Key Features

• Upper: New woven upper. Lace in lace system. New tongue construction.   
• Midsole: FF NANO cushioning provides lightweight impact absorption and a responsive rebound on varying terrains. 
• Outsole: ASICSGRIP technology for excellent off-road traction. Full ground contact outsole. 
• General: Womens, 225g. Mens 265g. 4mm offset. 

Patient Presentation

Whilst we cannot categorically determine the ideal shoe for a runner based on a few clinical tests in isolation, I think some of these findings may point you towards this being a shoe worth considering:

• Runners who are stable on their feet, with some experience in the trail environment.
• Trail runners looking to push pace and remain agile who appreciate a lightweight, playful feel of a shoe.

FUJI LITE 5, like its predecessors, is designed for runners who have some experience and are looking for a lightweight shoe that allows them to move efficiently over both technical and non-technical terrain. With some exceptions, this is the type of shoe that I would recommend based more on the profile of the runner than the biomechanics of the runner

Clinical Relevance

As mentioned above, the FUJI LITE 5 is a shoe that I recommend based on the profile of the runner, rather than in relation to their biomechanics. Runners who suit this shoe are those who enjoy a playful feel and may approach offroad running with the same attitude. The stripped back nature of this shoe (49-60g lighter, 4mm lower offset and 4mm lower rearfoot stack – compared to the GEL-TRABUCO 12), allows the runner to feel closer to the ground, more agile, and more connected with the trail, all of which lends itself to the high cadence, choppy stride required to run fast over technical terrain. The upgrades seen in this model, make it more stable and secure – two of the most important considerations for a trail shoe. Changes to the upper dramatically enhance the way the shoe conforms to the foot, improving comfort, and I would suggest, reducing the likelihood of blisters.

Biomechanically speaking, I do approach this shoe with caution in a couple of instances. These are: 

• Runners with acute/aggravated Achilles tendinopathy (particularly insertional), who are not used to running in lower offset shoes. 
• Runners who strike the ground heavily, have a low cadence and present with injury/pathology related to their loading mechanics.