With its Fuji Lite 4, Asics offers a model focused on comfort and short to medium distances. The Gel-Trabuco 12, a model we've also tested, is ideal for longer outings and ultra tours.
Fuji Lite 4
Presented by Asics as a "faster running" shoe, the Fuji Lite 4 features a 4 mm drop, 32 mm heel height, standard fit and 270 grams weight. We'll be using them primarily for short and medium distances. We tested this fourth version of the Fuji Lite in a wide range of conditions, on dry, dirt and muddy terrain, as well as on steep climbs. And it's precisely this versatility that stands out in these trail shoes, whose evolution from the third version is to extend their range of use to longer outings (whereas the Fuji Lite 3 was more reserved for short trails).
Comfort is obvious as soon as you slip the shoes on, and the impression is confirmed once you've covered the first few kilometers. The new midsole compound (called "FlyteFoam Blast") has a lot to do with it. This is the same midsole found on the Gel-Trabuco 12 (see below), the difference being mainly due to its thickness (the sole is slightly thinner on the Fuji Lite 4). On the trails, we confirm the impression of being able to push pretty far in distance with this model of the Fuji Lite 4. Support and rebound do the job perfectly, while grip has been revised and taken up a notch in terms of efficiency compared to the previous generation. The Asics Grip compound performs well, although the Gel-Trabuco 12 may be more suitable for very difficult conditions (loose soil, greasy ground, mud, etc.). The shoe's pronounced rocker and 4mm drop make it a dynamic, forward-propelling shoe. Last but not least, the mesh, made from 50% recycled materials, is more about breathability than protection.
Features :
- Land: All land
- Waterproofing: No
- Drop: 4 mm
- Foot shape: Standard
- Weight: 540 g (pair)
Find all Asics Fuji Lite 4 models at Private Sport Shop.
Gel-Trabuco 12
While the Fuji Lite 4 will be perfect for outings of up to 50 or 60 km, the Gel-Trabuco 12 will be preferred for longer distances and ultras. The main difference between the two models tested in this article is the 35 mm stack (which remains unchanged from the Gel-Trabuco 11). A higher sole that we appreciated when the kilometers tick by and you pass the 50 km mark with the idea of continuing your outing for longer or finishing your ultra. Comfort and cushioning are two major assets of this Fuji Lite 4, which also boasts an 8 mm drop and FlyteFoam Blast compound for the midsole. The shoe's support is flawless and we appreciate the rebound provided, which is greater than on the Fuji Lite 4, for example. The Gel-Trabuco 12 is recommended for heavier runners, who will benefit from the larger midsole.
Compared to the Trabuco Max 2 (Asics' ultra model), the Gel-Trabuco 12 benefits, as its name suggests, from a gel capsule in the heel for added stability, especially when the trail becomes quite technical. As for the outsole, the Asics Grip compound lugs are quite prominent, and their star-shaped structure has proved effective in giving the desire to push uphill on trails and send downhill without fear of the shoes slipping off. Finally, the main change from the Gel-Trabuco 11 concerns the upper. The mesh is thinner, more resistant and breathable than that used on the previous version. A point we were able to verify in hot weather, without feeling overheated.
Features :
- Terrain: Hard and rocky
- Waterproofing: No
- Drop: 8 mm
- Foot shape: Standard
- Weight: 628 g (pair)
Find all Asics Gel-Trabuco 12 models at Private Sport Shop.
