Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Gel DS Racer 11
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• DuoMax support system• Solyte midsole• Gel Cushioning in the heels• Trusstic System• Asymmetrical Heel• AHAR+ outsole• Biomorphic Fit• Durasponge outsole• California Slip Lasting
Upper
The mesh upper is a lightweight material that contributes to the flexibility and fit of the shoe. The overlays of this shoe also contribute to its stability. California Slip Lasting system is a technology that also provides a secure fit, responsiveness, and stability. It works as an inner sock that is attached to both the upper and the midsole.;The heel cup makes the foot more stable in the shoe as well as a more comfortable fit. A toe cap is placed in the front of the shoe for protection. The lacing system can be attached to the tongue as an optional feature. The material from the inner lining of the shoe is as comfortable as the one used in the previous version. Some runners wore these shoes without socks and did not experience chaffing or blisters.
Midsole
The midsole uses a Solyte plate. This durable midsole is lighter and more cushioned than other midsoles materials. The Magic Sole midsole is the core technology used in this shoe. It is a vented midsole that basically maximizes breathability of the shoe.;Apart from the great breathability and responsiveness, the DuoMax Support System integrated in the midsole provide extra support for neutral and mild over pronators. Reviewers stated that the dual density material really makes a difference. On top of those components, as great racing shoes do, the DS Racer 9 features a Racing Trusstic System that provides torsional rigidity for enhanced speed and lightweight.
Outsole
The biggest change from the previous version is in the outsole. The DuraSponge technology and the ASICS High Abrasion Resistant Rubber plus (AHAR+) provide cushioning and flexibility and are also very durable. You can expect great traction from this shoe. The AHAR+ technology is lighter and thinner than the previous AHAR technology. The shoe performs best when running on asphalt and will help you achieve max speed. These shoes will provide comfort and responsiveness even on long runs.
Breathability
The open mesh upper allows optimal breathability. The air will flow in and out of the shoe in an optimal rate, so your feet remain cool and dry all the time. The vented Magic Sole midsole also enhances the breathability of the shoe providing an extra inlet of air through the midsole.
Comfort
With a narrow heel, a medium midfoot and a wide forefoot design, these shoes were made to provide great support. By hugging your feet in the right position and also providing room in the forefoot, the DS Racer 9 allows more mobility and flexibility in every step you take. The cushioning from the midsole is impressive. The responsive cushioning is thanks to the DuoMax system, that combines two different densities of material creating a more supportive and comfortable midsole. The new DuraSponge outsole component also adds to the overall comfort of the shoe, the blown AHAR rubber provides a cushioned ride. The Rearfoot Gel unit optimizes the shock absorption and distributes impact in order to give you a very smooth and bouncy ride.
Style
In terms of style, the shoe is very similar to their previous version. A very fresh open mesh secured and stabilized by overlays that integrate with the lacing system. The overlays of this version are not heavy and large. They look smooth and lightweight. The colors of this shoe are limited as ASICS stopped manufacturing them. You can certainly find them in Blue/Neon Green/White in the men’s line and White/Neon Pink/Electric Blue in the women’s line.
Durability
All the components of this shoe are made with high-quality materials. The design itself places the best technologies in the right place, so the shoes can perform their best regardless of the situation.;The AHAR+ blown rubber compound placed in the outsole provides long lasting durability. Reviewers state that the High Abrasion Resistance is truly wonderful. The midsole components from the Trusstic System to the Magic Sole make the shoes lightweight and extend the durability. Some reviewers said that they are less durable when running consistently in wet conditions.
Protection
The Rearfoot Gel Cushioning unit in the heel area is definitely one of the best components of the shoe in terms of protection. That technology makes sure to absorb the shock and distribute the impact force from the heel to the whole surface of the midsole. Combined with the Solyte midsole and the DuoMax system. These technologies protect your ankles, knees, and hips.;The extra durable AHAR+ outsole and the Durasponge system in the forefoot will keep you attached to the ground thanks to their great traction. The Biomorphic Fit system provides good protection by providing a very good fit.
Responsiveness
The main elements that provide great responsiveness are the AHAR+ blown carbon outsole with the Durasponge technology in the forefoot, the Racing Tusstic System, and the Biomorphic Fit system. Combined they provide a tight but flexible fit from the upper, smoother heel to toe transitions from the midsole and great traction and cushioning from the outsole. This shoe lets you run faster for longer. Great for marathon running.
Support
The Asymmetric Heel technology allows people with neutral and mild overpronation to wear the shoes without any modifications. That extra support is complemented by the DuoMax system, which allows for a smoother transition. The Gel cushioning technology in the heel provides extra support and cushioning for different kinds of runners. The Biomorphic Fit enhances an optimum fit, so your steps can be more precise. Good control torsion is brought by the Solyte midsole and extra speed by the Race Tursstic System.
Terrain
This shoe’s ideal terrain is asphalt. Marathons can be tackled with ease and speed. The Race Trusstic System makes the shoes faster and more responsive to the asphalt. The outsole provides the best traction, even over wet conditions, on flat and even surfaces.
Price
The Asics Gel DS Racer 9 price depends on the size and if they are for women or for men. For women, the average price is $82 USD and for men, it is $100. As they are not produced anymore by ASICS, the price is relatively low. You can find enough of them now, but if you wait a bit longer, it may get hard to get a hold on some of these racing shoes.
Drop
With a heel stack height of 24mm and a forefoot height of 14mm, the drop of the Asics Gel Racer 9 is 10mm. This a standard drop and provides more cushioning in the heel of the shoe.
Stability
The Biomorphic Fit provides an amazing secure fit making these shoe stable. These shoes are made for speed, so their stability is based on that. The Racing Trusstic System provide amazing stability for fast runs and the outsole, with the AHAR+ rubber compound, brings the best traction you can expect. The shoes are very light and have an upper that naturally adapts to your movements. The design and shape of the shoes (narrow in the heel, medium in the midfoot area, and wide in the forte foot) provide the best stability for racing shoes. More freedom of movement in the forefoot and more support in the rearfoot area.
Flexibility
Flexible from the outsole to the upper, these shoes will allow a natural movement all the time. The Trusstic System in the outsole enhances the stability, speed, and flexibility of the shoes making you run faster and longer.;The DuoMax component brings extra support for mild overpronators. It combines two-density midsole materials that make the shoe lighter, more responsive and extra flexible. The Biomorphic Fit system allows the upper to adapt to the movement of your foot. The overlay system attached to the lacing system provides freedom of movement while keeping you tightly secured.
Traction
The traction of the outsole is great for running over asphalt. Flat and even surfaces are the natural environment for these shoes. The AHAR+ technology provided by the outsole generates great grip and traction even under wet conditions. The Durasponge technology and the Race Trusstic System make them even faster by providing exceptional traction in the areas you need the most. Great explosive take-offs are possible thanks to the responsive midsole and also to the flexible structure and powerful propulsion the Trusstic System brings.
Bottom Line
Made for speed, these shoes will help you break your own record with ease. The support and durability of these shoes are great. You can definitely run several marathons wearing these shoes and can be sure that the performance over time is going to be outstanding. Lightweight, fast and supportive, the DS Racer 9 will take your races to another level. It’s an outdated shoe that still has the capabilities to bring its best to the road.
