GT-4000

November 2018

The GT-4000 shoe is an important contributor to the ASICS stable category. It represents the excessive over pronation and medical sector of the active running and walking community. As we age, our feet often change in their advanced years. Forefoot width can increase, muscle mass may reduce, we can lose proprioceptive confidence, develop midfoot arthritis, flat foot deformity, clawing and retracting toes. Yet as we age, it is important to remain active and finding a shoe to suit can be difficult.

The GT-4000 is designed to robustly counteract the medially deviated subtalar joint axis – the foot that pronates from contact and may or may not eventually resupinate at propulsion. It is one that often is broad in the midfoot, abducts at propulsion and doesn’t bound forward at take-off.

How does GT-4000 cater for this sector of our active population?

The GT-4000 has a 10 mm heel pitch, one that is similar to a standard dress shoe. This won’t confuse the wearer who changes from their traditional shoe to sneaker. The underfoot sensation is immediately comfortable, with soft sockliner, SpEVA underfoot lasting, and double midsole design. The top midsole layer is SpEVA, a durable yet soft feeling polymer. This is notable under the lateral and upper forefoot. Further back, Flyte Foam Lyte is moulded under the heel. It also spreads forward only on the MEDIAL side with Duomax firmer density. This extends from talonavicular joint to base of 1st ray and acts as a medial prop to re-direct medial pronation load forward.

The underfoot outsole complements this pronation resistance ethos by presenting a unique design. There is greater surface coverage of the AHAR outsole composite to give better ground grip, sensory feedback and resistance to breakdown. The thermoplastic Trusstic extends further forward than all other Trusstic designs. There is similar construction sagittally on the medial side of the arch midsole, giving a 3 dimensional – almost orthotic type support. The Guidance Line is definite and strongly encourages gait to stay central along the STJ axis.

The shoe’s upper is modern looking, even though it has a medical or reinforced slant to its construction. The open weave modern technology is evident and gives the wearer significant comfort benefits, especially in summer months. The toe box and vamp are deeper and broader in design. This will benefit those with toe deformity or bunion joint change. Of note is the overlay reinforcement from the medial arch to dorsal foot. These brace-like pieces are incorporated into the lacing region and when the laces are pulled tight, the medial portion of the foot will be well supported giving both kinetic and kinematic benefit to foot function.

Surprisingly light and aesthetically appealing, the GT-4000 is a thoughtfully designed shoe that is a welcome addition for the Podiatry, Physiotherapy or Orthopaedic referrer. It is beneficial not only for the maximally pronated runner, but for those with possible flat foot deformity, foot fusion or toe retraction, allowing running and walking to be inclusive and comfortable for all foot types.