Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Underpronation support• Fuze Gel Midsole features a combination of gel and foam materials to provides a firmer, supportive ride• Seamless construction of the upper reduces the risk of irritation and blisters• Discreetly designed eyelets for the laces pull tension away from the upper• Water-resistant mesh used in the upper• Removable sock liner can be replaced with medical orthopedics• Asics High Abrasion Rubber is durable and provides added traction for the runner
Upper
The upper of this shoe uses a seamless water-resistant mesh as the main material. Most casual running shoes and cross trainers on the market today do not feature water-resistant materials, and this element really sets the FuseX Rush apart from other similar cross trainers on the market today. The seamless feature eliminates the risk of blisters and irritation that can lead to hot spots. Although it might seem like a small detail, the eyelets around the laces help to alleviate tension.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is made using Asics unique Fuse Gel. This is a gel and foam combination that gives the runners a lightweight cushioning that is also firm enough to help with under pronation issues. This midsole is designed to absorb shock. It also comes with an Ortholite Lasting sock liner. This gives the shoe more of a plush feel that balances the firmer cushioning of the Fuze Gel. This sock liner does a great job of wicking away sweat and keeping the foot cool and dry. It is also made with a microbial material that helps eliminate bacteria and odor.
Outsole
The outsole uses Asics signature High Abrasion Rubber. This is a material that can hold up against the elements and keeps the shoe looking and feeling newer for longer. Runners appreciated that the rubber is thicker in high tread areas. The outsole design also adds more traction than the average cross trainer on the market today. Runners reported feeling safe even on slick terrains.
Breathability
Both the upper and midsole of the shoe provides the runner with a breathable ride. The upper is made from a lightweight mesh that allows for air to flow easily to the foot. Additionally, the Ortholite sock liner is very breathable and helps the foot stay cool and dry. Even runners who are training in warm temperatures reported that their feet never overheated or felt too sweaty.
Comfort
Runners commented that this shoe was easy to wear for long periods of time on your feet. This was especially true for runners who are looking for some added support for underpronation. Runners with higher arches found the shoe to be very comfortable. Even for the runner who doesn’t need pronation support, the breathable seamless upper received high reviews for comfort. Runners appreciated that the entire upper is constructed using one sleek piece of material. This eliminates irritation and friction that can lead to painful blisters.
Style
A big plus for runners was the style options provided by this shoe. The shoe comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Runners can choose from a more subdued color combination like gray, black, or white, or if runners are looking for a brighter, more vibrant color option, the FuzeX Rush is offered in options like hot pink and diva blue. Runners also liked the overall look of the shoe and commented that it was a great, stylish shoe for everyday wear.
Durability
Runners commented that the High Abrasion Rubber found in the outsole provides unbeatable durability. Reviewers commented that this shoe lasted an extremely long time without needing to be replaced. The midsole and outsole kept its shape and even after extensive use, they still felt new, according to many reviewers. In addition to the outsole, the upper is constructed using a seamless design. This stopped the shoe from ripping or fraying which can be common for a lightweight mesh.
Protection
In terms of protection, runners who experience underpronation and have high arches will find this shoe to provide protection to the entire foot by absorbing shock and working to improve the gait pattern of the runner. Additionally, the High Abrasion Rubber of the outsole provides the runner with protection from the harmful elements of the road. It also protects the entire shoe from wear and tear.
Responsiveness
Runners reported that this shoe felt fairly disconnected from the ground below them. Runners who were looking for a thicker, more supportive outsole and midsole appreciated this feature, but this shoe is not a great choice for the runner looking for a fast racing companion. The drop of the shoe comes in at 8 millimeters, which is lower than some traditional shoes, but the thickness of the outsole kept the shoe from having that snappy responsiveness that some runners were looking for.
Support
This is a shoe that provides added support for the runner who struggles with underpronation and for the runner who has high arches and needs more arch support. The dual material used in the midsole provides a solid landing pad for the runner and protected the foot from rolling outward. The heel of shoe comes with added adaptive cushioning to provide great shock absorption.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is designed for the more traditional surfaces like the pavement, the trail, the gym, and the treadmill. Runners liked this shoe as a cross trainer in the gym because of its supportive midsole and additional grip of the outsole. Runners commented that this is also a great shoe for the treadmill because it is ideal for shorter runners, and it provides added traction that kept the runner feeling safe and secure on the moving surface. Although the High Abrasion Rubber adds enough traction to keep the runner safe on the treadmill or slippery pavement, it doesn’t provide an adequate grip or an aggressive lug system that will keep the runner safe on the trail.
Price
The Asics FuzeX Rush is for the runner on a budget. It is almost half as much as the average running shoe on the market today. In addition to this, runners commented that this shoe lasted much longer than other shoes they have purchased. Due to the durability features of the shoe, it needs to be replaced less frequently which also saved runners money in the long run.
Drop
The heel height of this shoe is 18 millimeters and the forefoot height is 10 millimeters. This gives the Fuze X Rush a heel drop of 8 millimeters. Runners commented that an 8-millimeter heel drop is a good choice for runners who are looking to transition from a traditional heel drop to a natural running shoe. The 8 millimeter is flatter than more traditional shoes but still provides enough heel cushioning that runners will still have support during their run.
Stability
This is a stability shoe. What that means is that this shoe is specifically designed to provide support and stability to the runner who needs help with underpronation. Underpronation is the when the ankle leans too far outward during the gait cycle. This can cause pain to the joints, and by wearing a shoe that provides unique stability supports, runners commented that they felt less pain and their feet were more energized and fatigued less quickly.
Flexibility
The Asics FuzeX Rush has some flexibility, predominately in the breathable mesh upper. There are some flex grooves in the outsole to help with underfoot flexibility. But since it is a stability shoe and aims to correct underpronation, the overall flexibility will be much less than a neutral running shoe.
Traction
Asics uses their patented High Abrasion Rubber on the outsole of these shoes. This material is extremely durable, and it also provides a high level of traction to the runner as well. The outsole design of the shoe features an interesting design. The outsole looks like the surface of a pavement. These provide added traction and grip to the shoe and helps runners feel safe and secure even on slippery pavement. However, this is not a shoe that provides the amount of traction needed to safely traverse the trails.
Bottom Line
The Asics FuzeX Rush is a great choice for the runner who needs slight support with underpronation. This is a lighter weight shoe. The dual midsole materials of foam and gel combine in the signature FuzeGel midsole to create a firm cushioning that is perfect for the runner who needs added support. The upper of the shoe features a breathable, water-resistant mesh that is constructed using a seamless design. This means that the runner doesn’t have to worry about irritation that can lead to blisters. Runners reported that the larger ventilation holes along the upper provides great breathability and kept the feet cool and dry, regardless of the weather conditions. The outsole of the shoe is constructed using Asics patented High Abrasion Rubber. This rubber is highly durable and provides added traction as well. One of the elements that runners loved the most about this shoe was the price. It comes in at less than half of the average road running shoe on the market today, and because of the various durability features, runners commented that the shoe lasted much longer than other shoes too. The shoe comes in a wide selection of colors and styles that runners loved.
