So, here’s the thing. I hate shopping. Any kind of shopping. If I could order everything online and never step into another shop or changing room again – I would. Unfortunately, life’s just not that kind.
The only thing I can comfortably order online knowing they will fit once they arrive, are my Asics GT-1000 running trainers. Oh, and my Lepel bras. But that’s another blog post for another time.
Before I start, I’d just like to add that this isn’t a sponsored post. But I love everything about these trainers so much, I wanted to share a review. My first two pairs were Asics GT-1000 4, and my latest pair are GT-1000 6.
This isn’t a technical review, so if that’s what you’re after you might want to look away now.
Asics GT-1000
Obviously when you’re a runner, the most important piece of kit you need to invest in are your trainers. If you don’t get this right, you’re screwed. But once you find a make and model to suit your needs, life becomes so much easier.
I have long, narrow feet so finding shoes – any kind of shoes – has always been a nightmare for me. Even though my old running trainers were approximately 7 years old (I know!), and in desperate need of replacing, I put off shopping for a new pair for so long.
I just couldn’t face the trauma of trying on endless pairs of trainers, then pacing up and down the length of a shop, while the shop assistant looked on in bored desperation.
So, when I eventually discovered Asics it was a game changer. I was so impressed by my GT-1000’s that within a matter of weeks, I purchased a second pair. One pair for indoor running and one pair for outdoor.
Admittedly, I’ve waited a little longer than recommended, but I’ve recently just purchased a third pair, to replace my current outdoor trainers.
Here’s why I love ‘em and what keeps me coming back for more:
How they fit
Asics are a narrower fitting trainer, so they can accommodate my long narrow feet.
They feel secure. The heel feels nice and snug, but not tight. There’s a little movement, but they don’t rub.
Around the laces, it feels the same. There’s no tightness, my feet don’t feel like they’re being strangled. They feel snug and secure, without feeling pinched.
There’s also enough space in the toe box for my feet to expand as they get warmer, and to move around as I switch between running uphill and downhill. Also, there’s enough flex within the sole without them feeling flimsy.
I like the fact that my feet can breathe, and they also offer a small amount of stability to help with my overpronation.
How they feel
I know some people who say they can feel every stone underneath their feet when they run. I don’t think I could cope with that. I like the amount of cushioning in the sole, but also that they’re still lightweight.
And, even though I know they’re not the lightest of running trainers, and every ounce counts, for the last few years, my Asics GT-1000’s have done me proud.
I’ve covered hundreds of miles in my blue GT-1000’s. I’ve trained for two half marathons in them and run one. I didn’t get to run last weeks Chester half unfortunately, due to ill health. There’s a separate blog post coming on that soon.
They’re vegan
<Please let me be right on this> As far as I’m aware, they’re also vegan. I’ve been led to believe that any Asics shoe with a ‘N’ at the end of the code, is vegan.
Final thoughts
Overall, they’re really comfortable for running in and I love the way they feel. I also like that they’re not ugly (okay, apart from the mint green option) and I like the price.
I realise that my running trainers are not the place to be frugal, but if I’m honest, I don’t always have £100+ lying around to spend on running gear. So, I’m happy that I’ve found a decent pair of trainers that don’t break the bank.
By shopping around online, I can bring them in under budget.
I’ve never lost any toe nails or had any blisters and I’ve never had an uncomfortable run. The only thing I will say is, my white one’s have stretched a little more than the blue, and I now feel more comfortable wearing them with two pairs of thin socks.
What’s your favourite make of running trainers? As much as I hate shopping, I’m always open to recommendations.
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