Thank you so much for such a detailed reply!
Funnily enough, right after posting my comment, I managed to track down another pair of 12s in my size and immediately ordered them. Lol.
I’m glad to know that the 14s work well and am hoping that I can stick with the GT 2000 line. I really like balance between stability and comfort that I get from them.
I feel your pain with tibial tendon inflammation. I’m working through shin splits with a physio right now and had no idea that they could be this painful!
I started with Asics GT 1000-12, upgraded to 2000-12 and now on 2000-13. All 3 of them served me well, did ~800km and at 180odd in 2000-13.. I do recommend them and all are below 10k.
I had to get one size bigger than my usual though, don't know if it's universal. Looking at Novablast for speed currently.
I also found the ASICS GT 2000 12 too firm but I was new to running when I bought it and didn't realise that it was more a supportive shoe. I just booked it because of the cool sounding name 😄. I've gained experience since then.
One thing I'll say is I've been recommending the ASICS gel excite 11 to everyone. It's a hidden gem with it being one of the less talked about models. It's not super trainer league but it's an amazing daily trainer. And I'm so glad I gave it a chance. It's just fun to run in and can handle some pace. It'll also take good care of your feet. Mine is the mild TR version at £67. Give it a try if you can.
Hope this has been a help 😀
LOVE Kayanos and GT 2000!! Currently in 30 and 12 respectively, have gone through a few but they have been my absolute favorites! Kayanos for me are outdoor shoes right now, I find them a little heavy for the speeds in OTF, I use the GT for OTF because they’re light but still cushy. I have a low arch and did try the brooks adrenaline GTS (21?) for one day and returned them immediately. My knees were killing me after a day of working in them (I work in healthcare).
I have Asics GT 2000 12 and Asics GT 2000 13; best running shoes and recommended by my dr. I just received my Asics GT 2000 14 and they are not comfortable for me. Dr Robert Inglis my physical therapy dr analyzed my feet and my gait to determine what is the best shoes and models are best for feet so I can exercise better and avoid plantar fasciitis. His analyses made a huge difference. But now with the GT 2000 14 changes ,I don't want new problems .
Look at buying a previous year’s model at a discount, if you can.
For example ASICS has an outlet website, and also stores at some outlet malls
I wear GT-2000 and the 2025/26 model costs £140 at Sports Direct, but the 2023/24 model cost me £72 at the outlet.
To be honest, I took the device of a friend who suggested I tried ones with gel soles because my heels were hurting. Found a pair of GT-2000 for a bargain price at Decathlon, tried them, and they were mega. Never looked back. Just ordered my 7th pair.
What is your budget?
I have been using ASICS GT-2000 for years (literally just ordered my 7th pair yesterday) and they last 1000km easy
I buy [last years model from their outlet store](https://outlet.asics.com/gb/en-gb/mens-shoes/c/ao10200000/)
[£72](https://outlet.asics.com/gb/en-gb/gt-2000-11/p/1011B441-404.html) versus [£140](https://www.sportsdirect.com/asics-gt-2000-12-mens-running-shoes-212024)
Find a local running shop, one where they do the thing where you run on a treadmill and they look at how your feel land (called gait analysis)
Most local running shops are staffed by enthusiastic runners who want the best for you, rather than to just make a sale, so have a good conversation with them and listen to their advice
Talk to them about your running goals (primarily 5k or 10k? Half marathon? Full marathon?), are you looking for comfort and support, or outright speed, how many times a week you'll run, and your budget
They can suggest a number of options that you can try on, maybe even try them on their in-store treadmill (how they feel when running may be different from just walking around the store, especially the heel)
Then reward all their advice and time by buying a pair from that running store.
Many running stores will allow you to return / exchange them if you aren't happy
My personal preference is the Asics GT-2000 with the gel sole, they are extremely comfortable and supportive. But everyone likes something different, for different reasons
Most shoes have a new version released every year with slight refined and new colours etc, and last year's model may be at a discount
You absolutely don't need fancy carbon-plate race shoes that cost £300 and don't last very long
My preferred shoe is the Asics GT-2000
The 2025/26 model costs £140 at sports direct
The 2023/24 model was £72 at the outlet
Yes newer models have improvements. But I was upgrading from the 2021/22 model so my new shoe was still an improvement over my old shoe, even if it wasn't as fancy as the very latest one at twice the price.
Don’t buy shoes online without trying them on. They have to fit your feet properly, and be comfy. And that’s not something you can do over the internet.
And even within the same brand, different models of shoe can feel very different on the foot (especially things like toe box width). So it’s imperative that you actually try them on.
Do you have a Decathlon near you?
Even Sports Direct has a large selection of running shoes (look for the dedicated running area of the store)
You can get a pair of Asics for £50.
Look for last year’s model which are sold at a lower price than this year’s model.
I can also buy online because I always buy the same model of shoe (Asics GT-2000)
I went to a store and tried on some other Asics shoes and was surprised how different the fit was. Some were very narrow and didn't fit my feet at all.
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Marathon workhorse, but loud and clunky at slow paces.
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