The Asics Gel Excite Trail 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 is a budget trail running shoe that offers a notable balance of cushioning and comfort. This shoe is ideal for casual runners who prioritize affordability over durability, as lab tests reveal it has limited durability and insufficient outsole coverage, making it less suitable for challenging trails.

With these factors in mind, the ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 remains a viable option for those with minimal durability concerns and a tight budget, providing a comfortable experience on less demanding terrains.


Pros

  • Low price
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Generously cushioned midsole
  • Versatile choice for hiking and running
  • Everyday plush comfort
  • Excellent for beginners
  • All-season design
  • Reasonable weight

Cons

  • Not for moderate or technical trails
  • Limited outsole coverage
  • Durability concerns
  • Not the best for forefoot strikers

Key Features

  • Durable and breathable no-sew mesh upper: This feature ensures that your feet remain comfortable and well-ventilated during your outdoor activities.
  • AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Enhances durability and provides a flexible feel at footstrike, making each step more comfortable.
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption, creating a softer feel as your foot strikes the ground.
  • OrthoLite sockliner: Offers soft step-in comfort, adding to the overall plushness of the shoe.
  • Trail-specific outsole: Features a lugged traction pattern that increases grip on off-road surfaces, essential for stability and safety.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Polyester
  • Closure type: Pull-On

Asics Gel Excite Trail 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 Merrell Agility Peak 5 On Cloudsurfer Trail Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Price $85 $140 $160 $185
Trail terrain Light Moderate Light Moderate
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.3 oz / 292g 10.2 oz / 289g 9.6 oz / 272g 10.3 oz / 293g
Drop lab Drop brand 10.1 mm 13.4 mm 10.7 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Small Normal
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Very bad Very good Decent Good
Heel padding durability Bad Decent Bad Good
Outsole durability Decent Good Good Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Narrow Medium Narrow
Stiffness Flexible Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Flexible
Lug depth 4.0 mm 4.5 mm 2.5 mm 3.9 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 37.7 mm 39.2 mm 37.4 mm 38.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 27.6 mm 25.8 mm 26.7 mm 30.8 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
For heavy runners
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Bottom 20% Top 38% Bottom 47% Top 36%
Popularity Bottom 44% Top 31% Bottom 40% Top 23%