The new ASICS GT-1000 11 has just landed, today in this review I’m going to run you through the 5 key updates you need to know about its new iteration! If you prefer video over text, be sure to check out my YouTube review here (and subsribe!).
WHAT IS THE ASICS GT-1000 11?
Named after Grand Tour cars for its performance and comfort combination, the ASICS GT-1000 is a moderately cushioned, mild-stability offering with a competitive price tag. It sits inside ASICS’ comprehensive stability range which include shoes like: the Gel-Kayano, GT-2000, GT-4000 and DS Trainer. As I mentioned, the GT-1000 is a mild stability offering, meaning that like any other stability shoe it offers medial arch support to reduce the rate of pronation, however, it does so less aggressively or milder than other stability shoes. It’s moderately cushioned frame segments itself as a daily trainer that is less cushioned than the Gel-Kayano and GT-2000, but is usually more pace versatile for the agile runner. The GT-1000’s competitive price tag is achieved by being a middle-of-the-range tiered product – one that doesn’t have the brand’s latest technology but still consist of great build quality.
| Tech Specs | |
| Weight | 220 g/7.9 oz (Women’s), 270 g/9.5 oz (Men’s) |
| Stack Height | 20mm heel / 12mm forefoot |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Surface | Road |
WHAT’S NEW ON VERSION 11
Midsole: The first key change between this model and the old model is the distinctively softer midsole. ASICS have kept the same foam (Flytefoam) as the previous version, but have lowered its density so that it’s softer on foot.
Stability structure: We know that the GT-1000 11 is a stability shoe and with that comes a stability structure on the medial side of the shoe. On this model they’ve changed this structure. And adopted what’s called Litetruss. Litetruss is still a dual density like Duomax (in previous model), which helps prevent your arch from collapsing. But it’s less harsh underfoot. There isn’t a high rubber medial wall, nor a plastic shank at the bottom of this new one – which not only saves weight but makes it feel less invasive under the arch.
Tongue: On the previous GT-1000, the tongue and collar of the shoe was super padded. On this model it’s been dialed it back a touch. It’s now still a nicely padded shoe but more practical for running.
Weight: The shoe has shed approx. 10g on this version, it also feels more streamlined and less chunky on foot.
Other: Lastly there are minor changes, for instance the new shape of the gel heel pods at the back make the heel softer and a tweaked upper which I haven’t notice create much difference about the shoe, and a now 10 dollar high price tag for many regions of the world.
SUMMARY:
Overall the new GT-1000 version 11 is a slick update that runs better and smoother on foot thanks to it’s softer midsole and less invasive stability structure. It remains a really good value for money offering for runners looking for a moderately cushioned mild stability offering.