The most important clinical decision with New Balance 860 Vs Asics Gt 2000 isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Flat feet · Overpronation
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Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Shoes (2026)
Tested, recommended, and prescribed to my patients. Each pick includes pros, cons, and the specific use case I prescribe it for.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.
Need a personalized recommendation? Schedule a fitting at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Related Conditions
In This Article
- Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks
- Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Shoes (2026)
- New Balance 860 vs ASICS GT-2000: Podiatrist Guide — Mid-Tier Stability Showdown
- New Balance 860v14 vs ASICS GT-2000 13: Specs
- Medial Post vs 3D Space Construction
- Who Should Choose the NB 860v14?
- Who Should Choose the ASICS GT-2000 13?
- Plantar Fasciitis: 860 or GT-2000?
- Podiatrist Verdict Table
- FAQs
- Related Articles
- Footwear Advice from Michigan Podiatrists: When Shoe Choice Isn’t Enough
New Balance 860 vs ASICS GT-2000: Podiatrist Guide — Mid-Tier Stability Showdown
The New Balance 860v14 and the ASICS GT-2000 13 are both mid-tier stability trainers targeting mild-to-moderate overpronators, and they’re closely matched in price (~$120-140) and intended use. As a podiatrist, I prescribe both, but the differences in support mechanism and drop make one clearly better for certain conditions.
New Balance 860v14 vs ASICS GT-2000 13: Specs
| Feature | 860v14 | GT-2000 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Stack Height | 31mm heel / 19mm forefoot | 33mm heel / 23mm forefoot |
| Drop | 10mm | 10mm |
| Weight (M9) | 10.7 oz | 9.5 oz |
| Stability System | Traditional medial post | 3D Space Construction + medial post |
| Midsole | Fresh Foam + medial post | FF BLAST + 3D Structure |
| Cushion Feel | Moderate, plush | Moderate, slightly firmer |
| Price | ~$140 | ~$120-130 |
Medial Post vs 3D Space Construction
The 860v14 uses a traditional medial post — a denser foam wedge on the inner side that physically blocks inward collapse. This is a proven, straightforward stability mechanism that’s been used in running shoes for decades.
The GT-2000’s 3D Space Construction adds a structural support element within the midsole architecture itself — not just a foam wedge, but geometric structure that creates torsional rigidity and guides midfoot mechanics. It’s a more sophisticated approach that some runners find more natural-feeling.
For most clinical purposes, both correct mild-moderate overpronation effectively. The 3D Space Construction tends to feel less “posted” and more integrated.
Who Should Choose the NB 860v14?
- Moderate overpronators who want a clear, traditional post correction
- Runners who prefer New Balance brand feel and fit
- Those needing very wide widths (860 offers 4E; GT-2000 less so)
- Runners who’ve used NB stability shoes and want to continue the line
- Daily training with moderate mileage
Who Should Choose the ASICS GT-2000 13?
- Mild-moderate overpronators who want a lighter stability shoe (saves 1.2 oz)
- Budget-conscious runners (GT-2000 is often $10-20 less than 860)
- Runners who prefer ASICS brand feel and fit
- Those who want stability with slightly more forefoot stack (23mm vs 19mm)
- Daily training runners who want a more integrated support feel
Plantar Fasciitis: 860 or GT-2000?
Both are equal in drop (10mm), so neither has a clinical advantage for PF based on heel elevation. The choice then comes down to fit preference and how well each shoe controls your specific pronation pattern. Both are appropriate first-line stability options for overpronation-related plantar fasciitis.
Podiatrist Verdict Table
| Condition / Preference | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Moderate overpronation | Either — try both |
| Very wide feet (4E) | 860v14 |
| Budget stability option | GT-2000 13 |
| Lighter shoe preference | GT-2000 13 |
| More forefoot cushion | GT-2000 13 (23mm vs 19mm) |
| NB brand loyalty | 860v14 |
| ASICS brand loyalty | GT-2000 13 |
| Traditional post feel | 860v14 |
FAQs
Is one more durable than the other?
Both last approximately 400 miles. The 860’s traditional foam construction is slightly more predictable in how it wears; the GT-2000’s 3D structure maintains its geometry longer.
Which runs true to size?
Both run true to size for most runners. ASICS tends to run slightly narrow in standard width; NB tends to have a more generous standard fit.
Can I use orthotics with both?
Yes — both have removable insoles. If using maximum-correction custom orthotics, discuss with your podiatrist whether pairing them with a stability shoe is appropriate (risk of over-correction).
860 or GT-2000 — Which Stability Shoe Fits Your Foot?
Both are excellent stability shoes — but brand fit, width, and your specific pronation pattern make one better for your feet. Our Clarkston podiatrists measure your gait and match you to the right shoe in a single visit.
Book a Gait & Shoe Assessment →
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Clarkston, MI
Related Articles
- New Balance vs ASICS: Full Brand Comparison
- New Balance 860 vs 990: Two NB Stability Options
- ASICS Kayano vs GT-2000: Premium vs Everyday Stability
Written by the podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Clarkston, MI. Updated March 2025.
Footwear Advice from Michigan Podiatrists: When Shoe Choice Isn’t Enough
Michigan patients who are researching footwear — whether running shoes, walking shoes, work footwear, or recovery slides — are making a smart investment in their foot health. The right shoes for your foot type and activity can meaningfully reduce your risk of plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, bunion progression, and overuse injuries. The challenge is that the “right shoe” is individual — a shoe that works well for a neutral-gait runner may be inappropriate for a significant overpronator, and a shoe that provides adequate support for flat feet may be unnecessarily stiff for a high-arch foot. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients who want personalized footwear guidance from a podiatrist — including recommendations tailored to their specific foot structure, gait mechanics, and activity demands — can schedule a shoe consultation as part of a biomechanical evaluation. We also recommend specific insoles or custom orthotics when shoe selection alone is insufficient to address the patient’s structural needs. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township Michigan office.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for footwear
Advantages
- ✓ Right shoe = pain reduction
- ✓ Multiple price points
- ✓ Fast adjustment
Considerations
- ✗ Trial-and-error
- ✗ Replace every 400 miles
- ✗ Custom orthotics often needed
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for footwear
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Brooks Ghost 17 Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Neutral runner
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Stability for flat feet
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Altra Torin 8 Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Zero-drop wide toe box
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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What is the difference between New Balance 860 and ASICS GT-2000?
New Balance 860 is a stability daily trainer using Fresh Foam X midsole with a medial post for overpronation control — available in wide widths (2E, 4E). ASICS GT-2000 uses FlyteFoam with Dynamic DuoMax for stability with a lighter, more traditional construction. 860 is softer and available wider; GT-2000 is firmer and lighter.
Which is better for wide feet with overpronation — New Balance 860 or ASICS GT-2000?
New Balance 860 wins for wide feet due to its 2E and 4E width options. This makes it significantly better for patients with wide feet, bunions, or hammertoes who also need overpronation control. Balance Foot & Ankle frequently recommends 860 wide editions for this combination.
Are New Balance 860 or ASICS GT-2000 better for plantar fasciitis?
Both provide good plantar fasciitis support through stability and cushioning. New Balance 860's softer Fresh Foam may feel more comfortable during acute flare-ups. ASICS GT-2000's lighter construction is preferred by some runners. Combined with custom orthotics from Balance Foot & Ankle, both perform well.
Can I use custom orthotics in New Balance 860?
Yes. New Balance 860 has generous volume, especially in wide versions, making it excellent for custom orthotic use. The removable factory insole easily accommodates prescription orthotics from Balance Foot & Ankle.
What do podiatrists recommend for overpronation — ASICS or New Balance?
Both brands are well-regarded. New Balance has an edge for wide-fit needs; ASICS for lighter, more traditional stability. The right choice depends on your specific foot shape and biomechanics. Balance Foot & Ankle provides personalized recommendations at (810) 206-1402.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.