ASICS Blaze Blast Launch Highlights Growing Hybrid Trail‑Running Shoe Market

A new ASICS model, the Blaze Blast, is designed to bridge the gap between road running and trail running. Weighing 252 g with an 8 mm drop and low 2.5 mm lugs, it targets intermediate terrain such as forest paths, gravel, and easy technical sections while retaining a running‑shoe feel. The shoe reflects the rising popularity of “gravel running,” offering more grip than a pure road shoe without the aggressive outsole of a dedicated mountain trail shoe.

A separate guide on selecting trail shoes outlines key criteria for safety, comfort and performance. It advises runners to match tread and stability to terrain type, consider cushioning for long distances, and choose a half‑size larger to accommodate foot swelling and sock thickness. The guide emphasizes evaluating soles, uppers, support, protection and the specific surfaces—dry trails, muddy tracks or mixed routes—that the runner expects to encounter.