7 Best ASICS Trail Running Shoes, 40+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best ASICS Trail Running Shoes, 40+ Shoes Tested in 2023

ASICS is a well-known brand among runners. One of the standout features the brand’s running shoes possess is stability. And if you’re after supportive trail shoes that have all the impact protection you could ask for, nothing comes close to ASICS trail running shoes. 

Best overall
ASICS Gel Venture 8 ASICS Gel Venture 8
$70 $34 From Amazon
Best stability
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail
$120 $70 From Amazon
Best neutral
ASICS Gel Excite Trail ASICS Gel Excite Trail
$75 $35 From Zappos
Best wide
ASICS Novablast 3 TR ASICS Novablast 3 TR
$145 From Zappos
Best cushioned
ASICS Fuji Lite 2 ASICS Fuji Lite 2
$120 $69 From Amazon
Best value
ASICS Trail Scout 2 ASICS Trail Scout 2
$60 $39 From Amazon
Most popular
ASICS Gel Sonoma 6 ASICS Gel Sonoma 6
$80 $45 From Amazon
See all 42 asics trail running shoes
Table of contents How we test trail running shoesBest overallBest stabilityBest neutralBest wideBest cushionedBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test trail running shoes

When choosing our top ASICS trail shoes, we assess each one of them thoroughly through a series of tests in our own shoe testing lab. Before we examine them, we purchase them with our own money to avoid brand loyalty and run in them for at least 30-50 miles. 

And the following processes take place: 

  • Cut each shoe open to assess what’s inside
  • Measure each aspect of the shoe in 30 different parameters
  • Generate a Corescore via thousands of expert and user reviews to see how they stand against other shoes

Best ASICS trail running shoes overall

ASICS Gel Venture 8
ASICS Gel Venture 8
$34
See deal  
$50
See deal  
$50
See deal  
$63
See deal  

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 105,565 users
83 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Secure fit
  • Extremely durable
  • Grip on wet, muddy surfaces
  • Responsive
  • Very comfortable
  • Little to no break-in
  • Feels light and not bulky
  • Super affordable

Cons

  • Narrow toebox
  • Sweaty on hottest summer days

Verdict

At an affordable price, the ASICS Gel Venture 8 does a fantastic job on the trails! It's extremely grippy even on wet and muddy sections, comfortable, and secure. And all these come in a light and durable package! The Gel Venture is a shoe we'd consider for anything short to mid-distance.
ASICS Gel Venture 8 full review

Best ASICS stability trail running shoes

ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail
$70
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,729 users
92 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Excellent support
  • No break-in
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable straight from the box
  • Good amount of impact protection
  • Smooth road to off-road transitions

Cons

  • Not for technical trails

Verdict

The ASICS 2000 9 Trail is the off-road version of the acclaimed 2000 9 stability shoe. It carries over all of its beloved features in a a more durable package with a more aggressive outsole. That makes it a cushioned trail shoe with arch support.
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail full review

Best ASICS neutral trail running shoes

ASICS Gel Excite Trail
ASICS Gel Excite Trail
$35
See deal  
$35
See deal  
$55
See deal  
$60
See deal  

CoreScore

82
Good!
4.6 / 5 from 1,699 users
N/A

Pros

  • True to size
  • Nice fit
  • Responsive ride
  • Great impact protection
  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Grippy
  • Durable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Pretty low ankle cut
  • Break-in period
  • Not for quick-paced runs
  • Feels warmer

Verdict

The ASICS Gel Excite Trail is an affordable everyday trail shoe designed for those looking for a durable neutral shoe that can withstand the outdoor elements and equally perform with its higher-priced competitors. The Gel Excite Trail is sure to offer many running rewards while not breaking the money bank.
ASICS Gel Excite Trail full review

Best ASICS trail wide toebox running shoes

ASICS Novablast 3 TR
ASICS Novablast 3 TR
$145
See deal  
$145
See deal  
$145
See deal  
$145
See deal  

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 348 users
92 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Bouncy ride
  • Grippy on wet
  • Next-level comfort
  • Roomy toe box
  • Superior softness underfoot
  • Secure lockdown
  • Stable
  • Above average durability
  • Recycled materials

Cons

  • Lacks protection
  • A bit expensive

Verdict

When ASICS launched the Novablast 3 it gained lots of positive reviews and now the brand broadens the line by adding a “trail” version that retains all of its many qualities. The Novablast 3 TR is a superb daily trainer, adept to slow and moderate paces, but it can pick up the pace and is even more versatile than the standard iteration. Definitely one of the best choices for running on roads, urban parks, and light trails, no matter the season.
ASICS Novablast 3 TR full review

Best ASICS trail cushioned running shoes

ASICS Fuji Lite 2
ASICS Fuji Lite 2
$69
See deal  
$100
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 605 users
85 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Responsive
  • Well-cushioned
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent stability
  • Perfect for tempo runs
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable during easy days
  • Impact protection
  • Excellent traction
  • Roomy toe box
  • Snug midfoot wrap
  • Zero reports of heel slippage
  • Stretchy upper
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Ungusseted tongues
  • Lacks of protection
  • Tad deficient

Verdict

The ASICS Fuji Lite 2 is the addition to your trail lineup if you want a light and fun shoe that can bridge the gap between your ultra shoes and daily trainers. It's a speedster that's versatile enough to handle all types of terrain you throw at it. Even better, it can be your race-day option. It does have its limits. For highly technical trails, you might want to consider a trail shoe with more protection underfoot like the Hoka Challenger 6 ATR.
ASICS Fuji Lite 2 full review

Best value ASICS trail running shoes

ASICS Trail Scout 2
ASICS Trail Scout 2
$39
See deal  
$50
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

83
Good!
4.4 / 5 from 6,058 users
80 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • All-day support
  • Durable
  • Grippy on rugged and mountain trails
  • Lightweight
  • Impressive heel lockdown
  • For heavy runners
  • Can double for hiking and walking
  • One of the cheapest trail shoes

Cons

  • Narrow for wide feet
  • Lacks responsiveness

Verdict

As the name suggests, the Trail Scout 2 from ASICS is a trail running shoe that's all about providing support in every stride. It's an easy-day trail runner that doesn't dig deep into the pockets. Even more, it proves its value with its versatile performance. Whether it's on the trail or the road, the ASICS Trail Scout 2 can also be your hiking or walking partner.
ASICS Trail Scout 2 full review

Most popular ASICS trail running shoes

ASICS Gel Sonoma 6
ASICS Gel Sonoma 6
$45
See deal  
$80
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

79
Good!
4.4 / 5 from 6,238 users
N/A

Pros

  • Works for all-day wear
  • Great off-road traction
  • Can do for light hiking
  • No break-in period
  • Feels light
  • Affordable
  • VIsually appealing

Cons

  • Visible glue
  • No reflective elements
  • Firm cushioning

Verdict

If you’re not planning to spend a lot of money on a pair of trail shoes, then the Gel Sonoma from ASICS may fit the bill just right. Simple yet functional, this model provides all the trail shoe essentials under $100. Not to mention that it can also double as a hiking shoe for moderate adventures.
ASICS Gel Sonoma 6 full review

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Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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