Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 vs ASICS MetaFuji Trail: which to choose for fast mountain running?

Within the "supershoes" trail segment, few options currently generate as many comparisons as the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 Men's Trail Running Shoes and the Asics Metafuji Trail Purple Shoes.

Both are designed for competitive trail running and fast ultras, using premium foams and technologies derived from the most advanced road running shoes. However, the philosophy behind each is quite different.

The Adidas clearly prioritizes speed, aggressiveness, and pure competition feel. The ASICS aims for a more cushioned and comfortable experience, emphasizing softness and protection for long distances.

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2

adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 Men's Trail Running Shoes

The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 is probably one of the fastest and most aggressive trail shoes available right now. Adidas has managed to transfer much of the feel of their Adizero road shoes to trail running, something noticeable from the first stride.

The combination of Lightstrike Pro foam, EnergyRods, and a very pronounced rocker literally propels the shoe forward when you pick up the pace. On compact, runnable terrain, few shoes offer such an explosive feel.

Additionally, Adidas has improved this second version with more cushioning, greater comfort, and a smoother transition compared to the original model.

It's a shoe focused on runners who truly want to run fast in the mountains. If you're used to competing on asphalt with supershoes, this is probably the trail shoe that comes closest to that feeling.

The best of the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2

• Extremely fast feel
• Lots of responsiveness
• Very aggressive transition
• Perfect for high paces
• Great performance on runnable terrain
• Very close feel to a road supershoe
• Excellent energy return

Things to consider

• Technically demanding
• Less stable on very rough terrain
• Narrow midfoot fit
• Not an "all-around" shoe

ASICS MetaFuji Trail

Asics Metafuji Trail Purple Shoes

The ASICS MetaFuji Trail is also an incredibly advanced and fast shoe, but it has a different approach. Its main goal is to offer a more cushioned, fluid, and comfortable experience on long ultras.

It uses a large amount of FF Turbo foam along with a carbon plate, offering a very soft and protected ride. Additionally, it stands out for its light weight and excellent grip thanks to the ASICSGRIP outsole.

However, although it's very fast, it doesn't convey the same aggressiveness or "catapult" effect as the Adidas. The feeling is more controlled and less explosive.

It also shares one of the main problems of many maximalist trail supershoes: stability on technical terrain. Its narrow base and high midsole stack height mean it requires good technique to run safely.

The best of the ASICS MetaFuji Trail

• Lots of cushioning
• Very light for its volume
• Excellent grip
• Very comfortable on long ultras
• Premium and breathable upper

Things to consider

• Less explosive than the Adidas
• Delicate stability on technical sections
• Less aggressive feel
• Less propulsive effect

Comparison Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 vs ASICS MetaFuji Trail

Which to choose?

Choose the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 if…

• You want to run really fast on trails
• You come from using road supershoes
• You seek maximum responsiveness
• You run fast ultras and on compact terrain
• You like an aggressive and dynamic shoe
• You prioritize pure performance

Choose the ASICS MetaFuji Trail if…

• You prefer comfort and cushioning
• You are looking for a softer shoe
• You run long ultras without seeking such aggressive paces
• You prioritize muscle protection
• You want a more relaxed transition

Our opinion

The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 Men's Trail Running Shoes currently seems to us one of the most special and fastest trail shoes on the market. It has a very distinct character and a feel that is hard to find in other models.

It is not the most stable or the most forgiving, but when the terrain allows for hard running, it transmits a brutal sense of speed. The combination of Lightstrike Pro, EnergyRods, and rocker makes running fast surprisingly easy.

The Asics Metafuji Trail Purple Shoes is an excellent shoe for ultras and long distances, especially if you prioritize comfort and cushioning. But if we're talking purely about racing sensations, dynamism, and a "supershoe" experience, we believe the Adidas is clearly a step ahead.

Ready for the trail? Choose yours at ADS Running with fast shipping. 🏃
👉 Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2
👉 ASICS MetaFuji Trail