ASICS DS Trainer 25 Review
This Classic Favorite Is Now Better Than Ever
Likes
- Lightweight
- Comfortable Upper
- Stylish Design
- More Responsive
Dislikes
- Upper Lacks Support
What's New
After a complete overhaul of the previous model, ASICS decided to focus on small refinements in order to improve the fit and stability of the DS Trainer 25. Featuring the same FLYTEFOAM midsole and Rearfoot Gel, the DS Trainer 25 delivers responsive cushioning and impact absorption where you need it most, and to protect the runner from overpronation, this shoe features ASICS' Duomax technology and Trussic support system. This combines a firmer density foam under the arch with a molded component under the midfoot to deliver additional support as well as a springy toe-off. The knit upper gives the shoe an accomodating and breathable wrap of the foot, and a panel on the medial side adds extra support from inward rotation. In this latest version, the upper now has more structure around the heel cup for better stability and lock-down as you run.
The Bottom Line
The DS Trainer 24 was a complete redesign that excited fans of the model, and for those who loved its lightweight and nimble feel, the new DS Trainer 25 will not disappoint. This shoe continues to offer a responsive ride and inherent stability with a low to the ground feel. It runs like a classic trainer but features modern shoe advancements like a knit upper and innovative cushioning. Although the DS Trainer is not intended for those who enjoy a highly cushioned running experience, runner's who prefer a lightweight shoe with just enough protection that can deliver a responsive, fast feel will love the ASICS DS Trainer 25.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to low (Women's: Medium) | |
| Midfoot Volume | Men's: Medium to low | Women's: Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium to Narrow | |
| Arch Height | Men's: Medium to high | Women's: Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.0 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.7 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 23mm (Heel), 15mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The DS Trainer offers a low midsole stack height that provides a nimble and close to the ground feel. While this limits the shoe's softness, our testers found that it still felt comfortable for shorter runs and everyday training.
Kaitlin: "The midsole of the DS Trainer 25 is pretty minimal, but the forefoot still feels soft underfoot. I would say that it feels softer than the DS Trainer 24."
Derek: "Sitting pretty close to the ground, this shoe has a fairly firm ride that makes it a strong option for your faster days."
Ride/Energy Return i
The responsive FLYTEFOAM midsole gives the DS Trainer 25 a lively ride. This works with the shoe's TRUSSIC system that mimics the foot's natural design to create tension for a propulsive takeoff.
Kaitlin: "Because of the midsole flexibility and light cushioning in the forefoot, the structure of this shoe makes it snappy. You can really connect with the ground."
Derek: "With its fairly firm ride, the DS Trainer 25 isn’t exactly springy but you still get a lot more energy return than you would from a soft and squishy shoe."
Underfoot Protection i
The DS Trainer 25's low level of cushioning limits its underfoot protection. Our testers found that the Rearfoot Gel helped absorbed enough impact to be comfortable for everyday training but agreed that it lacked the protection they needed for longer runs.
Kaitlin: "There is light cushioning in the forefoot, but you can definitely feel the ground, debris, and impact."
Derek: "The thin layer of cushion made this shoe great for shorter, faster days but it didn’t have enough cushion for my longer, slower days."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The ASICS DS Trainer 25 has a smooth ride thanks to its full ground contact rubber outsole and forefoot flex groove. Our testers enjoyed the shoe's combination of stability and flexibility.
Kaitlin: "This shoe has fluid-like flexibility in the midfoot and forefoot, but becomes more rigid closer to the heel for stability. It definitely had increased flexibility from the previous model."
Derek: "The dense medial post reduced the DS Trainer's flexibility from the heel to the midfoot, which was great for reducing my overpronation. However, the fairly flexible forefoot gave this shoe a smoother ride than you’d expect from a stability shoe."
Upper Feel i
Although our testers agreed that the fit could have been slightly more supportive, they found that the multi-directional knit upper provided a very comfortable wrap of the foot. Overlays in the midfoot allow the laces to be tightened securely, and a new heel cup adds structure and stability over the previous model.
Kaitlin: "While the upper is very accommodating, it's not a fitted mesh upper. It does not hold your foot, but the tie-down through the laces is enough for you to feel secure. The upper feels more like a slipper than a sock."
Derek: "The knit upper was really breathable and comfortable, but I didn’t find it to be exceptionally supportive."
Women's ASICS Gel DS Trainer Running Shoes
Men's ASICS Gel DS Trainer Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The upper is lightweight, seamless, and flexible. It allowed for maximal comfort while still feeling securely locked down in the midfoot and heel. The underfoot feel was responsive with just a hint of cushioning and provided an easy heel-to-toe transition while running.
Overall, the DS Trainer 25 is ideal for uptempo running and runners who prefer a lightweight more nimble shoe for daily training. I am not sure that I would recommend it for high mileage because I feel like it does not have enough underfoot protection and its easy turnover might be lost in slower sustained running.
I was surprised how well this model did on trails. The high abrasion rubber provides great traction, and the build of the shoe makes me feel nimble while climbing.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
With its narrow platform and sleek design, the DS Trainer 25 fits my skinny foot perfectly. While the upper was super breathable and comfortable, I didn’t feel that it did the best job at assisting the midsole in reducing my overpronation at faster speeds.
Underfoot, the thin Flytefoam Lyte midsole offered a nice lightweight and firm ride that really made picking up the pace in my workouts a breeze. I hope the next version receives a midsole that’s a little softer and more responsive, but all in all, the DS Trainer 25 ended up being a great option for my longer interval and tempo workouts.