Asics Metafuji Trail 2 Review: Ultimate Performance on the Trails?

The trail running scene is booming. The battle among brands for the highest-performing shoe is raging on the road, and it’s now spreading to trail running, with carbon-fiber shoes becoming increasingly common.

After a two-year wait, Asics is finally releasing to the general public the shoe that made headlines when athlete Tom Evans won the UTMB in 2025: the Metafuji Trail 2. At the time, it was just a prototype; now here is the final version.

So we’re looking forward to seeing the changes compared to v1.

Does it fit your running profile and goals?

That’s what we’ll find out in this field test.

Our verdict

Traction: Reliable Grip on a Wide Variety of Surfaces

As for the outsole, it naturally features ASICSGRIP outsole rubber. Asics is one of the few brands to have its own technology, rather than giving in to the allure of Vibram.

There have been some changes to the lugs. They’ve gone from 4.5 mm to 3.5 mm, without any loss in traction. Their shape and layout are certainly better designed than on the previous version.

On this Metafuji Trail 2, the lugs come in various shapes and, most importantly, are multidirectional. The shoe offers greater stability on compact surfaces as well as in rocky areas.

The grip is excellent and provides confidence on any surface. Even in wet conditions, the grip is reliable, including on slippery rocks.

The sole is wider and realigns the foot. Like the new plate (whose design we’ll get to later), it contributes to better stability.

The shoe doesn’t have a rock plate, but you can’t feel it thanks to the very high stack height.

Types of Terrain: Where Can You Take It?

The switch from 4.5 mm to 3.5 mm lugs does, however, present a fairly obvious limitation: on very muddy terrain, the shoe will inevitably perform less well.

This is clearly a choice geared toward speed, and compromises are inevitable, you can’t have it all. If, like me, you struggle when there are thick layers of mud, you’ll hardly notice the difference. Besides, the mud comes off pretty easily and doesn’t stick to the shoe.

On moderately technical mountain terrain, the shoe offers good traction, especially in rocky areas. An important point: the A-TPU in the foam does not lose its elasticity when temperatures drop in the mountains. This is a significant advantage for high-altitude ultra-marathons.

With such a high stack height, many testers found the shoe to be more restrictive, and unstable, on very steep surfaces. This will require extra caution on highly technical mountain trails. It still offers good versatility across a wide variety of surfaces.

On the road, the shoe behaves really well and feels responsive; you can really feel the forward propulsion. This is an important consideration if your trail includes short stretches of paved road.

Cushioning: The FF Leap + FF Blast Plus Combination Featuring an X-shaped Carbon Plate

When it comes to the midsole, the brand has clearly pulled out all the stops. There’s no doubt that the extensive testing required to move from prototypes to this retail version focused on this part of the shoe.

It’s the setup anyone who owns a carbon road racer will recognize, two foam inserts and a plate:

The FF Leap foam is quite simply the brand’s highest-performing foam. It’s made of A-TPU (aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane), a material that outperforms Peba and is found in all racing models, such as the incredible Asics Metaspeed Ray Tokyo.

The FF Blast Plus foam is significantly older, but it still does a fine job counterbalancing the plushness of the first one and providing stability.

This is clearly essential for trail running: you can’t simply adapt a road running shoe without considering potentially technical terrain; a shoe that’s too plush underfoot rarely works well on unstable surfaces.

The big new feature is the carbon plate, which was specially designed for trail running. Gone is the conventional full-length plate found on road shoes, this one is X-shaped.

According to the brand, it is designed to maintain propulsion on uphills like a conventional plate, while keeping control and stability on downhills.

The idea is to allow the front and rear to deform independently. It’s hard to verify how the plate behaves inside the midsole, but it’s clear that it works, at least from my perspective.

A Balanced Feel Underfoot

The feel upon impact is very well balanced, somewhat plush, but not excessively so. The ride is very comfortable and safe.

With a heel height of 41.5 mm and a forefoot height of 36.5 mm, the shoe is 3 mm lower than the V1, likely because the V1 was considered to be too far off the ground.

The cushioning remains high and provides excellent shock absorption. There’s no limit to the distance you can cover, even ultra-distance runs: the shoe was designed to excel, particularly on the UTMB. There are no restrictions based on the runner’s build: the shoe is demanding, but the cushioning won’t be an issue.

The only thing to watch out for is the 5-mm drop. The brand wanted to provide good protection for forefoot runners, but it may take some time to adjust if you’re not used to it.

Energy Return: The Best in Trail Running

Weighing in at 251 g / 8.9 oz in size 42, the shoe is very light, even a little lighter than the first version (a few grams lighter).

The new carbon plate does not compromise performance in any way, and the FF Leap foam offers impressive energy return, just like its road-going counterparts.

The Metafuji Trail 2 is amazing, simply the best there is in terms of bounce and propulsion for trail running. I’ll come back to how safe the ride feels later, but there’s no doubt this shoe delivers.

It’s pretty amazing to realize that it comes very close to the feel of a Metaspeed. This makes the shoe a great choice even for shorter distances. With its fairly pronounced rocker geometry, transitions are very smooth.

Foot Lockdown: A Sock-Like Motion Wrap Upper

The new upper is made of technical woven mesh (Motion Wrap, a mesh woven with elastomer threads) and is seamless. The new sock-like collar really reminds me of Matryx technology.

You can really feel the premium quality. As soon as you put them on, the comfort is impressive, with just the right amount of padding. There’s inevitably less padding than on a Trabuco Max 4, for example, the quest to save every gram doesn’t allow for it.

Despite this, wearing the shoe is a pleasure, and you can easily keep it on for many hours, just as you would during an ultra.

In wet conditions, they dry fairly quickly. The upper isn’t water-repellent, but it performs very well in this regard, better than many other shoes I’ve tested.

The heel counter is rigid up to the edge of the padding, then completely flexible at the top. It’s a clever design: it prevents irritation in that area, which can sometimes occur with collars that ride up.

There could have been an issue with support, but that isn’t the case. The fit around the ankle is very secure, and the heel stays firmly in place. A buckle would still have been useful, though, because the shoe isn’t easy to put on.

There is no tongue: it’s an extension of the upper, just like on every sock-style upper. No slippage has been reported in this area, which contributes to the excellent lockdown.

The new Speed Lace lacing system is a real success. I find it works even better than Salomon’s QuickLace system: it’s very easy to tighten to your liking. The small pocket for storing the laces is also very handy. It’s a major plus, you don’t have to worry about your laces coming undone while running or dangling awkwardly.

The Solyte insole (removable) provides extra cushioning and helps manage moisture. The upper is yet another example of Asics’ craftsmanship and underscores the shoe’s premium quality.

Sizing and Fit

The upper isn’t stretchy, unlike road running shoes, which often feature more flexible, elastic mesh. That’s simply not possible here: the lockdown must be secure to keep the ride safe.

This is something to keep in mind when making a purchase, especially since a sock-style upper doesn’t fit every foot. It’s best to try them on before buying, if possible. If you can’t, I’ll do my best to provide as much information as possible.

This isn’t going to be easy: as is often the case, I’ve come across a lot of conflicting comments, ranging from a snug fit to a shoe that’s too wide. There are many different foot shapes, and you’ll find as many opinions as there are testers.

So here’s my take: I found the fit to be pretty standard. The platform is wider at the heel and midfoot, which improves stability. The forefoot, around the instep, felt a little tighter to me.

The sensation quickly faded as I ran. The upper isn’t flexible, but it still conforms to the shape of the foot. After the first few strides, comfort is what stands out most for me.

So I think you can stick with your usual size. Going half a size up or down is risky for trail running: a foot that slips around can lead to a sprain, and a foot that’s too tight can cause blisters.

The engineers at Asics have done a great job designing an upper that should fit many runners in their usual size. The construction confirms this: the shoe provides excellent lockdown. There are no lateral reinforcements, but the stiff material easily makes up for them.

Protection and Breathability: A Sturdy Toe Bumper, a Breathable Upper

The shoe offers excellent protection. The toe bumper is sturdy, and the rest of the upper is also very solid. While it doesn’t match the protection offered by models designed specifically for high-mountain running, the Metafuji Trail 2 is certainly one of the most protective shoes in its category. Important point: the sock-like upper prevents debris from getting inside.

At first glance, I was a bit concerned about breathability. But the weave allows air to circulate very well, providing excellent ventilation. The shoe also offers good protection in cold weather, even in the mountains during winter. It’s ready to tackle any type of terrain.

Who Is It for, and for What Races?

There’s no great mystery or debate about how to use the Metafuji Trail 2: it’s a competition plated shoe for race day. Of course, you can also use it extensively in training if you want.

However, it’s recommended to save it for key workouts and your ultra races. Keep in mind that races ranging from 100 to 200 km significantly shorten the shoe’s lifespan, which, incidentally, is quite good for this Metafuji model.

Shock absorption is excellent, allowing you to run longer distances without any limits, whether in racing or during training. There are also no restrictions based on the runner’s build, thanks to the high level of cushioning.

Its excellent protection and outstanding grip make it suitable for a wide variety of surfaces, whether you’re running or even hiking.

The responsiveness is excellent, and the shoe allows you to accelerate in any situation. It’s also a great choice even for shorter race distances.

Performance at a slower pace is also very good. The FF Blast Plus foam really comes into its own and allows you to run more slowly, which will inevitably be the case on long runs.

There are, however, some limitations to note regarding its use, starting with the user’s profile. The shoe is demanding, with foam that provides propulsion, and it isn’t always easy to get the hang of it.

So I don’t recommend this shoe for beginners or runners who aren’t focused on performance. And even though the new plate makes a real difference in that regard, stability can sometimes be an issue.

This is especially true on technical descents. You have to be able to maintain your footing despite the fairly plush foam and the high stack height.

One last point: very steep terrain in the mountains can also be a problem. This shoe isn’t as well-suited as specialized high-mountain models, and its 41-mm sole thickness doesn’t help you feel the ground.

Other than that, this shoe is a real powerhouse that offers a great ride. It’s the perfect tool for racking up miles with pleasure and chasing your personal bests in an ultra.

Quality and Durability: A Pleasant Surprise for a Carbon Shoe

This is a very interesting point to consider, since carbon road running shoes aren’t known for their durability. I can reassure you on this point: the outsole is already very sturdy.

The upper will also be very sturdy. The only potential issue is the foam, but this foam has clearly proven its worth on the road, particularly in terms of long-term durability. The shoe offers excellent durability for ultra runs. The price is high, and we’ll leave it up to you to judge the value for money.

The shoe is vegan. The upper is made from at least 50% recycled materials. The solution-dyeing process used for the insole reduces water consumption by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to a conventional process.

Should You Go for the Asics Metafuji Trail 2?

In my opinion, the Asics Metafuji Trail 2 stands out as THE new benchmark for breaking personal records in trail running racing, across all distances. It’s designed for most ultra races.

Of course, you’ll find shoes with more cushioning or better protection. But when it comes to performance, there’s nothing better out there right now. A gem from Asics, for all trail runners looking to set a new personal best.

Our Field Test on Video

Technical Specs

Technical Specs

Terrain	Trail
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	5 mm
Heel height	41.5 mm
Forefoot height	36.5 mm
Lugs	3.5 mm
Weight (men)	251 g/8.9 oz
Weight (women)	228 g/8 oz
Features	Carbon-fiber plate, Vegan, Recycled materials, Rocker, Toe bumper, Unisex
Athletes
Release year	2026

Cushioning

Softness	Balanced
Responsiveness	High

Technologies

Outsole	ASICSGRIP
Midsole	FF Leap + FF Blast Plus
Upper	Technical woven mesh (Motion Wrap)

Use

Speed	Moderate, Fast
Distance	Mid, Long, Ultramarathon
Workout	Racing

Reference: official Asics website