Battle: Kayano vs GT 2000. Who wins?

The match is even, or is it. Asics Kayano is a fantastic running shoe, and perhaps Denmark’s most famous running shoe (Read here about the most popular running shoe in 2016). But did you know that out in the big world, Kayano is not as popular as another of Asics’ models. Can you guess which one?
We will try to focus on whether Kayano is always the RIGHT and SAFE choice. The answer may surprise you a lot.

* The article is based on Asics Kayano 22 and Asics GT 2000 V4

The serious challenger

Many people know this running shoe, but don’t see it that way. The Asics GT 2000 is in most cases perceived as the little brother of the Asics Kayano. That may also be true when you look at the price. But we are tempted to call it a half-brother instead. We tell you why the Asics GT2000 is the serious challenger to the Kayano

Denmark’s most popular running shoes are getting a fight to the finish line

Asics Gel Kayano, it’s a name that rings a bell, and rings a bell in the ears of the vast majority of Danes. Every runner has at some point been confronted with a Kayano from Asics, I’d almost bet on that. And if not everyone, then at least it’s an average of 9/10.
But that’s not so strange. Because from a technical point of view, you get a running shoe that is absolutely world-class. It contains so many great details, and is packed with the coolest and newest technology from Asics. We just ask ourselves, and you. Is it always the best choice to go for the top model? In this case, I would say no. There are plenty of arguments why you should look at the Asics GT 2000 instead of the Asics Gel Kayano.

Little brother or half-brother?

When talking about the Asics GT2000, many people talk about it being a little brother or sister to the Asics Kayano. I would say that you are a little wrong there. I think it might be more accurate to call it a “half-brother”. And I do that for the simple reason that of course the 2 running shoes, from the outside, cover the same target group of runners. But I often think that when you call something a “little brother” or “little sister” it is because it is a step down the ladder. And we don’t think that is the case. Not always anyway.
It is clear and proven that if you measure concretely based on elements, features and materials, then the Kayano is better than the GT2000. But if you look a little deeper, and look away from the concrete and hardcore technical facts, we believe that the GT2000 will in many cases be a better choice of running shoe, and thereby also a better running shoe for you (where that fact fits). It is clear that if you fulfill the criteria for the Asics Kayano, you just skim the cream and let yourself indulge in all the best and most revolutionary features in the Kayano. Now it sounds a lot like the GT2000 has significantly worse materials and elements than the Asics Kayano, that is by no means the case. The GT2000 is packed with delicious materials and features. You just get +1 on all elements in the Asics Kayano. Hope that makes sense, but it is just ultra important that you do not associate the GT2000 from Asics with worse materials. Because it is on par with some of the best running shoes from other brands, such as Nike Structure, New Balance 890 and many others.

You can see further down in the article, where we have put the two shoes up against each other in some very ordinary things like running style, weight, drop and price. And here you will never guess who wins the battle.

Take advantage of the benefits of Asics GT2000

Just like the Kayano, there are also lots of advantages in the Asics GT2000, as it is a top running shoe.
One of the big advantages is the weight. And that can actually be interpreted in 2 ways. Not only does the GT2000 weigh just a little less than the Asics Kayano (we’ll get to that in the second section), but the shoe is also better suited to runners with a lower weight. This means that you don’t have to weigh +85kg to get the most out of the shoe. The construction and cushioning are adapted to runners who weigh somewhat less.
Many people prefer Kayano because it has more cushioning than the GT2000, but many forget to think about whether they are getting the optimal cushioning if they do not “weigh enough”. The GT2000 is a faster shoe, with a faster response as it has less cushioning, and thus less weight. But it has PLENTY of cushioning to pamper any runner under 85 kg.

The GT2000 slows down your pronation, but the pronation wedge mounted on the inside of the sole is smaller than in the Asics Kayano. And that’s also why the GT2000 is lighter.

Kayano from Asics is for the heavy pronation runner?

When I was in a sports/running store, we were told that the Asics Kayano was for runners who pronate a little more. And that is true to some extent. This running shoe can easily cover moderate overpronation, but whether you actually need to be heavy (and how do you define that) I will leave that unsaid. The undersigned weighs 83kg, and would not consider myself too heavy, and I think I can easily utilize the features in the Asics Gel Kayano. It may well be that I would get more optimal use of the shoe if I weighed a little more?
But back to “once upon a time” Back then, there was a bit more focus on which running shoe suited which runner. Whether that was right or wrong is not something I’m going to decide here. But in recent years, you’ve run into the discussion many times about running shoes that correct pronation or natural running shoes. There are both pros and cons, and I think it has a lot to do with your own running religion. But it just became more and more the case that the more Kayano was marketed and hyped, the easier it became to sell it. So every time there was a runner who had just a hint of pronation, you could always sell him/her a pair of Kayano running shoes. That’s what I think is the basis for why today we see many people swearing by choosing Kayano again and again. Because they have been satisfied with the shoe, and have always run in it. That’s why it can be difficult to change “horses” and jump into something that on the outside seems worse. And that’s what Asics GT2000 is fighting against today. Because there are many who would experience better running by replacing their Kayano with a pair of Asics GT2000. But many don’t dare to take the plunge. You know what you have, you never know what you’ll get? But I can help you a little on your way, you get a pretty fantastic running shoe in the GT2000.

DID YOU KNOW THAT:

Cool facts about these 2 running shoes

The starting point is:
– Suggested price from supplier
– The weight of the shoe is from a size 42 (men’s)

GT2000 must be said to be the winner in this game – clearly…or?
We know that the above rating is very biased, and of course it should not be completely evaluated that way if you do it in depth. But still, from our point of view, it is very remarkable that the GT2000 has more winning points than the Gel Kayano?
If you take the points and compare them, you quickly discover that it is a running shoe that covers exactly the same target group of runners. Both are specifically designed to take care of the moderately pronating runner (the runner who turns inward).

And take it from someone who has tried both running shoes, they do the job equally well. If you look soberly at the fact that it is supposed to slow down and help pronation, then both shoes do the job equally well. As mentioned earlier in the article, you can easily argue that the Asics Kayano just uses slightly better materials and features. But if you look at the task that these running shoes are supposed to solve, then my claim is that they both solve it 2 to UG.
If the shoe does the job, then you can then start looking at other advantages and disadvantages that one running shoe could have over the other. And here there are 2 important parameters that I don’t think you can avoid:

Weight:
The weight of a running shoe has a lot to say. You lift your feet quite a few times on a run (or walk) anyway. And in this case, the Asics GT2000 is about 41 grams lighter than the Asics Gel Kayano. And I think that’s actually an okay improvement, which I would definitely be happy with on my run. If you lift 41½ grams less every time you take a step, the road to heavy and tired legs is longer. So the fact that the shoe is lighter alone makes me think you should consider giving the GT2000 a try?

Price:
Yes, some people care about it, others hate it. Personally, price is not something I care about. I’m happy to pay whatever my running shoes cost, as long as I know they do the job and I get what I expect.
It is a reality that the Asics GT2000 in the recommended sale is 300,- cheaper than the Kayano. This is because it does not have the top of the pop in all materials and features (previously described). Therefore, the shoe can be sold cheaper. And if we take into account that an Asics Kayano usually costs around 1000-1100,- in Denmark. (minus 30% approximately) Then we can with the same savings on the Asics GT2000 reach below the magical limit of 1000,- 1200,- minus 30% gives 840,- And at that price I would call the Asics GT2000 a scoop. That is far below what I would estimate this running shoe could carry in price.

We have of course reviewed the 2 shoes

Since the shoes are among the best-selling, after all in Denmark, they have of course also been through our testing. And let’s just say it right away. Individually, they are 2 fantastic running shoes. So the above should not be seen as one running shoe being better than the other. The above should be seen more as something that you might look at differently when choosing running shoes. Maybe Kayano is the right choice for you?

Read test and review of Asics Kayano

Read test and review of Asics GT 2000

Video review of Asics GT 2000 vs Asics Kayano

Visit Asics’ own official website HERE

What can you save right now on the 2 models?

How much do the 2 models cost? Of course, we have listed that for you, so you can find the best price on either the Asics Kayano or the Asics GT2000 today.
If you don’t know, we have tested and compared a lot of different running shoes, and if one of the 2 models above isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, visit our page withreviews and tests of running shoes here. There you will certainly find lots of relevant and constructive knowledge about lots of running shoes.

Current price of Asics Gel Kayano

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	5-7 dage		899 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,005 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		1,087 DKK	Til butik
	4-7 dage		1,087 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,099 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,193 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,199 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		1,274 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		1,297 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,439 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,464 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,500 DKK	Til butik

Current price of Asics GT2000

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		628 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		825 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		864 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		899 DKK	Til butik
	4-7 dage		912 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		925 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		935 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		966 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		1,024 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		1,049 DKK	Til butik

What are your experiences with Asics GT2000 vs Asics Kayano?

As always, you are more than welcome to give your opinion. If you have good or bad experiences with the 2 running shoes, please share them. The above is only our assessment, and of course there is always open for debate.
So please use the comments box below to share your experiences and opinions with us.