For all of you Asics GT-2160 wearers out there, you will be very disappointed with Asics GT-2170. My following video review shows you how the 2160′s signature structure and support has been compromised, making the 2170 a much more flexible shoe. If you are a 2160 wearer you may want to try Brooks Adrenaline 12 instead. My previous posts on the 2100 series follow the video.
Dr. Jenny,
Thanks for this review. I have a morton’s neuroma and LOVE the 2160…it has been a godsend with my orthotics to help deal with the pain. I have 2 pairs that are in constant rotation. I moved from the 2140 to the 2150 to the 2160 without missing a beat.
However, I purchased a 2170 model and it has never made it into the running rotation. Its now a walking shoe/kicking around shoe. I felt all the differences you mentioned…I will be moving to the brooks adrenaline when I need to re-up my running shoes.
Thanks again for your insight!
What a huge disappointment. I’ve been running in Asics GT 2000 and 2100 series for years. They’ve been consistent in fit, stability, and cushioning. I’ve never had foot issues even after years of marathons and Ironmans. It appears that Asics’ marketers finally won. Brooks, here I come.
Thank you for this article. I’ve never suffered from foot pain due to running. I went from 2150′s to 2160′s and ran hundreds of pain free, fast miles. With the 2170′s, I can’t make it more than 3 miles without pain that lasts for a week. My recent 1/2 marathon in them had me believing I may have to stop running. Thanks to your review, I can confirm my suspicions. My old 2160′s are coming out of retirement and the 2170′s are going in the donate pile. And when it comes time for a new pair, it won’t be Asics. Thanks Dr. Sanders.
I need your opinion . . . I have walked two half marathons and have put many km on my New Balance 760s (no injuries EVER). A month ago I decided to take up running and since I needed new shoes I went shoe shopping. Apparently they no longer make my New Balance 760s so I bought the Asics 2170s. In the last two weeks I have developed severe inner right ankle pain — sharp, hurts when I run and/or walk. I am going to see a physio on Monday. Now I think it is the Asics causing this. Any thoughts? I am really disappointed that I have not been able to run.
Help!!
I am happy i found this! I was just getting ready to buy a new pair of 2160 (would be my 3rd in a row…) i am a bit bored of them and thought whats really the difference? Now that i just read your blog…i am back to believing if it aint broke…dont fix it! I will just repurchase the same ole reliable 2160. Thank you.
I thought I was going mad until I read this review. I have run in the 2100 series for years and have had NOTHING but issues with my feet and calf muscles since I brought the 2170 about 2 months ago. I suspected I just had a dud pair. I thought I had stress fractures in my feet at one stage, as well as a calf muscle strain bad enough that I haven’t even been able to run for 3 weeks. So I am off to find a pair of 2160′s online or try the new Brooks Adrenaline 12. Interestingly after 23 years running I have only ever beeen happy with Ascics and Brooks. Now it all makes sense. Thanks. I don’t feel so bad about buying new shoes tomorrow!
Great article which confirms my frustration Asics design and manufacturing quality. I bought a pair of 2160′s in October and loved them so I decided to order 2 more pair from Holabird Sports. The new pair looked exactly like the old pair except for one important aspect, and that was the sole. Like most running shoes, the old pair had a flared sole that created a larger toe box. The outer soles on the new shoes were not flared and not as wide in the toebox so I had to pay for return shipping even though it was clearly a manufacturing flaw. Goodbye Asics, hello Brooks!
Thank you for saving my feet! I love my Asics 2160s and am disappointed to hear that the 2170 is not even close! I will try the Brooks shoe – and hope they don’t change the shoe next year.
The reasons I loved the 2160 were that I could get a wide shoe and not feel like I was swimming in them, they were comfortable, and they offered great stability. I have almost flat feet – not so flat I need the diabetic sneakers – but I need stability of some sort.
Many shoe companies have lost their mission and are producing whatever is the latest “fad.” That is very sad.
The first shoe I started running with several years ago was the Asics 2130. I can honestly say that the 2100 series shoe has been an excellent fit with my custom orthotics untill I bought the 2170. Wtih only 3 months of running on these shoes, I have never been able to keep this shoe snug to my heel. This has resulted in large holes being created on the inside wall of the heel area and blistering of my skin on my heels. I am so glad I came across your review and now I’am ready to pitch the 2170 model goodbye! Time to go find a new pairt of 2160′s so I can finish out the 2012 running year.