ASICS has just dropped their latest bombshell on the trail-running world—the METAFUJI TRAIL shoes.
Now, if you’re the sort of runner who sees a mountain as a playground rather than a problem, these shoes might just become your new best friend.
ASICS has packed so much tech into these things, you’d think they were designing a spacecraft rather than footwear.
The Tech Buffet
Let’s dive into the good stuff. The METAFUJI TRAIL shoes aren’t your average trail shoes—they’re more like a turbocharged, all-terrain vehicle for your feet.
At the heart of these bad boys is a full-length carbon plate that’s been engineered specifically for trails.
This plate is nestled between two layers of foam, making sure that you get all the forward propulsion you need without losing your grip on those tricky descents.
Imagine a slingshot that propels you forward while keeping you grounded—that’s what we’re talking about here.
The midsole is where the magic really happens. ASICS has combined their FF BLAST TURBO and FF BLAST PLUS foams to create a sensation that’s both soft and bouncy.
The stack height of 40 to 45 millimetres gives you so much cushioning, you’ll feel like you’re running on clouds—even if the trail beneath you is anything but.
This isn’t just about comfort, though. The extra cushioning helps to reduce impact, so your legs recover faster, even after those ultra-long runs.
And let’s talk about the upper—because it’s not just there for looks. The woven mesh is lightweight yet tough as nails, offering breathability and flexibility that keeps your foot snugly in place.
The gusseted tongue and the nifty lace-in-lace system mean your foot won’t be doing the cha-cha inside your shoe, no matter how gnarly the terrain gets.
Down below, ASICS has slapped on their ASICSGRIP technology with 4.5mm lugs.
What does that mean for you? Grip. Lots of it. Whether you’re scrambling up a rocky incline or bombing down a muddy slope, these shoes have got your back—or rather, your feet.
The Athlete’s Stamp of Approval
What makes these shoes really special is that they didn’t just pop out of a design lab—they were born on the trails.
ASICS athlete Andreu Simon was the driving force behind the METAFUJI TRAIL shoes, and he didn’t hold back in shaping them to his liking.
“The METAFUJI Trail shoes might not be for everyone, but they certainly present everything I hoped to find in a trail super shoe.
What started as an idea in December 2022 quickly became not just reality, but something much better and more advanced than I could have imagined,” Simon said.
Magdalena Gassebner, the Senior Product Marketing Specialist at ASICS, chimed in, saying, “Athlete testing always plays a crucial role in our product development, but this one was special.
Ever since joining the ASICS Trail team in 2020, Andreu has demonstrated his innovative thinking when it comes to improving products.”
With a pedigree like that, you know these shoes aren’t just hype—they’re the real deal.
A Design with Deep Roots
ASICS didn’t just stop at functionality; they also paid homage to their Japanese roots with the design of these shoes.
The upper features subtle nods to the art of Calligraphy, and the small triangle patterns symbolize old compasses, a tool once crucial for any adventurer.
These design elements aren’t just for show—they remind you that these shoes are built for those who navigate the wild unknown, keeping you on course as you blaze your own trail.
Ready to Hit the Shelves
The METAFUJI TRAIL shoes are set to hit stores and online on August 28, 2024, but if you’re itching to get your hands on a pair, select partners will have them available for early purchase starting August 19.
To top it off, a documentary chronicling Andreu Simon’s journey from the initial spark of an idea to the final product will also drop on August 28.
It’s an inside look at what goes into making a trail shoe that’s set to change the game.
If you’re serious about your trail running, or even if you’re just curious to see what all the fuss is about, these shoes are worth checking out. Head over to asics.com for more details.