When I was informed that ASICS had just gotten a new training shoe in stock, it got my attention.
I’m a big brand fan and I was in the market for a new pair of running shoes, so the timing was perfect.
I took a pair of size 8s out of the box and I slipped one on my foot with the shoe’s colours: Aluminum/green gecko/black.
I know what you’re thinking. Guys don’t comment about shoe colour unless they invoke words like ugly and obnoxious, but I’m concerned with Singapore’s environment, I would be seeing green more than most runners.
Green Gecko? Love those little creatures. Obviously this shoe was meant for me, and as it turns out, the colour wasn’t the only thing to love about them after I wore them to tackle my programme in the wilds of the gym and the trail.
About Singapore Geckos
Apologies for briefly diverting your attention away from running shoes, but as someone concerned about all Singapore wildlife, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that we have 20 species of Geckos running about our nation and each one contributes to the ecology of the land.
Some belong to the Bent-toed family, there are several types of flying geckos and for fashionistas like my girlfriend, she favours the Frilly Gecko.
Singapore’s Gecko population is thriving. A few years ago, the discovery of new species of Gecko even stopped a Singapore cement company from mining a region because the new species’ habitat could have been compromised.
These tiny guys are little miracles with tails, but I’ll never outrun them — even in my new fuzeX TR shoes!
Features and Benefits of the Shoes, Not the Geckos!
As all-in-one premium training shoes ready to handle my gym work, cross-training and trail-blazing needs, the fuzeX TR immediately impressed me with 360-degrees of support courtesy of an ingeniously engineered upper that leaves tons of wiggle room for my toes.
I don’t mess around when it comes to tackling a complex mix of surfaces each time I run, yet two midsole material additions added to this shoe (fuzeGEL and Solyte) cushion my feet so nicely, I hardly notice surface transitions. ASICS calls these cushioning materials groundbreaking. I totally agree.
These running shoes don’t weigh much (just 8.5 ounces), yet they deliver propulsion and agility benefits in equal measure as the low-profile platform enhances the efficiency of my run.
I think the angle at which I take off helps, too: the heel height is 12mm and the forefront height 7mm, so I’ve got a slight edge over competitors when it comes to my initial burst of energy.
I must add that there’s plenty going on in the heel area; that’s where ASICS’ Gel cushioning system works hard to absorb shock – even as my body works to adjust my gait.
Durability? I have no doubt that the shoe’s high abrasion rubber outsoles are in it for the long haul.
Runner’s Boon
- The fuzeX is popular with heavy and tall guys for comfort, quality and construction (I’m one of them!).
- No need to buy one shoe for the road and one for the gym; these do double duty as I work my programme.
- Ideal transition from forefront to heel height to tackle varying elevations and obstacles on the fly.
- No comparison when it comes to comfort; they could be the most comfortable shoe I’ve owned thus far.
Runner’s Bane
- I didn’t get a perfect fit the first time because I found that they run small (other wearer agree).
- The occasional construction imperfection triggered seam rip complaints after a few months of wear (as reported by a few wearer).
- If you wear orthotics because you suffer back issues, the insertion of these aids could prove uncomfortable and possibly trigger the pain wearers are trying to avoid.
- The fuzeX TR may not be your best running shoe choice if ventilation is a priority because your feet get and stay hot.
Conclusion
My girlfriend would think me insane if the only reason I bought these shoes had to do with some designer choosing to compare the green colour trim on this particular pair of fuzeX TR running shoes to Geckos, but I will admit that I was predisposed to like them on brand reputation alone.
As it turns out, I wasn’t the least bit perturbed when the first pair I tried on at the store turned out to be tight after they were on my feet for an extended amount of time.
I’m not the skinniest guy in my running club, so perhaps I appreciate the addition of ASICS’ signature fuzeGEL and Solyte to the midsole area more than most.
Shock absorption is also an important factor in my decision to choose athletic shoes because I like to monitor the way my gait reacts to diverse surfaces each time I add new shoes to my wardrobe.
In sum, the shoes I buy must adapt to all environments. If that last comment brings to mind the highly-adaptable Geckos I mentioned earlier in this review, it’s intended to do just that!
How likely are you to buy a running shoe because the company manufacturing it takes seriously its responsibility to operate in a way that respects the environment?
The ASICS fuzeX TR is available at ASICS stores island wide, retailing for S$179 a pair.
