GT-3000 5

 

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The 3000 is a medical grade shoe. Not only is it a performance model, but it is designed specifically to counteract prolonged foot eversion moment and therefore have a preventative effect on calf and medial shin injury.

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All Asics performance shoes have been designed with an awareness of Centre of Pressure (COP), ie the continuum line from strike to toe off where the foot exerts maximum continuous load. Ideally it should run fairly centrally. In the foot that is slow (or fails) to resupinate after midstance, the COP will deviate medially. 3000 targets this foot with features that pre-empt the pronating foot and encourage it to torque in opposition.

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These features are specific to its role:

A wider base platform is original to 3000. The heel counter, calcanealcuboid region and midfoot are more expansive, allowing greater sensory contact and feedback opportunity. The platform is also more stable because of its lower overall height of 22 mm. It has the same incline angle as all other Asics performance shoes so not to interfere with sagittal joint movement.

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The External Heel Counter is stability focused and hugs the foot deep at the calcaneal base as well as higher in the Achilles tendon body. Protected by internal foam counters, the heel gives secure proprioceptive and structural support.

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The midsole choice is depicted by durability under consistent medial strain as well as comfort. The dependable SoLyte base of midsole gives strength in the medial midfoot when combined with a DuoMax extension. It resists eversion momentum in the foot.  Above this, the softer, comfort focused SpEVA midsole resides. It plays a role in providing regular comfort for the runner who prefers hard surface or runs regular and genuine distance.

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The everting foot that is protected by midsole additives, will also be abducting. It is difficult for a base material underfoot to influence transverse movement. SpEVA does this to a degree, as its sides flare to cup the foot. The shoes upper though, plays a larger role in containing abduction kinematics.  The upper is medially strengthened using vinyl overlays. Modern performance shoes have trended away from this technique and although it adds minute grams, I feel it is a vital addition in training shoes.  These overlays help the shoe retain its shape and protect against large abduction movement, particularly when running on camber or under fatigue. Eyelets are reinforced to allow the wearer to pull the laces tight and expect the shoe to maintain a stronghold in the dorsal wrap region.

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There is a Bunion Window apparent in the 3000. Often this foot presents as wider or splayed in the forefoot and 1st MPJs can be prominent. This is a common site for rubbing whereby blister or bursitis injury can develop. 3000 has an allowance at this site which accommodates such a bump and allows the runner to continue in comfort.

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Qualitatively the shoe rates very well. Feedback from wear testing suggests it is comfortable, fits accurately, has excellent grip underfoot and importantly, has standout forefoot flexibility. Normally a shoe that is protective is often stiff sagitally.  Feedback both qualitatively and scientifically reports that 3000 flexes at the MPJoints and ankle joints easily, posing minimal resistance against propulsive movement. This is positive news when considering easing workload on calf and shin muscles.

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3000 v 5 is similar to its predecessor in overall look and fit familiarity. It is entirely true to its ethos of targeting the foot that struggles to resupinate prior to propulsion and its lower, wider heel platform play a large role in supporting this. Because of its broader heel state, this shoe would be a versatile option for the retailer who needs to consider an oedematous ankle or wider foot shape.