Maybe you guys could help me out. Im looking for a new shoe to do normal training runs in. I have the speedstars now, but the heel to toe ratio is a little more than I like, so im looking at shoes with less of a difference. Ive been looking at the ds trainers and racers, anyone have experience with these? Are the racers too much of a flat to train in? What about the tarther? Thanks in advance.
I loved the DS Trainers. not sure how they compare regarding heel-to-toe ratios.
The DS Racers (and Trainers) will be way more supportive than the Speedstars you're currently training in - I doubt you'd like that, I know I didn't when I tried them out. The Tarther definitely has a little less support than the DS Racers, but the heel-toe drop is still fairly significant.
I split my training between the Hyper Speed and Piranha and highly highly recommend the Hyper Speed for general training. Pick up a pair, transition into them full-time and enjoy - they're a great shoe.
Just my $0.02.
how long did it take you to transition?
Speedstar and DS Trainer have the same heel toe drop AFAIK 10mm. The DS Racer and Tarther have 9mm each. Not sure about the Hyperspeed, I believe they are 5mm? Unfortunatly, that one didn't really fit for me. Piranha has 4mm or so. But they don't make them in my size. :-(
since your in a neutral shoe already i would suggest going with the Asics Tarther or the Asics hyperspeed. The ds trainer is a bit more shoe then the speedstar and if you are truly a neutral runner then you wouldnt need the stability the trainers or racers offer. I use the hyperspeed and as many would probably agree they are a great shoe. And if you are trying to transition to a more minimalist type of shoe the hyperspeed would be the next step.
Just go with the Hyperspeed. Too minimal for me for anything other than racing, but it sounds like it might be a good quick shoe for you. I haven't heard good things about the Tarther; noisy and hard, and a ratio not much different than the Speedstar.
What size are you? I have a brand new pair of DS-trainers in size 11.5 (the newest model)
I think they retail for $110 right now, so I'll sell them to you for $70
Nth vote for Hyperspeed. Nice low heel and cushioning that belies their low weight. And nearly everyone seems to love 'em.
thanks a lot guys
I run in the DS Trainer now. I never thought I had a narrow foot, but the DS Trainer is much too wide for me in the forefoot. I'll be using the shoe until I'm done with my marathon this summer, then I'll head back to the store to find a better-fitting shoe.
Man you guys wearing Hyperspeeds for daily runs are crazy. I'm a very light weight guy, 120lbs, and I wore them for a 5 mile race once and my feet were hurting the last two miles.
... I guess I just need something with a bit more support. I think DS-Trainers are great for everyday running, that's what I use.
One big factor is what you're adapted to (in addition to whatever else: weight, stride mechanics, ...)
The OP is currently in less shoe than you are, so it's not as big of a jump for him. But who knows; as always it'd be smart to buy from a place which allows returns after a run or two, in case they don't work out.
At closer to Solinsky's weight than yours, the Piranha's sole is about ideal (having worked my way down from trainers over the years). My line in the sand is Wave Universe - feels like their delicate cushioning is tuned for runners more your weight, and they bottom out and don't really cushion.
Didn't really transition into the Pirahnas so much...I had been wearing the DS Trainer and had some foot issues due to the support. I'm not a huge guy (5'9", 150lbs) and a natural mid- or forefoot striker so I figured I'd try my racing shoes in a training run. Liked it, started off with 2-milers in them for a week, then 4-5 miles, then 8-10, and finally all my runs up to 12 miles - total transition time was like a month. Just make sure to stretch your calves pretty regularly, they'll take a beating at the beginning.
I picked up the Hyper Speeds for longer runs and now use the Piranhas for all my shorter and faster stuff. The Hyper Speeds definitely feel more supportive and bulkier than the Piranhas, but they're still nice and light and have a 5mm heel/toe drop.
Go with the Hyper Speeds, you don't regret it. And depending on what size you are, there are some pretty cheap HS2s on eBay (not mine, just saw them cruising around online).