GT-2000 13

I unboxed the GT-2000 13 and ran 10 km in it for my first impression, and I have now done more than 100 km. The FF Blast Plus midsole is what I like most. It gives a stable ride, and when I pick up the pace I can feel the energy return together with the cushioning. It needed no break-in. The PureGEL in the heel adds a little extra softness for heel strikers. It is not as plush as the Kayano. It works from about 5:00/km to 7:30–8:00/km, and I can take it up to a half marathon. It is not built for interval sessions. The engineered mesh upper is premium, breathable and snug. It is not as plush as the Nimbus knit, because it is made thinner to save weight. The heel padding, heel counter and tongue are all done the way a stability shoe should be. My main complaint is the forefoot. It is snug and narrow, and the mesh is thick and not very soft, so I went half a size up from US 9 to US 9.5 to avoid rubbing and blisters. The laces are short, so I could not tie a runner's knot, and they came loose twice when I tried. The stability is the biggest positive. It is a moderate support shoe, not an aggressive one. The 3D Guidance System and wide platform guide the ankle when it rolls in too far, then let it come back to a natural stride without forcing a correction. Even as a high-arched runner I was comfortable. Traction on a wet outfield was below average. The thick high-abrasion rubber outsole should last a very long time, and many people who bought it on my suggestion have told me they had good experiences. At 260 g in US 9 it suits beginners, neutral runners and mild overpronators who want durability, cushioning and impact protection for easy, recovery and long runs, and for walking. If you are over 85 kg or overpronate heavily, go for the Kayano 31 instead. The retail price is around ₹15,000, but it sells for ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 on the ASICS site, Flipkart, Ajio and Myntra. At that price it is one of the best options in its category. Try it in a store first and order the right size.