Product Review: Asics GT-2000 at OnlineShoes.com

Me at my local track taking the Asics GT-2000's for a spin

Recently I was contacted by Lindsey from OnlineShoes.com and asked to review a pair of Men's Asics GT-2000 running shoes.  As most of you know, I wear another brand almost exclusively, but I thought I would give it a shot and let her know what I thought about the shoes and the website.  Here's what I found ...

OnlineShoes.com is a well organized and easy to navigate shoe website.  Along with various styles of dress and casual shoes, they also offer an extensive range of men's and women's running shoes.  In fact, I was really surprised by just how many running shoe options were available.  When I logged on, I clicked on the ASICS link and found mostly shoe options, but also a few clothing and bag selections.  Next, I clicked on the MEN'S ASICS link, and immediately found that they had over 150 different Asics men's running shoes to choose from.  Finally, I selected the MEN'S ASICS GT-2000 link, which is what Lindsey was kind enough to send me ... a pair of size 12-1/2 Black/Onyx/White Asics GT-2000 running shoes.

I know many runners try to be loyal to their local mom & pop running stores, which I do as well when at all possible.  In many cases, they are a the fabric of the local running community. But in today's economy, when everyone is trying to stretch their dollar further and further, a nice option with a huge selection of the running shoes you're looking for is OnlineShoes.com.

From OnlineShoes.com Asics GT-2000 web page ...
The ASICS® GT-2000™ has been re-engineered and revitalized, without ever abandoning the qualities that have earned it 12 Runner's World awards in 14 years. This men's running shoe features a breathable, stretch mesh upper to ensure a chafe-free fit. Supportive synthetic overlays wrap the midfoot to provide a secure and comfortable fit, ready for the road. Mild to moderate overpronators will enjoy the stable ride provided by the DuoMax® Support System; the full-length Guidance Line® provides smooth transitions and increases efficiency. The ComforDry™ insole provides cushioning, prevents odor and maintains a cool, dry foot environment. Rearfoot and forefoot GEL® cushioning absorbs shock and enhances comfort; the lightweight DuraSponge® and ASICS® High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole of the ASICS® GT-2000™ running shoe provides unparalleled durability and traction.

Asics is one of the leading running shoe manufacturers world wide, but to be honest I've never had great luck with the way they fit my foot.  About 5 years ago, I had a fairly bad case of Morton's Neuroma.  Basically, it's a very painful severe inflammation of the nerve between the final two toes, and it almost ended my running career.  In many cases it's caused by wearing shoes that are too small or shoes that wedge your toes together.  Many women suffer from Morton's Neuroma from wearing pointy toe'd heels all day.  A lot of cowboy boot wearers are also frequent sufferers of the painful symptoms.

People that suffer from Morton's Neuroma find that wearing a running shoe that allows their toes to spread out and prevent the last two toes from rubbing together is typically the easiest fix.  But that has always been a challenge for me.   I've tried about 4 or 5 pairs of Asics in the past, and just never got any of them to work for the kind of mileage I log.   In fact, there's only one brand I've personally had any success with - but out of respect to the Asics I'm reviewing, I will not mention them here.

For my specific foot, I've always found the toe box area in Asics to be a little too narrow.  So when I took the Asics GT-2000's out of the box, I was expecting much of the same.  And unfortunately, I found this again to be true for the specific fit I need - just not enough room for my toes to spread out.  But I'm sure every runner has a very subjective view of every manufacturer's shoes.  Asics is obviously a great brand, I just can't seem to make them work on my feet.  But that being said, I really found the Asics GT-2000 to be a good, high quality, light weight (11.4 oz), stability shoe that I would easily recommend.

I threw on the Asics GT-2000's and headed to my local track where I do speed work to give them a go.  I found the shoes to be very responsive and with a good firm feel, and a nice fit around my heels and arches for support.  For a stability shoe, they felt very light, but yet supported my 185 lb. frame really well.   And even though they are a listed in the stability class, the Asics GT-2000 comes with plenty of cushioning to soften the blow of long runs.

Putting the Asics GT-2000's through a stair workout

With a lot of new shoes right out of the box, there can be some slipping which causes hot spots and ultimately blisters.  However, I was easily able to run 5 miles in the Asics GT-2000's and my feet felt great when I was finished.  There were no noticeable signs of slipping or siding around on my foot.  Everything stayed snug and well supported and felt like I could have easily gone several more miles without any trouble.

After that I took the Asics GT-2000's over to the bleachers and tried them out on a few stair repetitions.  I was happy to find exactly the same result as on the track.  They provided a nice stable workout with plenty of support, but also effective cushioning.   The bleachers where I do stair repetitions are metal, and can be a little slippery.  But I found the Asics GT-2000's gripped the slick metal framing and provided good traction as I made my way up and down.  At no point did I feel them slide or slip under neath my stride.

Individual fit for running shoes is very subjective and personal for each individual runner's needs.  It's been my experience that Asics would have to completely redesign their shoes with additional space in the toe box for them to work with my specific foot fit needs.  However, I found the Asics GT-2000 to be a really good shoe that will hold up to the rigorous mileage and training that a marathoner would put them through.  I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a good, light weight stability shoe. They retail for $114.95 on OnlineShoes.com.  And speaking of OnlineShoes.com, I was very pleasantly surprised with the ease of navigation and gigantic selection on their site.  I will definitely use them in the future!
... be great today!