Asics Gel DS Trainer 22

Editor rating: 9.0 / 10

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By Stephanie Potter

All ASICS Shoes

Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 Review Facts

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The Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 is a lightweight stability racing shoe. It was designed to give the wearer a stable yet responsive ride. It uses a lightweight Dynamic DuoMax Support System that stabilizes and supports the foot, with extra support in the platform that also slows over-pronation comfortably. The Heel Clutching System adds support and improves the fit around the heel. The Guidance Line Midsole Technology uses decoupled tooling and a vertical flex groove that helps the wearer achieve a more natural and efficient gait with smooth transitions. The Impact Guidance System technology also improves the wearer’s natural gait. To improve speed, the Gel DS Trainer 22 uses Propulsion Trusstic Technology to push the foot forward, Rearfoot Gel Technology to cushion landings, absorb shock and improve transitions, and Flytefoam for durable super fiber cushioning that bounces the foot back into the air after each step. The outsole uses Duosole technology for lightweight flexibility, durability and traction, and DuraSponge in the heel for durability and cushioning during landings. If you are a neutral runner or over-pronator looking for a daily running, interval training or medium distance running shoe, read on to see what the Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 has to offer.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Great grip
Lightweight and supportive
Comfortably slows over-pronation
Smooth interior
Fast and responsive
No break-in time

Cons

Thin tongue slides
Narrow fit and no wide sizes
Uneven cushioning
Limited color options

Outsole

The outsole is made of different types of rubber. The forefoot uses DuraSponge technology and AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) blown rubber that adds a layer of cushioning to toe-offs while also providing some durability. The heel uses Duosole, which is lightweight, durable, flexible and provides great traction for landings and ascending during longer runs. Diagonally across the midfoot is Propulsion Trusstic Technology, which gives the wearer a forward push while running. The perimeter of the outsole uses treads for gripping roads, and the forefoot uses three-sided lugs for better traction during take-offs and when going uphill or downhill.

Midsole

The midsole has many technologies that improve the ride. The Guidance Line Midsole Technology uses a vertical flex groove as well as decoupled tooling, which helps the wearer improve gait efficiency and smooths transitions. The Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System cushions landings, absorbs the shock of impact, and transfers the energy forward for a smoother transition. There is also Flytefoam, made of durable super fibers, that springs the foot into the air. Last is the Dynamic DuoMax Support System that is lightweight and supports the entire foot, especially the platform, and slows over-pronation comfortably. The drop also adds to the forward momentum and heel cushioning of the shoe.

Upper

The upper uses textile for its lining and mesh and synthetic material for the outside of the shoe. It has a Heel Clutching System to improve the fit and support and stabilize the heel. The Impact Guidance System technology enhances the natural gait to make it more efficient and prevent over-pronation. The textile lining is very smooth for comfort and to prevent blisters and irritation. The forefoot and midfoot are covered in breathable mesh with a few overlays for structure and style. The heel has a little bit of mesh but is mostly covered by the Heel Clutching System. There is a toe cap to prevent stubbing, laces for a snug fit, a thin tongue and a padded collar.

Weight

The men's size 9 weighs 8 oz and the women's shoe weighs 6.6 oz. Although it is on the heavy end of the lightweight spectrum, it is light for a stability shoe. The outsole uses blown AHAR rubber in DuroSponge that is lighter and softer than other rubber, lightweight Duosole rubber, and the Propulsion Trusstic Technology that does not take up much space or add much weight. The midsole's rearfoot gel is light and the Flytefoam is compact and lightweight. The Dynamic DuoMax Support System adds a little bit of weight due to its stability and support. The upper's textile lining is very light, as is the mesh. The synthetic material does not cover much of the shoe, but the Heel Clutching System does add some weight to the heel due to its stability.

Breathability

This shoe has good breathability. The mesh covers the forefoot, the midfoot except for some overlays and the logo, and a small area of the heel. This allows the shoe to stay ventilated in order to keep the foot dry and cool, which is especially good for warmer weather or longer runs. The lining is smooth, which prevents blisters and hot spots, and the outside of the shoe does not use stitching in order to reduce the risk of irritation.

Comfort

The Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 is comfortable, although there are areas that could be improved. Testers found that it comfortably slows over-pronation with supportive technologies, compared to other shoes that have hard medial posts that cause discomfort. The interior is smooth which feels soft and prevents blisters. Reviewers noted that the shoe can be worn out of the box, meaning it takes no time to break in. The outsole's blown rubber acts as an extra layer of cushioning, and the midsole cushioning is provided by the Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System, Flytefoam, and the Dynamic DuoMax Support System. Some people noticed that the tongue is thin and it slides, which can be uncomfortable. Although the length is true to size, the fit around the midfoot is narrow and no wide sizes are available. A few testers thought that the cushioning was uneven, with thicker, moderate cushioning in the heel and thinner, firmer cushioning in the forefoot.

Style

The Gel DS Trainer looks sporty and has nice colors that do not clash, although multiple reviewers did not like that there were so few options. The men's shoe comes in either Prime Red/Black/Gold Fusion or Carbon/Black/Safety Yellow. The women's shoe can be either Aquarium/Aqua Splash/Flash Coral or Blue/Purple/Black/Coral. The shoe is mostly one color with an accent color on the sole, logo, laces and/or interior. The shoe has a lot of mesh except in the heel and large logos on either side of the midfoot. Not all sizes are available in every color, which adds to the lack of variety in the shoe.

Durability

This shoe has good durability. The DuraSponge technology and AHAR provide durability in the forefoot, the Duosole provides good durability in the heel, and the Propulsion Trusstic Technology is a durable layer in the midfoot. The midsole's Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System is durable, as is the Flytefoam that uses super fibers so it can last for many daily runs or even be used for longer runs up to half marathons. The upper is also durable, with the synthetic material in the overlays and Heel Clutching System providing great durability, and the mesh is durable due to its woven construction with smaller holes.

Protection

The Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 protects from shock, stubbing, irritation, overheating and over-pronation. The sole unit provides a layer of protection from bruising against objects or cracks in the road. The midsole's Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System absorbs shock to protect feet, legs and knees. The Dynamic DuoMax Support System and Impact Guidance System make the gait more natural to protect against over-pronation or injury from improper form. The upper's mesh protects against overheating, while the lining and lack of stitching protect against blisters and irritation. The toe cap protects against bruising.

Responsiveness

The Gel DS Trainer 22 is fast and responsive. The outsole has good ground feel due to its treads and small lugs. The blown rubber helps bounce the foot back into the air, while the Propulsion Trusstic Technology helps keep it moving forward. The midsole has Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning to move energy forward and smooth transitions. The Guidance Line Midsole Technology improves gait efficiency and transitions. The Impact Guidance System enhances the natural gait and makes transitions more efficient. Although it has many responsive features, testers noted that this shoe does not have as much energy return as many other shoes.

Support

This shoe is very supportive. The Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning and Flytefoam add some support to the heel and bottom of the foot, but the most supportive midsole feature is the Dynamic DuoMax Support System. It supports the entire foot, with extra support on the platform and arch in order to slow over-pronation comfortably. The upper has some support in the heel with its Heel Clutching System and padded collar. There is also some support around the midfoot from the overlays and inside padding.

Terrain

This is a road running shoe intended for competitive use. It does well on dirt tracks, gravel, paved roads, sidewalks, treadmills, and light trails. It can also ascend and descend hills that are not too technical and be used for long distance runs such as 5K, 10K or half marathons. It can also be used on wet terrain or varies types of weather conditions as long as it is not too slippery.

Price

The initial price was at the high end of the average range. Its diverse usage from indoor to outdoor use, from daily runs to long distance runs to training, and by both neutral runners and over-pronators, make it a popular shoe choice for many types of runners. Current pricing is from full price up to 57% off the original price, depending on the size, color and retailer.

Traction

The Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 has great grip that offers good control in any type of weather. The treads provide good traction on roads, tracks, treadmills and other hard, flat surfaces. They can even go on wet pavement without slipping. The small lugs allow the wearer to ascend and descend hills, great for training or long distance runs.

Flexibility

The Gel DS Trainer 22 is rated by testers as very flexible. DuraSponge and Durosole are flexible rubbers that move with the foot and the ground for a comfortable ride. The Guidance Line Midsole Technology has a vertical flex groove that adds flexibility and improves transitions for a better gait. The Flytefoam layer and Dynamic DuoMax Support System also allow the foot to move naturally. The upper is also flexible due to the amount of mesh used, and the Heel Clutching System and overlays lock the foot in without preventing movement.

Stability

This shoe is for both neutral runners and over-pronators. It has some stability features, although severe over-pronators and heavier runners may want a stability-only shoe rather than one that can be worn by neutral runners as well. The Dynamic DuoMax Support System supports the arch and stabilizes the foot from over-pronating. The upper has the Heel Clutching System to keep the heel in place, the Impact Guidance System to improve gait form and efficiency, and overlays for structure and light stability in the midfoot.

Drop

The drop is 10mm. The men's heel is 20mm high and the forefoot is 10mm high, while the women's heel is 19mm high and the forefoot is 9mm high. The drop is caused by the gel cushioning in the heel, which absorbs shock, transfers the energy forward, and helps create smooth transitions.

Key Features

Dynamic DuoMax Support System provides stability and support, keeping the weight low and offering additional platform support while comfortably slowing over-pronation

Impact Guidance System technology enhances the wearer's natural gait

Propulsion Trusstic Technology keeps the foot moving forward

Heel Clutching System provides a comfortable and supportive fit

Guidance Line Midsole Technology has a vertical flex groove and decoupled tooling for a more efficient gait and smoother transitions

Duosole Outsole is lightweight, flexible, durable and has great traction

Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System absorbs shock, cushions landings and smooths transitions

Flytefoam bounces the foot back into the air with each step and uses super fibers for durability

DuraSponge Outsole uses AHAR blown rubber for forefoot durability and cushioning

Textile and synthetic upper

Bottom Line

The Asics Gel DS Trainer 22 is a versatile shoe. It can be used by neutral runners to moderate over-pronators. Testers tried it on tracks, treadmills, and roads and found it works well in different weather conditions. It can be used for daily training or races. It is lightweight, flexible, durable, breathable, supportive, and fairly comfortable. It has nice color choices and is reasonably priced. It has a smooth interior and takes no time to break in. It could use wider sizes, more than two color choices, and a tongue that does not slide, but overall it is a great addition to the Gel DS Trainer series.