Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Shoe Review

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23

image courtesy of RoadRunnerSports.com

I am excited to say that the Asics has made some great updates to the latest Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 running shoe. If you read the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 22 review then you know that I really liked this shoe. Not to date myself, but I first wore this shoe when it was the Gel-DS Trainer 5.

Asics continues to utilize the Flytefoam sole for this shoe while the bigger update to the shoe was the redesigned upper. I think you will really like these changes if you are looking for a performance stability running shoe.

I will say that the color of this shoe was way brighter than I would want to wear, but it was the only color option at the time of this review. While I don’t like to be flashy or bright, this shoe may help me be seen at night or by some driver who is distracted or texting.

Sizing Recommendation: I would recommend ordering a 1/2 size up when buying the Gel-DS Trainer 23.

I like the shoe, just hope they produce some additional color combinations or I’ll have to wear sunglasses everytime I wear these. Here are a few pictures of the shoes that I wore for this review.

Pros Cons
  • Lightweight comfort
  • Responsive
  • Value Priced (Retail: $120)
  • Color Options
  • Sizing (Order 1/2 size up)

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Verdict

Our Rating:
Viewer Rating:

The Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 is a great choice if you are looking for a performance stability shoe for racing of all distances and speed workouts. This shoe felt great from the time I first put it on to the moment I ran my first 5 miles in them.

This version continues to utilize the Flytefoam midsole making it lightweight and responsive. The redesigned upper is more comfortable than the upper on the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 22.

This Asics Gel-DS Trainer model continues to have a competitive price point, making it an affordable performance stability running shoe option.

The lightweight feel combined with a responsive ride makes this shoe the ideal for faster efforts or racing. I wore this on runs up to 12 miles and the shoe felt great. Not sure I would wear this shoe on a 20-mile training run, but definitely would wear this for all race distances, up the marathon.

I will definitely be wearing these shoes in my next road race.

About the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23

The 23rd model of the Asics Gel-DS Trainer continues to be a favorite for runners looking for an affordable performance stability running shoe.

The shoe is similar to last years model with the FlyteFoam midsole. The main update to this shoe is the redesigned upper which now uses adapt mesh improving the comfort of the shoe. Asics also reduced the overlays, increasing the breathability of the shoe.

This performance stability trainer is great for races of all distances, from a 5k to a marathon.

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Shoe Specifications

  • Weight: 8.2 oz (size men’s 9)
  • Shoe Type: Performance Stability
  • Stack Height: Heel (24mm), Forefoot (14mm)
  • Heel-To-Toe Drop: 10mm
  • Forefoot: Medium Width
  • Heel: Medium Width
  • Previous Model: Asics Gel-DS Trainer 22

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Initial Thoughts

I have always been a big fan of the Gel-DS Trainer shoe. I have reviewed this shoe for the past few years and was excited again to try the latest version.

I liked last year’s version but didn’t end up wearing them in my fall marathon. I was hoping this version would be my return to wearing the Gel-DS Trainer in all of my races.

When I first opened the box, I almost went to get my sunglasses. These shoes were that bright. I liked how they looked, they were just almost too bright for me.

Even though these shoes are a few ounces heavier than last year, they still felt really light. These shoes continue to run a little small and would recommend ordering 1/2 size up.

My initial thoughts about this shoe were that they felt light, fast, responsive, and made me excited to try these out. These shoes felt great during my first 5-mile run.

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Sole

The Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 running shoe uses the same Flytefoam sole that was updated with last years model so the information in this section is similar to last years review.

Similar to the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 22, this shoes continues to utilize the standard DuoMax Support System and Impact Guidance System (IGS), which provides additional support for runners who overpronate.

The sole continues to use the Propulsion Trusstic System. This system leverages thermal plastic units to help provide support to the forefoot providing a more responsive feel during the pushing off with each stride.

The heel continues to have a high abrasion rubber compound designed to improve the durability of the sole. One other thing you will notice is the tread on the forefoot. This tread provides traction in almost any condition.

Below are a few pictures of the sole on the Asics DS Trainer 23.

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Upper

The biggest update to the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 was to the upper section of the shoe. When I first put the shoe on I immediately noticed the improvement from the previous version.

The new adapt mesh upper drastically improves breathability and improves the comfort of this shoe. The shoe is .4 ounces heavier this year, which is due to the updates to the upper of the shoe.

Runners never want additional weight added to a shoe but in this case, I don’t mind due to the improved comfort and support.

The tongue and the seamless upper remain which helps with the improved comfort of the redesigned upper portion of this shoes. The sock liner continues to keep your feet dry and reduces odors during and after wear.

Below are a few pictures of the upper portion of the Asics DS Trainer 23.

Buy the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23

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Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Shoe Ratings

  • 9.3/10
    Overall Rating - 9.25/10
  • 9/10
    Upper - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Sole - 9/10
9.1/10

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 Feedback

Please provide any feedback or experiences you have while running in the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 23 running shoes by leaving a comment below or sending me a note.

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6 comments

  • Good review. Wore the DS Trainer many years. Lately I’ve run in Mizuno’s Rider and Shadow. My only reservation is the color. Maybe I will wait to see what the 2nd color will be.

    • Thanks, Ken! I agree about the color, its way too bright for me. I’m hoping the additional colors are a little more subtle. I haven’t tried the Mizuno Shadow but may have to give them a try. Thanks again!

  • Thanks for another great review.
    Is the forefoot any wider / deeper than the previous 22?

    • Chris, thanks for the comment. I would say that the width seems similar, the redesigned upper does help make these feel better than the previous. The redesigned upper adapts better to your foot. I have had issues with narrow shoes in the past and these felt great when wearing these shoes. Let me know if you have any other questions!

  • I wear kayano 24 and I m very sutisfied with the support they provide but I feel they block me from running fast. Do you think i can use ds trainer to rotate with kayano for faster runs ?

    • Andreas, I would definitely start using these for faster/tempo runs while using the Kayano for your longer runs/daily training. I used to wear the DS Trainers for all of my races and thought they offered a great balance of lightweight/support. Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help! Happy running.

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