I’m prepping for a half marathon and want to get out of my trainers for the race. I currently run in the Brooks Adrenaline and want to get something lightweight. I’m too nervous to get anything too aggressive due to some preview foot pain/injuries. I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Asics DS Trainer and the Saucony Fastwitch 5. Can anyone make any recommendations for or against either shoe?
Thanks!
I picked up some fasttwitch 4’s a few weeks ago and love them. They are as light as they claim to be. I wear them for fast training days and will use them in races. FWIW, I am coming out of NB stability shoes for longer runs. The Saucony’s are pretty flexy and natural feeling, and don’t have the same cushioning as the NBs, but are still surprisingly supportive. This is my first pair of Sauconys since my high school track days and I like them. I will likely get them again.
Very different shoes. Different from your Adrenalines, obviously, but also quite different from each other. Fastwitch is lighter and has less heel-to-toe drop. Efficient runners usually find it more responsive and fun. Fastwitch has decent cushioning, but some might find it a little on the aggressive side. The DS Trainer is more cushioned and has more pronounced protection against overpronation, and will be closer to your current shoe. Both are good shoes. Buy both, run more, and figure out for yourself!
Thanks for advice, just send me $200 and I will apply that advice!
I had a pair of DS trainers last spring and liked them a lot. I think I was wearing them too often, though, and ended up getting injured. I’m a little nervous about having the same thing happen. However, given the information you provided, they seem closer to my current shoe. I’m going to try them on this afternoon (and only buy one).
Good to know. I’m definitely looking for something lightweight for tempo runs, track workouts, and racing. I’m not too concerned about the cushioning as I am the stability. Thanks for the input.
As a loyal DS-Trainer wearer I cannot tell you how much I dislike the DS-16. Heavier, awkward fitting and just a really bad model. If anything look at the much better DS-15. You can get them for $75 at www.holabirdsports.com.
Bob
have tried both DS trainers and saucony fastwitchs. currently on the DS 14s and fastwitch 3s. have used DS trainer 11,12, and14, used fastwitch 2 and 3.
also currently using the adidas mana and asics GT 2140
My 2 cents:
earlier versions of the DS trainer were more racy and lighter than the current versions. I feel the DS trainer is more of a longer race shoe ( e.g. half to full maras) especially those who need more support and cushioning. it is a solid, reliable choice.
the fastwtich is more of a racer than the DS. its lighter, more fun, better road feel. its very soft and flexible, if you like those kind of shoes. ventilation is good and airy, but the versions I have used aren’t ideal for sockless running. also not ideal for logging very long training miles especially if you aren’t a very effecient runner. it is fantastic for races up to half marathon, or fast interval training, but I wouldnt recommend a full marathon in it.
the flip side is I found that fastwitchs wear VERY fast . it is more or less a one season shoe, two if you rotate it often and maybe use it only for fast trainig and racing. I can get about 2-3 seasons worth of running on my DS through regular rotation with my other shoes. even my new adidas manas wear slower than them.
my recommendation would be to always have 2-3 pairs of shoes- one for racing and one for long training miles.
Very good info, thank you.
I think trying them both on today will be a big help. After your first paragraph, I was leaning towards the DS trainers, but the second paragraph puts me back at even. Plus Macho Grande’s post makes me concerned about DS trainer.
Given you are running on the Adrenaline shoes, why not give the brooks ST racers a try?
Back when i was a foolish, zaftig runner, i did VO2 max intervals on them and they held up quite well.
I’ll try them on, but I think they fall into a “less support” category compared to the two I mentioned.
As a loyal DS-Trainer wearer I cannot tell you how much I hate the DS-16. Heavier, awkward fitting and just a really bad model.
I would agree with MG hear in one aspect. They are different. The DS 16 is a softer ride than the DS 15, which I normally really like. But I was using the 15’s for fast training days and longer races (hm +). The 15’s are just a fantastic all around shoe. Doesn’t mean the 16’s are bad though. Just different. I used to train in the Brooks Adrenaline as well, but now my 16’s are going to be my long training day shoes…
I currently race in the Fastwich 4’s (yellow ones) for anything 10k or shorter and they really are great. Light, good turnover and just enough support for an over pronator like me.
Just purchased the KSwiss Kwicky Blade Light. One race and a few training days with them I find they are a great replacement for my 15’s on race day. And I love the fact that when you pour water over your head to cool off, they don’t get wet. Fantastic feature for anyone who’s raced in heavy, water soaked shoes before. I’m finding them a bit firmer in the ride dept. than I would like for training days, but I haven’t put that much mileage on them yet, so I’m hopeful they’ll soften up a little to where I will like them.
So depending on your race day needs, there are a ton of good options out there (and don’t forget the Asics DS Racer series - also super great shoes and a better comparison to the Fastwitch’s IMO)
interesting. They actually have that dual density foam that they shade differently on the ST racers, this was at least the case on my ST racer 3’s Just checked the ST racer 5’s, and it looks like it’s still there, though the color is hideous. The ST racer 3’s were loud with the lime yellow, but it screamed fast as opposed to gaudy.
Hopefully mine will enjoy a few more years sitting in my closet and be good to go when i decide cycling is just too dangerous a sport and begin doing triathlons.
MG, I’m glad that you posted that. I thought I was the only one that thought that the DS 16 was worse than the 15, which, to me, was worse than the 13. It seemed like I was the only one around that liked the 13’s, and everyone thought the 15’s were such a great improvement. The 13’s were great for me out of the box; the 15’s were okay, but a bit of a disappointment (much softer, less responsive than the 13’s) and the 16’s were even softer than the 15’s and just a bit narrower, but enough that they bothered my left foot (got a bunion there). I ended getting rid of the 16’s and switched to the Saucony Mirage.
Richard
I have raced in both the DS Trainers and New Balance 904 (now 905) and think I like the NB better. They are both “performance stability” shoes.
As others have pointed out, the DS Trainer is definitely “more shoe” than the Fastwitch 5–more cushioning, more support/posting. I was in the market for a lightweight trainer/racer recently and really wanted to like the Fastwitch 5, but found them a little narrow in the toe box for me. I don’t have wide feet, but they rubbed my little toe in a way that I knew I probably couldn’t live with, so I returned them.
You may not be looking for other options since you said you’ve narrowed down the choices, but Mizuno might have something that feels good for you. The Elixir is good for some people, though I think the latest version is maybe a little overweight for a shoe that’s supposed to be light. It’s comparable to the DS Trainer, I think. And if you want to go lighter still, I recently got the Mizuno Musha 3’s (instead of the Fastwitch 5) and have really like them a lot. The Mushas are my new favorite shoe. They definitely feel firmer than the Elixirs, but I’ve really liked that feel. And they’ve worked great for me up to half-marathon distance so far.
Let us know what you end up with.
I use the Ds trainers for training but Asics does make a DS racer a bit lighter than the trainer. It is slightly heavier than a traditional flat but should get the job done. i have run in Asics performance flats for over 25 years and they are a nice optin that has not been listed.
Thank you for all your replies. I tried a few pairs on yesterday and found that my orthotic did not fit in the the fastwitch, and I’m too concerned to run without it. I went with the DS Trainer 16 and ran in them this morning. Noticeably lighter than Adrenaline’s, but I wish they were as light as those Fastwitches. Oh well, I am happy and hopefully this will help knock a few seconds off.
agreed!!!
Why do they keep updating the ds series, ‘‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.’’
I just bought three pairs of the ds-15 this week.
I wear orthotics in neutral shoes for training. I race in DS trainers (NB 904’s until this year) without orthotics. You might want to try that- light shoes feel even lighter if you are used to orthotics.
Also- why are you using orthotics in a stability shoe like DS trainer?