ASICS Trail Shoe Review

As promised a trail running shoe review on to pair of two ASICS trail models. First this must be prefaced by explaining a few things. I’m in no way sponsored by any brand and run between 50 and 75 miles a week. About 70% of that is on trails.  Prior to my recent injury, would race about every 6-8 weeks in varied terrains and everything from 5-50k and working towards a 50 miler when sidelined.

I am the proud owner of probably 30 pair of trail running shoes.  Don’t tell my husband. I’ve been purchasing them in two or three different colors so he can’t tell the how many there actually are. Although, last week he was seen staring at the shoe rack.  He could be on to me. Hey, they each do something different.

There are some for moderate distance road, long distance road, road racing and speed work. Then there are the trail shoes. There are some for short, moderate and long distance and there are some for short non-technical, moderate non-technical, long non-technical and then we come to the technical models, you get the idea here. It can be compared to the 100 fishing rods and 15 pairs of skis my husband has.  I run in Hoka, Altra, and Salomon primarily, however, have run in New Balance, Saucony and ASICS in the past.

I have been in search of a light terrain trail shoe for everyday use  on the 4 mile mountain trail behind my house that has no technical qualities about it at all. The purchase of a pair of ASICS Fuji Trabuco 4 neutral shoe was a whim. Due to many years of figure skating, rock climbing, and trail running, there is severe arthritis in both my first metatarsophalangeal joints.  Often times, shoes are difficult to fit because the overlays and eyelets on most models usually land right on that joint, causing pain when the foot flexes as it moves forward. I have been in search of an everyday shoe whose design alleviates the pressure to the big toe area. 

ASICS Fuji Trabuco 4

The Fuji Trabuco 4 comes very close.  This particular model is lightweight, has gel cushioning and the lacing does not seem to bother my toes nearly as much as some shoes.The toe box is wider and it breathes very well and has a reasonable grip for moderate technical terrain. This particular shoe I have trained in and run a race of moderate technicality. The grip was good for rocks, branches and uneven loose terrain. I purchased a half size larger than my regular shoe and the fit is perfect.The stack height is 28 inches and for approximately $90, it is a good all around every day shoe. This particular model has a garage for laces. Now i just need a garage for all my shoes.

ASICS Gel Venture Five

The next shoe purchased was just a few weeks after the previous model, it is the ASICS Gel Venture Five.  The purchase was only because due to needing something with more stability side to side, having just come out of my walking cast from breaking my fifth metatarsal.  The podiatrist advised to wear stable athletic shoes and avoid shoes that could potentially cause my ankle to roll and I found an excuse for another purchase.

The Gel Venture runs for approximately $60 and are quite different than the Fuji Trabuco 4 in that they have considerably more side to side stability.  As you can see by the photo, there is additional overlay striping. The overlays are less flexible than the Fuji Trabuco 4 and add to the support. Additionally, they are a little bit narrower in the toe box, providing for more more stability.

Having been prevented from running for the last few weeks, I do not know what the quality of traction actually is.  The out sole feels as though it has very good grip for moderate technical trails. They are very comfortable and have a less flexible mid and out sole than the other model, making them ideal for a person recovering from an injury, such as mine or someone desiring a more stable ride. Currently I have been wearing these shoes seven hours every day around the house, yard, and running errands. They cause no pain to the first metatarsophalangeal joints and the foot feels feel well protected. Once they have been tested an, update will be posted.

There is a new pair of Altra Lonepeak 2.5 In a box that haven’t been able to be unboxed yet. 

Looking towards the day I can run again.