Asics Gel-Trail Sensor 5
If you’re used to Asics road shoes then these trail offerings will feel familiar. Sadly, like several of their higher-end road shoes, we can’t help conclude that they’re over-engineered.
The 396g weight is at the heavier end, and do you really need gel cushioning on the rear and forefoot and a ‘Rock Protection Plate’ in a trail shoe? Granted, on standard trails and paths they’re comfortable and supportive (and positively thrive on road sections of runs), but once on rougher ground they’re inflexible, unresponsive and you feel somehow detached from the trail.
The upper does shed water and dry well, though. The grip isn’t bad on level surfaces but they struggle on technical climbs, descents and steep, wet grass.
Contouring is also a weakness, with unacceptable amounts of foot-roll and a sense of being way too far off the ground.
Contact : www.asics.co.uk
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
