Runner\'s World USA - 09.2019 - 10.2019

ASICS GT-2000 8

PRICE: $120 | TYPE: Road

WEIGHT: 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W)

DROP: 10 mm

The redesigned GT-2000 8

feels much smoother than its

stiff, less-forgiving predeces-

sor. Asics used lighter-

density foam for the new

shoe; in the forefoot there’s

a single, thicker layer of

FlyteFoam instead of two.

The rear half of the shoe

uses a slab of slightly high-

er-density foam beneath the

FlyteFoam, with a patch of

gel cushioning under the

heel. The lighter foam and

single layer in the forefoot

work wonders: Whereas the

previous GT-2000 slapped

the pavement as your foot

hit the ground, the new shoe

touches down softly and

immediately sets you up for

a smooth toe-off. Part of

the easier transition comes

from the additional f lex

grooves in the high-abrasion

heel rubber; coupled with

the lighter heel foam, the

GT-2000 8 feels forgiving

yet responsive. The stability

is subtle but noticeable if

you’ve only run in a neutral

shoe like the Cumulus 21. To

improve the engineered mesh

upper, Asics moved its logo

back and repositioned the

toe reinforcement beneath

the mesh, which makes the

toebox more accommodat-

ing. The updated fit lets you

wear the shoe a little loose

without feeling unstable. But

the retooled midsole is still

the best part; for mild over-

pronators, it’s an absolute

pleasure to run in.—D.R.

of gel in this shoe. But from the inside, you

see that small pieces are used strategically

in the areas of greatest impact to enhance

cushioning without weighing down the shoe.

STABLE

THE

CUT-

UP

A SMALL PATCH

OF FOREFOOT GEL

CUSHIONING IS

PLACED DIR ECTLY

UNDER THE FIRST

METATARSAL HEAD.

52 RUNNERSWORLD.COM