ASICS Metafuji Trail vs HOKA Rocket X Trail
Metafuji Trail or Rocket X Trail? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a light, plated trail shoe for fast, smooth trails? Get the Metafuji Trail.
Want super-shoe speed on smooth trails? Get the Rocket X Trail.
Get the Metafuji Trail if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- Long runs are your thing
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
Get the Rocket X Trail if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
- You need a touch more room than the Metafuji Trail gives
- You like a less rigid forefoot
On the run
Metafuji Trail: A max-cushion, plated trail racer. Exceptionally protective and fast-rolling, with a carbon plate and a forefoot rocker for buffed-out trails and gravel. The FF Blast+ and FF Turbo combo is less bouncy than you’d hope, and there’s minimal stability.
Rocket X Trail: A road super shoe for the trails. Explosive and well cushioned, with a carbon plate and high energy return. Built for fast running on gravel and smooth singletrack, not steep, rocky ground.
Specs side by side
| Metafuji Trail | Rocket X Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $249.95 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 44 / 39mm* | 42 / 36mm* |
| Drop | 5mm* | 6mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.1 oz* | 9.45 oz |
| Weight, women’s | ASICS no longer lists it | 8 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | Carbon plate | Carbon plate |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Trails, Race day, Long runs | Trails, Race day, Tempo & workouts |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 250–350 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Metafuji Trail. True to size and best for narrow feet. The upper is light but delicate.
Rocket X Trail. Runs about a half size short, so go up a half. Snug and secure; not for wide feet.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Metafuji Trail · Shop the Rocket X Trail · Compare other running shoes