Looking for a lightweight neutral cushioned trainer, i just 2 days ago switched to the Asics Gel Verdict DS. They seem comfortable. They also feel as though there is less build up in the heel - which i think i remember reading on this forum is a good thing? Anyway, i have run in them twice now and both times have had a not so good experience.
Does the lower heal require some adaptation?
What happens from a biomechanical perspective when you lower the heal?
Anyone have anything good/bad to say about the Gel Verdict DS?
I can’t comment on your heel problem,but I can say that I have been running on the Verdict since it was called something else …ah Gel-lite I think. I use to love the shoe but the last couple I bought just haven’t been like the old shoe.I don’t know, it’s almost like there’s not enough cushion or support there. So I switched over to the Landreth. I’m really happy with this shoe. Nice cushy feel yet still fairly lite. I was going to get a second pair for racing, but then I see they came out with the Gel Flash DS. Anybody know anything about this shoe? Is it just a repackage of the DS Trainer? Greenjt did you know that you can go to Roadrunnersports.com and read peoples comments on differnt shoes?
the flash ds is basically the same shoe as the verdict/gel lyte series of shoes. A little retooling on the forefoot outsole and new upper but that’s about it.
Great shoe, but the lower heel height can be a bit more of a strain on your achilles/calf area if you’re not used to it. Great for lighter runners but not for most big guys on a daily basis. Good tempo/speedwork shoe.
I’m no running shoe expert and as such, am not qualified to comment to a large extent on this thread except to pass on the observation that I have had discomfort with lower-riding running shoes also.
I seem to be better off with a slighty more built, cushioned heel structure. I’m with you on this.
The ability to run with a lower heal depends on how much you pronate, supernate, and how much you weigh. Lower healed trainers, like the Asics DS Trainer, or flats can be great to train in if you don’t need the support.
I’d suggest starting out really slowly and then building up to your normal mileage when you feel comfortable. Your calves will hurt initially.
I have the Asics DS Trainer and I think they are very similar to the Verdict - great shoes: very light, and definately encourage you to strike more lightly with the heel.
I’d recommend having your stride filmed by someone who knows what they are doing. This way you can tell how much support you need from a shoe. Stay clear of those electronic pads that some podiatrist and running shops have - they are rubbish and do not provide and accurate reflection of how you strike the ground.
I thought i would follow up with my experience since my original post in case anyone is interested…
I ran 3 times with my new Asics DS Verdict. Each time i experienced significant straining in the lower leg - front and back. Frustrated, I decided to go back to my old Adidas for a 5 mile trail run. I never had a problem with these shoes but all of the sudden i now had the same problem i had when i ran with the Verdict. I assumed it was simply from having run in the Verdict for the three days prior.
I took the next day off making sure to stretch the calves more than usual. Next morning i went back to the new Asics, also stretching the calves more then normal. The result was no pain and the fastest splits on my normal 5 mile route than i have posted in a while. It has now been a couple weeks and still no pain and my step up in pace seems to be holding - similar to your experience with the flats on other thread Tom. So if i were you I wouldn’tnecessarily give up on shoes that aren’t built up on the heel. It just takes some time to adapt.
I had the same problem at first because I was a heal strike runner. My legs & back experienced pain after every run. Then I watch a program on South American runners that run 200-300 miles barefoot or in sandals. They land on mid foot & roll onto ball. This greatly reduces impact to legs & spine. Once I changed to this style of running I had no pain & now love the natural action of these shoes. I supinate so the neutral design is better for me also. (I actually put these shoes away for several years but am glad I saved them.) I am still running in them without any problems.
Can I just point out that “heal” is something that you do to an injury, and “heel” is the end of something, like the last slice in a loaf of bread, or the part of your foot surrounding the calcaneus?
Anybody know anything about this shoe? Is it just a repackage of the DS Trainer? Greenjt did you know that you can go to