safeguard the foot from impact and transfer the energy into an added bounce. Its numerous stability features keep the runner’s gait straight and balanced, decreasing the likelihood of injuries and long-term pain. Its upper, on the other hand, is heavily prone to wear and tear and cannot offer any solid protection. This could be due to the fact that it has fewer overlays than the older models.
Responsiveness
Aside from functioning as a stability shoe, the GT-2000 6 also manages to be quite responsive. It should be no surprise that, with three different materials making up the bulk of its midsole, this shoe offers high levels of shock absorption and energy transfer. Of course, the stabilizing features aid this quality even further. The Dynamic DuoMax reduces the amount of stress placed on the foot, and Guidance Line technology takes on all the pressure caused by impact to promote greater balance. However, runners who have to size-up when purchasing this shoe are at a disadvantage. Reviewers who have done this note that the shoe’s benefits decrease noticeably.
Support
Given the amount of cushioning offered by this shoe’s midsole, it’s no real surprise that the GT-2000 6 is quite a supportive model. The outsole’s AHAR material and DuraSponge rubber combination prove to be a strong yet flexible base for the rest of the shoe. The brand new Flytefoam material is able to adapt to the foot’s unique shape while still being able to retain its original form. This is promoted even further with the inclusion of a Gel Cushioning system and a layer of spEVA on top. The stability features of this shoe also enhance its level of support, especially the Dynamic DuoMax.
Terrain
Even though the GT-2000 6 is strictly a road running shoe, its corrective features and level of comfort also make it a suitable fit for casual wear. The AHAR material constructing its outsole is engineered to withstand heavy usage on paved surfaces, as well as enhance the shoe’s level of traction. Furthermore, the combined responsive features and stabilizing qualities of its midsole allow the runner to feel secure and comfortable even while running long distances. Considering its upper’s poor durability, however, it’s quite safe to say that this model is not intended for rugged terrains.
Price
Across all online retailers, the GT-2000 6 runs for $120. Though this may seem like a lot for those who don’t typically purchase high-quality footwear, this is an average price for a well-made running shoe. Yet considering the numerous reviews that have criticized this model’s lack of durability, it’s quite doubtful that it’s worth the money to a lot of buyers. Those who would like to purchase this model can still find a number of reputable listings online, provided they check the reviews first.
Drop
Like most running shoes, both men’s and women’s sizes have a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm. This provides the extra heel cushioning that most runners are looking for yet is still low enough to promote a natural stride. What’s unique to the GT-2000 6 is that these two size ranges feature different platform heights. Men’s sizes feature a heel height of 22mm and toe height of 12mm. Women’s sizes are 1mm lower than this overall. While it isn’t enough to make a noticeable difference to most runners, no solid information can be found describing why Asics made this design choice.
Stability
For the most part, the GT-2000 6 lives up to its line’s reputation for providing reliable stability to overpronators. The Impact Guidance System is still in place, just like all of its predecessors, working with the foot to promote a natural gait. Guidance Line technology has also returned, giving the runner more balance and security. The Guidance Trusstic System and Dynamic DuoMax are included to keep the foot more rigid and prevent possible injuries. Though this model has received high praises for its corrective features, reviewers note that these only work if they wear their correct size. This model is built quite narrow, and sizing up can reduce the impact provided by these features.
Flexibility
Though little online information can be found that details how flexible the GT-2000 6 is, it can be assumed that it’s along the same level of its more recent predecessors. With the inclusion of DuraSponge rubber and noticeable flex grooves, the outsole’s design does indicate an easy and unrestricted stride. And though it focuses more on cushioning and stability, the midsole is made from materials that are pliable yet still manage to retain their normal shape after use.
Traction
The GT-2000 6’s sole has the same general shape as the other models in its line. This version features a more linear tread pattern, yet still includes a series of flex grooves to promote a more natural and unrestricted stride. Just like its predecessors, this shoe is strictly intended for everyday surfaces such as roads and sidewalks. No online information is available that describes how well it can work on wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
Asics GT-2000 6 model does show signs of improvements from the line’s previous releases. Additional stability features are in place to better correct overpronation, and added cushioning is included in the midsole for greater responsiveness and a more comfortable run. Though reviewers were happy with these new additions, and the fact that some popular features were kept, they also noticed some brand new setbacks. The upper for this model is noticeably lacking in durability, and its narrow fit limits the benefits that runners could potentially get from this shoe. Though these may be off-putting to most buyers, there is still a chance that it could prove extremely valuable to those who can find their ideal size.
