Since race season is here, you need some go fast shoes to go fast. With the Asics Gel DS Racer 9‘s you can go fast in a great shoe. One of the great thing about Asics, something that no other company has really been able to replicate in their shoe line, is the feel that Asics delivers from shoe to shoe in their line up. Each shoe is predictable, when you go from the 2160’s or 2170s down the the DS trainers then down to the DS racers there is no question about how it’s going to feel or run. A quicker ride, a quicker transfer from landing to toe off, a little less cushioning, but it’s predictable and consistent. You can grab a pair of Asics’s and know how it’s going to run right out of the box. This predictability and consistency across their line is something other shoe manufacturers have not been able to replicate.
Asics DS Racer 9
These shoes run great. As a light weight stability racing shoe the DS Racers provider a firm but not harsh landing, a quick seamless transition and smooth toe off. Running in this shoe is like driving a very high performance sport car – fast, handles great, and fits like a glove, snug but not too tight, like a slipper with laces. The shoe has a Doumax medial wedge and the high wear points of the sole are shod in Asics’s DuraSponge material. The sole is also perforated in case you happen to dump a cup of water down your leg. Those perforations also help shave a bit of weight off the shoe. The sole is anchored by the carbon Trusstic system. The uppers are well vented and there was no irritation, chafing or rubbing any of the times I’ve worn these shoes.
The DS Racer’s sole
The lacing system is straight forward with two eyelets at the top to make sure the heel cup sits snug on your heel. One of the best things is what is does not have. There is no clutch collar on this shoe. Asics’s does a lot of great things with their shoes but the clutch Collar isn’t one of them.
DS Racers -so pretty & so fast
It’s hard for me to find anything wrong with these shoes. My biggest complaint is that I no longer run fast enough to take advantage of these light weight beauties. This is a great racing shoe for someone who runs neutral or pronates but still wants a light weight racer. Suitable for all distances from the half marathon down to the 5k, although for the average triathlete, there are better choices for you when doing a half ironman. Go out, grab a pair, put them on and then race fast.
Did you steal my shoes when you were at the house? I have been racing in those this year and love them. What do you think is a better alternative for a HIM? You mentioned something about a better alternative, what about IM?
Any suggestions about sizing? Great review!