Detailed Look At The Asics Gel Lyte 3 Birch

　Suede/nubuck has and always will be a favorite when it comes to the Asics Gel Lyte 3 so it should come as no surprise to see Asics continually cover the silhouette in the aforementioned material.

　　For the Summer of 2017 we see the Gel Lyte 3 use nubuck and suede as the shoe has received the tonal treatment with this Birch colorway. The classic runner features perforations on the upper including on the toe, side panels, ankle, and even the signature split tongue. Finishing details include a white midsole and light grey rubber outsole. You can pick up the Asics Gel Lyte 3 Birch at select Asics retailers beginning on July 1st for $120.

Asics Lyteracer RS 4 Racing Shoe

If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you’re probably familiar with my preference for running in marathon racing flats. Shoes like the New Balance 1400, Asics Hyperspeed, and adidas Adios Boost are among my personal favorites, and are among the shoes I would choose from if I had to have one all-purpose shoe for all of my running. Over the years, I’ve heard that this class of shoe is very popular in Japan (for example, see here), and that there are a number of models available in that market that are not available here in the US.

Several weeks ago Running Warehouse started stocking several Asics flats from Japan, and they sent me two pairs to try out for review (Disclosure: these shoes were provided free of charge by Running Warehouse for review purposes). The models I received were the Lyteracer RS 4 and the Tartherzeal 3 – I’ve run in the latter only once or twice so far (it’s more of a speed flat – think Saucony A6 – so will take a bit longer to get miles on), but have put quite a few miles on the Lyteracer. I have to say that I’d rank the Lyteracer right up there with the 3 shoes mentioned in the opening paragraph – it’s a fantastic distance racer and is one my favorite shoes that I have run in so far this year.

One of the things I love about distance racers is their stripped-back simplicity. No frills uppers, light weight, and simple soles with a platform that doesn’t extend much beyond the margins of the foot are what I look for in shoe like this. Add in a forgiving heel and a firm, responsive forefoot and you have the makings of a perfect shoe for me. The Lyteracer RS 4 ticks al of these boxes, and I’ve really enjoyed running in them so far.

Specs

Let’s start with some specs. According to Running Warehouse, the Lyteracers weigh in at 7.3 oz in men’s size 9, and they have stack heights of 25mm in the heel, and 16mm in the forefoot. As in shoes like the Adios Boost and NB 1400, the 9mm drop does not get in the way – no issues there for me.

Sizing

With the Lyteracer being an import shoe from Japan, there are some quirky issues related to sizing. For example, the largest size available is 11.5 (sorry to those with big feet!), and there is no size 10.5 (my preferred size for a flat). When my RW contact asked me for sizing info, he indicated that most of the staff at RW who have tried them have gone up a full size without issue. As such, they sent me an 11 (full size up for me from my training shoe size), and though just a tad on the long side, they have worked out just fine. I would compare the width to the NB 1400 or Adios Boost – snug but not tight in the forefoot, very comfortable overall.

Upper

The upper of the Lyteracer feels almost like a throwback – old-school mesh with faux-suede overlays. I actually really like it, and it seems like it will be more durable than some of the newer-style uppers on the market. The interior of the shoe has a lot of exposed stitching due to the sewn-on overlays, so I’d probably not risk going sockless in them. I haven’t had any issues while wearing socks.

The pair that I received have a neon yellow upper, and I love the look of this shoe. They’re definitely a head-turner due to the brilliant color, and I’ve received a lot of comments on them while wearing them about.

Asics DS Racer 10 & Adidas Supernova Riot 6

One of my favorite shoes last year was the Asics Hyper Speed 6. It was one of those shoes that matched my personal preferences almost perfectly: lightweight, softish heel, responsive forefoot, simple construction. Just a great, all-around shoe.
Based on my experience with the Hyper Speed, I decided to pick up a pair of the Asics DS Racer 10  – they were a bargain at Running Warehouse as a new color was coming out. The DS Racers sat in the box un-worn for several months, and I finally took them out back in early June (wish I’d done so sooner!). I’ve run most of my road miles since then in the Racers, and to be honest, I’m having a hard time wanting to run in anything else. Like the Hyper Speed, they feel like a shoe that was designed specifically for me.

Specs

The DS Racer weighs in at 6.3 oz in men’s size 9, so it’s a very light shoe – less than an ounce heavier than the Hyper Speed. It has stack heights of 23mm in the heel, and 15 mm in the forefoot, but it feels less than an 8mm drop shoe to me.

Upper and Fit

The upper of the DS Racer is pretty simple – a nice, breathable mesh supported by welded overlays. The mesh feels a bit less stretchy than that of the Hyperspeed, and the fit may be just a tad snugger around the foot. However, for a racing flat I find the fit of the DS Racer to be fairly accommodating and have not felt the need for extra space up in the forefoot for my toes (I have an average width foot). Fit around the midfoot and heel is nice and snug for a good lock-down.

I’ve run in a lot of good shoes lately, and have many more that I’m testing for review later this summer/fall. In light of all of the reviews coming down the pipe, I thought it might be best do a review of the adidas Supernova Riot 6.

Specs

Riot 6 – 355 g (12.5 oz) in my size 13; 303 g (10.7 oz) in size 9 according to adidas. 10mm drop.

Uppers and Fit

Both shoes are, as far as I know, designed on the same last that is used in adidas’ Supernova Glide and Sequence road shoes. The fit is medium in the heel, fairly snug in the midfoot, and while medium width in forefoot compared to most shoes on the market, they are wider than adidas’ adizero road lineup that more runners are familiar with (think adios boost).

Conclusions

The Riot 6 has some drawbacks for me, particularly the softer/airy ride, and an upper that doesn’t fit quite right.  With regard to the Riot 6, which is available on Zappos and discounted at Leftlane Sports, I’d suggest waiting for the Boost trail models to hit the market (particularly the Response TR, which handles everything the Riot does with a more comfortable upper, deeper lugs and more responsive midsole; review coming very soon).

The Asics DS Racer 10 is easily among the top shoes I have run in so far this year. It’s not a newly released shoe, but it’s one that I wish I had tried sooner. If you’re looking for a lightweight racer that can also handle longer runs, it’s definitely worth a look. Great shoe!