ASICS GT 2000 15 review

In our opinion, the ASICS GT 2000 15 is a must-buy for:

• Runners who need a stability boost in a dependable daily trainer that offers strong durability.
• Anyone who wished for a more energetic GT 2000, with a bouncier ride and lighter weight that feels more amazing when picking up the pace.
• Those who tried the Novablast series and wished for a slightly more stable ride.
• Heel strikers who want a well-cushioned and stable running shoe that provides plenty of protection and comfort for long miles.

Runners who need more than a slight boost of support may find that the GT 2000 15 falls a bit short of their needs, especially with its softer foam. Instead, the natural upgrade is the ASICS Gel Kayano 33.

Those with wide feet may also have some issues with the GT 2000 15, as its tapered toebox won't suit everyone. Instead, take a look at the Altra Experience Flow ST or Topo Ultrafly 5 for a wide-foot-friendly stability shoe.

This is the most cushioned GT 2000 ever made, and our lab data clearly proves it. With 143 SA in the heel and 119 SA in the forefoot, we found that this shoe offers plenty of underfoot protection for long runs, even for bigger runners.

We have good news to share here. FF Blast Max was already present in the GT 2000 14, but we found that this version uses an upgraded formula, with noticeably more energy returning with every step.

When we tested the shoe in our lab, the results were very clear: 63.5% in the heel and 67.7% in the forefoot. That's a very nice improvement over the 56.0% and 57.2% we recorded in the GT 2000 14, respectively.

We know from the last few years with shoes like the Novablast that ASICS keeps making taller shoes, and the GT 2000 15 is no exception.

With 38.2 mm of stack height, it's 1.3 mm taller than its predecessor, steadily approaching the 40-mm barrier.

The forefoot follows the same trend as the heel, reaching exactly 30.0 mm. This confirms that, in ASICS' view, the GT 2000 15 comfortably fits into the maximalist category, even though that wasn't the case just a few years ago.

We found that ASICS sticks with the familiar 8 mm drop that's been a staple of the GT 2000 series for quite some time. Therefore, there's no big news here, just the same familiar geometry and ride we've come to expect from the series.

The FF Blast Max foam in the GT 2000 15 is not only bouncier, but clearly softer too. That may feel a bit unusual at first in a stability shoe, but it's also where the market is heading, and ASICS is trying to blend here a plush feel with effective support.

We registered a softness of 30.6 AC, which is clearly below average. For comparison, the GT 2000 14 measured slightly above average. We also found that the foam performs well in cold temperatures, becoming only 13% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer.

The ASICS GT 2000 15 is the most rockered GT 2000 to date, and that's immediately obvious in our photo. We found that the curvature is slightly more pronounced in the forefoot, but the biggest changes are at the heel, where ASICS has added a more pronounced flare and a dramatic bevel.

We hoped last year that it might finally be time to retire the PureGEL insert, but it seems that ASICS really loves it. We still think it adds unnecessary complexity, and we'd rather see that space filled with more FF Blast Max foam. However, it looks like PureGEL is here to stay, so it is what it is.

The ASICS GT 2000 15 is available in three different widths, which isn't very common and is something we really appreciate. However, the 2E and 4E versions will, as usual, be limited to select (usually boring) colorways.

We started our fit measurements with the forefoot width of the GT 2000 15 and found a classic design at 95.9 mm.

Last year, ASICS gave the shoe a super-tapered toebox, so we're happy to find that it's now less pointy and offers a bit more room.

However, at 71.3 mm, it's still narrower than our current lab average. Therefore, runners with wide feet should start looking for the 2E and 4E versions.

The fit is better suited to low-volume feet, as we found the toebox height to be far from generous. Nonetheless, this is a familiar approach in stability shoes, as a snug fit helps keep the foot securely in place and limits lateral movement.

We measured just 24.7 mm here, confirming what we felt during our runs.

We're running out of words to describe how impressive the traction is on many of ASICS' recent shoes.

The combination of AHAR LO and AHARPLUS rubber works exceptionally well here, delivering an incredible 0.99 coefficient of friction on wet concrete. Therefore, it's an easy pick for runners who prioritize dependable grip.

The outsole design is particularly interesting because it clearly shows how ASICS is trying to make the GT 2000 more dynamic than before. We found that the outsole has moved away from the Kayano-inspired pattern used in previous versions.

Instead, ASICS has introduced a rubber layout that clearly takes inspiration from the Novablast, featuring generous rubber coverage under the arch and a dedicated forefoot pod.

Despite having more foam underfoot than ever before, we found that the new outsole design comes with the added benefit of better flexibility. The GT 2000 15 scored 13.1N, compared to the 15.0N we recorded for its predecessor, making it more pleasant for everyday miles.

Another significant improvement comes in the weight department, as the reformulated, lighter FF Blast Max foam and the new outsole bring the weight down to just 8.9 oz (252g).

That's a clear reduction from previous versions, making the GT 2000 15 one of the lightest stability shoes we've tested, while also being one of the most cushioned.

One of the unique traits of the GT 2000 15 is that it can now handle faster paces with ease while still providing solid lateral support. It's still a mild stability shoe, but the 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM delivers full-length stability without relying on a firm medial post.

The ASICS GT 2000 15 has average torsional rigidity, with a score of 14.8 Nm. We found this to be a sensible design choice for a mild stability shoe, as it helps counter lateral forces without making the shoe too rigid for everyday use.

ASICS followed a similar approach with the heel counter stiffness. Neutral daily trainers usually score 3/5 here, while full-stability shoes tend to reach 5/5. Therefore, as you might expect, the GT 2000 15 lands at 4/5 on our scale.

The midsole width follows the same trend we found earlier. The GT 2000 15 feels slightly wider than a classic daily trainer like the Nike Pegasus 42, but it's certainly narrower and more agile than a shoe like the Saucony Hurricane 26.

The final forefoot width measurement is 117.2 mm, which is just slightly above average.

This shoe is clearly designed with heel strikers in mind, as this group accounts for the majority of runners with overpronation. Therefore, we found a slightly wider heel than our current lab average, measuring 95.7 mm.

The updated engineered mesh upper used by ASICS is really comfortable and, on top of that, surprisingly durable, earning a 4/5 in our toebox durability test. Let's keep digging!

We were already impressed by the previous result, but the GT 2000 15 took durability to another level, earning a maximum 5/5 rating in our heel padding durability test.

But wait, because there's more. The excellent outsole of the GT 2000 15 not only grips like cat claws, but also resists abrasion better than most shoes on the market. A result of just 0.4 mm is unbelievable.

And ASICS has packed the shoe with a thick layer of rubber.

We carefully measured it and found a result of 4.4 mm, which is thicker than usual and further confirms that the GT 2000 15 is built to last forever.

The insole isn't particularly special in terms of thickness, measuring 4.1 mm. Most shoes fall between 4 and 5 mm, so there are no surprises here.

You can still take it out and replace it if needed or preferred. It's also nice to see that ASICS continues to print the carbon footprint associated with producing a single pair of GT 2000 15s.

ASICS usually adds reflective elements to its daily trainers, and they did it here too. However, these are far from being truly impressive.

The GT 2000 15 features six eyelets on each side, plus an extra eyelet for alternative lacing techniques. The eyelets are punched directly into the mesh and reinforced with overlays for added durability. We also found an intriguing overlay on the tongue that helps keep it perfectly centered throughout the run.

Speaking of the tongue, it's fully perforated to improve ventilation, which we really appreciate. Like most recent ASICS shoes, it uses very little padding, with a small 4.7 mm section where the laces are tied, while the rest is practically paper thin.

The tongue stays securely in place no matter how fast you run, and this semi-gusseted design plays a key role.

The heel comes without a finger-loop heel tab, but it's very well finished, with no exposed stitching and a solid, durable construction around the collar.

The bad news is that the GT 2000 15 is £10 more expensive than its predecessor.

The good news is that we believe the price increase is fully justified, and even a slightly higher price could be reasonable. ASICS has made significant upgrades to the shoe, while its impressive durability adds even more value.