Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.4/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• The Gel Fujitrabuco is made from a synthetic material• High Abrasion Rubber enhances the shoe’s durability• Superb Mono-Sock Fit System• Solyte Midsole Material• Nice lace garage• Heel Clutching System Technology• Reversed Lugs perfect for all types of terrain• Rock protection plate• Rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning systems
Upper
The synthetic mesh upper is both comfortable and breathable. It doesn’t restrict the movement of the foot in any way. The foot is able to move naturally. The foot remains cool and dry because air is always passing through the shoe. The overlays have fused sections mixed with stitched-on sections that secure the foot. The lacing system help to make the shoe customizable. The gusseted tongue helps to keep out debris. Not to mention, the Lace Garage helps prevent the laces from tangling up in knots by tucking the laces away. An exoskeleton called an external clutch counter locks the heel down and holds it in place.
Midsole
The midsole consists of the Solyte mid-sole unit made of a responsive, durable material that provides lightweight cushioning, long-lasting support and a little bit of a bounce with every step. The forefoot and the heel sections both have the GEL Cushioning system made of silicon, which ensures protection in the sole from shock and impact, essentially protecting the overall foot. A trussic System also retains the structure of the shoe, making FujiTrabuco a great trail running shoe.
Outsole
The outsole is composed of a strong layer of carbon rubber known as the Asics High Abrasion Resistant Rubber (AHAR). This rubber gives reliable traction and protects the sole from wear and tear. The outsole has multi-directional lugs that hold on to the ground with no problem. Great for downhill or uphill trails. The forefoot section has a rock protection plate that protects the toes from debris.
Breathability
The breathability of the FujiTrabuco 4 is really nice. They are great ventilation for my feet. The mesh does a good job of keeping the air flowing through the shoe, always keeping the foot dry and cool. What makes this running shoe so breathable is the sock-like material of the upper. The natural movement of the foot is never restricted, causing an even greater amount of air moving throughout the interior of the shoe.
Comfort
The GEL cushioning system makes this shoe’s comfort level perfect. The narrow feeling of the GEL FujiTrabuco 3 is long gone. With the newer version, the toe box is much roomier, with just the right amount of cushioning. Let’s not forget the Mono-Sock one-piece liner enhances the comfort because there is absolutely no interior rubbing at points. The FujiTrabuco 4 fits true to size.
Style
The design of these running shoes is attractive, with good colors choices as well. The Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 4 come in tons of different color combinations with vibrant patterns. The reflective functions on the shoe make for better visibility but add a touch of style and is a safety element for those nighttime runners.
Durability
It is very true that you often get what you pay for. Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 4 is a well-made shoe. They seem to last a pretty long while. There haven’t been any complaints about wear and tear. Between the upper mesh made of durable synthetic materials and the High Abrasion Resistant Rubber used in Asics shoes, the shoe still holds up.
Protection
The synthetic overlays hug the foot with comfort and lots of protection, making each stride effortless. The durable rubber works as a shield on the sole to prevent any effects that can occur from continuous use and of course, friction. These running shoes are very protective but still gives you a light feeling on your feet. They can handle any terrain.
Responsiveness
The Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 4 is responsive, but don’t expect that spring into action feel, because you won’t get that with these trail running shoes. As your foot is being lifted up, there is a feeling of ease, but the runner is not as propelled as other running shoes. From a scale to 0-5, responsiveness would be around a 3 because most runners love that there is a touch of firmness thanks to the midsole that gives a great balance between cushioning and energy return. However, the heavy feeling of the shoe limits precise foot placement and agility.
Support
The right support is key when choosing the best running shoe. Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 4 has great support. They do seem wider in the mid-foot area, but for the most part, that makes the fit not as secure as expected. In fact, it is difficult to achieve when running at higher speeds. However, there is potential for a good fit if you cinch the laces down. Ideally, this shoe is good for runners with wider feet.
Terrain
The Gel FujiTrabuco 4 is a great trail shoe and performs well on all surfaces, thanks to great traction provided by the carbon rubber material of the outsole.
Price
For the most part, the Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 4 was first priced at around $120 but can be found for as low as $59. If a shoe provides good quality like the FujiTrabuco 4 and is affordable as well, then it is definitely something worth looking into.
Drop
The heel to toe drop is approximately 10mm on both men and women shoes. The heel is a little on the thicker side. Most runners can notice the thickness. The heel drop helps to shift weight forward and lower chances of shock on your foot.
Stability
The Gel FujiTrabuco 4 is definitely a lot more stable than Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 3. They are wider in the forefoot and the landing platform is stable and solid. The new version definitely locks the foot in a lot better. These shoes are great for long distance runs.
Flexibility
With the Gel FujiTrabuco 4, the shoes are built for heavy trail running, so they are not as flexible as another Asics shoe like the Gel Exalt 2, so keep that in mind.
Traction
The traction hasn’t changed on this version as compared to the earlier versions. The stickiness of the rubber works well on all terrain, but the lugs are not as aggressive as other trail shoes like the Saucony Peregrine 6 or the Salomon Speedcross 4. However, the lugs are very durable and provide a good amount of traction on multiple surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel line never seems to leave us disappointed. The Gel FujiTrabuco 4 is a good, traditional trail running shoe. Despite being a neutral shoe, runners will love the stability and arch support. Weight is definitely a concern. Many runners have mixed feelings. Some seem to consider them to be heavy, while others hardly notice the weight of the shoe. The Gel FujiTrabuco are a bit large in the mid-foot, so runners with wider feet will love these neutral running shoes. Keep in mind that this shoe is not built for speed. It is more of a protective trail running shoe than a racing shoe. If you are looking for a neutral running shoe that is durable, very comfortable, good on protection and has just the right amount of stability, then definitely check out the Asics Gel FujiTrabuco 4.
