ASICS GT-2000 13 Review
By Matthew Klein
Asics GT-2000 13
Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.5 oz, 270 g (men's size 9), 8.3 oz, 235 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: Men's: 36.5 mm / 28.5 mm; Women's: 35.5mm / 27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Moderate Stability Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Lightweight Feel, Snappy Midsole, Noticeable Guidance/Medial Stability
Cons: Slightly Stiffer than Last Version
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS GT-2000 13 is a moderate stability daily training shoe. A slight update from version 12 provides the same solid heel bevel that is unique within the ASICS line with a normal to slightly snug and secure fit throughout. The midsole adds a tiny bit of extra stack height which provides a softer heel while a slightly stiffer forefoot provides better versatility into uptempo paces. The 3D Guidance System provides continued medial support and central guidance for those who want great heel and midfoot stability. A continued stability staple, version 13 returns for those who want a slightly faster shoe with a bit more apparent medial pressure/stability from the past version.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Arahi 7
PAST MODEL: ASICS GT-2000 12
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 13 fits me true-to-size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit is slightly snug as is tradition for this series. The width is normal to slightly snug throughout. This is mostly due to a slightly lower volume upper that does stretch with some wear. The forefoot is normal in width with a light taper in the toe box. This transitions into a snug midfoot with a thin, gusseted tongue. The tongue wraps the foot quite well and I did not have to tighten the laces to get a secure fit. This continues into a normal to slightly snug rearfoot. The slight snugness occurs due to a large amount of heel collar padding that helps secure the heel. There is a stiff rounded heel counter that did not bother me initially but was noticeable. Those with sensitive heels may not do well in this shoe while those who want a stiff heel counter will do great. The inner liner of the upper is quite comfortable against bare skin. However, the toe guard is apparent when going sockless, so I would encourage the use of socks with this shoe. The overall security is great even with fast turns thanks to the slightly lower volume, slightly snug fit, and excellent foot hold at the midfoot and heel.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Slightly
How Flexible is the Shoe: Less Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Mostly Good
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 13 is a moderate stability daily training shoe with a touch of snappiness and additional stack height. Per ASICS, the newest version features a half mm more of midsole foam compared to version 12 while keeping the same weight. The full-length FF Blast Plus and the PureGel Heel piece create a softer landing at the rearfoot and a cushioned but slightly firmer landing up front. The shoe feels far lighter than the 9.5 oz /270 g listed weight (men's size 9) partially due to the relatively lower volume (for an average shoe on today's market) and the snappiness of the midsole. While version 12 felt cushioned and a little soft, version 13 feels a little stiffer and a little faster. While the heel drop is listed at 8mm, it feels slightly lower due to well cushioned heel but relatively firmer/stiffer forefoot. The forefoot transition is smooth but a little stiff initially. Fortunately there is a good forefoot rocker, so those with mild-to-moderate toe mobility issues may do decently here (extreme issues may require a far larger rocker than the GT-2000 13 provides). The heel has a far better posterior lateral heel bevel than most ASICS shoes and provides a smooth transition once it breaks in. There is still a bit of clunkiness initially (which also makes me want to land a little farther forward) but it smooths out fairly quickly.
In regards to paces, the GT-2000 13 is meant as a daily training shoe. However, the relatively lighter weight and snappiness of the forefoot allow it to pick up the pace even more so than previous. I have done a variety of runs (long run, easy run and a workout with a variety of paces) and found that while it is not the fastest shoe, it still did excellent during a threshold run. Uptempo and tempo paces are doable in this shoe although the weight tends to slow it down over extremely fast efforts. I personally would not race in this and would prefer the Metaspeed Edge/Sky Paris or even the Magic Speed. However, those who want a training shoe that can handle some uptempo efforts and maybe even be a stability marathon shoe may enjoy this shoe for that.
It can certainly handle that training as the durability is excellent. I have 25 miles on my pair with barely any wear on the outsole. I got to well over 100 miles on version 12 without major wear and I expect a similar result from version 13. Outsole traction-wise, this shoe is best for road but it can still handle some mild trail. I have run on gravel and bark chips without issue, so smooth varied terrain is fine. For more technical terrain, something more trail-specific will still be needed.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 13 is a moderate stability/guidance shoe. The stability comes most significantly from internal geometry (3D Guidance System), which provides more resistance the harder you fall into it. This was most apparent to me along the medial heel and midfoot. However, I also noticed resistance to lateral motion in the same area. This was far more prominent than in version 12, so those who felt like there wasn't quite enough of a post-like sensation (pressure) will enjoy version 13 more. There are also additional methods of guidance, including a large medial sidewall that is most prominent in the midfoot and a lateral heel sidewall (they both extend through the midfoot and heel but are largest in those areas). There is also a significant amount of sole flare with a midfoot that stays wide and a large amount of heel medial and lateral flare. The sole flare in the forefoot has been toned down compared to the previous version, but the stiffness makes up for this providing a stable front to toe off from. Those needing moderate stability in the heel and midfoot will do best in this shoe while those need a stiffer forefoot for mild stability will also do well.
Thoughts as a DPT: Why Stability Shoes are Still Necessary
By Matthew Klein
Over the last 5 years, there has been a significant decrease in the number of stability shoes. The majority of lightweight stability shoes have almost completely disappeared (including the ASICS DS Trainer and DS Racer series) and several higher-level stability shoes are gone. As someone who generally does well in at least mild stability, I had to search for additional methods that might provide stability with the decrease number of stability options. This is where the concept of guidance and stable neutral came in. I noticed that shoes with sidewalls, wider midfoot widths, sole flaring and other geometries could make shoes more tolerable for me from a stability standpoint. Much of the industry has evolved to using these concepts and a variety of others in an attempt to create shoes that provide better individual guidance in line with the current research concepts (Nigg et al., 2017).
Willems, T. M., Ley, C., Goetghebeur, E., Theisen, D., & Malisoux, L. (2021). Motion-control shoes reduce the risk of pronation-related pathologies in recreational runners: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(3), 135-143.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 13 continues to be a top stability shoe. Its updates make it slightly different from the prior version without deviating too far from what made it great. There is a tiny bit more room in the forefoot thanks to the upper stretching just a bit more. However, I would still like to see the toe box more rounded rather than pointed for optimal foot function. The heel bevel is far better that most of the ASICS line, but curving or extending the length of the bevel may improve the transition just slightly. My last suggestion is to widen the forefoot back to what it was in version 12 and improve the flexibility through the forefoot. While I enjoy the additional snappiness for workouts, it does make the forefoot feel a little firmer. This may not be as comfortable for the average person and I would keep the extra methods that kept the forefoot stable. Outside of that, this continues to be a great shoe for those with stability needs who want a training shoe that sits on the lighter side for daily runners.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 13 is a moderate stability shoe for those who want solid guidance with a lighter daily trainer that can handle easy and uptempo paces. The upper will continue to work best for those with normal to narrow-width feet despite having some stretch. The sole will work best for those who want a good heel transition, a slightly softer but well-cushioned rearfoot and a snappy forefoot. The stability is best in the heel and midfoot with a post-like feeling that changes depending on how much you collapse (adapts to you). It is still significant stability and feels more apparent than the last version, so those who want to feel secure and centered with some medial pressure will enjoy this most. The ASICS GT-2000 13 continues to be a staple stability shoe that maintains an excellent price while providing durability that really stretches its life out. These types of shoes are key components of the running industry and I hope ASICS continues to move this line forward while maintaining the great things they have done in the last two versions.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A-/B+ (Slightly snug with secure but slightly stretchy upper. Best still for those with normal to narrow feet)
Performance: A- (Continues to run on the lighter side and feels lighter. Snappy forefoot provides some versatility into uptempo and faster efforts. )
Stability: A [Moderate Stability] (Maintains good moderate stability through internal geometry that provides medial post feeling while still keeping the foot centered with the wider sole, sidewalls and other methods)
Value: A (Excellent price for a durable workhorse that can pick up the pace and provide a lighter but highly stable ride)
Personal: A (Continues to be a favorite and so far in contention for being the best stability shoe of 2024)
Overall Design: A-/A
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS GT 2000 13Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
The Hurricane returns refined with new stability mechanics and a very cushioned sole.
A more orthotic focused shoe for those who need a stable platform.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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