A major announcement from ASICS – ASICS Trabuco Max! ASICS Trabuco Max is a trail running shoe that offers an exceptional experience in nature. You get fantastic cushioning and traction, allowing you to perform at your best with less energy. Even if you're out for hours.
On my first run in my impression was “WOW what a cool ”. It takes a lot for a road runner to get excited about a trail shoe. But the kick I get in a regular running shoe with lots of comfort and propulsion, I got the same kick with . An incredibly smooth transition from heel to toe thanks to ASICS FlyteFoam technology, providing great comfort in a light way regardless of terrain.
ASICS Trabuco Max – A super breathable upper with a great fit
If you know from their road collection, you'll quickly recognize the many good qualities in Trabuco Max.
The upper generally has a super good fit. I would say that the shoe is true to size, so the size you usually use in other ASICS models is also the one you should use in Trabuco Max.
You get a really good fit, with a little bit of room in the toe box so your toes can swell if you're out for many hours. You get a super protective toe box, where you don't have to worry about bumping your toes against stones, branches, or other obstacles on your route. The toe box goes relatively high, which an inexperienced trail runner like me has truly appreciated. No sore toes during or after the run.
The heel cap itself is relatively stiff but still forgiving. You'll experience a suitably soft and padded heel cap that fits perfectly around the heel. No frictions, chafing, or other nuisances, which one can sometimes be unlucky to experience with either new shoes or after many hours on the trail.
The entire upper of Trabuco Max consists of an “aggressive” mesh upper. It appears slightly thick at first glance, but luckily, that’s not the feeling when wearing the shoe. It is breathable and highly durable. So, you can run through even the most demanding terrain without fearing that a seam will come undone in the upper.
When it comes to ASICS’ attempt at a Quick-lace system, as most know it from Salomon’s trail shoes, you either love it or absolutely do not.
Personally, I'm very fond of these lacing systems, but it requires, of course, a different form of “lacing”/tightening for the shoe to fit 100% as desired.
But I actually think that has done really well with their attempt at a Quick-lace system. The way you tighten the strap from the start is also the way it fits at the end. Even though I have tested them in sun, rain, sleet, and snow, the laces and thus the fit have stayed as from the start.
ASICS has even made the clever addition that you can hide the lace in a small pocket on the tongue so that it doesn't bounce around or get caught in branches or the like while you run. A small wish for the next edition would be for the pocket to be a little tighter, as I have experienced a few times that the lace has fallen out of the pocket. Fortunately, nothing that has been bothersome, but since ASICS has made this clever addition, it just needs a little fine-tuning for the next model.
Speaking of the tongue on Trabuco Max, I think it might divide opinions a bit. It is really, really well-padded and attached all the way inside, which I appreciate a lot. But! When you've laced the shoes, the tongue sticks up quite a bit, meaning there's a lot of excess fabric when you run.
It won't affect your performance, but you need to get used to it.
ASICS Trabuco Max – Maximum comfort in the midsole
Something that doesn’t require getting used to but rather becomes addictive is the midsole of ASICS Trabuco Max. It is simply FANTASTIC!
Trabuco Max feels faster than its weight suggests - even though it's a trail shoe that weighs more than we know from . You’ll experience an outstanding bounce and energy return combined with comfort from another world. It’s really comfortable to run in. Not as soft underfoot as many might know from , but you just have a really, really good feeling in the shoe.
Even if you’re out on the hardest and most demanding runs, Trabuco Max offers a very mild and comfortable running experience.
The credit should largely go to ASICS’ Guidesole technology in the midsole. It is a sole construction that provides an even more responsive toe-off and is scientifically proven to save energy over longer durations.
Due to the reduced strain on your joints and muscles from heel land to toe-off, you have the opportunity to run longer but use less energy over the same distance. Additionally, ASICS has also added their Flytefoam technology under both heel and forefoot, providing you with outstanding comfort.
Even though my experience in trail running and trail shoes is limited, I have no doubt that ASICS Trabuco Max will be a well-regarded running shoe among trail runners.
You get a secure and protective upper, and a stable and comfortable midsole, so you can tackle even the most technical routes with high speed. Trabuco Max can certainly be said to be one of the most comfortable trail running shoes in the all-around trail category.
ASICS Trabuco Max – An impressive outsole
If I’ve sounded enthusiastic about both the upper and the midsole, then it’s still the outsole that is the most impressive part of Trabuco Max.
For many trail runners, traction and grip are the most important when on uneven terrain. And here, ASICS’ Grip technology in the outsole does not disappoint. The grip on the outsole with the shoe's 4mm. long lugs does a phenomenal job. The rubber compound is suited to provide traction, especially under wet and slippery conditions or in challenging terrains. That's why the lugs also point in different directions on the outsole, ensuring you stand firm on both up and down slopes – giving you optimal flexibility.
If you're looking for a trail shoe that can grip in the winter months, then Trabuco Max is a very good option. The shoe delivers excellent grip on ice, wet rocks, thawing snow, frozen snow, muddy gravel roads, or dry conditions. You can also run on paths or asphalt if necessary to get to/from your routes in the forest. However, Trabuco Max isn't the optimal trail shoe if you need to run on significantly soft or muddy ground. Here, the lugs aren't long enough, and you may need a trail shoe like Saucony Peregrine 11 ST.
Additionally, you'll also find a “Rock Plate” in the outsole, which protects your foot if/when you step on roots, stones, sharp edges, or other things. The shoe is secure, whether you are experienced or new to trail running – like me.
ASICS Trabuco Max - a new all-around trail shoe!
It's hard to hide your excitement when trying a product that just delivers. And maybe a bit more than expected.
ASICS Trabuco Max is one of the most versatile, max cushioned, and comfortable trail shoes. You get a super stable run, superb comfort, very light and smooth ride, and a very solid grip on diverse surfaces.
It’s the shoe for you if you’re looking for an all-around training partner for different types of trail runs. Or for you who are looking for a trail shoe that can make you shine on longer trail runs, like marathons, 50km, etc.
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