Asics Fuji Lite 4 review

10 expert score
0 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 03rd April by Jim Coulson Fast Road and Trail Runner. Career Firefighter.
98 other reviews

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Verdict

The Fuji lite 4 is a fantastic versatile trail shoe for the masses. The updates have made the shoe livelier and improved outsole traction leaves no trail unobtainable.

The pros

  • Amazing traction
  • Nimble and quick
  • Comfortable well fitting upper
  • Durable construction

The cons

  • No rock plate
  • Outsole has the ability to clog in muddier terrain.

Where to buy

Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD

Rating breakdown

Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
9.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
10

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Fuji Lite 4
Previous model
Type
Weight
9.4 oz (266 g)
MSRP
A$130.00

Heel
33 mm.
Toe
29 mm.
Heel drop
4 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Wide

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive/balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Medium

Trail specs

Rockplate
Not present
Traction
Provide Traction
Water resitance
Adequate

Best for these distances

Road-to-trail
Max cushion
Trail racing
Technical  

Best for these terrains

Moderate trails  
Technical trails  
Rocky areas  
Muddy areas
Through creeks and streams  
Through snowy or icy sections
Dirt trails  
Paved trails  
Through grassy sections  

Who should buy the Asics Fuji Lite 4 ?

Trail runners wanting a versatile and quick shoe for daily mid distance mileage over all types of terrain.

Who should not buy the Asics Fuji Lite 4 ?

Runners that like a highly or softer cushioned shoe.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Introduction

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4

The Fuji Lite is Asics lower stack agile daily trainer that feels more at home during faster paced training or shorter races but also proves to be a great daily trainer as well especially door to trail.

This version features top to bottom updates that are focused on making the shoe more versatile, nimble, and connected to the ground. FlyteFoam Blast replaces FlyteFoam used in versions 2 & 3 which hopes to soften the ride but also make it a bit spicier.

The outsole continues to use the same tried and true AsicsGrip compound but with a lug layout similar to the Trabuco, which should broaden its ability to grip any surface with confidence.

A Jacquard mesh engineered upper has an open design making it light and breathable and the cool part is that its made from 50% recycled materials.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Impressions

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4


At first glance the shoe has a very trimmed fast aesthetic and was pretty light in hand. On foot I was really pleased with its under foot feel. This is my first time running in the Fuji Lite so I cant compare it to its predecessors but this version is well blended in that its soft, but not overly soft, with a nice bit of responsiveness.

The upper fit perfect and in length and volume and easily adjustable giving a a glove like fit.

On trail I was really pleased with how the shoe handled anything I threw at, and how connected I felt. This gave me the confidence I needed to really push not only myself but also the shoe to see what both are limits were. I really love this shoe over technical trail particularly narrow single track with a lot of ascending and descending.

The Fuji Lite 4 is super nimble and grips so well that it not only makes running these types of trails possible but super fun as well.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Protection

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4


Protection is decent depending on the type terrain I was in. The Fuji Lite 4 does have about 5mm of additional stack height from the 3 which I found did a pretty darn good job over mild and moderate terrain.

However, once I jumped into a bit more rocker and challenging trails the absence of a rock plate was evident as I felt the jab of sharper and defined rocks more than I wanted to.

At first glance the shoe appears to not a have a toe bumper as it blends in with the shoe nicely. The semi-rigid cap wrapped my entire 5 phalanges before terminating along the lateral side of my foot.

The cap did a fantastic job of armoring the front of my foot against all the trail nasties.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Durability

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4

The outsole is thin and open exposing midsole foam which could potentially cause some premature wear , but with approximately 70 miles of wear they show nothing outside of normal wear and tear.

The engineered mesh of the upper, albeit thin, is super tough and highly abrasive resistant showing no signs of giving up, and believe me I have tried.

Additionally, there are several thin welded overlays that give structure to the shoe but also reinforce the upper mesh in some high wear areas.

To sum up the upper in one word they are bomber no worries about durability here.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Responsiveness & speed

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4

From my first outing in the Fuji Lite 4 I am continually impressed with the ride of this shoe.

FF Blast is a fantastic foam in that it has the perfect blend of responsiveness and resilience and it really highlights how this shoe as it is built for speed. The shoe has a noticeable bounce at foot-strike that shines when you hammer down and push the pace on runnable trails.

ASICS Grip really also lends a helping hand when it comes to the responsiveness and speed of the 4. At first glance the 4mm lugs don’t look aggressive but they manage varying terrain and elevation extremely well.

This reliable traction gave the confidence to push my speed when I wanted to but also scramble across some pretty challenging terrain without worry of losing footing.

The only downfall I found was the shallower lugs don’t seem to shed mud very well especially the thick clay we encounter in Colorado, but I have yet to find a shoe that manages muddy clay like a champ.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Comfort and fit

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4


The Fuji Lite 4 fit very comfortably and are easy to wear.

The durable mesh upper has the right amount of pliability to it that it forms really well to my foot.

The lacing system uses a unique combination of traditional eyelets vertical webbing and topographic laces. This really allowed me to customize how I laced up favoring movement where I wanted it and tension where I didn’t, and once I found my sweet spot it holds with very Little to no need for readjustment.

Overall, the shoe runs true to size with a little bit more volume in the forefoot that allows for adequate splay.

Asics Fuji Lite 4 Conclusions

Picture of ASICS Fuji Lite 4

For years the Saucony Peregrine has been my gold standard for shoes in this category and to which I compare all others.

Over the years I have run in many that were good but not as good and even a couple that came close but never a shoe that I considered myself reaching for over the Peregrine until now.

The versatility and nimbleness of the Fuji Lite 4 make it a fun shoe to run in and one that has the cushion, traction, and responsiveness to make it very adaptable to a variety of runners.

The Fuji Lite 4 has quickly become a go to shoe for me for daily trail miles because of the light and lively ride they provide, and would also be one of my top choices to lace up in for a race up to marathon distance.

How does the Fuji Lite 4 compare?

Saucony Peregrine 13
Asics Fuji Lite 4
Asics Gel Trabuco 11
Expert score
10
10
9
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$139.95
US$129.95
US$139.95
Shoe type
Weight
9.2 oz
9.4 oz
10.6 oz
Heel Drop
4 mm
4 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, through grassy sections
Moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, paved trails, through grassy sections
Moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, paved trails, through grassy sections
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Asics at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

A$199

Asics Fuji Lite 4 price comparison

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Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD

Reviewed by Jim

This review was written by Jim Coulson on 03rd April.
Jim Coulson is a career firefighter, husband, and father of two children hailing from the foothills of Colorado. Jim has been an avid road and trail runner since the age of 12, and loves to race locally and around the state a much as possible. A native Coloradoan Jim enjoys its trails, mountains, and outdoors taking advantage of all they have to offer as much as possible.

User feedback (0)

Lowest price:
A$199

Where to buy

Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD

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