Since the 1940s, ASICS has been helping push the footwear industry forward with unique designs, innovative technologies, and a classic, unmistakable aesthetic. When it comes to performance footwear for active lifestyles and athletics, there are few other brands that do it better than ASICS. As such, the Trail Scout 2 doesn’t fit the bill as a speed trainer or a mile gobbler. Weighing in at 11.39 oz (323g), it’s 0.95 oz (27g) heavier than the average trail shoe. While the word scout is often associated with light and speedy, the Trail Scout 2 is anything but. This level of durability isn’t usually found in such cheap shoes. While this mix of materials doesn’t give the shoe much ventilation, it does make the Trail Scout 2 durable as hell giving us no fear of accidental snags or kicking rocks during our test runs. Made of an abrasion-resistant mesh and multiple layers of synthetic leather, the Trail Scout 2’s upper is a true beast. What’s more, their subtle configuration on the outsole makes the shoe feel just as nimble on the road as it does off-road. This is 0.7 mm thicker than our current lab average and means that we were able to effectively grip onto any surface during our test runs whether dirt, gravel, mud, or even asphalt. The Trail Scout 2 boasts lugs that are 4.2 mm thick according to our caliper. However, it proves to be an incredibly durable and versatile shoe at that price point, making it hands-down our number one choice as the best budget ASICS trail running shoe. With an incredibly low price tag of only $50, it’s easy to overlook the Trail Scout 2 among the ASICS lineup. This distinct lack of energy return isn’t surprising for a budget-friendly shoe and makes the Gel Venture 8 a true Jack of all trades but master of none. While this provides us with adequate impact dampening during our test runs, it does feel rather dull underfoot. Pressing our durometer against the EVA midsole reveals it to be 15.7% softer than average, with a reading of 23.1 HA. This makes the shoe feel extremely forgiving on the foot and comfortable enough for all-day wear. This contributes significantly to the shoe’s overall comfort as it easily bends with the natural movement of our foot from landing to toe-off. With only 14.9N of force needed to bend the shoe 90 degrees in our stiffness test, the Gel Venture 8 is 51% more flexible than the average trail shoe. What’s more, the subtle lug configuration means that the shoe doesn’t feel too blocky on the road but rather provides us with a smooth and nimble ride that makes the shoe an excellent door-to-trail hybrid. Nevertheless, we found them to provide good traction over a variety of surfaces, even when wet. We measured the Gel Venture 8’s lugs to be 3.1 mm thick, 0.4 mm shy of our current lab average. With only a $70 price tag to boot, this one-and-done shoe is easily our choice for the most versatile ASICS trail runner. Whether zooming up and downhill on the trails, taking it easy on the road, or walking around town, the ASICS Gel Venture 8 is a workhorse that never lets us down. Trail runners who prioritize more challenging routes that need durable uppers should look at other options. It scored a meager 1 / 5 on our Dremel test. However, the upper's durability is the main weakness of the Gel Venture 9. Its 3 mm lugs, which are slightly below the 3.5 mm average make the grip perfect for quick hikes and various paces. When it comes to grip, the Gel Venture 9 is quite enjoyable during trail runs and day hikes. This combination of height and softness made our trail runs super comfortable and our feet were really secured. Adding to that, the midsole is 10.87% softer than average. We also measured the heel stack of the Gel Venture 9 to be at 33.3 mm-more than the average of trail running shoes at 31.7 mm. This winning upper of dense but breathable mesh made us feel the breeze on our toes, making trail runs quite enjoyable. When we tested its breathability using our smoke test, it scored a very commendable 4 out of 5. The ASICS Gel Venture 9’s upper is superbly ventilated. A versatile all-rounder that has a pleasant grip, the ASICS Gel Venture 9 is on top of the list for the best trail running shoes in the ASICS stable. The ASICS Gel Venture 9 provides mind-blowing breathability and ample cushioning for the feet on the trails.
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