The Asics Gel Fuji Trainer 3 comes in at sub-10 oz (~9.70 oz). The offset is at 8mm (10/18mm). I would have preferred an offset at 4mm to 6mm.
Out of the box, it fit true to size. Unlike the complaint of the Trainer 2 not having eyelets but rather a cloth lace eyelet, the Trainer 3 does contain eyelets for a more secure lockdown of the heel.
There is ample room in the toe box and just the right amount of material in the upper. Asics kept the same excellent traction on the outsole.
See other pictures of the Trainer 3 below.
TRAIL TEST
The Asics Gel Fuji Trainer 3 performed well on the first 20 miler. It felt stable and comfortable on all types of trail terrain. The outsole worked extremely well on the muddiest of terrain on both uphill and downhill testing. I noticed the heel section of the outsole (square tread) didn’t shed mud as well as the other sections of the outsole.
When wet after river crossings, the shoe drained well. It’s not the lightest of trail shoes, but is a solid trainer for the trails. I like the improvement to include the eyelets to secure the foot in the shoe. There is a lace garage, but I didn’t use it. I initially thought the thinner lacing could potentially be an issue with keeping the right amount of pressure on top of the foot. I had no issues.
Overall, the Trainer 3 worked well for me, but would prefer the offset to be around 4mm to 6mm.
TECH SPECS
- Weight – 9.70 oz (275 g) (Size 9)
- Heel: 18 mm
- Midfoot: 10mm
- Offset: 8mm
- Gusseted tongue
- Neutral Shoe
- Rock Plate
- Midsole – EVA
- Upper – Synthetic
- Made In – Indonesia
- Women’s Version
Weight Table
CONCLUSION
The Asics Gel Fuji Trainer 3 is a great update from the Trainer 2 with the now included eyelets and new upper design for a better fit. The traction is excellent in the muddiest conditions. A great update for 2014.
