Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Mesh upper• Perforated sock liner• Asics High Abrasion Rubber outsole• Solyte midsole foam
Upper
The upper in the Gel Fujiattack 5 is mostly made up of mesh. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the vast majority of newer running shoe use mesh for their uppers. This is because mesh inherently offers very useful features which improve the breathability and flexibility of shoes. These features are inherently present because of both the material used and the unique way the shoes are woven. The upper of the shoe also features overlays, which are another common addition to uppers that utilize mesh. Overlays help to stabilize the upper, and it does a good job of this, while not limiting the overall flexibility. The upper also contains a perforated sock liner within, which adds a bit of comfort and breathability to the inside of the shoe. Finally, the lacing structure of the runner is a positive as well. The eyelets, or spots to loop the laces through, are carefully placed and designed to allow a more customizable and comfortable fit for everyone. There is also a pocket to tuck the laces into while running. Overall, the shoe upper is very solid and does its job quite well.
Midsole
The Fujiattack 5’s midsole is a very strong feature of the shoe. The primary material it employs is Solyte. This material is designed to be lighter than standard EVA, or even SpEVA, the lighter weight variant Asics sometimes uses. This material is abundant in the midsole and provides excellent cushioning and responsiveness overall. Another feature of the midsole is the Trusstic system. This system is made of thermoplastic urethane and helps to stabilize the shoe while keeping the weight low, just like the Solyte material. Of course, the midsole also makes use of Asics Gel Cushioning. This is one of the hallmarks of an Asics shoe, and the Fujiattack 5 makes use of it as well. The heel, in particular, has a large amount of gel, to help cushion any of the harsh impacts that can occur on trail runs. Finally, the midsole has a rock plate in the front, to help protect the feet from rocks on trails. This is nice for some extra security and protection on more rocky trails.
Outsole
The outsole of the Gel Fujiattack 5 is made specifically for use on trails. The design of the outsole is “aggressive” which means that the lugs protrude a great deal from it, and are the primary pieces making contact with the ground. These reversed lugs were designed to provide the maximum amount of grip, particularly when ascending and descending in different elevations. These lugs are present throughout the majority of the outsole to maximize traction. Additionally, the outsole features AHAR or Asics High Abrasion Rubber. This material is a staple of Asics’ shoes in general. As the name implies, this material is very durable and is capable of resisting large amounts of impacts over long periods of times. The AHAR is placed in key areas in the outsole, which helps to increase the durability of the shoe greatly. The outsole of the Fujiattack 5 does its job quite well.
Breathability
Breathability is mostly a factor of the upper in most shoes, and in the Gel Fujiattack 5 as well. The upper is breathable thanks to the mesh it uses, as mentioned prior. This mesh does an excellent job of allowing air to circulate throughout the shoe. The liner within the upper also helps with breathability, because it is perforated and porous, which helps to prevent sweat buildup and clamminess inside. Overall, breathability is adequate thanks to the upper.
Comfort
Comfort is a very strong aspect of Asics’ shoes in general, and the Fujiattack 5 carries this tradition on. The main aspects that help with comfort in this shoe are the upper and the midsole. The upper is very comfortable thanks to some of its previously mentioned features. The mesh, which allows for appropriate flexing and twisting, and allows air to flow throughout makes for a very comfortable cover. The liner within the upper also helps with this. The midsole’s many features are strong for comfort as well. The Solyte foam provides good cushioning and response, making for a comfortable stride. The gel cushioning in the heel operates in a similar way, also aiding comfort. The Trusstic system is another piece that helps with comfort, by stabilizing the feet while running. This, of course, makes for a more comfortable stride as well.
Style
Asics has a pretty unique and identifiable style when it comes to their shoes. Their shoes are often bright and colorful, and feature groupings of colors that compliment each other well. Their trademark logo also sits atop their shoes. The Fujiattack 5 pretty much follows this blueprint. The shoe is available in a wide range of colors, which is a plus for those who like to customize as much as possible. The shoe as a whole is stylish enough, but for use outside of running or trails, it is a bit lacking. This is no surprise, however, as few trail shoes can claim to be fashionable and suitable for everyday use as well. Overall, this is a decent looking shoe that is colorful and bright.
Durability
Durability is definitely a plus in the runner. The midsole and the outsole are the main influencing factors in this. The midsole is made of Solyte, which is very good at retaining its original form, even after seeing repeated use. This means that the shoe will keep its original bounce and cushion for a long time. The outsole is made of AHAR, which, as mentioned prior, is extremely durable. The outsole should last a long time as well, even on trails and harsher terrains, which also helps to extend the lifespan of the shoe overall.
Protection
The Fujiattack 5 has pretty good protection, which is to be expected of a trail shoe. The midsole and upper are the main features which contribute to this. The midsole has several components which are beneficial to protection. The Solyte foam is one piece, which helps to protect the feet by cushioning them from below and reducing shocks from strides. The Gel Cushioning in the heel helps to do the same, though it primarily is centered in the heel. The midsole also helps with its rock plate, which protects the toes and forefoot from potential painful bruises, which can occur easily on trails. Finally, the Trusstic stabilization helps to prevent accidental twists and sprains by keeping the foot stable and on track. The upper contributes with its mesh, which keeps the unwanted debris and other trail hazards out of the shoe. Protection is overall very solid in this model.
Responsiveness
The main piece which influences response in this model is the midsole, as is often the case with running shoes. As previously mentioned, the midsole uses Solyte foam. This foam does a very good job of returning energy, giving the shoe a nice spring. The lightweight nature of the foam is also a plus for this, making the shoe feel a bit better at responding as well. Overall, the midsole is pretty much the key component that generates a response in the shoe, and it does a pretty solid job at it.
Support
Once again, the upper and the midsole are the main areas which help with support in the shoe. The upper helps to support the feet through its overlays, which keep the foot in place very well. The midsole helps to support the feet with its Solyte cushioning underneath the feet. The Gel Cushioning in the heel is another piece that helps with this a great deal. Overall, the jogger has pretty decent support.
Terrain
The Fujiattack 5 is very optimized for trail terrains, as can be seen from the outsole’s design and the midsole’s features. The shoe will function quite well on all sorts of trails and offroad terrains, barring only the most extreme terrains where specialized equipment might be needed. The shoe can also probably be used on city terrains, though one might find the outsole a bit too cumbersome and the additional features a bit overbearing when not used on trails. Overall, few terrains should give the shoe issues, but they will be best used on trails.
Price
Price is pretty solid for this model. Its original retail price was quite solid for the quality it offers, and for the fact that it is a trail shoe, which tends to be more expensive in the first place. Now it is available from other retailers at a broad range of prices. Most of these prices represent either a good deal or a solid value, except the most expensive end. From most places, the trainer will be a very solid purchase for its price.
Drop
The Gel’s drop is 10 mm. 10 mm is a very standard drop size. It is not short enough to really be called minimalist, nor tall enough to be maximalist. Overall, the drop isn’t really a huge factor in the shoe’s success.
Stability
Stability mostly stems from the upper and the midsole. The midsole helps stability with its cushioning once again, through the gel in the heel and through the Solyte foam. These in tandem help reduce the effect of harsh impacts and shocks on the feet, which makes the stride feel more smooth and stable as a result. The Trusstic system in the midsole also helps to stabilize the feet while running. The upper contributes with the overlays it utilizes. These overlays do an excellent job of keeping the feet secured, while also maintaining the flexibility of the upper. The end result is a very stable upper. The special lacing system in the upper also helps, by conforming the shoe to each runner’s foot comfortably.
Flexibility
Flexibility in this model is pretty much only influenced by the design of the upper. The use of mesh here helps to allow the shoe to flex and twist as needed from above. This is crucial in allowing natural stride motion, and in helping prevent injury. Apart from this, it would have been nice to see other features helping with flexibility, but overall, the Fujiattack 5 is still not too bad in this department.
Traction
The main factor affecting traction in the trainer is the outsole, which is to be expected, as it is the piece consistently making contact with the ground. The outsole of the Fujiattack 5 is quite good at gripping onto different surfaces, thanks to its aggressive lug design. This design is very optimal for traction, particularly on uphill and downhill, which makes the shoe perfect for trails. Again, on city terrains, these lugs will probably be a bit overkill, but traction will certainly still be adequate.
Bottom Line
Overall this is a very good trail running shoe. Its features are useful for trails, and it provides good cushioning, response, and protection, all while remaining lightweight. For those seeking a high quality running shoe for trails at a decent price, the Fujiattack 5 is an excellent choice.
