mixed reaction. The DS Trainer still has that firm ride, and it’s still one of the most stable shoes in this category. But – on balance – this may not be one of the best updates of the DS Trainer.Try it on if you liked Asics Gel DS Trainer VII (£80

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.ASICS GEL DS TRAINER VII £79.99A new name and a new upper for this classic racer/trainer (see last year's review below). The midsole

’s still one of the most stable shoes in this category. But – on balance – this may not be one of the best updates of the DS Trainer.Try it on if you liked Asics Gel DS Trainer VII (£80); Mizuno Wave Precision (£60); New Balance 770 (£55)

AsicsGel Kinsei (stability) £130 DS Trainer XI (performance) £85 BrooksAxiom 2 (stability) £75 Addiction 7 (motion-control) £70 Burn 3 (performance) £65 BEST UPDATE DiadoraMythos Samurai (performance) £70 EtonicJepara SC (stability) £80 Mizuno

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 277gEvaluation Asics’s lightweight trainers are nearly always gems of stripped-down performance, and this replacement to the Gel Lyte DS fits the bill. It’s not cushioned enough for long distances on hard surfaces, but for responsiveness

is a fleet-footed pleasure. It’s light, smooth, and well-cushioned, with an appeal that’s as wide as – but slightly different from – that of the Asics Gel DS Trainer.Try it if you liked Saucony GRID Swerve (£75); Asics Gel DS Trainer (£80); Fila Flow

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

, Asics Gel DS Trainer XI Gareth Edwards 6, Adidas Adistar Cushion * If you're a winner we'll be in touch soon

the last Skylon, and offers a more cushioned alternative to more responsive, stripped-down sub-300g competitors such as the Asics Gel DS Trainer or Brooks Burn. Nike has also added a larger, plastic midfoot shank - but it still isn't a shoe for runners