Newly arrived in the store is the third iteration of the 3000-series shoe, and the first we have carried in the series: the 3020. This technically superb product owes its heritage to the Empire, a shoe built on the same brialliant concept but doomed to fail because it didn’t have the same fit characteristics as close relatives in the line, the 2000 series and the Kayano. I ran Comrades in 2008 in a pair of 3000s, cementing my belief that this is one of the best shoes made.
Women's Asics Gel 3020
It has the fit and cushioning of the Kayano, but is more stable owing to the length of the medial post and an extension of midsole material past the first metatarsal joint to delay a property of gait called windlass mechanism, greatly assisting runners who are late-stage over-pronators. This is the only shoe I know of made to help runners who have that property of gait.
The shoe held up over the 56-mile course from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in the African heat. I started the race with 500 miles on them. If you like the 2150 or Kayano, I suggest trying the 3020. This is a Gold Account shoe you will only be able to purchase at specialty stores like Sound Runner.
Hi Bob, Interesting write-up on the 3020. Having run in both the 2140 and recent Kayano, I was intrigued. Though I love the cushioning of the 3020, the bone in the middle front of both feet is hurting me now. Does this mean I’m not a late-stage pronator. I went back to my 2140 and didn’t feel that same pressure under that part of the foot.
Again, I will have Bob respond as he wrote the article, but this is a GREAT question, one we get a lot at the store…not about these shoes in particular, but whenever someone changes their shoe and goes back to their old shoe!
The 3020 has an extension of stiffer midsole material under the ball of the foot, the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. The purpose is to delay a property of gait called windlass mechanism, which makes the arch rigid like a tightly- strung bow during propulsion. The Kayano and 2000-series do not have this extension. My guess is that’s what you are feeling. The feature really helps correct for late-stage over-pronation.
Well I guess that explains the pain I’m experiencing. Thanks for the explanation of the “windlass mechanism.” I’m headed back to the 2150. Much appreciated.