GT-1000 13

I unboxed the GT-1000 13 and ran 10 km in it for my first impression. It is the entry-level shoe in the ASICS stability line, below the GT-2000 and Kayano. My US 9 weighs 270–280 g, but it felt more like 240–250 g on foot. The stack is 36 mm at the heel and 28 mm at the forefoot, with an 8 mm drop. The ride was my biggest disappointment. The midsole did not absorb landing impact the way the Flytefoam in the cheaper Gel-Pulse does. After 10 km my ankles and calves felt like they had worked extra. The heel is soft with a gel insert, the forefoot is a little firmer, and the heel-to-toe transition is smooth. It did not give me the ASICS feel I get even from the cheaper Gel Excite 10 or Gel-Pulse 15 and 16. The build feels premium for a budget shoe. The engineered mesh upper is high quality, the laces are long and premium, and the heel padding is thick, so I do not expect any rubbing. The heel counter is stiff to hold the ankle, and the tongue reduces lace pressure. It feels compact, not bulky like most stability shoes. The 3D Guidance System is moderate. It guided me without disturbing my stride, and the platform is 115 mm wide at the forefoot and 96 mm at the heel, so the ride is stable. It will not protect you if you overpronate excessively. For that, go to the Kayano. My worry is durability. The shoe is very flexible, unlike the stiff Kayano and GT-2000, and the outsole rubber feels softer than on their premium shoes. It suits very light beginners who slightly overpronate and want a budget stability shoe. Step-in comfort is amazing, and it is a superb walking shoe for flat feet. I would not recommend it at the retail price. Buy it at ₹4,000–4,500 for running, or ₹4,000–5,000 for walking. If you want a ₹5,000 shoe that lasts 800 km, do not buy this one.