Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Solyte midsole• Deep FluidAxis midsole and outsole technology• Natural 33 Last• Seamless construction• ComforDry Lasting• AmpliFoam midsole• AHAR+ rubber compound• APMA Seal of Acceptance
Upper
The shoes have been designed to mimic the foot shape for anatomically enhanced fit and promotion of more natural movements. The seamless construction of the upper decreases the risk of skin irritation and blister formation due to stitches and seams. The shoe fits like a glove. The breathable mesh is able to create optimized breathability for extra comfort and protection. The ComforDry lasting material creates a dryer environment inside the shoe thanks to its moisture management and breathable properties. It also provides more cushioning to the base of the shoe. The flexibility, breathability, and comfort from the upper put these shoes among many athlete’s favorites.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is the key feature for its great success. Some of Asics top technologies are featured in the midsole. The midsole unit is made with a Solyte material that weighs less than the traditional EVA and SpEVA midsoles from Asics. That material also provides good cushioning and extended durability overall. The FluidAxis technology in the midsole is able to place flex grooves in an anatomically correct position for enhanced responsiveness, support, and more natural transitions. The AmpliFoam material, layered in the Solyte midsole features a softer density that allows a custom-made feeling thanks to its great adaptability.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is very interesting as it has been designed to support the 33 joints of the foot. The Flex Grooves have been placed in strategic places of the outsole to promote a more natural movement to your foot. The Asics High Abrasion Rubber Plus (AHAR+) compound used in the outsole provides enhanced durability and good traction and grip. The FluidAxis technology from the midsole extends to the outsole to provide enhanced flexibility and more natural gait cycles. The traction is known to be good on slightly wet surfaces.
Breathability
A more breathable mesh upper is what you can expect from these shoes. With wider holes in the mesh upper and no overlays in the toe box of the shoe, the Asics 33-DFA 2 are more breathable than its predecessor. The shoes will allow an optimal perspiration for a healthier environment in their inside. The ComforDry lasting material with its moisture management properties helps the excess of moisture in the shoe to evaporate quicker for cooler and dryer runs. The temperature control is good, your feet will not overheat or get too cold. The external mesh upper and the internal lining will make sure to keep the right temperature when running.
Comfort
Asics is a brand that delivers comfort in all of their shoes regardless of their design and function. This shoe is not an exception. The comfort of these shoes comes mainly from the Deep FluidAxis midsole technology and the Natural 33 last design. The first one positions Flex Grooves in the anatomically right position and distribution for a more natural ride. It provides support and free movement to the 33 joints from your foot. The Natural 33 last technology makes sure the shoe adapts to the shape of your foot for more flexible and fluid movements. The Solyte midsole and the AmpliFoam technology provide enough cushioning for better comfort.
Style
Compared to the previous version of the shoe, the Asics 33-DFA 2 features a more open mesh upper with fewer overlays. The tongue is a bit larger and the midfoot area of the shoe is covered in overlays that form the Asics distinctive pattern. The shoes do not look aggressive and solid but fast and flexible. You can find these shoes in different colors, from classic black to bright green. As these shoes have been discontinued, it is likely you will not have the whole range of colors available in your size. If you are looking for a minimal style of running shoes, these ones should be on your list.
Durability
These shoes are known for their extended durability. The AHAR+ outsole is reinforced with high abrasion materials in the places of more fiction with the terrain. The Solyte midsole at the same time that adapts to the shape of your foot, provides extended cushioning due to its resilient components. The midsole used in these shoes is lighter and more durable than the standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles from Asics. The seamless construction of the uppers is less likely to break or fall apart as it has no stitches. The toe cap also prevents damage to the front of the shoe from the debris on the road. Unlike their previous version, this shoe manages to stay together as its expected.
Protection
As neutral shoes that perform almost like minimalist shoes, they promote a more natural midfoot strike that will protect you from knee and hip injuries. The shoes also have shock absorption properties that will make the landings softer and less impactful to your joints. The Deep FluidAxis technology will anatomically adapt and support your feet from the base of the shoe.;The Flex Grooves will make sure to support each of the 33 joints in your foot for a more natural position. The enhanced breathability, moisture management and seamless upper of these shoes will decrease the chances of blister formation and hot spots. A toe cap in the front of the shoes will keep some debris away from your toes avoiding injuries.
Responsiveness
These shoes are highly responsive to your movements and also to the terrain. As they have been designed to provide anatomical support for your feet, the control and responsiveness you get are remarkable. You are able to move more freely and make quick decisions without resistance from the shoes. The shoes promote a midfoot strike for better protection and more efficient runs. You can run for longer, easier. The cushioning and bounciness that the midsole provides make the landings softer and promote more powerful takeoffs. The energy return is good. The good traction helps the shoe to be faster and more responsive.
Support
These shoes have been designed to provide support for neutral runners and under pronators. The rolling outwards of your feet will be supported by the midsole and outsole of these shoes. The cushioning and responsiveness of these shoes will keep you feeling supported during long runs. Heavier runners prefer this shoe for long runs and long days of walking or standing. They do not have as much cushioning as the FA model, but they have enough for being such a lightweight and almost minimal shoe. The lacing system and the overlays in the upper provide a great fit for enhanced support.
Terrain
These shoes perform their best on roads, tracks, and light gravel paths. These shoes work well for half marathons and even full marathons. When used on gravel and trail roads the traction, protection, and durability decrease significantly. Also is good to have in mind that when running on wet surfaces, the shoes manage to absorb the water very well due to the open mesh upper. That makes them heavier and less comfortable. The support and responsiveness of the shoe allow them to perform great during training sessions.
Price
The price of these shoes is very affordable. For such versatile shoes that you can use as transitional shoes to barefoot running or as trainer and racing shoes, the price is very good. The average price is $90 USD but as they have been discontinued, you can find really good deals depending on the size and if it’s for men or women. We suggest you hurry and get yours soon before it’s too late. These shoes will also last longer than their previous version while you pay the same price. They are a good value for your money.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Asics 33-DFA 2 road running shoes have a 4 mm drop. The heel height is 14 mm for men and 13 mm for women, and the forefoot height is 10 mm for men and 9 mm for women. The drop of these shoes promotes a more natural midfoot strike that will help you keep your knees and hips more protected. They have been used as transitional shoes into barefoot running.
Stability
The anatomical support the FluidAxis technology brings a great advantage in terms of stability. Your feet will be able to sit in a more natural position when you walk and run on these shoes. They provide a custom made stability to your runs due to the adaptability of the midsole, the cushioning, the flexibility of the upper, as well as the great fit from the seamless Natural 33 last design and construction. The ComforDry lasting provides plush comfort in the underfoot area while the midsole responds constantly to your movements. As mentioned earlier, these shoes provide support for neutral and under-pronators.
Flexibility
The Deep FluidAxis technology in the midsole and outsole of the shoe provide the best flexibility you can find. Following the anatomy of your foot, the Flex Grooves follow the movements of each one of the 33 joints of your foot. The Natural 33 last of the shoe is made to mimic the shape of your foot in a very flexible but protective way. The shoe embraces your foot from the outsole to the upper like no other shoe. Due to its flexibility, the shoes are very good for transitioning into a midfoot strike running and even to barefoot running.
Traction
The AHAR+ rubber compound featured in the outsole manages to provide enough traction and grip when running over flat and even surfaces. Roads, running tracks, and even light gravel are the ideal terrains where you can get the best of this shoe. The shape of the lugs and the pattern in the AHAR+ reinforcements provide good grip when running on wet surfaces. These shoes do not perform their best when going trail running but they do a great job when you take them for training in the gym and also for CrossFit sessions.
Bottom Line
If you happen to be looking for shoes that promote a midfoot strike but have enough cushioning, these are the shoes for you. Unlike their previous version, these are shoes that will last for a decent amount of time. They are lightweight and affordable road running shoes that will help you run faster and longer with ease and comfort. The technologies used in this shoe makes them more efficient than other shoes in terms of energy return, weight, and support. The Asics 33-DFA 2 have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA). Great shoes for under-pronators and neutral runners. Heavy runners can take advantage of these shoes as well. The shoes have been discontinued so the stock is limited, hurry and get yours!
