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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Gel DS Racer 10 Review}} I had low expectations of the DS Racer, but it still managed to disappoint me. The cushioning is better than I expected, but t..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Gel DS Racer 10 Review}}
I had low expectations of the DS Racer, but it still managed to disappoint me. The cushioning is better than I expected, but the upper is rather uncomfortable and the drop is too great. If you're looking seriously at the DS Racer, I'd suggest trying the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] or the [[Saucony Kinvara]] first. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The DS Racer is not a shoe I like, so it's hard to recommend. If you think that the dual density foam is worthwhile, in spite of the evidence to the contrary, then this is one of the few lightweight shoes you have to choose from.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The cushioning is quite springy and smooth. With less drop, the midsole would have been quite pleasant.
* {{H:drop}}. The 6mm drop is enough to start to cause me issues, and I suspect that it's actually a little more than 6mm in practice. The DS Racer has enough drop for me to feel like I'm running in high heels and for it to mess with my stride slightly.
* {{H:structure}}. The DS Racer includes multiple densities of foam, called DuoMax, which make the inside of the heel firmer and attempts to interfere with the natural movement of the foot. The research indicates that these techniques don't actually change the foot movement much, even with the more extreme "motion control" shoes. However, I would not have noticed the dual density if I hadn't been looking out for it as it is very mild.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The DS Racer is less flexible than you'd expect for a lightweight shoe. This is partly due to the extensive outsole, and partly the hard plastic shank that Asics call their "Trusstic System". There are some gaps in the outsole that improve flexibility at those points, but that causes the shoe to crease at specific points, which are not necessarily the points your foot bends. I found the lack of flexibility reduced the comfort of the shoe, even when compared with shoes like the Hoka. This is possibly because the massively cushioned Hoka shoes don't bend, but they do compress in a way that allows the foot to bend within the shoe.
* {{H:outsole}}. There's a good layer of harder rubber outsole over the forefoot contact areas, and most of the heel.
* {{H:shape}}. The DS Racer is designed to fit the human foot, and I had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]] for my feet to move naturally.
* {{H:upper}}. In today's market, nearly every shoe has a comfortable upper. Unfortunately the DS Racer bucks this trend and I found it rather uncomfortable. The upper seems quite thick and inflexible, with reinforcement strips that make things even worse. When combined with the outsole that causes the shoe to crease at specific points, I found the upper dug into the top of my foot. I also found the ankle opening caused pressure, even though it was well padded.
* {{H:tongue}}. The DS Racer has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue has some padding, but it also a seam half way up that's less than ideal.
* {{H:lacing}}. The DS Racer has thin flat laces that stayed tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The DS Racer has a moderately strong heel counter, but it didn't cause any problems.
{{BuyShoes|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] is far better than the DS Racer in every way. It's lighter, better cushioned, less drop, and a more comfortable upper.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and New Balance RC5000==
The DS Racer lighter than many shoes, but the [[New Balance RC5000]] is extreme. The RC5000 is about half the weight of the DS Racer, and while not as well cushioned, it does the job. If you want to run faster, and you're okay with the cushioning of the RC5000, then it's by far the better shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Hoka Clifton==
It's hard to believe that the DS Racer and the [[Hoka Clifton]] are so close in weight; the Clifton is just over an ounce (30g) heavier, but the Clifton is vastly better cushioned. The Clifton is nearly as flexible as the DS Racer, another surprise. The Clifton is also more comfortable, which is icing on the cake.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Saucony Kinvara==
The [[Saucony Kinvara]] and the DS Racer are close in weight and cushioning, but they appear to be trying to do different things. The Kinvara is a transition between a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]] and either a cushioned [[Minimax]] shoe or a light weight optimal shoe, where the DS Racer has aspirations of being that light weight optimal shoe. The Kinvara succeeds in its goals, and is a comfortable shoe, where the DS Racer falls short. The comparison highlights for me the problems in the DS Racer; it's not light enough to be an optimal shoe, nor is it comfortable enough to be a transitional shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 weights more than half as much again, but at least the upper is comfortable. Where the DS Racer makes a vague attempt to interfere with your biomechanics, the GT 2000 is more determined, though probably no more effective. However, when you run in the two shoes, the GT 2000 feels more like a concrete clog in comparison with the DS Racer. At least in the company of the GT 2000 it can appear light weight, if not comfortable.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
I had low expectations of the DS Racer, but it still managed to disappoint me. The cushioning is better than I expected, but the upper is rather uncomfortable and the drop is too great. If you're looking seriously at the DS Racer, I'd suggest trying the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] or the [[Saucony Kinvara]] first. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The DS Racer is not a shoe I like, so it's hard to recommend. If you think that the dual density foam is worthwhile, in spite of the evidence to the contrary, then this is one of the few lightweight shoes you have to choose from.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The cushioning is quite springy and smooth. With less drop, the midsole would have been quite pleasant.
* {{H:drop}}. The 6mm drop is enough to start to cause me issues, and I suspect that it's actually a little more than 6mm in practice. The DS Racer has enough drop for me to feel like I'm running in high heels and for it to mess with my stride slightly.
* {{H:structure}}. The DS Racer includes multiple densities of foam, called DuoMax, which make the inside of the heel firmer and attempts to interfere with the natural movement of the foot. The research indicates that these techniques don't actually change the foot movement much, even with the more extreme "motion control" shoes. However, I would not have noticed the dual density if I hadn't been looking out for it as it is very mild.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The DS Racer is less flexible than you'd expect for a lightweight shoe. This is partly due to the extensive outsole, and partly the hard plastic shank that Asics call their "Trusstic System". There are some gaps in the outsole that improve flexibility at those points, but that causes the shoe to crease at specific points, which are not necessarily the points your foot bends. I found the lack of flexibility reduced the comfort of the shoe, even when compared with shoes like the Hoka. This is possibly because the massively cushioned Hoka shoes don't bend, but they do compress in a way that allows the foot to bend within the shoe.
* {{H:outsole}}. There's a good layer of harder rubber outsole over the forefoot contact areas, and most of the heel.
* {{H:shape}}. The DS Racer is designed to fit the human foot, and I had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]] for my feet to move naturally.
* {{H:upper}}. In today's market, nearly every shoe has a comfortable upper. Unfortunately the DS Racer bucks this trend and I found it rather uncomfortable. The upper seems quite thick and inflexible, with reinforcement strips that make things even worse. When combined with the outsole that causes the shoe to crease at specific points, I found the upper dug into the top of my foot. I also found the ankle opening caused pressure, even though it was well padded.
* {{H:tongue}}. The DS Racer has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue has some padding, but it also a seam half way up that's less than ideal.
* {{H:lacing}}. The DS Racer has thin flat laces that stayed tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The DS Racer has a moderately strong heel counter, but it didn't cause any problems.
{{BuyShoes|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] is far better than the DS Racer in every way. It's lighter, better cushioned, less drop, and a more comfortable upper.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and New Balance RC5000==
The DS Racer lighter than many shoes, but the [[New Balance RC5000]] is extreme. The RC5000 is about half the weight of the DS Racer, and while not as well cushioned, it does the job. If you want to run faster, and you're okay with the cushioning of the RC5000, then it's by far the better shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Hoka Clifton==
It's hard to believe that the DS Racer and the [[Hoka Clifton]] are so close in weight; the Clifton is just over an ounce (30g) heavier, but the Clifton is vastly better cushioned. The Clifton is nearly as flexible as the DS Racer, another surprise. The Clifton is also more comfortable, which is icing on the cake.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Saucony Kinvara==
The [[Saucony Kinvara]] and the DS Racer are close in weight and cushioning, but they appear to be trying to do different things. The Kinvara is a transition between a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]] and either a cushioned [[Minimax]] shoe or a light weight optimal shoe, where the DS Racer has aspirations of being that light weight optimal shoe. The Kinvara succeeds in its goals, and is a comfortable shoe, where the DS Racer falls short. The comparison highlights for me the problems in the DS Racer; it's not light enough to be an optimal shoe, nor is it comfortable enough to be a transitional shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel DS Racer and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 weights more than half as much again, but at least the upper is comfortable. Where the DS Racer makes a vague attempt to interfere with your biomechanics, the GT 2000 is more determined, though probably no more effective. However, when you run in the two shoes, the GT 2000 feels more like a concrete clog in comparison with the DS Racer. At least in the company of the GT 2000 it can appear light weight, if not comfortable.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-DS-Racer-10-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel DS Racer 10 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
