ASICS Trabuco Max Review
A New Age of ASICS Trail Shoes
Likes
- Soft yet responsive cushioning
- Grippy traction
- Underfoot protection
- Accommodating fit
Dislikes
- Bulky tongue
- Heel collar could be abrasive
What's New
The ASICS Trabuco Max is an all-new trail running shoe that's different from any other model offered by the brand. The idea behind the Trabuco Max was to provide ASICS fans with high levels of cushioning to protect them on the trails no matter the distance. With GuideSole technology, the rockered design gives this max-cushioned trail shoe an efficient ride that allows runners to get the protection they need for long distances without feeling slowed down. In the upper, the Trabuco Max utilizes durable overlays to provide a snug wrap around the foot while offering a breathable and accomodating fit. To round out this new model, ASICS added a quick-lace system for added peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
Runners looking for a highly cushioned trail shoe that isn't overly mushy will appreciate the ASICS Trabuco Max. Our testers found that the rockered design borrowed from the Ride series gave the shoe a smooth ride, while the cushioning was ample enough to provide plenty of protection for high-mileage running, hiking, or anything in between. Whether you're looking for a new shoe for your next ultramarathon or just want a highly protective trail shoe that won't slow you down, any runner will appreciate the bouncy and efficient ride of this ASICS Trabuco Max.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to wide | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.9 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The Trabuco Max is ASICS' attempt at bringing high levels of cushioning to the trails. Our testers found that the shoe offered high amounts of cushioning along with considerable weight.
Liz: "I enjoyed the softness of the Flytefoam cushioning. It provided a plush feel without feeling dead or mushy as I ran. While this shoe may not be as soft as a HOKA Speedgoat, it still provides plenty of comfort for all-day adventures."
Kaitlin: "The Trabuco Max provides thick cushioning with every step, similar to what you would expect to feel in a Kayano or Nimbus but even more so. While the cushion does feel plush, I wouldn't describe it as soft or bouncy. It feels dense and a little heavy—very protective but not the most responsive."
Ride/Energy Returni
Despite the higher levels of cushioning, our testers found the Trabuco Max reasonably responsive. However, one of our reviewers noted that its weight could hinder the technology's full benefits.
Liz: "I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of energy return that this shoe provides. There is this nice poppy release after the cushioning compresses as you are propelled forward with each stride. I kept finding myself pushing the pace. The rockered design also does a wonderful job of launching me forward with every step."
Kaitlin: "The Trabuco Max's energy return is decent for a trail shoe, both on the pavement and the dirt. It is not the most propulsive shoe due to its weight and dense cushioning, but the rocker structure gives you a little push forward."
Underfoot Protectioni
Our testers agree that the Trabuco Max's maximal cushioning provides substantial protection for any distance. Runners looking to be on their feet for long periods of time will appreciate what the Trabuco Max has to offer.
Liz: "This shoe is called Max for a reason; there is plenty of underfoot cushioning for long-distance runs. The combination of the full-length rubber outsole and generous cushioning had my feet feeling protected on rocky trails without feeling bulky or unstable on slightly more technical terrain."
Kaitlin: "The cushioning feels ample from forefoot to heel, providing abundant impact protection that helped protect my shins, knees, and back. Additionally, it provides a lot of confidence when navigating rocky terrain and hard-packed areas. I'm not worried about stone bruising or injuring my foot in these shoes."
Flexibilityi
Like many other shoes with high levels of cushioning, the Trabuco Max doesn't offer much flexibility. However, our testers noted that the rocker design rectifies this issue and gives the shoe a natural and controlled ride.
Liz: "While the Trabuco Max isn't very flexible, the rockered design does give this shoe a very smooth ride."
Kaitlin: "The shoe is mostly rigid but has a rocker-like feel to it, giving a little bit of flex as my weight compresses the midsole and I move through my gait cycle. From landing to toe-off, the shoe provides a controlled rolling motion."
Upper Supporti
Our testers had mixed reviews when it came to the Trabuco's upper design. They found that the shoe had a snug fit overall, but both agreed that the tongue was unnecessarily large.
Liz: "I loved this upper except for the bulky tongue (which didn't bother me but looked a bit ridiculous). The forefoot mesh allowed plenty of room for my feet to swell while the midfoot snugly wrapped my foot and kept it secure on uneven trails. The 'speed lace' never loosened during my run and didn't cut into the top of my foot like other shoes I've tried with a similar lace design."
Kaitlin: "The upper fit was very snug overall, particularly in the midfoot. I found the material to be very dense and compressive. Additionally, the lacing system made it a little hard to get my foot into the shoe, which I imagine would be an issue for wider feet. While I felt like my midfoot and forefoot were being firmly wrapped, I did not feel as secure as I would have liked around the ankle."
ASICS Women's Trabuco Max
ASICS Men's Trabuco Max
Individual Thoughts
Truthfully, I wasn't that excited to try out an ASICS trail shoe at first. The trail shoes that I have tried from them in the past have been pretty dull (road shoes with trail outsoles), but I fell in love with the Trabuco Max at the first step. Usually, I'm not too fond of highly cushioned trail shoes because the trails I run on are generally rocky, uneven, and narrow. Even with shoes like the Speedgoat, I feel like I am constantly on the verge of twisting an ankle. While the Trabuco Max didn't have me flying through the most technical parts of my run, they still felt nimble and stable on the more uneven and rocky parts. For the amount of cushioning and stability that these shoes provide, they don't feel as bulky as comparable models from other brands.
The rockered design (as seen in the GlideRide) helps keep me moving through my stride. This made picking up the pace on straighter sections of the trail feel like a breeze. It also gave these shoes a surprisingly fast and smooth feel on the road. I would continually find myself picking up the pace on the pavement as I made my way home from running my local trails. The cushioning has the perfect balance of softness and responsiveness for my needs. It never feels mushy, and there is this incredible feeling of being propelled forward where I might start bottoming out the cushioning in other shoes.
I have wider feet and bunions that are very sensitive to overlays on longer runs, and the Trabuco Max fits me perfectly. My midfoot and heel felt secure in the shoe, but my toes and bunions never felt restricted. I enjoyed the speed lace design, and thanks to the plush feel of the tongue and heel collar, the thin laces never felt like they cut into my feet.
The top of the tongue is the only awkward part of the design. It sticks up too high and is overly padded for the shoe's needs (it reminds me of the EvoRide's tongue). Despite the weird design of the tongue, it never gave me any issues. Overall, this shoe would be an excellent option for those who might find the Speedgoat too narrow or for someone who needs maximum cushioning without feeling like the shoe is slowing them down. Right now, the Trabuco Max is one of my favorite trail shoes, and I hope that others will enjoy it as much as I do.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The ASICS Trabuco Max fits true to size, and the outsole provides a very sticky grip with plush cushioning from the midsole. I think this is a good addition to the ASICS line, and with some small changes, it could be a real trail competitor. From the step-in feel, I thought this shoe was going to be a knockout, and I still think it could be for a lot of people, but I had issues with the arch, which is likely a 'me thing.' I am not sure if it's the arch's placement or height or rigidity, but it left my arches sore. Additionally, I needed to wear a thick crew sock because the heel collar rubbed against my ankle quite a bit; either way, this would not be a high-mileage shoe for me. I will give the next model a try to see what changes ASICS will make because this Trabuco Max has a lot of potential.
