Kit & Gear

REVIEW: ASICS FUJISPEED 2

The ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 trail running shoe is designed to allow maximum speed during your run. 

Thanks to its lightweight design and technology, this is ASICS' fastest trail shoe yet, which means nothing will hold you back. The shoe's full-length carbon plate redirects your energy forward so you can reach maximum speed with ease. And its FF BLAST™ PLUS foam is lightweight, creating an incredibly fast trail running experience, and the unique lightweight upper helps you run even faster.

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SHOP ALL ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Ultra-distance trail runner, Tom Joly, has been busy putting the ASICS FUJISPEED™2 to the test. Check out his review below;

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KEY FEATURES:

• Full-length carbon plate
  Helps redirect your energy forward for maximum speed.

• FF BLAST™ PLUS foam
  Provides lightweight, premium cushioning for added comfort.

• Unique lightweight upper
  Increases durability and allows even faster movement.

• ASICSGRIP outsole rubber
  Helps runners experience better traction and durability, specifically on wet and dry trail surfaces.

• Gusseted tongue wing fit system
  Improves the midfoot fit and reduces tongue sliding while keeping debris out of the shoe.

• Smart lace loop
  Helps keep laces in place during trail runs.

• Asymmetrical lacing system
  Reduces pressure across the top of the foot.

• Vegan Friendly
  ASICS haven’t used any materials of animal origin in the design and material selection stages, including the yarns, glues or other adhesives applied in the product. *The product is not certified as vegan by an independent third party.
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Prior to testing, I've never worn ASICS shoes before, but as soon as I put the FUJISPEED™ 2 on, I knew that they were something special. I did exactly 70km of running in them over 5 days, but that was all I needed to decide on using them for the 171km Ultra Trail Race around Mont Blanc.
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Normally, with any shoe I've tried, there is a compromise. If you want stability, you sacrifice energy return. If you want lightness, you sacrifice protection and comfort. Somehow, they have made a shoe without any compromise!
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My UK size 8 are a snug fit, so I would recommend going half a size up. The shoe is incredibly light, yet has a full length carbon plate and amazing energy returning foam (FF BLAST™ PLUS) which gives the same sensation as a road "super" shoe! Pop would be an understatement to describe the feeling on runnable terrain. The heel has a bit more give in it than the forefoot, so it still allows you to hammer descents with minimal shock travelling up your leg. Despite some stiff ankles (to be expected), I had almost no muscle soreness the morning after the race. I ran down the corridor and stairs of my apartment in total disbelief!
Despite the energy return, it's still incredibly stable and amazing to descend technical terrain in. The snug fit means precision foot placement, never snagging rocks or roots, something I find a problem in the more "maximalist" shoes.
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In my opinion, ASICSGRIP is the best outsole rubber compound I've ever used. It's incredibly grippy, yet hard-wearing, and the multidirectional "Ninja Star" lugs give grip on all terrain types. It tackled snow, mud, loose gravel, wet rocks, smooth rocks, roots, and more without a single slip or slide. Even with over 240km now run in the shoe, the outsole is barely worn. I can easily see this shoe doing 1,000km if not more!
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If you are used to a maximal cushion shoe, then this will probably be best for shorter trail races. I had a pair of "squishy" trail shoes with my crew if I needed to change, but it was never an issue, not to mention I was just having too much fun staying in FUJISPEED™ 2's.

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What makes FUJISPEED™ 2 trail running shoe so fast?

• New carbon plate redirects your energy forward so you can reach maximum speed with ease

• FF BLAST™ PLUS foam is lightweight and helps create an incredibly fast trail running experience.

• Unique lightweight upper material allows you to move even faster.ㅤㅤ

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Pictured: Tom Joly holding the new ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 Trail shoes.

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How is the ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 different from the ASICS FUJISPEED™ 1?

• The ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 has a full length carbon plate with FF Blast Plus midsole foam, compared to a Pebax plate and a standard FlyteFoam midsole featured in the ASICS FUJISPEED™ 1.

• Both shoes have a 5mm drop.

• The ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 is slightly heavier at 303g compared to 240g of the original release.

• Both shoes have an ASICSGRIP outsole, with the only difference being the lug pattern design.

• The ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 has a standard lacing system whereas the original featured a Quickdraw lace.

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SHOP ALL ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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THE ASICS MISSION

Founded in 1949, ASICS is undisputedly the leading running shoe brand for both enthusiasts and professional athletes. Whether you're attending sporting events or enjoying a leisurely run around the local park, ASICS is the ultimate runner's choice for providing comfort, support and a superior ride. From opening the Research Institute of Sports Science in Kobe in May 1990, the brand is unmatched for technological superiority and rigorous quality, and many innovations have stemmed from this unique site where scientists and athletes work together. The mission is to become the number one brand for sports enthusiasts by striving to build upon current technological advances and pledging to bring harmony to the body and soul.

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