Asics GT 2000 vs. Gel Kayano (2022)
These two stability shoes from the Japanese brand differ primarily in the level of foot support they offer to prevent overpronation.
Thus, the Asics Gel Kayano 28 uses a Trusstic unit, a firm foam on the medial side of the shoe (DuoMax), and other TPU parts to guide the foot while running and prevent excessive pronation. Therefore, this type of configuration offers an advanced level of support for runners who want enhanced stability during their runs.
On the other hand, the Asics GT 2000 10 is a lighter configuration with just a LiteTruss unit (more discreet than Trusstic) and foam sidewalls inside the shoe. As a result, it’s supportive but not as much as the Kayano. However, there’s an upside: the GT 2000 is 0.9 oz/25 g lighter than the Kayano. It makes it a good option for runners who hesitate between neutral and stability shoes.
Then, the cushioning is similar on both shoes with just 1 mm more heel stack height for the Kayano: 23 mm compared to 22 mm for the GT 2000 (22 mm for the women’s version). However, the underfoot feel is firmer on the Kayano which uses FlyteFoam Blast. The GT 2000 provides softer cushioning and uses FlyteFoam Propel.
Last but not least, testers note that the Kayano is a bit more responsive with its firmer platform. Also, they note that the Kayano is more flexible than the GT 2000, especially under the forefoot.
GT 2000 or Kayano: which one to choose?
The choice depends primarily on the level of support you need. People who want a high level of stability (at the expense of some comfort) will opt for the Kayano.
Others, looking for a more discreet foot support, will choose the GT 2000.
Finally, the price difference between the two shoes is not negligible: the Kayano is the more expensive of the two.
Side-by-side comparison
Soft cushioning with a slight bounce
Discreet foot support for pronation
Flexible lockdown
Sturdy shoe
Still a bit heavy, especially looking at the stack height
Pleasant and softer cushioning than before
Overall smooth run
Effective and relatively discreet foot support
Improved design: simpler, less bulky
Not very responsive cushioning despite the new FF Blast foam
Some testers noted that the medial support walls (DuoMax) can get in the way
Asics GT 2000 10
Asics Gel Kayano 28
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Overpronation | Overpronation |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack height | 22 mm | 23 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 14 mm | 13 mm |
| Weight (men) | 280 g/9.9 oz | 305 g/10.8 oz |
| Weight (women) | 238 g/8.4 oz | 271 g/9. oz |
| Release year | 2021 | 2021 |
Technologies
| Outsole | AHAR, AHAR+ | AHAR, AHAR+ |
| Midsole | FlyteFoam Propel, LiteTruss, Rearfoot GEL | FlyteFoam Blast, Dynamic DuoMax, Trusstic, GEL |
| Upper | Engineered knit | Engineered mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 4 – Soft |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 3 – Moderate |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Short, mid, long, 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon | Short, mid, long, 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily running | Daily running |
Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner’s Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He’s also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.