Okay, have done 12 miles in them today, so here's the news. Pete Bland Sports delivered them within 48 hours of ordering for a fantastic 67 quid. Out of the packaging at home, holding them next to the old DST VIIs. Hmmm, footprint is almost identical which is a good start, though a slightly slimmer toe box (initial alarm dispelled when my (quite wide, with padded Thorlo socks on) feet felt snug but not crowded in the shoes on the run).
Clearly there's more complete stability in the mid-foot region (found not to be constricting for a neutral runner when taken for the practical test) and the bouncy blown rubber has given way to a more complete, ultra-responsive, SpEVA forefoot padding. How can Asics have made all these improvements and kept the weight down so that it's still a "Lyte" shoe in their eyes.
Hang on a sec...out come the kitchen scales. DST VIIs go on to check scales are functioning properly. Men's size 9.5 - 300g, as it should be. New VIIIs - 335g. Mild diappointment sets in - that's just not on I think to myself - now I won't really want to double the trainer up as a racer.
Or will I? Running in these shoes was a very different experience to the VIIs. I love the feel of the VIIs - that "you want to go fast" feeling when you run in them. These are different - they order you to run and by god is it fun - these are certainly quite a ride.
The lace-up system is comfortable and the shoe, when on, is definitely snugger than the VIIs. The heel is still as low as the VII's heel (just firmer). The stability is definitely there, but there's no restricting feeling that I was getting from 2070s when I wore them - I put this down to the position of the mid-foot support, not the amount of it. The toe-off is very clean - no messing around, you are propelled onwards and onwards. The cushioning is excellent - ridiculously responsive on first outing - effectively feels like a Mizuno Wave Creation's (which I'm also running in at the moment but am wondering why I bought them now...and actually, the toe box is very similar) sleeker, more evil brother - seriously, these could be the only trainer I want to run in ever again.
The design (which you may have seen in adverts) has gone from Asics most outrageous, ostentatious shoe, to their most understated. The shoe used to have to shout at people to make them buy it - no longer will that be necessary.
If you used the VIIs for racing because of their weight then you'll need to get flats if weight matters. However, if you used this as a performance trainer, then, regardless of the extra weight sticking it back up to the heavier side of the class, this you must go to a good running shop and try out.
I'd completely recommend a try-out for any of the following:
- DST VII lovers
- lovers of 2060 who just didn't suit 2070s and were wildly disappointed with Asics for "ruining their shoe"
- anyone wearing Mizuno Wave Creation or Rider.
Posted: 26/01/2003 at 12:55
