My stock of DS trainer is running out and I do not like the newer versions. Which models from other brands, including Brooks which I have easy and cheap access to, are similar?
Thanks
I have used the DS and also moved on in the latest 2 models…
After messing around with a number of neutral shoes with little success (longer runs in particular) , i have found the mizuno wave inspire 10 to be a good alternative…
I thought it would be too big and heavy, but the ride is responsive and the stability is not intrusive… fair play its a great fast feeling stability shoe…
Best of luck, changing shoes sucks…
I ran in over 15 pairs of the 16s and 17s and I absolutely hate the 18s and 19s.
The shoes I’ve found most comparable to the DST 16/17s are:
Brooks Ravenna 5 (softer, more flexible forefoot)
Saucony Guide 7
Shoes that didnt work out for me:
Brooks Pure Cadence
Asics GT 2000
Adidas Sequence 6
Pearl Izumi M3
Mizuno Wave Inspire 10
Hi Nick,
I curently run in; Asics GT200 (squishy ride lng run blah blah), Saucony Guide 6 (lighter and more direct especially the forefoot), Mizuno Inspire 10 probabaly fally between the two afore mentioend.
May i ask what characteristics you found unsavoury in these… having used Ds for a long time too and similarly not liking the 2 most recent editions i am interested in your opinion.
I am running for IM currently so plenty of 1-3 hr runs… 78kg… mild pronantor for what its worth…
Thanks in advance…
I hope the feedback will help the OP too understand the differences fo these shoes… ie be relevent…
I dislike the newer models of the DS Trainers 18/19 because of the very radical changes.
For me, they made it feel like a neutral shoe. The dynamic duomax reduced the medial stability of the shoe by a good deal. Asics moved the rear gel unit to the back end of the shoe from the lateral edge so there’s a less cushioned feel. They reduced the plastic trusstic system in the forefoot which reduces the snappiness of ride. The heel cup in the newer version is also more shallow and wide and does not hug my ankle well.
I didn’t really like the Asics GT 2000 because the lateral edge of the heel was too firm and throw my foot inwards and increase the rate of pronation. The forefoot was also too firm for my taste (they softened the forefoot in the 2nd version).
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 10, was really close to being a good shoe. The forefoot was too firm for me and this shoe lacks midfoot stability.
I’ve been an Asics guy for years, but the new changes to their entire line up has made me switch to other brands.
Thanks for that…
I had similar feel observations but without having taken the time to break it down into the structural chnages made.
Seems like a lot of trial and error on your side.
I ran in the GT 2000 before I switched to the DS trainer. Cannot say I did not like them but the DS trainer 17 and previously is just awesome. Used to struggle with knee pain etc but last years with DS trainer I have been painfree.
Will try to Ravena and see how that goes. Sucks that they did so many changes to the trainer. I am going to create a facebook group called WE WANT THE DS TRAINER 17 BACK…
Also have a look at the DS Racer, they are built very similar to the DS Trainer in terms of support.
Saucony Mirage, the 4mm drop may take a little while to get used to, but you will.
It feels very cushioned, but it’s pretty lightweight and has a small medial post to help with pronation control like the DS Trainer.
A few recommendations for Mizunos here, the Wave Plate thing just never felt natural to me and I’ve tried Mizunos a couple times.
Check out the new Nike Zoom Fly. Even the Structure 17’s are within a half oz. of the DS trainer. You can also look at Asics’ new J33 which is billed as a lightweight trainer/racer. Also, the new Pearl Izumi M2. All lightweight trainers.
Saucony Mirages.
DS Trainers were my go to shoe until they added a heel tightening lace system that caused me to miss several workouts due to achiles irritation.
Also, I have very reccently been happy with Asics Noosa Tri 8s - they feel similar to older DS Trainers (15s and earlier).
David K
I’ve got similar Achilles irritation from the newest DC Racer. I like the feel of the shoe, but it tore up the back of my Achilles, an issue I’ve never had before.
Already mentioned, but I’d check out the Noosa Tri’s. Similar build and feel to the DS trainer. The SuperJ33 is going to be a bit less shoe than the DS trainer, but would be worth checking out. I’m a big fan of the Brooks Ravennas as well. Great balance between cushion and feel.
NB 870s have similar drop, support, and weight. The 890’s are a bit lighter but without the post.
The mizuno wave elixir is also similar, but I think has a lot more drop. Others with similar weight, drop, and support are the Adidas tempo the Nike Zoom fly.
Depends which fits your foot the best. Check out runningwarehouse for good stats on all the shoes.
Adidas Tempo 6
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^ that’s what I was going to say
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I loved the previous editions of the Tempos, the upper on the 6, particularly in the toe area, has a very plastic-y feel to it. Where some of the glossy finished sections met the mesh panels I actually got a blister in the top of my toe on two different occasions before giving up on the Tempo.
That’s when I found the Mirage. At first it feels a bit soft, but it is a very responsive shoe with good support, competitive in terms of weight for this category, and very comfortable and durable.
I went from the DS Trainer to the Mizuno Elixer to the Saucony Fastwitch to the DS Racer
jaretj
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Saucony Mirages.
DS Trainers were my go to shoe until they added a heel tightening lace system that caused me to miss several workouts due to achiles irritation.
Also, I have very reccently been happy with Asics Noosa Tri 8s - they feel similar to older DS Trainers (15s and earlier).
David K
Wouldn’t the Fastwitch be closer to the DS Trainer than the Mirage? Granted, it’s been a while since I’ve worn the DS Trainer, but all the suggestions everyone is giving sound like they are heavier and clunkier than the DS Trainers I remember. Not including your suggestion of the Noosa, of course.
I have not tried the Fastwich. I think of it as a lighter racier shoe than what I would use on the road. DK