ASICS - FUJISPEED 4

I use Asics fujispeed 4 for interval days and short races up to 25k or so. Cushioned enough, lightweight, good grip and nice to run in.

I'm a brand new trail runner but I'm enjoying the Asics Fujispeed 3's, they're not that much under 9oz, but they are under. Also I loved the weight of the Adidas Agravic speed, but the ankle hold was too stiff and cut into my Achilles so bad I couldn't use them.

If you want better rock protection check out the FujiSpeed 4. Similar fit, but has a nylon plate that protects the foot much better. I am using it for a 50k in about a month, and it will be fine for that distance. The FujiLite is a great shoe, my only complaint is the lack of a rock plate, so your concerns are warranted.

I ran my 50k in them a couple weeks ago! They worked great, no issues with them after 200 miles of training and that race. It is quite a bit different from the Speedgoat but more protective than the Superior, it kind of fits in-between those two shoes. Not sure I would ever go over 50k in them. But they are agile, fast and pretty dang comfortable, honestly one of my favorite trail shoes I have ever used. Fantastic for shorter races and actually for day to day training as well. I find myself reaching for them all the time vs my taller stacked shoes. Likes - Fit (generous toe box) but secure - Upper - breathes well and seems to be really durable so far - not Matryx but similar - Stack Height - just enough cushioning - Responsiveness - Great Rock Protection - Stable in technical terrain - 3.5mm lugs size - Overall durability, shoe still looks great after 200 miles. Most trail shoes for me are toast at this time. Dislikes - Included Insole is poor, replaced it with another brands - Laces don't work great, also replaced - Firmer than the older 3 version, could be just a little softer Undecided - The Nylon plate. The older 3 version has a Carbon Plate that adds more spring, but also makes the shoe less stable. The 4 version is more stable with the Nylon Plate, but has a little less spring. I do prefer the more stable platform, but miss that extra spring. For the price, it's an excellent shoe and I will be getting another pair or three. In the world of over stacked shoes, it's nice to have a "normal" stacked height option that is good, durable and comfortable. Edit: Some clarifications

My 50k had 3500ft of gain, handled the climbs well especially with that nylon plate. Gives you a little extra leverage. My first 13 miles were flat and fast, followed by a hilly back half. The shoe was great in both situations. With it being a lighter shoe, climbing with it feels good.

excited for the prototype aswell. the metafuji has been flying under the radar as has have fujispeeds, which are my go to for shorter stints.

oddly, I find the Topo MTN Racer very unstable as an overpronator. I collapse more in that shoe than any other trail shoe I've owned (other than the FujiSpeed).

S-tier: Asicsgrip. Tested it on mossy wet rocks by the waterfall. Beats megagrip

Asicsgrip is amazing. I have a pair of old Fujilyte 2 to walk the dog and these MFs still stick to the ground as fairly new. I've done super fast series on technical terrain where at first I would've swear I was about to kill myself but nope. On the other hand I have always Found LaSportiva Akasha awesome, I guess the rest of the lineup will be similar regarding the proper sole/terrains intended. Once you've run a few miles to get rid of that "new sole coating" they move incredible. Less over wet rock/soils but very nice anyways, slipped just two or three times in a +1000kms distance span.

For me in wet terrain with rocks, the best is Asicsgrip (6). After that, probably Vibram (tried in Hoka and Nike shoes), Contagrip in Salomon Speedcross 4 and Continental in various Adidas models. Here, some variation between them (for example, Continental in Adidas Terrex Two Flow is better than in Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 (so a 4 for them). After those, probably the outsole by La Sportiva (in Jackal model) and various Nike outsoles (Kiger 8, Wildhorse 6, Pegasus 4 TR) in wet terrain (btw, in mid Spring to mid Autumn, Nike are pretty nice shoes here)

I brought these as a dressier option for a 3-week UK trip, intending to wear some newish Asics trail runners as an outdoorsy shoe. Asics is usually my go-to comfortable shoe brand, but that pair wrecked my feet within the first week. The Mizzles took on full duty and were a godsend.