Our verdict
The Gel DS Trainer line is ASICS’ top choice of speed training and racing shoes that offer pronation control. With the 26th version, ASICS manages to go against the stereotypes on stability shoes. The ASICS Gel DS Trainer 26 is not your typical heavy support shoe. With its 7.5-ounce weight, it's a no-brainer for those seeking to go fast and light in their daily runs.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Feels fast
- Responsive
- Supportive underfoot
- Mutes out impact
- Sturdy
- Locked-in fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- A tad stiff
Who should buy the ASICS Gel DS Trainer 26
This speed-oriented ASICS trainer is likely to meet your needs if you are after a lightweight pair of shoes for the following:
- sprinting and speed training on short distances
- mild to moderate overpronation and/or flat feet
Who should NOT buy it
You can pass up on the ASICS Gel DS Trainer 26 if you need a supportive running shoe for longer and slower miles. In such a case, you can consider the ASICS Gel Kayano or GT 2000.
The DS Trainer 26 is incredibly lightweight
At 214 g per shoe, the Asics Gel DS Trainer 26 is 13% lighter than speed trainers on average (247 g). As one runner puts it, "the feeling of wearing a shoe actually goes away." Another one referred to it as "weightless."
Speed enhancement
This ASICS shoe employs a firm and responsive FlyteFoam which creates a bouncy ride. Here is how the reviewers describe their experience running in the shoe:
- "they make you want to push a little more"
- "the ride is flexible and snappy"
- "it keeps grabbing the ground and propelling forward"
In addition, there is a Propulsion Trusstic element underfoot that mirrors foot ligaments to propel the foot forward.
Safe landings
The Gel unit under the heel absorbs impact on each landing.
No fallen arches
The Duomax component on the inner side prevents the foot from rolling over. Mind, however, that it is not a full-fledged stability shoe like the Kayano. It is a mild type of support that offers a touch of stability. It can even be recommended to runners with neutral pronation who want to ease their foot fatigue.
Sock-like fit of the ASICS Gel DS Trainer 26
Thanks to the soft knit upper, heel slips are the least of your worries. No lace locking is necessary. It is very flexible and molds to the foot like a sock indeed.
AN expert even found it comfortable enough to be worn without socks.
Durable AHAR Plus rubber
Claimed to increase durability by 50% compared to regular rubber. Runners confirmed this by seeing little-to-no wear after several dozen of miles.
Good for low-light runs
There are reflective details throughout the shoe for added visibility.
It's a looker
More than a few reviewers have taken note of the shoe's bold and fun colorways as well as the attractive, classy design. "People can't stop complimenting my taste in this shoe," says one of them.
