FUJI TRABUCO LYTE
The fast trail athlete is proprioceptively aware, has high muscle stamina and often quick cadence to adapt to terrain changes on the fly. The FUJI TRABUCO LYTE is designed primarily for this person. It tackles the same geographical terrain as the FUJI TRABUCO 8 but at an intended faster pace. It has targeted design features to achieve this.
The outsole, midsole and upper work with a united goal to provide security of grip as well as maximum energy recoil, being aware of the large range of surface materials it will be exposed to along the way.
The outsole has multidirectional lugs that cover the full plantar surface of the shoe. Trail runners don’t land in a repeated strike zone as this is dictated by terrain surface, material and pitch. The lugs hold the body’s weight regardless of the landing angle. Because they cover the full surface of the shoe, grip is reliable over all landing positions.
The ASICS GRIP rubber is particularly effective hopping over wet rocks or slippery tree roots. It is also naturally pliable and cushions the blow of landing on sharp and loose scree.
The midsole has been adapted on last year. A FLYTEFOAM midsole is constructed as a single piece and of single density.
It is now softer underfoot and lighter. There is a steep pitch from metatarsals to toes, as seen from a side view (high toe spring). This is inspired by the GUIDESOLE TECHNOLOGY, a feature that aids sagittal plane propulsive momentum.
Often trail running is steeply inclined, asking an honest training session of the runner.
This is particularly demanding on the Achilles tendon (the largest tendon of the body), a common trail running injury pathology. This sagittal plane feature is a thoughtful addition to mitigate the risk of tendon overload. Inside the shoe is a highly porous sock liner. The upper isn’t Gore-Tex lined, intentionally to keep weight low and reduce upper stiffness, a by-product of the additive. Many regular trail runners prefer their shoe to be porous – as the FUJI TRABUCO LYTE is. Water gets in and drains out thoroughly. The upper is rubber reinforced in the toe box. It protects well from mis-calculated landings and holds the forefoot firmly over the midsole on extreme placement angles.
A finger loop at the heel aids quick, easy access and the laces can be tucked into a pocket compartment that extends from the tongue. This stops laces coming undone or snagging on natural hazards along the terrain.
The heel counter is thoroughly snug thanks to porous padded lining. This is an important feature. Many small stones and mud particles often get flicked into the heel of trail runners’ shoes. It’s a highly frustrating exercise having to take the shoe off to find a tiny stone on a regular basis. None lodge themselves into this shoe.
The men’s shoe is now 265grams in a men’s sample 9 (Women’s 220 grams in a sample size 7 ), roughly the same weight NIMBUS LITE – an impressive comparison for a trail shoe. The FUJI TRABUCO LYTE is a multi-purpose trail shoe.
While intended for the quick and experienced intrepid runner, it can also be used for the recreationalist. One who enjoys the weekend trail expedition but who chooses an alternative shoe for their convenient weekday runs. This person is running fit, but perhaps has less stamina and leg speed on relentless steep terrain than the competitive specialist. The light, yet well gripping FUJI TRABUCO LYTE makes the weekend trail run a pleasurable experience and also proves a reliable tool for the competitive trail devotee.