I'm interested in using these shoes as training flats. I've heard some good reviews about these shoes but i want to know which will be the better deal? Not price wise but durability wise. I will be using these shoes for my base training (100-120 mpw) and my criteria for a running shoe is..
Extremely lightwieght
Durable
Thanks
These two aren't similar at all. DS Trainer is truly a training flat (only heavier runners with poor biomechanics would use it as a racing flat), it is quite a bit (a couple of ounces) heavier, has a medial post, and will be more durable for most users than the Zoom Streak XC. The DS Trainer is more like Nike's Zoom Elite and the Zoom Streak XC is more like Asics's Bandito. DS Trainer will give you more bang for the buck, especially if you do most of your mileage on pavement.
Whoa. wrote:
These two aren't similar at all. DS Trainer is truly a training flat (only heavier runners with poor biomechanics would use it as a racing flat), it is quite a bit (a couple of ounces) heavier, has a medial post, and will be more durable for most users than the Zoom Streak XC. The DS Trainer is more like Nike's Zoom Elite and the Zoom Streak XC is more like Asics's Bandito. DS Trainer will give you more bang for the buck, especially if you do most of your mileage on pavement.
I'm not very heavy. (5 ft 6, 135lbs). I will mostly use trails until it snows here. I live in the midwest. Thanks for the response.
Is the DS Trainer a shoe that a "non-minimalist" can use as a daily trainer?
nah wrote:
Is the DS Trainer a shoe that a "non-minimalist" can use as a daily trainer?
Well I made a large mistake on my part. I'm referring to the Asics DS Racer, not trainer. That might explain the reason why people haven't been responding. Hopefully that can clear things up. Sorry
The DS Racer is a very supportive racing flat. It has a midfoot "trustic" support bridge and a medial post for arch support. The Streak XC is extremely flexible and provides no support. I like training in the Streak, but you will feel the ground, especially under the forefoot. The DS feels much more like a lightweight training shoe while the Streak feels like a slipper.
\
Hmm.. I think I'll buy both.
\
Didn't they discontinue the DS Racer?
I do all my running in the XC's. I find them to be quite durable. The outsole seems to last longer than any flat I have tried.
Previouse poster is right, that the XC is very flexible with a slipper like fit. That said, the upper will 'blow out' on you if you wear them too tight. I went up one size after a couple blew out at the outside of my foot.
I think that the outsole lasts longer because of the flexibility. Your foot has a more natural contact with the ground, so there is less scuffing with each footfall.
For the most part I would agree with you Running Bear.
The only difference for me is that the upper on a couple of my XC Zoom Streaks have liitle holes near the big toe area.
It does feel very comfortable.
That said the shoe feels a lot better to me when it is brand new than after 200 miles or so. It seems to stiffen up after absorbing all the sweat and sometimes blood from Summer running.
Someone used my name. I only have enough to buy one pair.
I would say there are little to no similarities between these 2 shoes. The Streak XC is one of the most minimalistic flats on the market, the DS Races one of the most substantial. I would agree with a previous poster, the DS Racer is on the boarder of the light weight trainer category. It is probably 3oz heavier than the Streak XC and has a medial post. If you are looking to transition down toward minimalistic training the DS Racer would be a good transition shoe, whereas the Streak XC is on the extreme end of minimalism. Both have their positives and negatives, it just depends on what type of shoe you are looking for.
Hunt,
Well said. These two shoes are really complete opposites within the 'flat' category.
That said, I do favor the XC's, but be cautioned that this is a very, VERY flexible shoe. I would not recommend changing from a trainer to these directly. You would want to transition gradually to strengthen your feet or risk injury.
Also, the XC's are fairly economical @ $65.00, and you can often get them on Eastbay for 20% off.
This year I will probably go through 4 pairs and 3300 miles. I wear them until the uppers give out.
The DS Racer is discontinued. It's now the Bandito.
They sell them at Roadrunner.com