Based on suggestions from a number of Slowtwitchers, decided to “go lightweight” with my choice of run trainers, and I went ahead & picked up a pair of Asics Gel Flash running shoes. After a few runs, I have nearly all positive things to say:
#1 - Fit great. Obviously this is a personal thing, they may not fit everyone. But I’ve found that asics size 12 or 12.5 (depending on the model) fit my feet really well. I got size 12 in these. They are curvy & cradle my forefoot nicely.
#2 - Great cushioning. I’m a mid-to-forefoot striker, and these things have gobs of forefoot cushioning. Currently I’m 6-foot-2 and about 180 lbs (5 pounds north of race weight), and these things are perfectly tuned. They absorb shock but not too much. Toe-off is very smooth, unlike a Saucony Azura or Grid Spy.
#3 - Light weight !! I am coming from the Asics Gel Nimbus, their full-on cushioned neutral trainer. In my hand, the two Flash combined feel similar to one of the Nimbus (after being sweat-logged for 3 months of course.) I expected them to be light, and they’ve delivered.
#4 - The color. OK I’m pretty secure with myself, I can survive when truck drivers throw crap at me while I’m riding, but WHY do these things only come in glow-stick-emergency ultra-super fluorescent yellow? People look at me like i’m wearing a sign that says “Hi - I’m a fancy boy and I’m RUNNING!!!” Shawn maybe you can put in a word & get some more toned-down colors? The new Nimbus color schemes are awesome by the way.
So I’ll give them a 5-star rating so far, and I may consider even going to the Magic Racer for the summer… anyone have thoughts?
The GEL Flash DS will go through a slight change, including its name, at the end of the Summer '05. The new GEL-Speedstar will be one of the lightest trainers we’ve ever made, perfect for IM marathons. As for color, I’ll get them to tone it down for you, how about plain yellow?
Anything that doesn’t glow in the dark would be fine I guess…
Regarding the DS trainer - if you do some research, you’ll see that it’s more expensive because it’s got a dual density heel for people who need some guidance on there heel strike. I don’t need that support in a shoe. And anyone who wears a dual density shoe that doesn’t need it, will feel it right away - pain in the arches etc.
It will be white, with a little red and blue. I had this same conversation (argument) with the product guys the other day. Through their research, they’re being told white is the way to go. Shoe will basically be the same, except the upper will have more open mesh for better breathability. I actually just got a pair a last week but haven’t taken them for a spin, yet. When I do, I’ll post my reveiw.
That’s one thing I forgot in my review - the current model is super breathable! I felt the wind on my toes as soon as I stepped outside. If the new one is even more breathable it’ll be an all-star hot-weather shoe.
I personally love my Asics DS Trainers and have been using them for many years now. Currently I race and train on the white/red/silver version. They are very light, feel just awesome and “most imprtantly” look very good.
Cheers,
Herbert
Litespeed/QR
I took three minutes off my half-marathon PR in these shoes. Light, comfy, breathable . . . very nice. And you’re right, both shoes and laces are very YELLOW. Extra pressure to run fast.
I always take the same size in Asics, but these seem a tad bigger than usual.
The navy blue with yellow Nimbus color scheme is very nice. I know some women who complain about the girlie colors in the womens selections.
#3 - Light weight !!
Can;t say light weight without posting the number!–and go to the website and get us a pic! Or take one of your feet with them on and let’s see. We are going to FULLY ILLUSTRATED here at ST!
-Shawn, ASICS America