ASICS just gave its trail super shoe a major overhaul with a new carbon plate and its bounciest foam yet
The Metafuji Trail 2 gets a new carbon plate, upgraded FF LEAP cushioning and a lower overall weight
Nearly two years after introducing its first carbon-plated off-road racer, ASICS has unveiled the Metafuji Trail 2, refining what was already one of the most ambitious trail running shoes.
The original Metafuji Trail proved that "super shoe" technology wasn't limited to road marathons, bringing together a carbon plate, lightweight foams and aggressive trail grip in a package designed for serious mountain racing.
Now, the Japanese brand believes it has taken the formula a step further.
The new model tips the scales at 255g (men's), shaving 5g off its predecessor while retaining the same 5mm drop.
A new top layer of FF LEAP, ASICS' lightest and bounciest foam, now sits above the plate, while FF BLAST PLUS remains underneath to cushion long efforts.
Despite becoming lighter, the shoe still packs a substantial 36.5mm heel stack and 31.5mm forefoot stack, giving runners plenty of protection over ultra-distance races.
Built for the biggest mountain races
Grip remains courtesy of the proven ASICSGRIP outsole, complete with 3.5mm lugs designed to balance traction on soft ground without feeling overbearing on firmer trails.
A Motion Wrap upper, SOLYTE sockliner and quick-lace system complete the package, all aimed at keeping weight low while improving comfort over long distances.
During one of trail running's biggest events in Chamonix (a.k.a. UTMB) last year, ASICS athletes Tom Evans and Ben Dhiman wore prototype versions of the Metafuji Trail 2 to claim first and second place, with their feedback helping shape the final production model.
That production version will make its competitive debut today, 10 July, as Evans lines up at one of the world's best-known 100-mile trail races before the shoe goes on general sale.
The Metafuji Trail 2 firmly targets competitive trail runners chasing podiums and personal bests rather than everyday mileage.
But as brands continue to bring road racing technology into the mountains, it shows the trail super shoe category is evolving just as quickly as its road-running counterpart.
The ASICS Metafuji Trail 2 will be available globally from 1 August 2026 for the recommended price of $250.
