ASICS Metafuji Trail 2 Reviews

The Metafuji Trail 2 is quick with effortless turnover on smooth trail, but on technical rock it tried to launch them in all directions.

A few runs in, the Metafuji Trail 2 is tall, cushioned but not mushy and very fast, though its rigidity may struggle on uneven ground.

Outstanding propulsion and a reactive FF Leap midsole, and almost road-shoe smooth on paved sections. One tester's first carbon trail shoe. It only comes alive at higher speed and feels too race-oriented for easy runs. Grip is limited in mud, the pointed toe box suits narrow feet, and it's expensive.

An airy, snappy, speedy ride that feels more road-to-light-trail or gravel shoe than do-it-all mountain racer. One tester, who broke her ankle in v1, kept it off technical trail. It was perfect for gravel intervals, and the drawstring laces mostly stay put.

Spectacularly fast but highly specialised: one of the most energetic trail rides he has experienced and a rocket on gravel, runnable climbs and hard-packed paths. The super-high stack gives little lateral stability, so ankle rolls are a real risk on uneven terrain.

One of the most impressive trail racers available, comparable to a road super shoe in responsiveness. It only comes alive when you push the pace, best on non-technical, runnable trail. Avoid it if you have weak ankles or Achilles issues or only run easy.