ASICS GEL-LYTE33 3

I had already the opportunity to train with one of the latest novelties within the 33 range of Asics, a number that, as we have already heard on occasion, is not chosen at random but comes from the number of joints we have in the foot. Within this family, which is now in its third generation, we can find models such as the GEL Super J 33, the GEL 33-DFA or the GEL Excel 33 in addition to this one, the ASICS GEL Lyte 33 3, which has come to us with many changes.

It has managed to further reduce its weight to leave it in a meager 195 grams, which makes it the lightest shoe in the catalog of the Japanese brand. A significant reduction if we take into account that the previous version, the Lyte 33 2, reached almost 240 grams. This is a strong bet that, together with the 6 mm drop (23 in the heel and 17 in the forefoot) that it still maintains, is the calling card of this representative of the ASICS natural running line.

There are more elements to consider, such as the incorporation of FluidAxis technology that offers the possibility of a more natural movement of the foot. In two words, and without getting into complex explanations, the sole has flex grooves in the heel area that allow the shoe to adjust to the change in the position of the foot during the full stride phase. In the forefoot area there are also more grooves, transversely to accompany the final movement.

To finish with the technological part of the shoe (although there are still quite a few details), it incorporates GEL in the rearfoot area, with which most of us land, to provide sufficient cushioning and absorption of the landing impact and an asymmetrical dual density midsole in the forefoot with a soft upper layer of SpEVA and a harder lower layer of EVA, for a more efficient take-off.

The upper fabric is lighter and very breathable, pleasant to the touch and with more toe room so, in my opinion, it must be worn without socks to feel the foot with every step.

Training with the LYTE 33 3 natural running or flying?

I have used this model in my preparation for the MARAT? DE BARCELONA for the type of training sessions in which, a priori, I think I can get the most out of them, i.e. fast paces, such as interval training and series sessions.

I have really noticed that great lightness (of course!), its adaptation to each phase of the tread, the transition I would say, more than natural, direct. I'm not talking about a "rebound effect" as someone might imagine. Here the shoe is at the service of the runner, who will notice its effectiveness the better his running technique, but it does not run alone. Well, none of them run alone, even if they want to sell us any theory nowadays.

Its grip on the ground is secure and its stability is good, but the athlete himself has a lot to do with the latter. So, one thing has been clear to me from the first moment: it is not a model for everyone, not to be confused. For its light weight and the absence of reinforcement elements in the heel collar, it is a very stable model with remarkable cushioning, but within the parameters of its segment.

With an extraordinary flexibility and adaptation to the foot, it seems to me a shoe that has certain characteristics and philosophy of natural running, but there are elements, such as that cushioning with GEL exclusively in the rear and that 6 drop, only 6 some will think, but if it is about natural running it is not little, that make me more fit them as a first model of transition to that philosophy of running, but especially as an excellent flyer for many runners who will get to squeeze them in training and short competitions.

Neither for long runs, nor for heavy athletes, nor for those with recurrent problems in the calf muscles because it will not solve them. But if you like to feel the contact with the ground, you are looking for something really comfortable (I have also used them without socks), you have a minimally efficient running technique and you like to use a specific pair for each specific type of training and race, here you have a very good option, A VERY CAERA ASICS.

My notes for the Asics

• Lightweight 10
• Cushioning 8
• Flexibility 9
• Responsiveness 9
• Stability 8
• Grip 8