ASICSlaunchesnewspeedinnovationforthetrails:METAFUJI™TRAILshoes

ASICS today unveils the METAFUJI™ TRAIL shoes, a new speed innovation designed specifically for the trails. Featuring a trail specific full-length carbon plate, advanced cushioning and superior grip, the METAFUJI™ TRAIL shoes are designed to revolutionize how runners experience speed on the trails.

The technology checklist

The METAFUJI™ TRAIL shoe blends ASICS’ latest technology with established features to take trail runners to new heights. The full-length carbon plate was specifically developed for the trails and strategically positioned between two layers of foam which help stabilize the plate to ensure energized forward propulsion without compromising on breaking control on the downhill. 

The midsole combines soft and bouncy FF BLAST™ TURBO and FF BLAST™ PLUS foam for light and super energised toe-offs. The maximum cushioning resulting in a stack height of 40.0 – 45.0mm delivers not just superior comfort across any distance but also helps runners to recover faster as it reduces the impact on the legs.

Woven mesh with lightweight, high durability and high kick back features combined with elastomeric yarn create a unique breathable and flexible upper to ensure the perfect midfoot lockdown. The gusseted, lightly padded tongue and the lace in lace system add to the increased lockdown and comfort during all trail runs.

Featuring ASICS’ ASICSGRIP™ technology on the outsole combined with a 4.5mm lug, the new METAFUJI™ TRAIL shoes provide exceptional grip and agility when navigating surfaces quickly.

Athlete inspired, tested and approved

ASICS athlete Andreu Simon who sparked the initial idea for the shoe says: 

“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. I feel incredibly proud to have collaborated with the ASICS team so closely on this new pinnacle shoe.”

Senior Product Marketing Specialist Magdalena Gassebner elaborated further on the process behind the shoes:

“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. From removing bits and pieces of trail vests to make them even lighter to tailoring his own super shoe ‘prototypes’ by attaching an ASICS trail outsole to a METASPEED™ shoe – he has never been short of new ideas. And while the first version was far from perfect, working closely with our product team, Andreu’s creative spark has led to the creation of our most innovative speed shoes for the trails, combining both cutting-edge design and our most advanced technologies. We’re incredible proud to finally launch the METAFUJI™ TRAIL shoes to market, and cannot wait to see more runners experience the incredible feeling the shoes deliver.”

The shoes’ design inspiration is a nod to the ASICS’ Japanese heritage, bringing in Calligraphy – the Japanese art of writing which takes years to be cultivate – as visual cues on the upper. Small triangles take inspiration from old compasses which used to be crucial to find and keep orientation when running in nature. The distinct design showcasing the triangles from the forefoot fading into the midfoot symbol a fast pace that allows runners to break through tough trail terrain.

The METAFUJI™ Trail shoes will be available online and instore as of August 28th, 2024, with select partners offering early purchases as of August 19. A documentary releasing on 28th August 2024 portrays Andreu’s journey from ideation to the final product, offering an exclusive sneak peek into the world of ASICS and its trail team.

To find out more about the products, please visit asics.com.

Watch the short film here: