[RunAsics]

Anyone tried the new DS Trainer? Hopefully the 13s are not the same as the 12s...<br><br>
I'm trying to decide where to go from my DS Trainer 11s as I can't find them in my size anywhere. If the 13s are still stiff as a board, I may try out the new Gel Bandito (DS Racer & Gel Ohana replacement).

 

[mykemp1971]

RunAsics - do you need a good medial post/support or are you more of a neutral runner - I think if I recall correctly the DS-Trainer, can sort of be used by Neutral or Slight Pronators.<br><br>
Anywhoo... if you are neutral - maybe try the Gel Landreth, it's light... sort of a good performance trainer. I use them as my daily runner, and also use them in longer races (1/2's and Marathons).<br><br>
I've also heard good things about the Speedstar, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[RunAsics]

Thanks for the reply. I need some mild suppport and years ago found that the DS Trainer was the right "performance trainer". Perfect fit and great for all my race distances (upto HM), well that was until the version 12 came out. My day-to-day shoe is a GT2xxx.<br><br>
I'll probably hit my local running store this weekend and try out a bunch lightweight shoes.

 

[jjchaney]

I am currently running in the DS Trainer 13 and love it. It has been a while since I last ran in the DS Trainer, but this one fits like a glove. The lacing towards the toe is a bit different than any other shoe I have worn. Are you able to go to a running specialty store and try them on? Good luck in your search.

 

[RunAsics]

Cool - I'm glad there's at least one good report. I'm going to try them out tomorrow along with the Gel Bandito. I'm hoping the 13 is not like the 12... other than in weight. I'll report back on my findings for those mildly interested.<br><br>
From the 11 to 12, the DS Trainer became stiffer with a more protruding arch and a higher heal. It was also 1/2 size shorter. It wasn't until they had 40-50 miles that they felt better / I got used to them. I loved the DS Trainer 11 with its more flexible, lower ride along with no run in period and no blisters.

 

[RunAsics]

I've been running the the DST13 for a short while. My first run was on a TM and they felt clunky; probably because I had to go a full size larger than normal. The odd sizing continues. After few track workouts they feel much better, even on the treadmill.<br><br>
I'm noticing that the forefoot is closer to the DST11 but the heal is still a little high, as per the DST12. The fit seems to follow, i.e. good in the forefoot but a touch loose in the heal. Fortunately the shoe is no longer as stiff as a board yet has a good amount of support. The lacing system seems to remove most chances for toes blisters<br><br>
Overall, they seem to be working out better than I expected. I do have my eye on the Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 since I can't find a shoe that stocks the Gel Bandito for an alternate.

 

[Timr1]

I picked up a pair of DST 11s at a race expo a month ago for $49. I wore them for the first time this past weekend and loved them. I'm a pretty nuetral runner, and they felt awesome in the race. Very speedy.

 

[winejunky]

The 13 is definetly a better shoe than 12, thank god. I've found the 12 to be good at lawn mowing and beer drinking. Maybe because I'm a bit slower and a couple of pounds heavier, but the 13 doesn't have quite the spring as 11, but seems to be doing me well on my speed days.

 

[mutthound]

As a mild pronator, I am tossing around the idea of buying some lighter shoes for racing. I only do HM's and marathons, so a racing flat is a little less support that what I will want.<br><br>
I think the "13" might be the shoe for me.

 

[RunAsics]

I've run up to HM in the DS Trainer (11, 12 & 13). The 11 is the best overall, especially for racing. The 12 was terrible and gave me problems due to the intrusive arch. Luckily, the 13 is no where near as stiff as the 12 and works well enough as a light weight trainer and racing shoe.<br><br>
The problem with the 12 and 13 is that Asics made the last too small. They'll admit that. They also increased the heal height to make the shoe available to more runners. Also, I find the latest versions actually provides more rear foot stability than my GT2130s... Forefoot is a different story.<br><br>
The Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 is a good alternative if you liked the 11. I picked up the Gel Bandito for my speedwork and short races. Not sure I'd do a HM in them though.

 

[mutthound]

Do you know if a size 10 DS T 13, is the same size as a Asics 2130 size 10?

 

[RunAsics]

I wear a size 12 in all Asics shoes EXCEPT the DS Trainer 12 and 13. Those I have to get a size 13... I tried a 12.5 with the DS Trainer 12 and lost a toenail. For some reason they made the last shorter. So, in your case, I'd recommend getting a size 11 DST13.

 

[USMCRNR]

I have switched to the New Balance 902/903's, I have a pair of the DS 12's, and had run in DS trainers since they came out. I like the NB.