ASICS GT 2000 9 Review
Classic Stability
Likes
- Comfortable and durable upper
- Felt lightweight
- Stable ride
Dislikes
- Firmer ride
- Low flexibility
What's New
As the newest iteration of a staple in ASICS' stability lineup, the GT 2000 9 looks to build upon the progress made by previous versions in the series. Adding a redesigned footbed, ASICS hopes to offer a better step-in feel compared to previous versions. The new GT 2000 9 also continues the trend of being lighter and softer than before. To round out the experience, this updated model features a more breathable and durable upper to keep you comfortable no matter the distance.
The Bottom Line
The ASICS GT 2000 series has received modest updates year after year, and version 9 is no different. Our testers are confident that fans of previous models will continue to love what ASICS has done with its newest iteration. It maintains its traditional feel and moderate stability features to offer a protective ride for the miles ahead. With the addition of a new mesh upper, the ASICS GT 2000 9 will continue to offer the secure fit you love, but with added breathability. With these subtle changes, the ASICS GT 2000 9 remains a reliable stability shoe that will have you coming back again and again.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium to High |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.4 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 29mm (Heel), 19mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Moderate Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
ASICS looked to enhance the underfoot experience of this update by making a slight tweak to the footbed. While the ASICS GT 2000 9 is a bit softer, our testers agreed that it continues to lean on the firmer side overall, similar to the previous model.
Kaitlin: "The cushioning in this shoe felt just a touch softer than the v8. It still feels high-density underfoot, but not necessarily hard. Like landing on a rubber mat. While this isn't a soft or plush shoe, it does feel protective and shock absorbing."
Ben: "The 2000 9's sole is firm but not enough to be uncomfortable. However, I do not like wearing my 2000 9s around all day, and they tend to become less comfortable toward the end of a longer run."
Ride/Energy Return i
The ASICS GT 2000 9 continues to utilize a combination of Gel cushioning technology and FlyteFoam midsole. Even with Gel, our testers found the shoe to feel firm underfoot, giving it a faster, more neutral feel.
Ben: "The updated ASICS GT 2000 9 is not overly heavy and has a low-to-the-ground feel. This helps me maintain faster paces with ease. However, the midsole itself is not excessively springy, so the GT 2000 9 makes for a better tempo trainer than a race shoe."
Kaitlin: "Although the GT 2000 9 doesn't have a super bouncy feel, it also doesn't feel like any energy is wasted by my foot sinking into the midsole. The firmness helps to make it that much easier to push off into the next step."
Underfoot Protection i
The new GT 2000 still offers firm, neutral cushioning underfoot. Our testers noted that, while they felt protected on their runs, the shoe tended to flatten out over longer distances, keeping them aware of what was underfoot.
Kaitlin: "This shoe would be great for runners who prefer to feel that connection with the road. It offers plenty of shock absorption for your joints, but I noticed my forefoot was more tender than I would like on longer runs."
Ben: "The Flytefoam midsole absorbs much of the impact, which makes for a cushioned ride at shorter distances. However, at distances over 15 miles, I did notice the pounding of the ground as my legs got tired. I have done plenty of sub-3-hour marathons in earlier versions of the 2000, but with my aging legs, I would be hesitant to do so now."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Keeping in line with traditional stability shoes, the ASICS GT 2000 9 utilizes a denser foam under the arch and a rigid Trussic support system to keep runners from overpronating. While our testers agreed that the shoe was fairly stiff, they noted that it did a decent job of flexing naturally with the foot.
Ben: "The ASICS 2000 9 is not an especially flexible model, but it allows the foot to go through the full range of motion. While on my feet, I found it noticeably more flexible than the typical HOKA shoe."
Kaitlin: "These shoes were fairly rigid out of the box, but once broken in, they felt a little smoother in the forefoot. Due to the nature of stability shoes, it wouldn't serve its purpose if it was very flexible in the midfoot."
Upper Feel i
The most significant update to the GT 2000 9 is the reinvented upper. Our testers loved how their feet felt in the shoe. The new design offered a better overall fit and enhanced the comfort of this year's model.
Kaitlin: "The upper is seamless, providing effortless comfort around the whole foot. Although the forefoot felt a little narrow, the flexible mesh made it hardly noticeable. The midfoot is lightly wrapped, keeping my foot secure, and the heel collar is surprisingly low. At first, I felt a little exposed, but it might be due to all the higher collared shoes (Hoka Clifton and Nike Peg 37) I have been wearing. I really enjoyed the lower heel collar once I got used to it, and as someone who has issues with heel irritation, it was quite freeing."
Ben: "The 2000 9 has a slightly structured toe box and a small external heel clutch. I did not have any issues with tightness or hot spots due to the upper, which I sometimes notice in other ASICS models."
Individual Thoughts
ASICS has been consistent with the GT 2000 series. I already knew what to expect with this shoe, and it performed as expected, if not a little better than last year. It provides moderate cushioning and subtle support for daily mileage. Though it's on the firmer side and isn't the most responsive shoe, I feel like most people can step into this shoe and it will work well for them. Compared to the GT 2000 8, I found the 9 to be a little softer, but also a little more streamlined and breathable. Regarding its size, despite how the toe narrows, I would still stick with my regular size. Anyone who liked the previous model or is a fan of the series will be happy with the newest version.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I have run in the 2000 series and its predecessors for a decade. Based on its level of cushioning, wider uppers, and decent durability, I have come back to this series again and again. The GT 2000 9 is no exception, and I look forward to putting 400 miles on my pair.