Shoe Review: ASICS GT-2000 9

The ASICS GT-2000 9 is a classic stability shoe capable of handling big mileage and uptempo paces, making it one of the best stability running shoes around.

Designers built the GT-2000 9 with reliable stability features to help mitigate the effects of overpronation, but the technology blends seamlessly into the experience for a smooth ride. Add to that a comfortable fit and lightweight feel, and the ASICS GT-2000 9 is as dependable as they come.

ASICS made minor updates to the GT-2000 9 from the previous version, meaning runners who loved the GT-2000 8 will feel at ease in the new model, too. Fleet Feet reviewers ran in the ASICS GT-2000 9 to get a feel for its fit and performance, and to see how it lives up to the GT name. Here’s what they thought.

The ASICS GT-2000 9 fits and feels like a classic, no-fuss running shoe.

ASICS used an engineered mesh upper in the latest version of the GT-2000, which is part of what creates the comfortable fit. The upper is seamless around the toe box and midfoot to avoid any irritating stitching inside and out, and it’s slightly stretchy to mold to the unique shape of your foot.

Designers kept the styling to a minimum, opting instead for a clean look that highlights the ASICS logo on each side of the shoe. The only other aesthetic feature is a printed overlay that wraps from the top lace holes around the back of the heel.

There’s plenty of room in the midfoot and forefoot. Testers say they don’t feel any uncomfortable squeezing that can become a problem on longer runs, and it wasn’t so big that they felt their feet sloshing around inside the shoe. The GT-2000 9 just fits like an everyday training shoe should.

“My forefoot is a little wider than average, but I didn’t have any problems in the GT-2000 9,” says one tester. “It feels comfortable every time I lace it up. I love that I can just tie it and go.”

A rigid internal heel counter contributes to the secure fit. The heel counter gives the shoe structure, which helps keep your heel in place when your foot rolls through its transition. ASICS also designed a snug heel cup to get rid of any dead space between your foot and the shoe.

Extra padding around the heel collar gives you a plusher step-in feel, and the padded tongue sits easily on top of your foot. The standard lacing system is straightforward, and an extra lace hole at the top of the shoe lets you lace your shoes for a more comfortable fit if needed.

The ASICS GT-2000 9 is a classic, comfortable fitting running shoe with premium materials that you can rely on day in and day out.

Like the fit, the ASICS GT-2000 9 provides a comfortable ride that’s versatile enough to cover most, if not all, of your running workouts, making it a great pair of running shoes for beginners.

ASICS kept the GT-2000 9 true to form by packing it with two main stability features: Dynamic DuoMax and ASICS’ Trusstic system.

Dynamic DuoMax is ASICS’ version of a medial post. The post is a firmer piece of foam on the inside (the big-toe side) of the midsole that helps keep the shoe more stable for runners who overpronate.

The Trusstic system is visible beneath the shoe. The lightweight piece of plastic adds rigidity to the midsole, which ASICS says decreases twisting to create stable transitions.

One tester says the GT-2000 9 feels stable, but he appreciated its adaptability.

“I’m a pretty neutral runner, and I didn’t feel the post working against me at all,” he says. “It’s just smooth sailing.”

Even with the added stability tech, the GT-2000 9 maintains a light weight. ASICS lists the women’s version at 7.8 oz and the men’s at 9.9 oz. Those weights obviously increase as the shoe size goes up—a men’s size 10.5 weighs 10.5 oz—but they don’t feel bulky or heavy.

ASICS recruited its Flytefoam midsole to cushion the ride. The foam is cushy and bouncy, which makes the shoe easier on landing and energetic on takeoff. It’s not a blazing fast speedwork shoe, but testers say the GT-2000 9 feels capable of picking up the pace.

GEL units, another signature ASICS technology, made their way into the midsole as well. One GEL pad is visible on the lateral side of the heel, and the other is packed under the ball of your foot. ASICS designed the GEL technology to soak up more impact and deliver smoother transitions.

A generous rubber outsole lends the shoe traction and durability, and flex grooves sliced into the forefoot let your foot bend and roll naturally toward takeoff.

There aren’t many differences between the ASICS GT-2000 8 and ASICS GT-2000 9 when you compare them side by side—they look slightly different, but that’s really it.

ASICS maintained the same underfoot technology as the previous version when they made the switch to the new model. The Dynamic DuoMax, Trusstic, GEL and Flytefoam technologies all made their way into the GT-2000 9.

The upper is still an engineered mesh, although it looks a little different. ASICS tweaked the shapes of the vents and toned down the patterns, but those are mostly aesthetic changes that we don’t think affect the performance of the shoe.

The new version is slightly lighter than the last one: Both the men’s and women’s models cut a few tenths of an ounce from the overall weight.

With only a few updates to the look, we think runners who loved the GT-2000 8 will find a nearly identical experience in the GT-2000 9.

The ASICS GT-2000 9 is an outstanding pair of stability running shoes that offer comfort and versatility for most runners.

ASICS updated the GT line with a simple engineered mesh upper and soft underfoot feel, and they packed it with stability features to make it ideal for runners who overpronate. While ASICS didn’t change too much from the previous version to the new one, we think that’s fine—the GT-2000 8 was great as is.

With a lightweight and snappy feel, we think the ASICS GT-2000 9 is a great shoe for long runs, faster paces or wearing around town.

Still not convinced? Don’t sweat it. Fleet Feet's return policy means you can test drive your shoes and gear without risk. If you’re not happy with the way your gear performs, looks or fits, we’ll take it back within 60 days. Plus, you’ll get free shipping on orders over $99 and free return shipping on all fleetfeet.com orders. That's our Happy Fit Guarantee.

By Evan Matsumoto. Evan played many sports growing up but didn’t go pro in any of them. Now, he’s the digital copywriter for fleetfeet.com and editor for the Fleet Feet blog where he writes about different foam densities and engineered mesh uppers.