Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Solyte Midsole material, which is a lighter weight compound, that offers enhanced cushioning and durability• Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System reduces the force of impact and also for a smoother transition between stances• Anti-Gravel tongue gusseted construction prevents debris from entering the shoe• Opposite-facing lugs allow for a better grip while running and hiking• PlasmaGuard design which protects the shoe against water and dirt
Upper
Trail shoes teeter on a thin line between protection and weight, however, thanks to the Asics Soylte technology this isn’t an issue. The closed mesh gives sufficient amount of breathability that is needed with each run. The bootie construction prevents dirt and debris from entering the shoe. This design also makes it especially comfortable and adds for better protection. Dirt and debris stay out thanks to the Anti-gravel tongue. Along with the Anti-gravel tongue is Asics PlasmaGuard design, which keeps water off the shoe just as long as the person doesn’t walk or run through water. However, it should be acknowledged that a major con of this shoe is that it doesn’t have a very high level of water resistance despite the PlasmaGuard design.
Midsole
The Solyte Midsole is made of a lighter-weight compound than Asics standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles. The Solyte midsole material also features a Gel Cushioning System that absorbs a significant amount of impact upon landing. The silicon-based material compresses to absorb the shock of the impact and allows for better propulsion. The majority of the midsole is made of Asics Solyte technology, which is a very durable, lightweight and responsive foam.
Outsole
The design for the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 has been greatly improved from the previous model. The outsole of the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 has been designed with opposite facing lugs, which have been praised by many runners. The incorporation of this design allows for the lugs to have a much better grip on different terrains as well as when climbing uphill or traversing downhill.
Breathability
Having any form of running shoe that doesn’t allow for some air circulation to occur not only slows down the runner but also makes running uncomfortable. Thanks to the perforate sock-liners, it allows for a better method for draining moisture, along with improving the breathability. The mesh upper also does a good job at providing adequate ventilation.
Comfort
In the previous model, there were complaints of the size of the shoe and how big it looked. One of the highest compliments of the shoes is how it fits on an individual. It allows for a nice snug fit that at the same time allows for levels of breathability.;However, the comfortability of the model wasn’t praised as much. In this latest model of the shoe, a major issue was how much smaller the shoe was as compared to the previous version. This smaller model has had many complaints, and rightly so, for many individuals have sustained blisters as a result of the narrow heels.
Style
The style of the shoe is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and many runners have praised the color designs of the sneaker. The brightly colored red and yellow design for the men’s version seems to invigorate the runners to run faster. Many runners have in their minds “the brighter the color, the faster you run”. However, the alternative version has a much more relaxed look including the dark blue and yellow pattern. The women’s version of the shoe is also aesthetically pleasing. Options include pink and blue, and black and pink spark.
Durability
Trail shoes need to have a high level of durability in order to handle many of the tough terrains that many trail runners run on. A great idea that the designers added to this model was the inclusion of the Asics Solyte technology. Thanks to the Asics Solyte technology the durability of the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 have greatly been improved and does a great job at protecting the shoe against wear and tear. Along with the shock absorbing foam found in the midsole, it also allows for less stress on the muscles, joints, and bones.
Protection
The PlasmaGuard design protects the outer layer of the shoe from water and moist areas – but only with minimal success. This is significant, as the shoe can easily get wet and add more weight to the shoe. Another form of protection is the Asics Solyte technology resistance foam, which allows for better impacts absorption.;Lastly, another great bit of protection this shoe offers is the Anti-Gravel Tongue. The Anti-Gravel tongue offers impressive protection against muddy surfaces and dirty tracks. However, there have been some complaints of the shoe not being great on rocky terrains as it does not feature a rock plate underfoot.
Responsiveness
When climbing uphill or traversing downhill it is extremely important to have stable footing as a wrong turn of the ankle can cause serious damage. And depending on the surface a person is running on – the injury can be much worse than a sprained ankle. Thanks to the Rearfoot Gel technology cushioning system, made exclusively by Asics, this allows for a smoother transition while running, climbing uphill or traversing downhill. You can rest assured that you will be able to tackle any terrain you will encounter.
Support
The praise Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 is due primarily to the Asics Solyte technology and the Rearfoot Gel technology cushioning system. Thanks to these added features the shoe is incredibly durable and able to support the runner on many types of terrains. Furthermore, the opposite facing lugs, which is a highly praised feature, give runners better grip on a variety of terrain.
Terrain
The Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 was specifically designed for all types of terrain. Thanks to the aggressive lugs underfoot, you will be able to traverse off-road conditions with ease. While it is great to use for hiking, running, climbing, it is important to know it may not work in especially rocky conditions as there isn’t quite enough protection, such as a toe guard or rock plate.
Price
One of the most important qualities, as it pertains to getting a reliable sneaker, is the price. The model of the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 can be somewhat costly. However, the price of the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 varies from retailer to retailer. The price is mostly relative to other running shoes that are also out in the marketplace. A better option that might be less burdensome on one’s wallet is to purchase the sneaker online, as there is a great chance for a better deal.
Drop
Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 features a 6mm drop. This design is catered more for runners who would be considered midfoot strikers. This drop puts it below the average drop of 10mm. For runners who are used to a higher drop, it is advisable to slowly get used to a lower drop in order to avoid injury.
Stability
This is a neutral running shoe, meaning that it does not provide additional arch support or correction for runners who over or underpronate. However, it does offer some support in the way of the rearfoot gel cushioning. Furthermore, the opposite facing lugs allow runners to have better balance as they are able to grip the terrain much easier.
Flexibility
The seamless upper construction is what contributes to the overall flexibility of the shoe. However, the aggressive lugs do take away from some of the overall flexibility of the shoe. However, the shoe does provide enough flexibility to allow for more natural foot movement. The minor amount of flexibility does not take away from the overall running experience though.
Traction
As mentioned quite often in this review, the hallmarks of the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 is the opposite facing lugs. The incorporation of this feature has allowed for a greater grip on the ground and because of this, it allows for runners to have more confidence in their footing. Along with its less bulky design, the inclusion of the opposite facing lugs has truly made it superior to its predecessor.
Bottom Line
When it comes to a sneaker that is packed with so many new features, you really can look no further. The Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 is truly a huge step up from the original and has been praised by many runners. The pros that the Asics Gel FujiRunnegade 2 offer greatly outshine the cons and the cons can easily be dismissed. The inclusions of the opposite facing lugs have truly made this model stand out. Having the ability to grip the terrain with such dominance and command can offer the runner a very enjoyable experience that they never had before.
