ASICS GT 2000 8 Review
Staple Stability
Likes
- Reliable cushioning
- Comfortable upper
- Stable ride
Dislikes
- Firmer ride
- Older styling
- Low flexibility
What's New
A popular stability model from ASICS, the GT 2000 8 has been completely updated for a lighter and softer ride while maintaining the line's classic comfort. A brand new FlyteFoam midsole has been added for a softer step-in feel while updated Gel technology in the forefoot and heel provide long-lasting underfoot protection. Finished off with a lightweight engineered mesh upper, the GT 2000 8 features minimal overlays for a highly breathable and adaptable fit.
The Bottom Line
Although the GT 2000 8 isn't much of a departure from what you might expect from the series, this update is notable for improving the shoe's fit and comfort without alienating the its loyal customers. If the GT 2000 is your go-to shoe, you will not be disappointed! It maintains a traditional feel and protective ride while offering a slightly softer underfoot feel. Deeper flex grooves and a redesigned outsole help to provide a smoother and more flexible ride, and the new engineered mesh upper brings the best in ASICS fit technology for a plush yet secure lockdown of the foot. While there were some changes and refinements, the ASICS GT 2000 8 is still the reliable stability model that this line has come to produce time after time.
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 (Women's: Medium to low) | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Men's: Medium to high | Women's: Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.0 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 29 mm (Heel), 19 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Moderate Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The ASICS GT 2000 8 boasts a slightly softer underfoot feel thanks to updated Gel technology and a lower density foam in the heel, but our testers agreed that, although comfortable, the GT 2000 8 leans on the firmer, more protective side of cushioning.
Kaitlin: "The Gel cushioning helps absorb impacts, but the underfoot feel upon footstrike and through the transition is not soft in the traditional sense. It feels firm but protected."
David K: "I like the underfoot feel, but there is nothing that sets it apart from the competition. It delivers slightly soft cushioning at slower paces, but the ride is inherently firm and clunky."
Ride/Energy Return i
The FlyteFoam midsole provides a soft step-in feel that firms up for responsiveness when more energy is put into it. This gives the shoe a neutral amount of energy return that our testers felt was consistent with the history of the model.
Ashton: "Pretty much middle of the road here. I didn't feel particularly sluggish, but I wasn't propelled into pace-pushing either."
David K: "There is nothing bad to note regarding the energy return, and nothing good either. I didn't feel like I was sinking in the shoe, but I didn't feel any springboard effect."
Underfoot Protection i
The ASICS GT 2000 8 combines updated Gel technology with a FlyteFoam midsole for reliable protection from the road. Although the cushioning has a firmer feel when running, our testers found that their legs never felt beat up after an outing in the shoe.
Ashton: "The GT 2000 8 offers solid protection from the road. I can't imagine an instance in these where I would be concerned about my feet or legs feeling beat up."
David K: "This shoe offers an average amount of underfoot protection, making it a safe pick for everyday running. Although the midsole wasn't super plush, I felt that I could rely on the GT 2000 8 for any run."
Underfoot Flexibility i
With a durable rubber outsole, dual-density midsole, and Trusstic support system, the ASICS GT 2000 8 has many structural components that decrease the shoe's flexibility. Although our testers agreed about the relatively stiff underfoot feel, they found that the update provided a smoother and more flexible ride than past models.
Ashton: "There is a lot of structure to this shoe. It was a little more rigid than I'd like, but the flip side to that is that it provided more stability and support than I typically get."
David K: "I didn't have any issues with the shoe here. The flex grooves work perfectly to prevent any excess firmness or flexibility. Actually, it's a very healthy balance between the two."
Upper Feel i
Our testers loved the plush yet secure fit of the GT 2000 8. The new engineered mesh upper allows for maximum ventilation while holding the foot in place with accommodating comfort.
Ashton: "The fit was very snug and secure, but I never felt constricted at any point. Based on my previous experience in the 2000 series, I feel like the upper is just as secure and a little more comfortable than previous models."
David K: "There is a great fit on the upper. It hugs my foot gently and cradles it in place without smothering it. The heel cup cradled my foot without pinching or slippage while the toebox allowed enough room for a bit of toe splay."
Individual Thoughts
The ASICS GT 2000 8 is a good daily trainer. The shoe is very stable and supportive, and although it is a little more rigid than I prefer, I'd be comfortable doing the bulk of my regular mileage in it.
My favorite part of the shoe was the upper. It's great! The fit was snug and secure, and there was no constriction of my foot. I love putting on a shoe that consistently feels this comfortable across its many iterations.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Overall, I like the GT 2000 8. It's what I expected from this line, but the technology still feels a little bit dated. There seems to be a disconnect with the cushioning. While the Gel has a soft step-in feel, the shoe mostly feels firm and heavy while running.
I enjoyed the fit of the upper. The mesh is secure without being too snug for my wide forefoot. With some adjustment of the laces, I feel like a lot of people could make this shoe work for them.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
This is the perfect shoe for the weekend warrior or anyone looking for a reliable stability shoe, but I wasn't overly impressed by any particular part of the GT 2000 8. There are no bells or whistles or fancy flare, but it does its job well.
The cushioning is adequate and exactly what I expect from a basic daily training shoe. It's neither too plush nor too firm, and the fit is good. It properly holds my foot in place whether I am trotting for 3 to 4 miles or executing a tempo run. Overall, this is a solid running shoe that offers a durable, comfortable, and reliable option for almost any runner.