Here’s a polished English translation of the Chinese title: **”Leveraging Decades of Running Shoe Technology, ASICS Accelerates Its Expansion into the Trail Running Market”**

TRABUCO Series Revamped: Building a Full-Scene Trail Running Product Matrix

SHANGHAI, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Entering the new 2026 season, ASICS is accelerating its expansion in the trail running field. Leveraging deep sports science research and professional product development capabilities, the brand continues to refine its trail running product matrix, creating a professional equipment system that covers multiple terrains, scenarios, and diverse runner groups. This demonstrates its strong strength in the trail running sector and further embodies the brand philosophy of “Sound Mind, Sound Body.”

Forward-Looking Layout in New Tracks: Competitive Arena Performance Validated

In recent years, China’s trail running market has developed rapidly, with many runners transitioning from urban roads to mountain trails in search of more challenging athletic experiences. In response, ASICS has proactively laid out its trail running strategy, signing top athletes such as TOM EVANS, SARA ALONSO, MAUDE MATHYS, and BEN DHIMAN to form an elite trail running team covering long-distance and high-difficulty events. The brand validates product performance through real-world results in top international competitions. During the 2025 UTMB Mont-Blanc Ultra-Trail, the ASICS trail running team secured nearly 10 top-ten finishes across multiple categories and swept the top two spots in the 174KM category.

Based in the Chinese market, ASICS will leverage global premium resources to further deepen its localized presence in the trail running field. In addition to providing professional equipment support for both elite and recreational runners in China, the brand will build a trail running ecosystem covering events, athletes, products, and experiences through diverse initiatives such as event sponsorships, runner services, and community operations. It is committed to empowering Chinese mountain runners to break through their limits with world-leading technology.

Comprehensive Product Matrix: Full Coverage for Runners at All Stages

As runners’ activity scenarios continue to expand—from light trail running on the outskirts of cities to high-intensity mountain racing—the demand for professional equipment becomes increasingly diverse. Addressing different terrain and intensity scenarios, ASICS leverages its deep product technology expertise to create four major product lines: the Speed Trail Running Series, All-Terrain Trail Running Series, Mid-to-Long Distance Trail Running Series, and Light Trail Running Series. This forms a trail running shoe matrix covering runners at all stages, offering systematic solutions tailored to diverse mountain challenges.

Speed at Heart • Peak Dialogue: Speed Trail Running Series

For higher-intensity racing needs, the FUJI series is equipped with more speed-oriented product technologies. Among them, the FUJI SPEED 4 features a PEBAX speed plate to enhance propulsion efficiency and control performance, meeting the performance demands of serious and advanced runners in short-to-mid-distance trail racing.

Designed specifically for elite runners, the METAFUJI TRAIL uses a full-length carbon plate optimized for trail running, providing stable control during descents and powerful propulsion at takeoff. TOM EVANS and BEN DHIMAN wore the METAFUJI TRAIL 2 (set to launch in August this year) to podium at the 2025 UTMB Mont-Blanc Ultra-Trail. This shoe features a dual-layer midsole technology combining FF BLAST TURBO and FF BLAST PLUS, delivering a light, bouncy, and comfortable feel. With its lightweight trail performance, the METAFUJI TRAIL offers stable and efficient racing support for runners on technical terrain and across all distances.

All-Terrain Guardian • Journeying with Distant Mountains: Mid-to-Long Distance & All-Terrain Trail Running Series

The TRABUCO series offers runners more comprehensive and balanced performance support. Among them, the TRABUCO 14, an all-terrain shoe suitable for long-distance trail training, features a new dynamic adaptive last that provides dynamic support while reserving more space for the forefoot. It is equipped with a rock protection plate and ASICSGRIP outsole technology for strong traction, helping runners confidently handle complex terrain. Its midsole uses FF BLAST MAX cushioning material, delivering light, cloud-like cushioning and responsive feedback, allowing feet to experience comfort across different terrains.

The TRABUCO MAX 5 is designed for long-distance comfort on trails, featuring FF BLAST PLUS cushioning midsole technology to provide lasting and excellent comfort during mid-to-long-distance runs. Additionally, its upper uses hydrophobic yarns to reduce water absorption, helping runners keep their feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.

Mountain Trail Origins • Light Start: Light Trail Running Series

For entry-level runners and outdoor enthusiasts, ASICS has created the Light Trail Running Series, represented by the GO PACK. This series is suitable for low-intensity, easy trail environments over short-to-mid distances, such as flat dirt paths and gravel roads, meeting runners’ daily outdoor activity needs.

Looking ahead, ASICS will continue to uphold the “Sound Mind, Sound Body” philosophy, deeply understand the real needs of trail runners, and deepen its presence in the trail running field through professional products and technological innovation. The brand aims to accompany more runners as they race across thousands of paths and mountains, forging stronger bodies and more fearless selves through nature and running.