Asics Gel DS Trainer 15

Barry
Reviewed: 22 February 2011

SLIGHTLY DISAPPOINTING UPDATE OF A PREVIOUSLY EXCELLENT SHOE

Light, comfortable and still reasonably fast. Good grip and wear.

Comparing to earlier versions (8 & 10), new lacing system doesn't seem to hold feet a firmly, ride seems firmer but shoe is no quicker.

I'm a neutral runner, weigh about 11st and use these shoes for both training and racing (up to marathon); my 'default' speed is about 7.5 - 8 min/mile.

There are two major visual changes to this shoe, one successful and the other less so. The revised sole is a success for me; the grip is outstanding and the wear rate seems good, too. The asymmetric lacing system is slightly less successful as my feet seem to move around a bit more than expected.

I've had 2 earlier versions (8 & 10) of this shoe and been delighted with both, so I bought this version untested on the strength of the earlier models. For me, this update has moved the shoe away from the ideal fit and ride of those versions, and although still comfortable, the shoe seems firmer and has a slower heel to toe transition resulting in a slightly slower feel.

In summary, I'm disappointed these shoes don't suit me as well as the earlier versions, but I still recommend a test run for anyone looking for a fast trainer/racer.

Pete Hayward
Reviewed: 14 October 2010

Good lightweight training shoe.

I'm relatively heavy at 81kg, but am biomechanically efficient with a neutral gait and forefoot strike. I have found the trainer DS to be comfortable and promote smooth fast run sessions. I do like the snug fit and taught construction and haven't had any injury niggles whilst running in these shoes. I would however, be more cautious if I were heel striking or over pronating. There is some medium density material in the midsole to control rotation, but this is of little effect if you are a forefoot striker. I have found the wear rate to be relatively high, but this might be a result of my weight. I will definately be buying another pair of DS trainers in the next few weeks

medic one
Reviewed: 13 July 2010

Excellent shoe

good Traction, good wear, good Price

None at all

will be buying the DS 15 again this year as a second DS Trainer

Peter H Davy
Reviewed: 02 July 2010

A functional update to a great shoe.

Retains the advantages that made its predecessor an excellent trainer: a great balance between weight, cushioning and support that makes it an ideal race shoe for longer distances or everyday trainer if you're not too heavy. The new version also takes a couple of millimeters off the shoe's collar, which stops it rubbing your ankle bone, which is a worthwhile improvement.

The redesigned upper is no heavier, but it has lost some of the racey feel of the DS 14, with the fit feeling more like a standard trainer. It's a little less snug somehow. The toe box is also meant to be bigger, I think, but doesn't feels the opposite in fact, although it's still comfortable. Also the new styling - with fluorescent lime green touches - is unnecessarily hideous.

I liked the last version a lot, and these aren't that different. They're still great if you're looking for a speedwork, marathon racer or everyday trainer if you're light.

The support is sufficient but not too obtrusive. I doubt most neutral runners would have a problem with it, and it's enough for what I need to give a little guidance when I get tired; the cushioning does the job even up to marathon distance; and they're still pretty light - somewhere between a race shoe and a standard trainer. They're at their best when you're running reasonably fast - 6.00 minute miles or so - but they're good all round.

The real complaint is that there's not much to recommend them over the previous model. If you didn't like the fit of the DS14 these might appeal, as they're less distinctive; likewise if you had trouble with the collar on the previous version, that's been corrected. And the new sole is also meant to have better grip in the wet.

If none of these were problems for you in the the DS14, though, you're probably better off sticking with them while you can still pick them up cheap online. Personally, in retrospect that's what I would have done, and just used Vaseline on my ankle bone.
On the other hand, if you really want a change and if reckon you could do with a little less cushioning, I'd say try the DS Racer instead.