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The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is a trail running shoe designed for speed and agility on the trails. This model is known for its lightweight construction and responsive cushioning.
Key Features:
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize a light and fast shoe for off-road adventures. Its responsive cushioning offers a propulsive feel, making it suitable for runners who enjoy a connected-to-the-ground experience. As part of the ASICS Fuji Lite family, it stands out for its combination of performance and sustainability.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running shoes.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 performs admirably for its intended purpose: providing a fast and light experience on the trails. It's a shoe that feels at home on packed dirt and smooth trails, where its low drop and FLYTEFOAM midsole can propel you forward with ease. In our experience, the shoe's nimble nature makes it a joy for quick, short runs, though it may fall short in wet and rocky conditions. The breathable upper and innovative lacing system contribute to a comfortable and secure fit, while the ASICSGRIP outsole delivers solid traction on less demanding surfaces. However, the lack of underfoot protection and mediocre traction in mud or on technical terrain means it's not the best choice for all trail conditions. Overall, the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 offers a great balance of lightness and speed for trail runners who stick to well-groomed paths.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 introduces several updates from its predecessor, including a redesigned upper for improved fit and support, and the inclusion of FLYTEFOAM in the midsole for a more responsive ride. The shoe maintains its commitment to sustainability with the use of eco-friendly materials. Compared to the previous model, the Fuji Lite 2 offers a more versatile and agile trail running experience.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 and The Brooks Catamount are both trail running shoes designed for speed. The Catamount may offer better cushioning and protection for longer distances, making it a potential alternative for runners seeking more underfoot comfort.
When compared to The Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra, the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 stands out for its nimble feel and sustainable construction. However, the Terrex Speed Ultra might be the better choice for runners in need of a more protective and cushioned shoe for technical trails.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 and The Hoka Zinal cater to trail runners who enjoy a lightweight shoe. The Zinal offers a firmer and more stable ride, particularly in the forefoot, which may appeal to those tackling more technical terrain.
The upper of the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is crafted with a tough engineered mesh that provides excellent breathability, akin to a road shoe. It features a snug fit, particularly in the toe box, which may necessitate sizing up for runners with wider feet. The innovative lacing system and lace garage contribute to a secure fit, minimizing distractions from loose laces during runs.
The midsole of the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is equipped with FLYTEFOAM technology, offering a responsive and propulsive ride. This lightweight cushioning is ideal for runners seeking a fast and connected trail running experience. However, the minimal stack height means that the shoe may not provide enough protection for longer or more technical runs.
The outsole of the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 features the ASICSGRIP compound, known for its durability and traction on a variety of trail surfaces. While it performs well on groomed trails and provides a confident grip, it may struggle on more technical and uneven terrain, particularly in wet conditions.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 offers a true-to-size fit for most runners, with a snug and secure feel. The toe box is on the narrower side, which may affect comfort during longer runs or for those with wider feet. It's recommended to consider half a size up if you prefer a roomier fit.
Comfort in the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is achieved through a combination of a breathable upper, responsive midsole, and a secure lacing system. The shoe's overall design promotes a comfortable experience on the trails, though the firm underfoot feel may not be suitable for all runners.
The cushioning in the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is firm yet responsive, thanks to the FLYTEFOAM midsole. This provides a lively ride that is conducive to speed, but may not offer enough underfoot protection for highly technical trails or longer distances.
The engineered mesh upper of the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 ensures a high level of breathability, making it a great option for warmer conditions or runners who prioritize ventilation in their trail shoes.
While the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is a neutral trail running shoe, it includes some stability features such as a filled-in midfoot and sidewalls. However, it may not provide adequate support for runners with significant stability needs.
Durability is a strong point for the ASICS Fuji Lite 2, with the shoe showing minimal wear after extensive testing. The ASICSGRIP outsole contributes to the shoe's longevity, particularly on less abrasive trail surfaces.
The grip provided by the ASICSGRIP outsole is effective on a variety of surfaces, though it may not be aggressive enough for very technical or slippery terrain. The multi-directional tread pattern aids in maintaining traction during trail runs.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is well-suited for trail runners who value a lightweight and responsive shoe for their running sessions. It's particularly beneficial for those who frequently transition from road to trail and prefer a shoe that can handle both environments competently. Runners who enjoy a close-to-the-ground feel and a fast pace on groomed trails will appreciate the design and performance of the Fuji Lite 2.
Runners seeking a shoe for long-distance trail runs or those who frequently encounter wet, muddy, or highly technical terrain may want to consider other options. The ASICS Fuji Lite 2's lack of underfoot protection and limited traction in challenging conditions make it less suitable for such scenarios. Those with wider feet or who prefer a more cushioned ride might also look elsewhere, as the snug fit and firm cushioning may not meet their needs.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is good for short to medium distance trail runs on groomed or packed dirt trails. Its design favors speed and agility, making it a strong choice for runners looking to push the pace in less demanding trail conditions.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 has an ASICSGRIP outsole that provides solid traction on various surfaces, but it may struggle in wet and muddy conditions. For very slippery trails, a shoe with more aggressive lugs might be a better choice.
While primarily designed for trails, the ASICS Fuji Lite 2 can handle road running, especially when transitioning between different terrains. Its responsive cushioning and breathable upper make it a versatile option for runners who mix road and trail in their sessions.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 offers a true-to-size fit with a snug and secure feel. However, the toe box is on the narrower side, so runners with wider feet may consider sizing up for a more comfortable fit.
The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 features FLYTEFOAM cushioning in the midsole, which is firm yet responsive. It provides a lively ride conducive to speed but may not offer enough protection for highly technical trails or longer distances.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
released | ReleasedAug 2021 | Jun 2019 | Feb 2020 | Jan 2020 | ||
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Scoreβ β | β β | β β | β β | β β | β β |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 264 g W: 221 g | 326 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | M: 241 g W: 213 g | M: 215 g W: 181 g | M: 459 g W: 391 g |
Forefoot | Forefoot26 mm | 15 mm | 18 mm | 16 mm | ||
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | ||
Heel | Heel30 mm | 19 mm | 24 mm | 20 mm | ||
Brand | BrandASICS | New Balance | La Sportiva | Merrell | Xero Shoes | Merrell |
Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLow dropMaximalist | LightweightLow drop | Lightweight | LightweightLow dropZero drop | Low drop | |
Breathable | Breathable | |||||
Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
Techs | Techs | Vibram | ||||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable | Vegan β | Vegan β | |||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2048) |
Terrain | Trail (+533) |
Brand | ASICS (+257) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1602) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1577) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1113) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1524) |
Shoe Type | Low drop (+277)Maximalist (+428) |
Fit | Wide toe box (+272) |
Features | Breathable (+752) |
Materials | Mesh (+941) |
Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable (+175) |
Colorways | Black, Black / Fuchsia Red, Black / Ice Mint, Blue / Orange, Blue / Turquoise / Red, Orange / Black / Blue |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Model | 2 | |
Released | Aug 2021 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 264 g W: 221 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 4 mm | |
Heel | 30 mm | |
Forefoot | 26 mm |