Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• The midsole is made from a patented Solyte Midsole material that adds cushioning and durability to your ride.• Gel Cushioning through the midsole adds comfort and shock absorption.• These shoes use the GORE-TEX technology to ensure that they are waterproof.• The Rock Protection Plate protects the runner from jagged terrain and outdoor elements.
Upper
The upper of this shoe is designed with three main trail issues in mind: It is waterproof, breathable, and durable to the point of deflecting elements of the trail. The upper mesh material is very breathable. It is also covered in synthetic overlay material that hugs the foot and keeps it from moving around which helps reduce friction and blisters and hot spots. The upper of this shoe takes water resistance to a new level. This shoe utilizes the GORE-TEX material in the upper to ensure that puddles, streams, and rain are no match for these shoes. While this shoe has lots of good quality, runners reported that the upper has a snug feel that runs too narrow for many. While there are lots of good options for the runner who has wider feet, this might not be the best choice for you.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe offers extra cushioning from the heel to the toes. Asics uses a Gel Cushioning technology. This runs across the entirety of the shoe from the forefoot to the rear foot. This cushioning is used to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury. The patented Solyte Midsole material adds cushioning and support without feeling cumbersome or adding extra weight. Runners can still feel the ground below them, and many runners gave this shoe high praise for its responsiveness. In addition to this, Asics uses its signature Solyte midsole foam to give this shoe extra comfort and support. This shoe is quite heavy already because it uses metal spikes in some of the underfoot lugs. Asics was smart in their design of the midsole in that they selected a foam, the Solyte which is lighter than a traditional EVA midsole foam. This gel technology has won awards for its ability to absorb shock and keep runners free from injury, without adding extra weight.
Outsole
A good trail shoe starts from the bottom up. The outsole of the trail shoe is an easy way to see how well designed a trail shoe really is. The Gel Fuji Setsu’s outsole has a great design that is specifically targetted to rugged trail running. The underfoot is lugged out with a combination of rubber and metal lugs for maximum grip. Metal spikes can even be found in some of these rubber lugs to improve overall grip. This gives these shoe a cleat-like feeling. This technology allows the shoe to move freely on the trail and adapt to quick changes in direction and terrain. All kinds of quick and sudden changes in direction are also easily achieved through this kind of outsole.
Breathability
Not only does the Gel FujiSetu provide a waterproof upper to allow you to run in any condition, they also come equipped with a breathable mesh upper to keeps feet cool and dry even during grueling trail runs. The breathable fabric reduces irritation caused by moisture. This shoe works hard to help the runner avoid hot spots and irritation.
Comfort
One element of being comfortable while trail running is how protected the foot feels while facing the elements. This shoe receives high marks for protection in multiple different areas. For one, there is a protection plate that keeps the foot safe from debris and jagged surfaces. The underfoot of the shoe is made of a durable rubber and lined with rubber lugs (some of which contain metal spikes) to ensure your safety on tough terrain. In addition to this, Asics uses cushioning foam in their midsole to keep your ride smooth and comfortable without sacrificing responsiveness.
Style
Asics is known for making good-looking shoes. Time and again they produce some of the most stylish, brightest, and most interesting looks for running shoes today. The Gel Fuji Setsu is a tamer style than some of its Asics relatives, but nonetheless, runners can still expect to see the classic Asics insignia along the side and their unique aesthetic.
Durability
The outsole and specifically the underfoot are rugged and durable. The lugs are an aggressive rubber and some contain metal spikes. In addition to this, the upper is made use a waterproof GORE-TEX technology that holds up against the elements and keeps the shoe looking and performing like new, run after run after run.
Protection
Trail shoe protection comes in multiple ways. One such way that Asics ensures a protected trail experience for their runners is through the use of the waterproof Gore-Tex upper. In addition to this, Asics considers the physical obstacles of trail running. This shoe includes a Rock Protection Plate to protect the foot from jagged, rugged terrain and debris. This shoe is even designed with a special tongue guard that protects against debris too.
Support
The midsole of this shoe offers extra cushioning from the heel to the toes. Asics uses a Gel Cushioning technology. There are two main places where this shoe offers extra support to the runner. The first is in the wrap design of the upper. The upper is made of breathable mesh but it is also surrounded by synthetic wraps that keep the foot secure. This is important for trail runners because they need shoes that can respond to our sudden movements without causing friction or irritation. The second area where this shoe offers extra support is in the added cushioning of the midsole. This midsole uses a lighter than average SOLYTE foam. It helps the runner by absorbing shock which reduces the chance of injury.
Terrain
This shoe can take whatever terrain you can think of. The Gore-Tex upper is waterproof and weatherproof and the rugged lugs in the underfoot are specifically designed to carry you safely over any outdoor terrain. This shoes are designed for and specifically suggested for aggressive off-road adventures.
Price
This isn’t exactly the most inexpensive shoe on the market today. The average trail shoe is around $125 and this shoe comes in slightly higher than that price tag, but many runners show this as an investment. The durability of this shoe can easily justify the higher price tag. These shoes hold well against the elements. The outsole and midsole provide durability and protection.
Drop
This shoe comes in closer to a traditional drop shoe than some others hitting the market recently. While some runners prefer the natural feel with little or no drop, this shoe is not the shoe for those runners. Many trail runners like a shoe with a higher heel drop because they feel more protected. This shoe has a 10-millimeter heel drop which reviewers really liked.
Stability
The outsole of this shoe is stacked with protective lugs. The midsole offers the runner a few layers of lightweight foam cushioning. With that being said, this is a shoe suggested for the neutral runner. This shoe will give you comfort and protection from the elements of the outdoors, but it doesn’t offer any particular arch supports. There are a great many shoes for the runner who is looking to improve their stride or receive extra arch support, but the Gel Fuji Setsu GTX is concerned with other things.
Flexibility
This shoe has a powerful outsole. Runners will certainly feel protected from this rugged and durable outsole, however, this does come at a cost. Because of the added cushioning and durability added to the midsole and outsole, the runner should expect a less flexible ride. Runners reported that this shoe feels stiff and inflexible, but what it lacks in flexibility, it more than makes up for in protection.
Traction
The outsole of the shoe is lined with sturdy, aggressive lugs. These lugs on their own add great traction to the shoe but for even better grip on slippery or uneven surfaces, Asics added metal spikes to some of the lugs to give the shoe a cleat-like design.
Bottom Line
This is the shoe for you if you are into action and adventure. Trail shoes these days come in a variety of options. You’ve got the trail shoe for the road runner who wants to go on a few runs on groomed trail, you’ve got the trail shoe for the runner who takes the moderate routes on the trails, then you’ve got the trail runner who’s putting in the long miles, up the slippery rocks, down the jagged terrain, and doing all of it regardless of the weather report. The Gel Fuji Setsu GTX is a tough shoe. At eleven ounces, you need to prepare yourself for a bit of a heavier shoe, but if you are looking for something more durable, with added protection and a cushioned midsole, this is a great all-around trail running shoe.
