We love running for the benefits and a pair of good running shoes like Asics GT 1000 Vs Contend will be very useful. The importance of running shoes is amazing to improve your comfort and this can affect performance too. These shoes are very comfortable yet they do not exactly feel the same under our feet so you may like one better. For those currently considering the two, let’s see below about what they can offer and which to go for.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- Why Wearing Running Shoes
- What are Asics GT 1000 and Contend
- How are the Design of Asics GT 1000 and Contend
- How are the Upper of Asics GT 1000 and Contend
- How are the Sole of Asics GT 1000 and Contend
- How are the Experience with Asics GT 1000 and Contend
- Asics GT 1000 Vs Contend
Running Shoes
When people want to get fitter they will most likely start with something convenient and easy to do such as reducing the intake of sugar, processed foods, or choosing the exercise that they can do on the daily. Both food and physical exercise are extremely important parts of a healthier lifestyle but if you want a more effective result combining the two will be perfect. For those who like cardio, we can just run routinely because this exercise is the most convenient to do.
Almost everyone can run given the space and time. You can also run on the treadmill or outdoors on the sidewalk and trail depending on which piques your interest better. When it comes to running, you don’t need much equipment but running shoes and comfortable clothes. Many people may still run using any footwear they have but more dedicated shoes will improve the experience a lot. They won’t make you a Usain Bolt or the legendary Flo-Jo, but they will help a lot during the training.
Running shoes don’t have to be expensive or stylish and while looking great is a plus, what needs to be present in your shoes is the comfort itself. This is a very subjective quality because our foot shapes and characters are different, including the running style itself. The reason why running shoes are great is because they are designed to support your body while doing the activity. Running shoes are supportive, cushioning, as well as protective. Chances are people can run faster and longer with proper shoes.
| Asics GT 1000 | Contend | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 12.72 x 7.4 x 4.8 inches | 10 x 15 x 6 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 10.8 Ounces | 27.2 Ounces |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
The reason is because we are comfortable in them and since the shoes are bridging our feet from the ground, it also reduces lots of impact that will be directly received by our body when running barefoot or using improper shoes. Running shoes take all the factors involved while you run and make sure that anything harmful is reduced by a lot. It is far more important when you have flat feet or higher arch because there are different shoes for different feet.
In addition, running shoes are also versatile, meaning you don’t only wear them for running but also to the gym or using them as lifestyle shoes, especially when they look cool too. When buying running shoes, you will need to match the size moreover if you are buying them from online stores because we can’t try them yet. Usually they are classified depending on what the shoes are meant for or what type of ride they are giving so we can shop based on what they can offer too.
About Asics GT 1000 and Contend
For those currently looking to buy running shoes, consider what you want from the shoes, whether it is a light and minimal one or those bulkier ones that are great for stability. Some people prefer softer shoes while some like the stiffer foam or springy foam to let them have more control over the speed and run faster more effectively. It is all personal preference and there is no single shoe that will satisfy every runner. Thus, it is best to choose your own favorite.
However, to save time we can check popular options too because typically there are reasons why they are loved by many and we may love them the same way too. For those with a favorite brand already, we can try checking their collection and among those many options, Asics is one of the most promising when you are into soft yet supportive shoes. This brand carries some of the most famous running shoes in their collection and we do like some of them.
For those who are shopping for running shoes that can be useful for daily trainers but without breaking the bank either, the Asics GT 1000 and Contend are two ideal options to consider. They are options on the budget range so we do think almost everyone can have a try of how good these shoes are. They are not going to be as comfy as for example the Nimbus variant but in the price point there is very little we can complain about.
In comparison the two are probably more for people who run on the daily and prefer something that is good for faster speed as well yet we don’t think any of Asics GT 1000 and Contend will be suitable for people who are running in long distance or in prolonged time. Side by side the two are very similar by giving just enough cushion and impact while similarly coming with the gel sole that should improve the ride of these shoes. Read also: Asics GT 1000 Vs Nimbus here.
Asics GT 1000 and Contend Appearance
Now let’s see the shoes first because we are sure many of us are also buying footwear based on how they look and it is great to have good shoes that also look cool. In comparison, they are not identical at all side by side with GT 1000 being the more streamlined shoes while Contend is chunkier. However, from the upper side they are almost like the same shoes with some differences in detailing or stitching of the mesh material.
Some of the variants from the shoes are implementing dual shade design so the outer and inner parts are very contrast which makes them look more attractive too. On the foot for the first experience they feel almost identical and weight wise we do think the slight difference is not noticeable while running but in comparison GT 1000 is a little bit lighter. The heel drops of these shoes are also the same at 10 mm so they should fit in most people.
Asics GT 1000 and Contend Upper
Next let’s talk about the most important part of Asics GT 1000 and Contend starting from the upper first. As you can see, they are using mesh to cover the upper part but this seems to be a different design because the detailing is also different. The GT 1000 has new mesh to improve breathability and stretch while you wear them. It is sleek and stylish while the inner part is cushioned too so there is no irritating part from friction.
The Contend or Contend 5 in our comparison today is made of mesh as well but the material is not as great as many other shoes even though it is not bad either. The material is still breathable and flexes when you move the feet. The stitches are more prominent here probably for styling and protection at the same time. The difference to GT 1000 is probably on the mid-foot since we feel like Contend is slightly tighter here compared to the other shoes.
Asics GT 1000 and Contend Sole
Next is for the sole unit and this also makes quite a difference between Asics GT 1000 and Contend. Starting from GT 1000, this shoe is featured with AHAR which is a carbon rubber and is resistant to abrasion. There is a DuraSponge on the forefoot which is made of AHAR too but it is tweaked to be more flexible. On the midsole it is featured with Flytefoam lyte that is light but firm with a slight bounciness. Additionally, there is a gel cushioning on the rear near the heel.
As for the Contend shoes, it comes with AmpliFoam in the midsole which covers most of the sole. It is a lower version of Flytefoam so it is not as soft and actually very similar to the lyte version used by GT 1000 too. Under the heel there is the same gel cushion so the shoes will be great for heel striker.
Asics GT 1000 and Contend Experience
Lastly for the experience, Asics GT 1000 and Contend are similar but also kind of different. They actually have similar construction and very similar feeling too on the ride but we do think the Contend is just slightly softer. They are similarly perfect for heel striker but somehow the cushioning of Contend is not lasting for very long. GT 1000 is a stability shoe on the other hand so it is firmer in general and it is great for those who want more speed even though the shoes also become less comfy for prolonged run.
Asics GT 1000 Vs Contend
Both Asics GT 1000 and Contend are good shoes based on which seems to fit your personal taste the most. In comparison the GT 1000 is firmer so it is probably good if you want more stability and run at a faster pace while Contend is like a budget version of Nimbus which is soft but somehow doesn’t provide the long lasting comfort either. They are not ideal for the long run as the shoes become less comfy but they are good for daily trainers.
Conclusion
The choice is all yours because the two are good options and more importantly will fit many runners too. We will recommend GT 1000 if you want a generally firmer and stable shoes for higher pace while Contend is better for a laid back runner.