ASICS GT-2000 14 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas
ASICS GT-2000 14Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.6 oz, 273 g (men's size 9), 8.4 oz, 239 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: M: 36.5 mm heel / 28.5 mm forefoot; 35.5 mm heel / 27.5 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Moderate Stability Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Softer Cushioning, Responsive Forefoot, Full Length Medial Stability
Cons: Clunky Heel Transition, Heavier Than Prior Versions
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS GT-2000 14 is a moderate-to-high stability daily training shoe for those who want a shoe with more aggressive medial stability. The 3D guidance system combined with several factors make for a shoe that almost feels like it has a medial wedge, providing good medial support from the heel to the forefoot. A lighter but secure upper provides room and lock down for those with normal width feet. A more bouncy forefoot design makes this great for pushing off the forefoot, but an increased posteriorly flared heel make for a clunky rearfoot transition. A rare, more traditional feeling stability shoe with new age tech, the ASICS GT-2000 14 is best for those with higher stability needs wanting more cushioning and stability than recent prior versions - and perhaps a return to a favorite for fans of original medial support GT-2000s.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Adrenaline 24, ASICS Gel-Kayano 31
PAST MODEL: ASICS GT-2000 13
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 14 fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. A woven mesh upper runs the length of the shoe. This provides a sturdy and secure fit. The width is fairly normal and the volume is normal to slightly low. There is slightly more room than the GT-2000 13 but the fit is not wide. Those who want a wider fit should consider the wide version. The toe box is slightly tapered with a little stretch in the mesh. The forefoot is normal in width, with the same stretch that also locks the foot in well. This transitions into the midfoot with a tongue that is thinner on the top and padded on the sides. The tongue is well gusseted, locks the foot in well and I did not have to tie the laces tightly to get a secure fit. The heel fits normally with a moderate amount of heel collar padding and a stiff heel counter. The counter is stiff enough that it does bother my heel, so those with heel sensitivities may not do well in this shoe. The overall security is quite good thanks to the secure midfoot, stiff counter and secure mesh. While the rear half of the upper is quite comfortable against bare skin, the front half is a little rough. I would highly suggest socks with this shoe, although outside of this the upper is fairly good.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
David: The ASICS GT-2000 14 fits true to size in my Men's 9.5. The upper mesh material is comfortable and feels pretty durable. It is just airy enough for all uses, but is not translucent or majorly perforated. The fit feels like it is dialed in well too. The general fit is normal width with a slightly lower volume. The heel and midfoot give a nice hold, without feeling like they are encroaching on the foot. The forefoot does provide some width for toe splay, but the lower volume does make it feel a tad more snug. The tongue is moderately padded and does a good job of preventing biting from the laces. The laces themselves are also of a softer texture. I did not have any issues with lockdown. The shoe does also have a heel counter that has a gentle backwards curve. There is plenty of padding and I did not have any issues with pressure into my Achilles or heel. Generally speaking, the upper is comfortable and fits well throughout. This feels consistent with a daily trainer or walking shoe upper. I do think I would like it be a tad more breathable, but that would be my only criticism. It does fit my foot really well.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly Flexible
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: No
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: No (aggressive medial stability)
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 14 is a daily training shoe. The midsole has been updated to FF Blast Max, which provides a slightly softer underfoot feel (especially compared to the previous version). While the stack height has (supposedly) stayed the same compared to prior versions, the GT-2000 14 feels like a more maximal stack height shoe. Not quite the +40mm range, but it does feel closer to 38-40mm compared to the listed 36.5 mm in the heel. Regardless, there is plenty of cushioning underfoot without feeling unstable or mushy. The weight feels like a normal training shoe, as my size 10 comes in at 10.1 oz, compared to 9.6 oz in the previous version. It does not feel as nimble as the GT-2000 12/13, but this is offset by the increased cushioning. The heel design reverts to a posterior flare and only a small bevel reminiscent of the Kayano 30/31. This makes for a clunky and abrupt heel transition. This continues into a smooth midfoot and stiffer forefoot. After 50 miles in these shoes, the forefoot has broken in and does have some mild flexibility to it. Those with toe mobility issues will not find enough stiffness for them in this shoe. Initially, the forefoot was quite stiff, but that broke in after 40 miles. It is still on the stiffer side thanks to the additional outsole rubber and the forefoot outsole pod. This makes for a fairly responsive forefoot, which offsets the clunky heel.
Although the front half of the shoe is responsive, the clunkier heel and more traditional weight make the GT-2000 14 best for daily training. It does well during long runs and can handle uptempo efforts, as I have done both and these hold on well. Trying to go any faster feels awkward, although occasional strides that get you up on the forefoot feel fine. Most will find this to be a daily and long-term shoe.
Tracton-wise, the outsole does grip decently on dry road and smooth trail. I have had some slippage on wet road and would rather have the trail version for more technical terrain. From a durability perspective, after 50 miles the midsole has broken in more to a softer ride and the only outsole wear is on the exposed FF Blast Max. The outsole rubber is decently durable, but I am already seeing wear on it. Therefore, I expect an average number of miles out of these for a daily trainer.
David: The ASICS GT-2000 14 was an interesting experience. I really loved the GT 2000-13, and although this did feel like a GT, the differences were noticeable enough to play to certain preferences. The shoe updates the midsole to Flytefoam Blast Max. Blast Max is softer than Blast+, for the same given stack height. The shoe also uses the same 3D Guidance system from before, aimed at firming up the foam when it is loaded in certain ways. Both of these are felt. The GT 2000 has traditionally been a moderate stability shoe. We see this mostly incorporated through the rearfoot and midfoot.
In the heel, ASICS does use a lot of sole flare to create a wider and more stable platform that couples with the 3D Guidance System. The GT-2000 also has a pretty traditional platform, having a little bit of rounding, but not a dramatic rocker. In the past, the firmer foam transitioned nicely with all of these components. The softer foam this time around creates a little more compression into the 3D Guidance system. Because of this I do feel the medial wedge a lot more than I did previously. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but those that are sensitive to the wedge sensation might need to find another option. With the increase in prominence in the wedge, it feels like the heel bevel should be a little bit bigger to ease that transition. In the current state, the heel feels more stable than the previous version, but the transition is a little bit more slappy into the midfoot and forefoot because of it. The foam itself has some life to it. The foam is the same foam seen in the Novablast, and you can feel that to some degree. The stack height is lower, but you did get a pleasant bounce through the forefoot. The ride feels like a moderate to high drop training shoe with a really stable rearfoot.
I do still like this shoe, but the changes made go away from my personal preferences. I do think there will be a decent population of people that will agree with the changes though. In large part, this still feels like the classic GT 2000. It just has some changes to the heel that will or will not agree with some people. This is still a moderate stability daily workhorse training shoe that will do well for a lot of people.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 14 is a moderate to high-level medial stability shoe. There are both traditional and new methods of stability and guidance. The most prominent is the 3D guidance system, which is supposedly internal geometrical shapes that provide more resistance the more you collapse into the shoe. What this actually feels like is a full-length medial wedge, with the inner side of the shoe feeling far more dense than the lateral side. It feels like my feet are actually held in an inverted position (soles of feet pointing inward) and I initially noticed discomfort along my lateral forefoot due to me being pushed outward. This went away after a few miles, but the slightly inverted foot feeling has maintained.
There is a long medial sidewall that is most prominent in the heel/midfoot but does extend into the forefoot. This adds to the full-length medial support. There is a smaller lateral heel sidewall that seems to help center the rearfoot. The other major guidance component is extensive medial outsole coverage and the less covered lateral outsole coverage. This is combined with a guidance line in the outsole is more laterally biased, which facilitates motion laterally and away from the medial side. These two further add to the medial stability and guidance laterally. This makes the ASICS GT-2000 14 a moderate to higher level medial stability shoe in the heel, midfoot and forefoot that will only work for those with medial stability needs.
David: The ASICS GT 2000-14 is a moderate stability training shoe. I do feel that the shoe accomplishes this. They use a 3D guidance system that firms up in certain angles when it is loaded. The shoe also uses a lot of sole flaring through the rearfoot, to provide more cross sectional area underfoot. The combination of these provide a very stable heel. The general sensation is that of a wedge along the medial rearfoot into the midfoot. The midfoot has a gentle sidewall that is present as well. The forefoot is pretty neutral. The rocker geometry can feel a little bit jarring in the heel, with how much is going on in that region. Overall the shoe runs pretty stable though.
Thoughts as a DPT: Why the GT-2000 14's More Aggressive Medial Stability Is A Big Deal
By Matthew Klein
The last decade has seen some dramatic changes to the stability footwear category. The majority of motion control shoes have been discontinued. All lightweight/racing stability shoes have disappeared, hence our continual discussion on stable neutral racing shoes. Even among the stability daily training shoes, there has been a shift from the more aggressive medial stability of the past to a more centered approach now. While the centered approach has worked for a greater variety of people, those needing medial stability, especially higher levels, have reported struggling at times.
For those reasons, the GT-2000 14's more aggressive, almost wedged medial stability is both surprising and a great option for both individuals and clinicians looking for this. The full length medial stability is also unique and combined with the New Balance 860 series are the only ones that provide this. It makes the GT-2000 14 an interesting contrast to the Kayano 32, which uses the 4D guidance, responsive midsole piece to bounce the individual out of pronation. This is great that the two shoes are so different that they provide unique stability angles for different people.
There are some people who need more medial stability. While stable neutral and guidance concepts may work for those with milder stability needs, those who need higher levels of medial stability but don't want a clunky motion control shoe have almost been in a bind the last few years. The Brooks Adrenaline series has been fairly consistent with its strong medial stability, although it it is most present in the heel and midfoot. Finding one that has a higher level of stability throughout the entire length of the medial side of the shoe, while still being somewhat light, was previously nonexistent. Stable neutral, stability, guidance, and neutral are all great. The goal should be to create appropriate variety so there is something for everyone, or at least the greatest number possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: Overall, the majority of updates to the GT-2000 14 have been great. The cushioning is a little softer, the forefoot is more responsive, the stability is more prominent throughout the medial side and the upper has a little more room. My major suggestion is (of course) to actually have a heel bevel. The current design is similar to the previous Kayanos, and while the softer foam may compress, there is still a posterior heel flare that will cause an early and abrupt initial contact/landing phase. This has made the heel really clunky and a bit too stiff. Landing farther forward mostly eliminates this, but only a small percentage of the population are truly forefoot strikers. Therefore, I suggest reducing the posterior flare of the heel and actually adding a bevel. There is a tiny bevel that is laterally biased, but it appears ASICS is banking on the foam compressing rather than having geometry to guide the heel transition in. If that material is reduce, that may solve some of the weight increase. That may be inevitable but I would like to challenge ASICS to bring the weight back down OR bring back the ASICS DS Trainer or Racer. The ASCIS GT-2000 12/13 were some of the lightest stability trainers on the market. With the loss of all lightweight stability shoes, there is now a gap in the market that I think ASICS could do a great job filling.
David: The ASICS GT 2000-14 is still a GT, but does have some noticeable changes. I don't hate the changes, but I think they could be reworked slightly. The softer foam does make you notice the 3D Guidance System wedge more. I think rounding the heel a little more and providing some more midline bias to the shoe could help. Right now it does feel like it wants to push your foot into some inversion when it is loaded. With a few small tweaks to the geometry, the rearfoot could make for a smooth and fun transition. Right now, it does come off a little slappy though through the midfoot.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The ASICS GT-2000 14 is a moderate to higher level stability shoe for those who want a training shoe for daily and long miles. The fit is normal in width with a secure upper, best for those with normal-width feet. The ride is slightly softer with a responsive forefoot but a clunky but stable heel. The stability is moderate to high on the medial side from the heel to the forefoot, feeling almost like a medial wedge that will only work for those with higher-level medial stability needs. The more responsive forefoot, softer ride, more aggressive medial stability and clunky heel is more true to form for ASICS. While I appreciate the higher level of stability, I still challenge the development team to keep thinking about that heel bevel.
Regardless, even with the slight weight gain, the GT-2000 14 continues to be a staple stability shoe, especially with the $140 price tag. The price maintenance despite tariffs and upgrades makes the GT-2000 14 not only a staple but a fantastic deal for those who need more medial stability. The more aggressive medial stability does narrow its place as those with neutral mechanics or lateral instabilities will not do well in this shoe. However, those looking for more medial stability in a more guidance-based footwear industry will enjoy this shoe.
David: The ASICS GT-2000 14 is a moderate stability shoe for those that want a lot of rearfoot stability, and a more balanced forefoot. The shoe does have a wider heel platform, and a wedge like sensation through the medial heel and midfoot. The shoe does not have a dramatic rocker to it either. Those wanting a more traditional non-rockered ride, and a lot of heel stability will have that here. The Blast Max update to the midsole also gives a slightly softer and bouncier experience to this classic stability trainer as well. It is still pretty versatile, but best for being a workhorse. Priced at $140 this is still a very solid option on the market for those that it agrees with.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Normal width but secure fit. Stiffer heel counter may be irritating for some)
Performance: B+ (Slightly softer underfoot ride with a more responsive forefoot but a clunky heel. Feels like a daily training shoe that can handle a little uptempo running but does best at easier paces)
Stability: A [Moderate to High Stability] (3D Guidance System provides what feels like a medial wedge along the length of the shoe combined with sidewalls and a guidance line that keeps the foot lateral. Great for those who need a solid amount of medial stability. )
Value: A (Great durability, solid stability and a price that maintains at $140 is a fantastic value)
Personal: B+ (The higher level of stability is great but the too small bevel makes the rearfoot really clunky. Great from midfoot forward ride-wise)
Overall Design: A-
David
Fit: A- (Upper fits really well from a dimension standpoint. I do think it could be a touch more breathable.)
Performance: B+ (A solid daily training shoe for those that need stability in the heel. The heel transition can be a tad clunky, but the forefoot has some life to it when it is loaded.)
Stability: A- (That rearfoot is very stable. It is wider, with a noticeable wedge system in the 3D Guidance system. It's a reliable platform. Heel geometry for the transition could be a little smoother though. Forefoot is pretty neutral.)
Value: A (Still an amazing option for those with stability needs at $140.)
Personal: B+/A- (I still like the shoe. The heel transition could be a little smoother, but I do like logging daily miles in it as I did before in the 13.)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS GT-2000 14Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
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