ASICS GT-2000 Vs Gel-Kayano – What’s The Difference?
If you’re an overpronator and an ASICS fan, you may be wondering which of their stability shoes are the better choice.
In this article, we’re comparing ASICS’ two most popular stability shoes: the ASICS GT-2000 vs Gel-Kayano.
While both are made for overpronators and have a fairly narrow fit going into a snug heel, each shoe is more suited to a specific type of runner.
If you’re looking for an everyday trainer, the GT-2000 would be the better choice. It’s well-cushioned and lightweight and would be suitable for both training and racing.
The Gel-Kayano is for runners who want a more plush experience. It has more cushion and better shock absorption. It comes with a higher price tag and extra weight, but it’s a luxurious shoe.
Let’s compare the two shoes in detail so you can make the right decision at the end of this article.
Upper
ASICS GT-2000 11
The upper of the GT-2000 11 has had some improvements made since the last version. Runners will find that the dual layer of mesh is seamless, breathable, and more flexible than before. It also provides a soft and snug fit when you step into the shoe.
The upper has structured support with seamless overlays that hold the foot securely, starting from the back of the midfoot. But the upper still has plenty of flex and space to allow your toes to splay naturally.
The shape of the heel has been redesigned to be slightly more rounded and runners will find the clutching system of the heel is more structured, providing a more secure fit. The heel collar has extra padding to help provide a comfortable and excellent lockdown of the foot.
Although the traditional lacing system does provide a snug fit, some runners may need to use the extra lace hole at the top of the shoe. This will help runners dial in the perfect fit, especially if you’re worried about Achilles strains or tightness on a run.
The tongue is padded and once the laces are tied, runners will find that it stays in place. That being said, some runners may find the tongue to be too thick and that it can bunch up under the top part of the laces.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The Gel-Kayano 30 has had some updates made to its upper and runners will find that the mesh provides both structure and flexibility.
It’s light and more breathable and runners will find that their feet remain cool and dry on long runs. There are no points of irritation, as the one-piece mesh is soft and seamless giving it a luxurious feel.
One of the more noticeable differences to the Gel-Kayano 30 is the external heel counter that’s now lined with foam and is in the shape of an “X”. This update is lightweight and works with the support in the midsole to provide a secure, comfortable and stable ride.
The ankle collar and tongue are both padded, which works with the traditional lacing system. Runners will find that this helps to cradle the foot without limiting the flexibility of the shoe.
Midsole
ASICS GT-2000 11
To cushion the shoe ASICS used their Flytefoam midsole cushioning, which is firm and responsive. This allows for softer landings and springy push-offs, leaving runners feeling as though they can easily pick up the pace.
To add to the comfort and shock absorption of the shoe, there are gel cushioning units in both the heel and forefoot.
The Dynamic DuoMax is a firmer dual-density foam that one can find along the arch on the medial side—it’s ASICS’ version of a medial post. This helps control excessive motion and helps one with a more efficient toe-off.
Runners won’t notice the Dynamic Duomax during their run as it’s not intrusive and it doesn’t work against the runner, even if they’re more of a neutral runner.
With that being said, it’s important to note that there are gender-specific differences. The women’s shoe has an additional layer of Solyte cushioning, which is injected into the forefoot and can provide up to 20 percent more shock absorption.
The GT-2000 11 has a plush, molded EVA sockliner that offers comfort from the moment you step into the shoe. An antibacterial lining will prevent odors from occurring, even after long runs.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The Gel-Kayano 30 uses a generous amount of Flytefoam Blast, which runs the entire length of the shoe. This provides runners with a propulsive and cushioned ride! This new foam cushioning is lightweight, responsive, supportive, and feels springy when you run.
To encourage smooth transitions and absorb shock, the Gel-Kayano 30 has gel cushioning technology in the forefoot and heel.
It also features the Dynamic DuoMax Support System, and this extends from the heel cup to the front of the arch of the foot.
This provides runners with a stable run and can help to reduce uneven wear, which can place more strain on the legs while running. It will also help runners to maintain proper form when their legs fatigue on a long run.
The insole unit also received an update and runners will find that the OrthoLite X-55 insert is very plush—4.9 mm thick. This adds to the overall softness of the Gel-Kayano 29 and it offers a forgiving feel underfoot on long runs, recovery runs, and on training runs.
This shoe also has gender-specific differences and the women’s shoe also features an additional layer of cushioning under the forefoot.
Outsole
ASICS GT-2000 11
The outsole of the GT-2000 11 features AHAR—ASICS High-Abrasion Rubber—in the forefoot and AHAR+ on the heel of the shoe.
There is also a generous amount of rubber on the outsole and runners will see very few signs of wear even after running hundreds of miles.
There are horizontal flex grooves in the forefoot that increase the flexibility and encourage your foot to roll naturally through the toe-off.
To prevent the shoe from twisting and to increase its stability, the Guidance Trusstic System has been placed on the bottom of the shoe, in the midfoot.
This allows the forefoot and heel to move independently of each other, while guiding your foot into your natural gait cycle and reducing overpronation.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The outsole of the Gel-Kayano 30 had been designed to withstand hundreds of miles with minimal wear. This shoe has AHAR Plus—ASICS High-Abrasion Rubber—that covers the outsole and it’s extremely grippy!
The outsole has also been updated and to add to the stability of the shoe, ASICS has placed the Trusstic System in the midsole; this replaces the Space Trusstic in previous versions.
The Trusstic System has made the shoe lighter while maintaining its structure. It’s also gender-specific to cater to the biomechanical needs of both men and women.
Even though the Trusstic System is rigid, the shoe still has plenty of flexibility in the forefoot due to the flex grooves. Runners will find that their feet move naturally through the gait cycle and that their toes flex naturally as well.
Other Features
Stiffness/Flex
ASICS GT-2000 11
Runners may find the GT-2000 11 to run slightly stiff in the midfoot and heel, but this is due to the rigid Trusstic system. With that being said, the shoe still has plenty of cushioning for those long miles and it also has bounce, especially when you pick up the pace.
The forefoot has plenty of flexibility, which allows for a very smooth toe-off. Runners will find this shoe to be reliable and stable.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The Gel-Kayano 30 is softer than previous versions but some runners may still find the ride to be a bit stiff in the heel and midfoot. The transition from midfoot to forefoot not only feels natural but is smoother than the previous version.
There’s more flexibility in the forefoot, due to the deep flex grooves. The new Flytefoam Blast cushioning makes the shoe softer and very responsive.
These shoes would be great for high mileage runs or if you want a comfortable 5k run, as the ride is smooth, and bouncy yet stable. It’s a solid cruising shoe.
Drop
Both the GT-2000 11 and the men’s Gel-Kayano 30 have a 10 mm drop, while the women’s Gel-Kayano has a 13 mm drop.
The increase in the women’s drop on the Gel-Kayano 30 is due to the additional layer of cushioning that caters specifically to women’s biomechanics.
Weight
ASICS GT-2000 11
The GT-2000 11 remains lightweight, with the men’s shoe weighing 9.9 oz—280.66 grams—and the women’s shoe weighing 7.8 oz—221.12 grams.
The weight will vary according to the sizes of the shoe.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The Gel-Kayano 30 is slightly heavier than the GT-2000 11, but it’s surprisingly light for the additional cushioning that it has. The men’s shoe weighs 10.9 oz—308 grams—and the women’s shoe weighs 9.1 oz—258 grams.
ASICS was able to shave some weight off the shoe by updating the Trusstic System and having a lower profile heel counter, but didn’t compromise on the cushioning of the shoe!
Price
At the time of writing, there’s a $40 dollar price difference between the Gel-Kayano 30 and the GT-2000 11. The GT-2000 11 has an MSRP of $120 and is for runners who are looking for a shoe that provides stability and that can handle uptempo runs.
The Gel-Kayano has an MSRP of $160 and is a max-cushion shoe for runners who are looking for a lot of cushion and support on their daily runs.
Summary
Both the ASICS GT-2000 11 and the Gel-Kayano 30 are excellent stability shoes. Both feature the Trusstic support system and excellent cushioning and have a similar fit, being narrower than the average shoe.
Both shoes would be suitable for runners who overpronate and need extra support. With that being said, it depends on your preferences as to which shoe would be more suitable for you.
The GT-2000 11 is ideal for runners who are looking for a daily trainer that they can also use in races. It’s well-cushioned and slightly lighter than the Gel-Kayano—by just an ounce. It’s also the better choice for runners who are looking for a budget shoe.
The Gel-Kayano 30 is a max-cushioned shoe and it would be the better option for runners who are looking for a plush, luxurious shoe. It’s a little more expensive than the GT-2000 but the extra cushion is worth the extra dollars.
