Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 Review
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Asics broad shoe platform includes a fit for every stride. The Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 is a great choice for those looking for mild pronation correction without gaining bulk and weight. A great choice for gym rats and runners alike, the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 fits just about any activity you can throw at it – from crossfit workouts to dynamic interval training.
Initial thoughts on the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19
The Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 – bold, loud colors, and excellent build construction.
Out of the box, the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 was mildly surprising. The construction of the shoe was as expected; from the mesh upper to the outsole, Asics stuck with the tried and true formula I’ve come to expect in multiple shoes across their platform (check out the Asics Gel Fujitrainer 2 Review for comparison). What surprised me was the light feel and flexibility of the shoe. Even with mild pronation correction added, the shoe does not have the heft of a bulky control shoe. The colors are bright (we tested an electric blue/yellow combo – the only color choice currently available), but not unattractively so in today’s running shoe market. The traditional lacing pattern and tongue combo are reinforced well, and the heel cup feels supportive. When checking the specs, my thoughts were confirmed by Asics – 9.8oz weight, and a heel to toe drop of 10mm. Both of these are agressive for a pronation correction shoe, and my testing phase revealed that Asics was rewarded for their efforts on the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19.
The Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19, shown with the womens version – reviewed in line with the mens.
Testing the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19
As mentioned above, I was able to put the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 through it’s paces in a variety of workouts. When I buy and everyday trainer, I want to know that it works for whatever workout I choose when I get to the gym; I like to keep a pair of trainers in my gym bag at all times. Over the testing phase of three weeks, I was able to put the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 through multiple types of running workouts including interval/sprint training, pacing, long distance (relatively, I’m in my off marathon season right now, so my long runs cap at 9 miles). I also used them for heavy lifting, a couple of indoor sport activities, and even a couple of crossfit sessions. As I said, I made them my go to gym shoe day in and day out.
Check out the Dynamic DuoMax Support system, in place on the insole of the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19.
First and foremost, Asics is a running company – this shows in the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19. As I mentioned up above, however, the shoe does not feel like your typical pronation correction device. I really liked the tech which makes up the upper/midsole of the shoe. The Dynamic DuoMax Support System on the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 is how Asics was able to cut weight but remain supportive – I liked it very much as it was as effective as it was unobtrusive. It works very well with the Heel Clutching System (the “exoskeletal” line of plastic on your heel which keeps it locked in place) and the Propulsion Trusstic material in the footbed. These three technologies combined to make a very comfortable but locked down feel, even when dynamic, quick direction changes are needed. This is why I felt comfortable taking them from workout to workout. Some running shoe offerings feel great in slow, long distance but then feel completely untrustworthy in high speed workouts – no the case with the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19.
Per our testers, the womens version of the Gel-DS Trainer 19 was equally well balanced during high speed workouts.
Final Thoughts on the Men’s Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19
In conclusion, the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 is a great choice for those looking for a dependable, do anything trainer. The technologies used in the footbed and upper make for a solid, locked down feel without sacrificing comfort; the pronation correction is subtle and effective without adding weight or fluff. Combined with new neon accented look and offered at just $120, the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19 fits well in the pantheon of training shoes. For more info on the Gel-DS Trainer and other Asics footwear, visit www.asics.com or www.amazon.com/asics.
Thoughts on the Women’s Asics Gel-DS Trainer 19
The women’s version of Asics GEL-DS Trainer® 19 offers the perfect support for runners who traditionally run in a neutral shoe to a runner who either has mild underpornation to moderate overpronation. Constructed with the Dynamic DuoMax® Support System, as well as Asics patented Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®), this shoe offers flexibility, responsiveness, cushion and support. Weighing in at 8.2 oz, these sleek lightweight, colorful shoes are both comfortable and breathable. The mesh upper portion of the shoe is constructed with few overlays, which allows for increased comfort, but with seemless reinforcement to provide support.
At first glance the Asics GEL-DS Trainer® 19 offera more modest appearance, than other shoes in Asics 2014 Spring collection. However, after running in these shoes, I found them to be versatile than what I had judged them to be by their first appearance. These shoes worked well on interval training runs as well as mid and long distance runs. Especially fond of the springy toe-box, these shoes allowed for movement, which is necessity for a person that blisters easily. As a neutral runner, I prefer running in shoes that offer less cushion and basic arch support. The GEL-DS Trainer® 19 provided the perfect balance of cushion, arch support and breathability with a low platform.
After testing these shoes on both indoors on the track and treadmill and outdoors on pavement, I found these shoes to be both comfortable and durable and versatile for a variety of training needs. The GEL-DS Trainer® 19 is a solid and dependable do-it-all shoe.
