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Hail to the trail
by Patrick Bardelli
Gel-FujiTrabuco: terrific trail running shoes by Asics
4.8.2020
Translation: Eva Francis
Trail running is a trend sport and a spectacular experience in nature. I’m running in the Valaisan mountains. Equipped with the Gel-FujiTrabuco 8 by Asics, which I’m very impressed with.
Summer holidays, the sun is out. Those lazy days of summer? Not at all. I’m sweating at 2,600 metres above sea level and with a heart rate of 170. I see the Matterhorn in the background. Is it laughing at me? Trail running is exhausting, but amazing. The last time I was trail running in the mountains was two years ago when I met British Olympic athlete Julia Bleasdale in Engadin.
Now I’m discovering the canton of Valais. Above Zermatt, following nine kilometres between the mountain stations Sunnegga and Blauherd, you pass turquoise-blue mountain lakes and whistling marmots. Every step must be right, otherwise it can get dangerous. The path is only half a meter wide in some places, lined with steep slopes and dotted with boulders every now and then. Stay focused is important. I’m wearing the Gel-FujiTrabuco by Asics. And I'm curious to find out how well this trail running shoe fits my flat feet – the medical term is Pes planus congentius – as well as the resulting over-pronation. The shoe does its job and I arrive without injury.
It doesn't always have to be running
Due to the altitude and the high temperatures, I’m moving slowly and still reach my limits. From time to time, I walk for a few metres. The good thing is, the slower you are, the more time you have to admire the beautiful landscape.
After about 90 minutes, I’ve reached the mountain restaurant Fluhalp, treat myself to a Bratwurst with Rösti (yes, I know, a banana with a tiny bit of homemade peanut butter would have been better) and enjoy the magnificent view. See also the header photo. Trail running becomes trail sitting. Afterwards, I stroll back to Sunnegga and take the funicular down to Zermatt.
First impressions
The marketing team of Asics isn’t sparing with superlatives and technical terms in the product description of these shoes. They mention advanced technologies, the Asicsgrip outsole and the Dynamic Duomax midsole. Flytefoam and Rearfoot Gel technology cushions are there to stabilise and absorb.
What about my impression? Well, the Gel-FujiTrabuco 8 and my feet were a good match. Weather trail running or hiking, I was safe and free of complaints with these shoes. So safe that I wore them all the time in the following days in Valais and the Bernese Oberland.
And I keep wearing it at home – on dog walks and when I go for a run in the forest. Is it the Dynamic Duomax or my Pes planus congentius that make it work? I don’t know. But when it fits, it fits.
Header image: Trail running or trail sitting?
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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