ASICS GT-2000 7 Review

We purchased the ASICS GT-2000 7 running shoes so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess them. Keep reading for our full product review.

The ASICS GT-2000 7 running shoes are the perfect shoe for plantar fasciitis, a condition involving the inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. I should know: I’ve had plantar fasciitis on and off for 10 years, and I ran in these shoes for over 30 miles, pain-free. They are light, durable, and firm, which is great for distance running, and are also surprisingly springy and energetic for speedier transitions.

If you have plantar fasciitis as I do, you know how important it is to pay attention to the details of your footwear. Let’s take a closer look at all these running shoes for women have to offer. 

Performance: Instant support 

The ASICS GT-2000 7s impressed me right out of the box. On my first run, it felt like I’d been running in them for weeks. The soles are firm and bouncy, which was perfect for clocking long distances. For a pretty plushly cushioned shoe, they are lightweight and energizing, and although they are known for their durability, they had a very flexible response to my stride and footfall.

Fit: Like a glove

I’m really picky about the fit of running shoes, but these were perfect for me. Since my feet are narrow, my arches are high, and I run both long distances and short sprints on the regular, I have trouble finding a shoe that hugs and support my feet but is still light and breathable. These are it—they cradle my heels (necessary for plantar fasciitis pain prevention!) but have a fairly spacious toe box. They also didn’t put pressure on the top or sides of my feet as most narrow shoes do. 

Support: In all the right places

With what the company calls an “Impact Guidance System” and “Trusstic Guidance Line,” the ASICS GT 2000 7s “enhance the foot's natural gait from heel strike to toe-off” and “provide “midfoot structural integrity” for better balance. They're built for neutral and slight overpronators and are firm from the midsole to arch. Of course, to avoid further discomfort, you can always add some insoles for flat fees or any specific concerns.

What I like about the GT 2000 7s is that while they prevent my foot from rolling inward, (especially as my legs and ankles weakened after big miles) they aren’t overly corrective. Over my entire run, these shoes felt comfortable and kept my feet where they needed to be. 

Shock Absorption: Dense and adaptive

While I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this ASICS model as “soft,” they are cushioned and shock-absorbent where they need to be. They have the brand’s famous GEL technology in the rear and forefoot, plus FlyteFoam, which is lightweight adaptive cushioning that reduces the impact of your stride but bounces back quickly to the original shape between strides.

Weight: Evenly distributed

The Women’s GT 2000 7s weigh in at 8.67 ounces, which is light for a stability shoe considering all the features they pack. I liked these shoes compared to others I’ve tried because the weight is distributed throughout the shoe, including in the upper, so I don’t feel like I’m dragging weight underneath me as I run. 

Materials: Made to go the distance

These shoes are made to last—end of story. The outsoles and heavy contact areas are protected by high abrasion rubber to reduce excessive wear and tear. They are also made with both SpevaFoam and FlyteFoam, which include technology that means they won’t wear down as quickly compared to other soles. 

You can run for a long time in these shoes before they start to show signs of wear. The upper part of this shoe has patches of high-performance Jacquard mesh to increase breathability, while the rest of the upper (in particular the sides and back) are covered in a supportive overlay and connected lacing system. 

I’m usually one to reach for a shoe with a full mesh upper, but these shoes surprised me. When they were laced, the denser upper put less pressure on my foot and made the shoes feel much more stable and comfortable.

Design: Smart design, if not super stylish

The GT 7s, like the previous version the GT 2000 6s, have a 10-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. A high drop is great for heel striker, but it also relieves pressure on your lower leg. With that number, this shoe is perfect for those with plantar fasciitis, which can often be a result of tight calves or foot injuries. 

Looking at the shoe, you know they are ASICS. Like others by the brand, they have an obviously sturdy upper, visible GEL, and reflective detailing. Unlike previous models, these shoes come in neutral colors like black and grey, as well as soft pink and blue. In short, these aren’t shoes I would choose to wear for their style, but they aren’t offensive. They’re slim, comfortable, and loaded with features that make running a breeze.

Price: Very fair

Since I have plantar fasciitis, I expect to pay more for a shoe that has all the features and technology I need. It’s nice to not have to, like with the ASICS GT 2000 7s. These shoes are priced like a moderate shoe in the stability and distance running category, but they perform like they cost a lot more. I would recommend these shoes to any serious runner—they have all the bells and whistles from a trustworthy brand and don’t break the bank.

Competition: More cushioning, less construction

For softer cushioning with similar durability, you could opt for the Brooks Glycerin 17s. They also feature a 10-millimeter drop, Jacquard mesh, and Ortholite sock liner but are slightly more expensive and heavier than the ASICS GT 2000 7s. You might choose the Glycerins if you find the GT 2000s a bit too firm.

On the other hand, if you want to cut as much weight as you can without sacrificing stability, you could try the Hoka One One Women’s Arahi 3. They have a similar price point to the ASICS yet are lighter, roomier, and have the brand’s infamous Meta-Rocker soles. I would choose the Hoka One Ones if I was more concerned with impact relief as opposed to fit and upper support.