Asics 33-DFA – Comprehensive review and analysis
A lightweight from Asics. This model 33 DFA was intended as a replacement for the Asics Gel Lyte 33. But what does the Asics 33 DFA have to offer?
- Complete review of Asics 33 DFA
- Advantages and disadvantages of 33 DFA
- We are giving you the best price right now.
NOTE: Buy this week through iloebesko and save 0 crowns. Normal price: 900 kroner – great deals right now.
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Price comparison
| Reseller | Leveringstid | Country | Total price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1-2 dage |
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900 DKK | Til butik |
What does the Asics 33 DFA 3 offer?
This model from Asics is a real lightweight. An extremely comfortable shoe to wear if you ask me, but is it also good to run in? I will give you the answer to that below. But remember, my review or opinion about the shoe is just as individual as yours. So use recommendations etc. as a guide.
Asics DFA 33 is, as I said, a lightweight, and clearly a running shoe I would only recommend for short, fast runs – at least that’s how I would use this running shoe. Asics DFA 33 is perhaps the pair of running shoes that should complement your running shoe wardrobe. Understood in the sense that if you take this running shoe, and combine it with a shoe for volume training, then I definitely think the concept holds up.
It’s a running shoe that, in my opinion, has a good fit, but I don’t think that’s the case for everyone. Because I like and live with the shoe being a little wide, and there’s room for my feet, but if you’re a fan of a very tight-fitting running shoe, I think you should go and look at another one.
It’s a running shoe that could be called natural running, but I actually think it’s on the verge of being in the category forminimalist running shoes. Not that it’s a disadvantage in any way, because I actually like running in such running shoes on my fast runs. But not all runners are fans of it, so it’s definitely something you should be aware of.

Cool facts about the shoe
Generally
- Running style: Minimalist
- Fit: Wide forefoot
- Surface: Country road
- Suggested price: 900 DKK
Size: Regular
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Technologies
- 3M reflectors
- Fluid Axis
- AHAR+
- Seamless upper
Fun to know
- Weight: 258 grams size 42
- Training purpose: Interval rides
- 4mm heel drop
Designed as a replacement for the Gel Lyte 33
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The test of the DFA 33 from Asics
First impressions are always important.
I would say that I think this running shoe had a bit to live up to. But when I step into the shoe my first thought is, wait, is there room for my feet? It’s in a shoe that is brand new, and has not been run in any way. So you should be prepared for the fact that the Asics DFA 33 is a wide running shoe, where the emphasis is on your feet and muscles being able to work very naturally.

One thing I also noticed – funnily enough – was the low weight. Low weight in a running shoe is always good? or is it? For me, low weight is important, but it has to be consistent throughout the entire shoe. I feel like I’m missing the last 20% in the Asics DFA 33. It’s hard to explain the feeling, but maybe my expectations were wrong, or maybe the running shoe was just too minimalist for me. That’s not to say that it’s a bad shoe – because running shoes from Asics rarely are. But I’m just saying that my feeling wasn’t 100% right.

Of course, I was very aware of the shoe’s purpose in my running universe. I would never take this shoe out for more than a maximum of 7-8 kilometers. I really like tempo runs on the road, so this shoe should really be unique to me. And when I finally got out on the road in the shoe, I have to say that it was actually a really good overall experience. It won’t be my favorite tempo running shoe, but it does the job okay. I especially think that you can feel the good upper that sits on the shoe. No discomfort, and combined with the good and close contact with the surface, well, the feeling is really okay on those parameters.
After several tempo runs in Asics DFA 33
I’ve been out a few times in this running shoe now, and the feeling is actually exactly the same. I should mention that I was afraid that the shoe would be too big/wide, as I felt as soon as I stepped into the running shoe how much room there was for the foot. But that’s not the case. The shoe has a reasonable fit, and does what it’s supposed to.

I will be running in Asics DFA 33 from now on. It will not be my absolute favorite for tempo runs where I have to try to beat a kilometer time. But a shoe that will suit my needs as a really good running shoe for a change. Just so that the feet are challenged in a different way every now and then. And it is never a bad thing to vary your run, and your running shoes.

What others have said about this shoe
Bastian Jorgensen, runs 2-3 times a week
Svend Hansen, has completed 7 half marathons
Birgitte Demant, runs to keep fit
The Cumulus shoe generally gets good reviews from its users, which is of course why it has been in Asics’ program for so many generations.
Shoe size – how to choose the best
The size of the Asics 33DFA is quite normal compared to all other running shoes. If you are used to running in Asics, you can safely choose the same size as you have in your training shoes. Then you run in 42½ in Asics Kayano or Asics Nimbus, then go for the same size. You will find the size inside the shoe, either on the inside of the shoe, or in the tongue (Where the laces sit on top)
Men’s sizes: 39 – 50.5
Women’s sizes: 35.5 – 46
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
Midsole
The feel of the surface
Super soft upper
Disadvantages
Libra
A little too flexible
The fit
I buy Asics 33 DFA because:
- you want to improve your mileage
- you are a fan of a fantastic top
- you love being able to feel the surface
- you are into natural running
Analysis part 1: Who is the shoe aimed at?
Running style
I have described the Asics 33DFA as a running shoe that, to my taste, fluctuates a bit between natural running and minimalist. So back to the eternal discussion about running style when we talk about natural running – I still say that it is the body that decides in this case. And given that I recommend this shoe for fast runs of max 10 kilometers, I don’t think it hurts in some places either.
Fit
You should be aware that the forefoot is a bit wide, and you could probably describe it as foot-shaped. It gives a really cool effect if I do say so, but not everyone will be a fan of it – I’m sure.
In fine clothes
A running shoe for the road (asphalt) and of course on the rougher trails.
Price level
A suggested retail price of 900,- is certainly not scary to me. I know that I will have running shoes for many years for the 900,- (I also only plan to use running shoes for 5-6-7 kilometer trips)

Weight
Men’s weight: 258 grams in size 42
Women’s weight: 233 grams in size 39
Type of shoe
I’ll let you decide for yourself whether it’s a minimal or natural running shoe. If you read in depth I know that Asics likes to see it as minimal.
Durability
I don’t have anything to say about durability. Asics 33DFA are like all other running shoes these days more fragile than they used to be. Materials etc. have just become thinner and smaller to mainly reduce weight. So I think durability is in line with the price.
Analysis part 2: Structure
Outsole
AHAR+ optimized outsole. Gives you extra durability in the most exposed areas
Midsole
Solyte midsole material. Optimal shock absorption when we talk about natural running shoes.

Forefoot
When you develop a running shoe for natural running, as is the case with the Asics 33 DFA, there will naturally be a little less cushioning in the forefoot. That’s part of the plan. And you’re extremely close to the ground, so there’s a limit to how much softness you can get in the midsole. If you have to pay attention to anything in the forefoot, it’s definitely a bit wide in the fit.
Upper part
I think the seamless upper gives a really good feel and fit. You don’t even feel the shoe is there on the top of your foot.
Outside:
The shoe is equipped with 3M reflectors for better safety when running in the dark. Safety is important – and we can’t have too much of that.
Differences in women’s and men’s 33 DFA
Asics DFA men’s running shoes
The Asics 33 DFA here running shoe is the one I have tested. So that is the one that is taken as a basis in this guide. Features etc. are the same in the men’s and women’s model. Understood in the way that the functions are the same, it is more weight and load that is the difference.
Difference in Asics 33 DFA for men and women
There is of course a difference between the men’s and women’s model of the Asics 33 DFA. There are the “usual” differences, such as weight, fit, etc. The weight is self-explanatory, as there is less material in a size 38 versus a size 43. But you should be aware that this running shoe has a wide forefoot, and as a woman, this is where you need to pay attention.
Find Asics 33 DFA on sale and in store
Offers
As with all other Asics running shoes, and in fact almost all running shoes soon, there is a lot of competition for the market. Therefore, there is a good chance that you will find 33DFA on sale.
Sale
You can easily find this running shoe on sale. Both in physical stores, but certainly also online. It is a shoe that has a large rotation in terms of assortment, and which regularly changes color, so it is almost certain that you can find Asics DFA33 at a sale price.
Asics 33 DFA is part of a family….
It is part of the well-known 33 series from Asics.
Asics DFA 33 is part of the 33 series from Asics. 33DFA is made as a replacement for Asics Gel Lyte33, and is Asics’ best bet for a natural running shoe in the 33 series. I know a lot of runners who think that this 33 series is a perfect alternative, or rather supplement to, for example, their Nimbus, Cumulus or Kayano running shoes. Then you have a really good running wardrobe.

Comparison
If I have to make some comparisons against the Asics 33 DFA, then we must of course enter the category of natural running shoes, and here I cannot help but highlight Nike Free Flyknit andNew Balance Minimus. Both 2 running shoes that you can look at as alternatives to the Asics 33 DFA
Summary
If we have to conclude on the shoe, then it is a running shoe that is aimed at a lot of runners. It is a running shoe at a reasonable price, and for those of you who do not have crazy high demands on your tempo running shoe, this model is completely unique. It gives you a really good experience. I am sure of that.
Price comparison
Here you will find the best prices on the web, the best offers and all sale items.
| Reseller | Leveringstid | Country | Total price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1-2 dage |
|
900 DKK | Til butik |
