A huge news has landed from ASICS – ASICS Trabuco Max! ASICS Trabuco Max is a trail running shoe that offers an exceptional nature experience. It provides fantastic cushioning and traction, allowing you to perform your best with less energy, even if you're out for hours.
On my first run in my impression was “WOW, what a cool ”. And it takes a lot to impress a road runner with a trail shoe. The same thrill I get in a regular running shoe with lots of comfort and propulsion, I got with . An incredibly smooth heel-to-toe transition thanks to ASICS FlyteFoam technology, providing great comfort in a lightweight way no matter the 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 great fit. I would say 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 hitting your toes against stones, branches, or other obstacles on your route. The toe box goes relatively high up, which an inexperienced trail runner like me has really appreciated. No sore toes during or after the run.
The heel counter is relatively stiff but still forgiving. You will experience a pleasantly soft and padded heel counter that fits perfectly around the heel. No frictions, rubbing, or other discomforts that one might 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 somewhat thick at first glance, but luckily that's not the feeling when you have the shoe on. It's breathable and highly durable. You can run through even the most demanding terrain without fearing a seam will come loose in the upper.
When it comes to ASICS’ attempt at a Quick-lace system, as most know it from Salomon's trail shoes, you are either a big fan or absolutely not.
Personally, I am super happy with 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 has done a great job with their attempt at a Quick-lace system. The way you tighten the strap from the start is also the way it stays to the end. Even though I've 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 little genius addition that you can store the lace in a small pocket on the tongue, so it doesn't bounce around or get caught in branches or similar while you run. A small wish for the next edition would be for the pocket to be slightly tighter, as I've experienced a few times that the lace has fallen out of the pocket. Fortunately, nothing that has been a nuisance, but now that ASICS has made this genius addition, it just needs a little fine-tuning for the next model.
Speaking of the tongue on Trabuco Max, I think it might split opinions a bit. It is really, really well-padded and attached all the way inside, which I greatly appreciate. But! When you have laced the shoes, the tongue sticks up quite a bit, meaning there's a lot of excess material when you're running.
It won't affect your performance, but you just need to get used to it.
ASICS Trabuco Max – Maximum comfort in the midsole
Something that doesn't require getting used to, but instead becomes addictive, is the midsole of ASICS Trabuco Max. It is simply FANTASTIC!
Trabuco Max feels faster than its weight would suggest – even though it's a trail shoe that weighs more than we're used to from . You will experience an outstanding bounce and energy return combined with out-of-this-world comfort. It's really comfortable to run in. Not quite as soft underfoot as many might know from , but you just have a really good feeling in the shoe.
Even if you're out on the toughest and most demanding runs, Trabuco Max provides a very mild and comfortable running experience.
The credit goes to ASICS’ Guidesole technology in the midsole. It's a sole construction that provides an even more responsive push-off and is scientifically proven to save energy over longer periods.
Due to the reduced strain on your joints and muscles from heel strike to toe-off, you can run longer while using less energy over the same distance. Additionally, ASICS has also added their Flytefoam technology under both the heel and forefoot, providing you with outstanding comfort.
Even though my experience with 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 at a high pace. Trabuco Max can certainly be said to be one of the most comfortable trail running shoes in the all-round trail category.
ASICS Trabuco Max – An impressive outsole
If I have sounded excited about both the upper and 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 lugs does a phenomenal job. The rubber compound is designed to provide traction, especially under wet and slippery conditions or in demanding terrain. That's why the lugs also face in different directions on the outsole, to ensure you can stand firm up and downhill – providing you with the most optimal flexibility.
If you're looking for a trail shoe that can stand firm in the winter months, Trabuco Max is a great choice. The shoe delivers excellent grip on ice, wet stones, slushy snow, frozen snow, muddy gravel roads, or dry conditions. You can also easily run on paths or asphalt if necessary to get to/from your trails in the forest. However, Trabuco Max is not the optimal trail shoe if you need to run on significantly soft or muddy ground. Here the lugs are not long enough, and you would instead need to look for 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 obstacles. The shoe is safe, whether you're experienced or new to trail – just like me.
ASICS Trabuco Max - a new all-round trail shoe!
It's hard to hide your excitement when trying a product that just delivers. And maybe a little 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, a very light and smooth ride, and an extremely solid grip on various surfaces.
It is the shoe for you who seek an all-round training partner for different types of trail runs. Or for you who seek a trail shoe that can make you shine on longer trail runs, such as marathons, 50km, etc.
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