ASICS Gt-1000 11 GTX Running Shoe

 A model combining lots of midsole cushioning, great durability and perfectly lightweight feeling. That was my first impression of the ASICS GT-1000 11. Plus, as a bonus, I had the version with the Gore-Tex layer. Well, not that I would have that many models with Gore-Tex before, so I thought that having a one for change, might be nice to try. First to be said, I took the model on an island and to the mountains. I tested the ASICS GT-1000 11 for one week in extremely hot conditions, around 85 to 93 °F. Let’s take a look at how it went and whether you shall buy this mode or rather go for something else.

How were the outsoles?

No matter whether you take these shoes for a medium-difficult hike or for a run. It goes very well for everything. I took the ASICS GT-1000 11 GTX for a one day hike, in the first days of testing them, on unpaved roads in the mountains. It was not rainy but perfectly dry, sunny, very hot and a terrain full of rocks and stones. Tougher conditions, I would say. But thanks to the Rearfoot GEL that is inserted in the heels, every strike feels very soft and tender. 

The Rearfoot GEL reduces the hits especially when you run on the uneven surface. I tried it and it was good. Also, I must add that the outsoles are very thick and durable. I haven’t felt any debris or stones below my feet during this hike or later on, when I tried it for running on the seacoast.

Gore-Tex membrane

Unfortunately, I haven’t tried these shoes in rainy conditions yet. The island and the mountains where I tested the ASICS GT-1000 11 GTX is too dry. But Gore-Tex is not just about keeping you dry from rain, but also from sweat. And I must say that I felt the shoes to be perfectly breathable all the time. I went for a few runs in them at a seaside, the same as in the middle of the land. And overall, it was comfortable the whole day. Of course I sweated a bit, but that was because of my basic socks. And not the sporty ones that I use normally. 

Awesomely lightweight model

What surprised me though was the fact that even for the Gore-Tex, ASICS GT-1000 11 GTX is perfectly light. My other model of ASICS, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 21, is quite similar. But that one is quite heavier. This model in the woman’s size 8 (US) is exactly 9.52 oz while ASICS Gel-Cumulus 21 reaches over 10.2 OZ. True, it is not as light as my other model of Nike Pegasus 37. But light enough. Even when I tested it for a 15km run, I barely realised I had these shoes on my feet. That light it was. 

What about the midsoles?

I would say that the Flytefoam midsoles are a rather firm type of midsoles. As they are hard, they are perfect for holding your feet in the appropriate position over the run. They added some special LITETRUSS technology into it. So that it greatly supports those runners that tend to overpronate too much when running. Because I have this issue with my flat feet, I truly appreciated them. I only felt a bit of my muscles at my feet for some time. But shortly after that, I got used to their shape and how they support you.So that happened only during the first days. And thank God, I had no pain in my arches. Those I often feel when having bad running shoes. But that was not the case with the ASICS GT-1000 11 GTX. As for that point, I felt very good. 

Weak points?

I normally get running shoes in the size of 7.5 (US). I got these in the size 8 (US) and they felt good for the first wear. Unfortunately, I realised after the first few hours that I made a mistake and I should have taken 8.5 instead. They run narrower and shorter than usual. For example I also have the Adidas Solar Glide ST. Those are much more comfortable. And actually, also providing more stability for overpronators, responsiveness and thus, softening strikes and hits into your knees. As for sizing, ASICS Gt-1000 11 GTX are simply half, maybe one size smaller than usual. If I had the size 8.5 (US), there would be no such problem. 

Unfortunately, with this also comes the blister that I got after the first 20 km of usage. It appeared on the right ankle, from the inner side, surprisingly not the heels. But luckily, not a big one. It disappeared in a day or two. Last being said, the tongue of the shoes. It is in my opinion way too small. You cannot easily grab it and pull it in order to settle it correctly. It is a small thing though. The discomfort of the model because of its size was worse. The last point, I didn’t like the colours of this tested model. But that is a personal opinion and you can get it in many other more couloured variations.

How it went overall

I liked the ASICS GT-1000 11 in the end. Even though they run smaller than they should, I loved them for their Flytefoam midsoles, their responsiveness and great stability for overpronators. Thanks to Gore-Tex they are perfectly breathable and not even too heavy. They reach just around 9.52 oz. Even though I didn’t like the ASICS GT-1000 11 for its sizing and therefore the blister that it caused me, I think they are a good quality model of running shoes. If I had a chance I would purchase them for middle to long runs and for wearing them outside for medium difficulty hikes. The lacing is solid and doesn