Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
9mm
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
DS Trainer 22
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• GEL Cushioning System• Propulsion Trusstic System• Dynamic DuoMax Support System• AHAR+• Solyte midsole material• Impact Guidance System
Upper
The upper of these shoes is a matter of controversy among reviewers. Some say it’s too thin and flexible, making the shoe less stable. Others say it provides a perfect fit and enhances their stability. What we know for sure is that the open mesh upper provides great breathability and its seamless construction makes it very comfortable. The Heel Clutching System improves the support on the rearfoot for a better heel to toe transitions. The upper is very light and provides great flexibility and mobility to your toes. A couple of overlays inside of the upper provide a bit more stability.
Midsole
The Solyte midsole is one of the best features of this shoe and can absorb shock up to 20% more than regular EVA midsoles. It is also lighter and very flexible. The midsole itself features a Dynamic DuoMax Support System that reduces the stress on your foot caused by overpronation. They provide additional support to moderate overpronators. A Gel Cushioning unit provides improved shock absorption in the heel. Additionally, an Impact Guidance System is placed in the shoe to promote a smooth transition through the gait cycle. The midsole is highly responsive and protective, yet remains lightweight.
Outsole
The carbon rubber outsole provides excellent traction. As for performance shoes, they are designed to be urban shoes, so they perform their best on flat, smooth surfaces. With the WetGrip technology, you will not have to worry about slipping on wet surfaces. It provides enhanced grip on wet conditions. The carbon rubber outsole has been reinforced in strategic places with the AHAR+ technology. It provides extended durability to the outsole. A Guidance Line that crosses vertically the outsole acts as a flex groove, enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of the shoe. A Propulsion Trusstic System helps promote a natural and smooth gait cycle.
Breathability
The shoe is very breathable thanks to the double layered thin mesh upper. The mesh covers most of the surface of the shoe which allows for better overall perspiration. As you can expect from performance shoes, the DS Trainer 19 will not fail in keeping your feet cool and dry, regardless of the activity you are performing. These shoes are known to be good for different sports, so even during the longest runs you won’t have to worry about foot moisture. That’s good news for your feet because good breathability and moisture control reduce the chance of experiencing blisters and experiencing hot spots when running.
Comfort
As reviewers have different opinions regarding the upper, we can say the DS Trainer 19 shoes exceed the majority’s expectations in terms of comfort. Some reviewers have said the upper feels too thin and flexible, making the shoes unstable. However, ASICS does a good job integrating different technologies to make the DS Trainer 19 comfortable. The Solyte midsole with the Dynamic DuoMax Support System provides great cushioning and support for neutral runners and those that overpronate. The Gel Cushioning System contributes to the superior shock absorption of the shoe. The materials used to build every component of these shoes make them very lightweight, yet comfortable and supportive. Adaptive cushioning is what you can expect from these shoes.
Style
With a very bright combination of colors, these shoes are definitely attention-grabbing. The colors are very bright, but also very limited. You can find only one color for men and one for women in most of the online shops. As these shoes have been discontinued, the chance of getting them in physical stores is limited. The welded overlays and ASICS logo on both sides of the shoes make them look faster. The seamless upper looks very flexible and breathable (and it feels the same way). The Heel Clutching System placed the rearfoot is visible from the outside. As soon as you open the box, you will feel their lightweight construction.
Durability
Reviewers have stated that the shoes are just as durable as other shoes. Meant to be worn in flat and even surfaces, their durability will decrease when used on offroad tracks and trail runs. The outsole comes with reinforced durability thanks to ASICS High Abrasion Resistant Plus technology. Strategically placed in the parts of the shoe that are worn out quicker, the technology claims to lower the weight of the outsole by 50% while enhancing the abrasion resistance and traction. The Solyte midsole is also made to last and remains lightweight while being highly durable. The Propulsion Trusstic System provides improved structural integrity to these shoes while enhancing their propulsion.
Protection
The carbon rubber used in the outsole combined with a very strong but flexible midsole will keep your underfoot protected from debris on the road. In the heel, the Gel Cushioning unit l provides amazing shock absorption and impact distribution. Your ankles and knees will notice the difference during long runs and high impact training sessions. The Solyte midsole is capable of providing up to 20% more shock absorption than regular EVA and SpEVA midsoles. The impact is distributed along the shoe from the heel to the forefoot, transforming the impact energy into more energetic takeoffs. The IGS also promotes a smooth and natural gait cycle.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of this shoe is pretty good. The traction from the outsole is outstanding, even under wet conditions, and the WetGrip technology is able to maintain your contact with the ground. Having good traction enhances the performance, speed, and responsive of the shoe. The flexibility of the Solyte midsole and the integration of the Propulsion Trusstic System make these shoes respond faster for better performance during races. As performance shoes, they also respond well during cross fit and gym workout. The upper is very flexible and adapts like a sock to the movements of your feet. For some, that is a problem, for many its a great advantage.
Support
Designed and built to provide support for neutral and overpronators, these shoes feature the Dynamic DuoMax System. It provides extra responsive cushioning and support when and where you need it. As do other ASICS shoes, the DS Trainer 19 also features Asymmetric Heel Technology. It features a slightly angled and asymmetric heel that supports your feet when you overpronate. Both of these technologies work together to provide one of the best supports for mild and moderate overpronators. The Gel Cushioning System paired with the Heel Clutching System provides extra support on the rearfoot area for more control and protection.
Terrain
As for performance shoes, these are very versatile. You can race with them as well as cross train. Their components make them supportive and responsive in a great variety of running situations. However, they are urban shoes. These are not trail shoes for running offroad. Preferred for racing by many users, the DS Trainer 19 performance shoes provide really good traction on asphalt. They have been mentioned as good candidates for half marathons and other races. Flat and even surfaces are the best place to utilize these shoes. Even in wet conditions, these shoes will give you good traction thanks to the WetGrip technology.
Price
The ASICS Gel DS Trainer 19 can be found online easily and for a very reasonable price. As these shoes have been discontinued, you should not expect a very stable price, as it may vary depending on the stock of each online retailer. For shoes with the technologies and features of the ASICS Gel DS Trainer 19, the price suits the quality of the shoe, in our opinion. The features and performance benefits offered by these shoes make them worth the price tag. They will definitely allow you to improve your performance.
Drop
The ASICS Gel DS Trainer 19 comes in at a 9mm drop, which is just a little less than an average drop for running shoes.
Stability
The Propulsion Trusstic System provides structural integrity to the shoe in the middle section of the outsole. It is a flexible and responsive unit that promotes a smoother heel to toe transitions. The Impact Guidance System also helps to bring stability to these shoes. Apart from promoting a more natural gait cycle, it utilizes both the midsole and the outsole for better responsiveness and stability. The Heel Clutching System stabilizes the rear of the foot. It not only provides extra support but also integrates the Gel Cushioning unit for better stability overall. The few but supportive welded overlays in the upper provide some stably to this area. The lacing system also provides stability since it is integrated into the overlay system.
Flexibility
These are very flexible shoes, even rated as being a bit too flexible for some reviewers. From the outsole, which features a Guidance Line that enhances its flexibility, to a very flexible and thin upper that embraces your foot tightly, these shoes move along with you. The flexible and resilient Solyte middle enhances the flexibly of the shoe over its whole surface. The Heel Clutching System limits the mobility just enough in the rearfoot for enhanced support but optimal flexibility. The Impact Guidance System (IGS) in the rearfoot promotes a more natural gait cycle, making the shoes feel even more flexible than they already are.
Traction
The traction of these shoes is good. The carbon rubber from the outsole is made with high-quality components. The WetGrip technology also enhances the traction of the shoe when you run on wet surfaces. The versatile lug pattern and the AHAR+ technology will enhance the traction on almost any urban surface. Their best performance is when running on asphalt, according to reviewers. However, some other have said that they perform really good on combined surfaces training and doing cross fit. The Propulsion Trusstic System enhances a smooth heel to toe transition.
Bottom Line
Very versatile performance shoes, the ASICS Gel DS Trainer 19 will help you perform your best during runs, training sessions and workouts. With well recognized support for mild to moderate overpronators, you won’t have to get orthopedic insoles to wear them. The traction in the outsole is remarkable, even when running on wet surfaces. The lightweight construction and remarkable responsiveness make them a great hybrid between racing shoes and training shoes. This shoe also has good shock absorption and impact distribution, and also promote more natural gait cycle and enhance smoother heel to toe transitions.
