Metafuji Trail

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers describe the Asics Metafuji Trail as a shoe that presents both impressive and disappointing characteristics. Its ASICSGRIP outsole is consistently lauded as first-class, offering excellent traction and durability on varied terrain. The outsole features multi-directional 4.5mm lugs designed for optimal grip uphill and downhill, though they may reach their limits in deep mud, despite the outsole's self-cleaning properties. The shoe provides exceptional shock absorption and an outstanding, well-ventilated upper. However, the dual-foam midsole, featuring FF Blast+ and FF Turbo, is noted for limiting energy return, and the fit is generally tight and narrow, which can be a concern for longer distances. It is considered lightweight for a trail shoe and performs best on runnable, less technical trails, including those with asphalt sections.

Strengths

• Exceptional shock absorption

• First-class ASICSGRIP outsole with excellent traction and durability

• High-end build quality

• Lightweight for a trail shoe

• Fast-rolling forefoot rocker

• Outstanding and well-ventilated upper

• Outsole features multi-directional 4.5mm lugs for optimal uphill and downhill grip

• Outsole self-cleans quickly in mud

Drawbacks

• FF Blast+ foam limits energy return

• Expensive

• Minimal stability

• Delicate upper prone to tearing

• Tight and narrow fit, potentially problematic for ultras

• 4.5mm lugs may struggle in deep mud

Who It's For

The Asics Metafuji Trail is recommended for runners with narrow feet seeking a lightweight trail shoe. It is particularly well-suited for easy, flat-ish ultras and performs optimally on runnable terrain such as sand, gravel paths, and less technical trails. Reviewers note its strengths shine on routes that resemble classic road running, including those with asphalt sections, where its fast-rolling feel can be fully utilized.