Weight 255gEvaluation Sometimes in and sometimes out of the Asics UK range, the DS Racer is now in its fifth incarnation. Asics has made room for it by dropping the 200g Gel Magic Racer, which leaves only the DS Racer and the 225g Gel Tiger Paw

ASICSEuropa Boulevard, Westbrook, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 5YS; 01925 241041; www.asics.co.uk2005 MODELSCUSHIONEDGel Nimbus Gel Cumulus STABILITYKayano Gel GT-2100 Gel 1100 PERFORMANCEGel DS Trainer X Gel Landreth RACINGGel DS Racer Gel Kanji OFF

Weight 306gEvaluation Every year, Asics updates its lightweight gem of a racer/trainer, but usually the changes are barely noticeable. But this eighth version of the DS-Trainer has had a complete overhaul. The most important change

lightweight gem of a racer/trainer, but usually the changes are barely noticeable. But this eighth version of the DS-Trainer has had a complete overhaul. The most important change is to the rearfoot, where Asics has added a lighter version of its Impact

open mesh but keeps its great fit.ASICS GEL DS TRAINER £79.99Weight 295gSizes (m) 6-13, 14 (w) 5-11Pros Lighter; more stable base of supportCons NoneEvaluation Over the last few years the DS Trainer kept its fast, flexible feel but became heavier

GT-2100 (stability) £80 Asics Gel 1100 (stability) £65 Asics Gel DS Trainer X (performance) £80 Asics Gel Landreth (performance) £75 Asics Gel DS Racer (racing) £75 Asics Gel Kanji (racing) £55 Asics Gel Eagle Trail Gore-Tex (off-road) £90 Brooks

, Asics GT-2120 VeganRun, Asics GT-2120 Abi Griffey, Nike Air Max 360 Mike Lynch, Nike Air Zoom Vomero The_Hirsty, Asics Gel Foundation VI starofvenus , Nike Air Structure Triax 10 alan goodman 2, Brooks T3 Racer Timothy Hallaways, New Balance

trainer, the Asics Gel DS Trainer. The Elite also feels as stable as the DS trainer – and more so than the Span or Skylon – thanks to its second midsole density, midfoot support and great heel-to-toe-transition.It is softer than the Asics shoe, though, due

has slightly more protection in the upper than the very light, breezy mesh the 730 provided. How does it compare with other shoes that straddle the line between performance trainer and racer? The most obvious alternative is the £65 Asics Gel Verdict

and mild overpronators up to around 13 or 14 stone (depending on how far you plan to race). In terms of ride, it's predictably a little more plush and less responsive than a 270-something gram shoe like the Asics Gel Verdict, and a bit less plush and more