The ASICS GT-2000 9 running shoes are an update to a pavement-focused stability running shoe. We put them to the test in advance of the September 1 launch.
The upcoming ASICS GT-2000 9 takes one of the brand’s most successful running technologies of the year and merges it into this comfort-focused stability shoe for an updated fit and feel.
With every iteration of the GT-2000, the underfoot feel gets softer. And now the upper has a softness to match. ASICS pulled the upper from the April 2020 Cumulus 22 and placed it on the GT-2000 9 because the material tested well. Plus, Cumulus 22 sales show it has been the brand’s top seller since its introduction.
Along with the new upper, the shoe receives an updated, softer blend of FlyteFoam. The rear stability technology aims to give the brand its combination of stability with comfort.
In short: The blend of new technologies focused on creating a softer, more comfortable shoe. These give the $120 ASICS GT-2000 9 a cozy step-in feel from the first mile. It provides stability through the run, all buoyed by the update to the upper.
New this year, the Cumulus 22 launched with a soft mesh upper void of overlays. This allows it to work well with a variety of foot types. That same design makes its way to the GT-2000 9 with this update. It allows the new shoe to work with various foot shapes.
The mesh provides stretch and breathability. Plus, eliminating the overlays removes any potential for odd rubbing, chafing, or hot spots, especially those commonly found on the top of the foot.
ASICS then paired a padded tongue and laces with stretch to improve the step-in feel on the upper. By including round laces with give, the brand enabled me to cinch the upper tight over my foot, as I like for security, but the upper material didn’t dig into my foot during my multiple 3- to 5-mile runs.
ASICS GT-2000 9: First Impressions
On pavement — and a couple of short gravel and turf stretches — comfort is there from the first step. ASICS used a softer FlyteFoam cushioning material than it had previously to improve the comfort level and paired with the brand’s famed gel technology in the heel for shock and impact absorption.
The shoe’s 21mm heel height and 11mm forefoot height on our tester pair (the women’s model is 22-12) gave the shoe noticeable heel-to-toe drop from the first step, but not one that went drastic.
When running, the heel cushioning is stronger than that in the forefoot, aided by the Duomax technology that plays a key role in the stability of the rear of the medial part of the shoe. Duomax is 3 mm of firmer foam the brand says “acts like a bowling lane bumper” to help the foot stay in one place without forcing it, aimed at helping the mild pronator gain assistance.
This Guidance Trusstic System helps re-supinate the foot at midstance for a more efficient toe-off. That helps this stability-minded shoe, similar to the brand’s Kayano model, offer stability without getting too stiff, a knock on previous versions of the GT-2000.