9 replies to this topic

[silver fox]

After some feedback on alternatives to the DS Trainers.

I find that the DS Trainer only starts to feel comfortable for me about 200 metres from the chucking out stage. I have experimented with sizing and have come to the conclusion that they are just to narrow or snug in the forefoot for me.

I will also be honest enough to say that I have absolutely no idea whether I am a pronator, supinator, masta... however all the wear(on all my shoes) is on the outside heel, the rest of the sole I could send back to the manufacturer to be re-used.

I am by no stretch fast enough to warrant a racing flat, just after shoes designed in a similar vein to the Trainer. I wear them only on race day and special occasions!

I remember seeing another pair recommended not long ago but couldnt find the thread.

Appreciate any advice.

cheers

[DuncanTheIncredibleDivingHorse]

You could try the Brooks Burn. I have a pair of these as well as a pair of DS Trainers (yes, I like shoes). They are quite similar - similar weight, similar intended purpose - but the fit and feel is a bit different. I think the Brooks are a wider fit so they might suit you.

cheers
djl

[Rhino]

I use the Brooks Trance and the DS Trainer, with the Brooks being slightly wider.

[Tuttle]

Perhaps check out the Mizuno Maverick.

[Sheryl]

I love the DS trainer and have worn nothing else for years and years, can slip on a new pair the night before a race and just fly. Nike have a new shoe the Air Zoom Elite, which is supposed to be modeled on the DS Trainer, it recently got the Editors Choice award in Runners World Magazine Shoe Survey. Asics also has the Gel Forster Tri a flashy looking hybrid of the DS Trainer.
Haven't been able to slip my foot into either shoe for a test run, has anyone else?

[richie]

Tried a pair of the Nike Zoom Elite when it first came out last year during the De Castella run. It was one of those Nike promotions where you leave your shoes behind and try one of theirs. It was brand new and I ran 15k with them and surprisingly "no blisters".
Tried them again this year at the Corporate Cup round the Tan and ended up buying a pair. Have done a couple of 10k in them and feels really good. I also own a pair of DS Trainers and find the Nike much lighter and hence a good racing shoe.

[Phantom Strider, retired]

As djl says, the Brooks Burn are a good alternative and so are the New Balance 831 both with a more comfortable feel right out of the box, a few dollars cheaper too I think.

[silver fox]

Thanks all for your help. The Brooks Burn was the one I remember from a previous thread, will give them a go.

cheers

[Sawdust]

Silver fox, I sufferred a debilitating injury in the Sydney marathon last year that took many weeks to get over. I went off to a sports podiatrist and was told that the shoes previous to the ones I ran the marathon in were the problem. (changed model 200k prior to the marathon.) Anyway it cost me $75 to find that out and be told just what sort of shoe to wear (recommended three brands and models)for my foot (mild pronator). that $75 (of which your health fund will probably cover)is half the cost of a pair of shoes and I would recommend spending it. Don't take chances with your feet it aint worth it.

[pbig]

I have trained, done track (vets) and road (10k - 50k) all in the basically the same type of shoe for the past 3 years - mostly Asics 20xx, but currently 1090 which I prefer to the 2090. I'm not fast, but reading the thread about racers vs trainers prompts me to consider trying something lighter (sub 300g) and perhaps get a few seconds off my times :) , at least in shorter events.

I did try on a pair of DS Trainers early this year, but like Silver Fox found them too tight across my forefoot - my foot is relatively wide in relation to its length, one of the main reasons I have stuck with the 20xx/10xx. Also, the latest DS Trainer doesn't get a good review in Runner's World (March 04), mainly because of its extra weight (320g).

Will look at Brooks Burn, also interested in the Nike Air Zoom Elite which does get a very good review - anyone know how its forefoot width compares? Also, any good place to buy Brooks or Nike cheap in Melb (like Leo Russell for Asics)?

pbig
(in bed with flu <_< , hoping to be 100% for Traralgon 1/2M this Sunday!)