Should I be racing with a different shoe? If so, any recommendations? Presently I race with the same. I do 1/2 marathons, full marathons and HIMs with plans for my first full IM in 2013.
Hanks
Asics Gel DS Trainers. That was my race shoe with the Kayano. Lately, I wear them more than the Kayano. Grrrrrrrreat Shoe!
The Asics Noosa Tri 7’s, basically the same as the DS except tri specific (more breathable upper, sock liner, elastic laces).
x2 on the DS Trainers. Lighter. Same great cushioning. Anatomic Lace. Stability you need.
Just checked both, the noosa and DS. The noosa look better. I use a custom orthodic and the noosa has none removable insole, could be an issue. I always use the elastic bungee lace system so the elastic lace is not a big deal. Also, the DS is classified as a trainer, why is it used as a race shoe?
X3 on the DS trainers…
Though the Gel Noosa Tri’s are pretty awesome too! So, X2 on them as well!!
JM
The Asics Noosa Tri 7’s, basically the same as the DS except tri specific
you mean they make you slow and come with a list of excuses as to why you walked the marathon?
Actually I don’t see a description saying anything about elastic laces. Are u sure? Even the pic it looks like regular laces.
It comes with both so you can choose. I have the shoes and love them, also trained in kayanos for a long time.
I do all my running in DS trainers w/orthotics.
No complaints.
They definitely look cool. May have to buy them just for that. To confirm though, you can not remove the insole from the noosa to put a custom orthotic, right?
Just checked both, the noosa and DS. The noosa look better. I use a custom orthodic and the noosa has none removable insole, could be an issue. I always use the elastic bungee lace system so the elastic lace is not a big deal. Also, the DS is classified as a trainer, why is it used as a race shoe?
I use the DS as a race shoe b/c I’m a giant. The DS provides more support that a “real” race shoe while at the same time saving some weight over the Kayano.
-Smarty
It appears that the noosa uses the same platform as the DS but looks better 
.
It appears that the noosa uses the same platform as the DS but looks better
Fo’ sho’ it does…but I still have two pair of DS still in the box…until they’re gone: no noosa. But if I was buying new, I definitely spend the extra fin and get the snazzy noosa.
I read that some people felt that the noosa runs a bit small. Did you get the noosa in the same size as your kayano or larger?
if you aren’t having problems I would really recommend sticking with the Kayanos. It is a really good shoe and the time you will save by changing to a different lighter shoe is trivial compared to time lost to injury or other problems.
You should give the Speedstar 4’s a try if you can find a place that sells them. I switched from the Kayano’s and 1120’s to the Speedstars a few years ago and have been only been running in Speedstars ever since. Very light and comfortable on the feet compared to the Kayano’s.
I used to train with Kayano’s but cinder blocks were cheaper.
I have Noosa’s and DS Trainers. The DS has has a nicer feel around the heel of the foot for me. If you dont use the speed laces on the Noosa, the strings come untied easy. Otherwise they are the same. The insoles on the Noosa has a little glue in them, but it’s not easy to take out the insole and put in your orthotic. Overall I like the feel of the DS. The Noosa is kind of ugly too, but that is just my personal preferance.
I just ordered the noosa based on its snazzy looks and the fact that its the same platform as the DS. Thanks for all the feedback. I have a 1/2 M this weekend, should I use the noosa or break them in gradually before a race.
I was thinking of a quick 1 mile test run prior to the race, enough?