Asics ASICS GT 1000 13 Introduction
If you are anything like me you live on a budget. This means I hold back from breaking the bank on a new pair of trainers. Luckily, ASICS has developed the GT 1000 for budget friendly stability runners. Entering its 13th year the GT 1000 provides a ride similar to its older stability siblings.
ASICS stability lineup consists of three trainers, the GT-1000, GT-2000, and the Kayano. These three trainers possess many of the same aspects. The newest technologies are unveiled in the Kayanos and then show up in the 2000s and 1000s a year or two later.
The ASICS GT 1000 retails for 110 dollars. The other budget friendly stability trainer it competes with is the Brooks Launch GTS. The 13th edition has undergone some minor changes throughout the shoe.
Asics ASICS GT 1000 13 First Impressions
Upon opening the box I found the colorway to be unique. The sole was all black while the upper was largely white with some red, gray and black accents. This was a creative move to help them stand out visually.
They are a lightweight younger brother of the GT 2000 and Kayano. There was a responsiveness to them I hadn’t experienced in past editions. The cushioning stood out as well, especially in the heel portion. The tightness felt in the last edition (12th) seemed to be resolved i in this edition.
The maiden voyage in the GT 1000 13 was a 2 and ½ mile run. It was a stiff run and the cushioning was slightly uncomfortable. I was hoping this wasn’t a sign of what was to come.
Asics ASICS GT 1000 13 Upper
The upper of the ASICS GT 1000 has a new engineered mesh. It is a breathable mesh upper with supportive overlays that ensure a snug fit without feeling too tight. The updated design enhances ventilation, keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs.
This edition has a finicky lacing system due to the short length of the laces. It was hard to get a secure fit with the length of them. There was a tightness around the top of the lacing system.
The amount of cushioning in the heel doesn’t help with the tightness that was experienced. There is too much between the amount in the tongue and inthe heel collar. It is overbearing and makes for an uncomfortable fit. Luckily, the rest of the upper gives you a secure and comfortable fit from midfoot to toebox.
The GT-1000 fit is true to size. There are no overlays so there were no issues with points of irritation or blisters. Because of the lacing/tying and cushioning issues the upper of the GT-1000 was a disappointment.
Asics ASICS GT 1000 13 Sole Unit
Let’s start from the ground up. The outsole features ASICS’ AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) technology. The shoe holds up well against regular wear and tear, along with handling different conditions.
ASICS’ FLYTEFOAM makes up the midsole of the GT 1000. It continues to be lightweight foam that has a hint of firmness to it. The midsole is also cushioned with ASICS’ signature GEL technology, offering a plush yet responsive ride. While it performs well with impact absorption, it struggles with energy return on toe offs.
The 3D Guidance System makes its first appearance in this edition of the GT 1000. This replaced the LITERUSS support system, a dual density medial post. This holistic system consists of wider basenets, increased heel bevel, midsole flare and lateral guidance line. This system is effective at providing natural stability when you need it. One drawback is it makes the shoe noticeably wider.
Asics ASICS GT 1000 13 Conclusions
There aren’t many in the stability field the ASICS GT 1000 stands in: the budget friendly field of stability trainers. Which means it should be able to stand out among the competition. Unfortunately, the latest GT 1000 continues the trend of standing in the middle of the field.
The midsole underwent some big changes with this edition. The 3D Guidance System is an improvement in the stability provided. It is a holistic and dynamic approach that works. On the flip side the midsole is bigger as part of the system. This is noticeable and you feel it while running. It is also great at impact absorption but struggles with energy return.
The new engineered mesh was an improvement in both breathability and durability. The drawbacks outnumbered the strengths of the upper.
The lacing system continued to be finicky as a result of short laces. This caused an uncomfortable tightness felt at the top of the lacing system. What added to the discomfort was too much cushioning in the tongue and heel collar. The fit was ideal in the midfoot and toebox but much of the time spent running in these my attention was turned to the discomfort of the back portion.
Overall, the ASICS GT 1000 13 remains a middle of the road trainer for me. This 13th edition of the GT 1000 brings enhanced responsiveness and cushioning, though it does fall short in energy return on toe-off.
The new 3D Guidance System adds effective stability features but makes the shoe noticeably wider, which may not suit everyone.
The upper’s performance is mixed. The engineered mesh offers good breathability and a generally snug fit, but the short laces and excess cushioning around the heel can create discomfort. For these reasons I would steer runners to the GT-2000 or Kayano.
