ASICS - Gel-Trabuco 12

Grosse déception . désormais c'est une chaussure de route avec une semelle trail. Rigides et instables. Je les ai revendu et ai racheté des trabuco 12.

My personal thoughts about the three. I am far from being an expert and these are just my impressions :-) - Fuji Lite 4: my favourite when it comes to shorter runs. Snappy, light and fun shoe, with great feeling on the foot. I think their limit is probably (for me) around 15/20k runs. - Trabuco 12: It's the shoes that "convinced" me to move from Hoka to Asics. Light, very well-rounded shoe, with the right amount of cushioning. However, it lacked in my opinion a bit of stability (especially on the arches) and is quite "flat". Often I ended up hoping it would give me some more energy in return. I absolutely loved the sole. The drop, in my opinion, is right on point. - Trabuco 13: Honestly, it feels like a brand new shoe rather than an evolution of the 12. I feel the whole geometry of the shoe has changed, while keeping the same drop. It is a glove, with a more comfortable toe box, great feeling on the foot overall and tremendous improvement on the two things that I felt the 12 missed the most, stability and energy return. All this while keeping a great cushioning. They also changed the geometry of the sole, making it slightly more flat at the center. Very impressed with them. Overall, I am very satisfied of all three and they are in my rotation. As someone said in the comments, I am absolutely impressed by the durability overall: coming from Hokas, where the sole was gone super quickly (disappointingly), it is a huge improvement. I ran the entire summer of 2024 in the Trabuco 12 and the lugs are still in great conditions. I am a fan of Vibram soles, and probably the Asics' is the only proprietary sole at the same level but (at least in my experience) with a much much better durability. I also tried the Trabuco Max 2 and hated them to the guts (😅) but I am planning to try the new Trabuco Max 4 at some point. However, I think the Trabuco 13 are the sweet spot between comfort and performance.

I've been going back-and-forth a bit, but lately I genuinely enjoy the Trabuco 12. The Lite are great as well. I also like Hoka, but I guess the Challenger are simply not my shoes -- this is why trying several is (imho) quite important.

They run small and very snug compared to the prior iteration. Had to take out the insole to get the perfect fit. go half a size for wide feet

I've using mine for around 150k, so far so good. But honestly, I prefer the previous (Trabuco 11), don't know why but the 11 fits like a glove, (I’ve run 1200k on them). Still use them for recovery runs, the mesh in one of the shoes start to rip apart, the cushion is not the same anymore, but for small recovery runs that’s enough. About the Trabuco 12, 2 weeks ago have done a pretty hilly and muddy 20k Trail Run, the grip on these is insane. A lot of runners had problems with grip and a lot of falls. Only one time it fails me, but I was getting out of a small river we must follow for 1 hundred meters and on the exit the terrain is slippery. Because of constant running down (and up), with water and sand/mud inside I had an abrasion in one toe. I've started to notice on speedy down runs around 15-16k mark, in the end I have no skin on the spot. But I’ve already use them to do some runs (20k-30k) and never happened before. The cushion is very good, I have wide feet and they feel comfortable, not like the T.11 but good enough.

I was pleasantly surprised by Asics Grip on the Trabuco 12. They performed miles better than my Vibram shoes in both very dry (going down a 45% incline rock face) and very wet conditions (pouring rain on smooth rock).

I'm on my second pair of Trabuco 12s and I love these shoes. I think the 13 is a tiny bit firmer (and more stable). If have used them for both trail running and pretty technical hiking. I was really impressed with the durability and the traction on these shoes. The traction is way better than my heavy hiking boots with Vibram outsoles. In fact, I have had a couple pretty scary hikes where I picked the Trabuco over my cat. C/D hiking boots, simply because the traction is so much better.

Great experience with the 12s. Have used them across arid and wet climates this fall with great traction on the surfaces I’ve come across. (Seattle, Portland, Denver, PHX, LA). Will likely blindly go into the 13s once I need them I’ve liked them so much. For reference, previously in Brooks Cascade(they ruined a great shoe), and Saucony Peregrine (hard on my feet after rocky terrain over ~8mi

Can’t speak for 13, but I’ve loved every Asics shoe I’ve had since switching over. Currently rocking the Gel Trabuco 12

i believe the newer model is the nh100 mine was a really ugly blue model lol. but i switched to merrell moab 2 which I am still using now edit: i do not own their trail running shoes, just hiking boots a long time ago i use asics trabuco 12s for trail running now

I have the 12 and it’s pretty solid!

I ran a 13k race with them, it was comfortable. Muddy and wet, no toe abrasions. I feel the ground contact was pretty good, the trail had a lot of rocks and roots. If I was wearing say a Trabuco Max, I might have rolled an ankle or something.

I weigh about 85-89 kilos, I run with asics trabuco 12. it’s abit heavier but really good traction. I’ve ran on soft powder snow and muddy trails with it. O also have flat feet so the stability helps too.

I have the 12s and they are really comfortable and have around them like 300km in. Everything is still good but the front outsole start to tear out. Maybe because I always find myself bumping to rocks, roots and dirts. I really want the 13s but they made it narrower. They updated the midsole and the outsole really suitable for longer distances !

Well I guess that depends on what we call technical and individual adaptation to that technical terrain. I prefer Asics trabucos for this type of terrain, closer to the ground, more grip o wet rock and not soft. I live inside the Zegama course, for this type of terrain AP5 works great for nearly all the course. But if going more rocky high altitude terrain I prefer the Asics. Haven't tried any of the shoes you mention to compare, sorry. All in all, they are a nice shoe for putting km on.

I use Asics trabuco. As gripy as vibrams megagrip if not more, quite close to the ground and not too soft. It also works well for long outings. I guess anything that fits well and is similar would work for me.

Mafate speed 4 is actually 7mm in runrepeat test. I have a pair, and they don't feel as other 4mm drop shoes I use. OP, you could try Asics trabucos. They are 8mm, go for 12th versión, 13th upper is trash

Asics trabucos work for me in highly technical terrain. Enough cushion but still quite stiff, not very high and wide fit. Trabuco 13s upper is not good, it breaks really easy, I'm in my second pair and I won't get more than 400km from any of them (second one is a replacement sent by Asics). 11 and 12 work better for this kind of skyrunning. I was getting around 700/800km put of them.

Asics trabucos work for me in highly technical terrain. Enough cushion but still quite stiff, not very high and wide fit. Trabuco 13s upper is not good, it breaks really easy, I'm in my second pair and I won't get more than 400km from any of them (second one is a replacement sent by Asics). 11 and 12 work better for this kind of skyrunning. I was getting around 700/800km put of them.

Agree with this as well. They are very good on wet rock. The Trabuco 12 also drains well.

I have the 12s. They're holding up well, and work well on wet rock. I'd say great grip, but not as good as my speedgoats. The 12 drains well, so if you do a lot of water crossings, it's a good shoe for that.

Asics Trabuco have worked well for me.

I have wide feet, and I was doing quite a research about trail shoes, and one of the options that I had available in my country were the asics gel trabuco 12. After narrowing my choice down to three models, I went to the store and fried on the Trabucos, and they they fitted perfectly. I got the male version of the shoe. It was the smallest size from the male section since they are a bit wider in the front of the foot than the woman's models. Went out on the trail and tried them out for a short run of maybe two kilometers, and they felt fine. No hotspots, no heel rubbing, no pinky toe squishing, or any other kind of rubbing on the foot. The only downside to the shoe is the bad mud clearance of the lugs. If it's particularly muddy, a lot of mud can stick on the lugs and get cleared very slowly. I had a minor fall. Well, it was more of a sliding than a fall, but still, while wearing the shoes when it was really muddy and I was just sliding on the mud. The rest of the grip of the outsole is very good, very grippy, and I haven't trusted any shoes like a trust those shoes right now.

I got the 12, and they are awesome. The only thing that they suck about is the mud clearing from the soles. They are mud magnets, and when filled with mud, they get slippery. I hope the 13 are improved in this

I have had the Trabuco 9, 10, 12 and now the 13. Interestingly enough in the same colour ways as the photo. Except for the 9, on all others I did min. 800 km of trailrunning. The grip is just superb. I do not have enough km on the 13 yet only 175km. They seem a little wider at the forefoot. Certainly for taller/bigger person's (I am 1.87 and 80kg) this imo is a really great shoe for all terrain. I have been running mountains trails upto 60km in Scotland, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland . So yes they are really my Goto trailrunning shoes, I am a recreational runner though. If there is one thing I would like is that I could easily buy replacement asics inner soles just to replace them after 400km during the life of the shoe. But that might be my 80kg Other shoes I have used are Salomon, Inov8 and Adidas Terrex Ultra.

I use the Asics Trabuco 12. I did 1200km on them and just bought a new pair of them. Didn't try the new 13 model yet though. Toe box is very wide, low drop, they are super grippy in all conditions I ran in and they are very durable. After 1200km with many trail marathons and ultras they are only now showing some small tears in the upper fabric.

Asics Trabuco and Pegasus trail 4.

I hike in my trail running shoes. Current ones are Asics Trabuco 12.

I usually find discount for these at 90 EUR, ran up to 800k in Trabuco 11, midsole worn out as similar for other brands, now bought 12 until it's sold out, probably skipping version 13 as it's more narrow. Stack height is fine, maybe couple mm less would be great, rolled ankle once in technical terrain. Anyway, stability is good. Outsole is great... for that discount price, it's great shoe. Also running Fuji Lite 5, but one has probably badly manufactured area around insole.. or insole itself and got blister from it after long run. Similar to Saucony Xodus Ultra I had before, but better price and more durable upper, comfortable tongue - lock for sure. Maybe better energy return in Saucony, not sure about weight. Ran 80k in Trabuco 11, no issue.

I’m training in a region with many muddy, rocky and steep sections in between paths of gravel and asphalt. I’m using the Nike Pegasus trail 5 gtx for trails with more than 30% of gravel/asphalt and asics gel trabuco 12 gtx for paths less than 30% gravel and asphalt. I’m really happy with the all terrain compound of the Nike trail shoes. The grip on muddy paths of the ASICS is amazing but for mixed trails the Nike safes you a lot of energy in my opinion.

Have 600k’s on my 12s, in all conditions. Great grip and wearing well. Have another pair ready to go when these ones die

I've got the 12s and have around done approx 500km in them. They're still comfy and the tread is holding up okay. I think I'll get another 100-200km at least Mainly used mine for running, but have done a few hikes in them too and they were fine

Yup, they're an all terrain shoe. Obviously Asphalt will wear the lugs down quicker and it will feel hard to run on as trail shoes are normally heavier due to build. But these will be fine.

I also have wide feet (2E for most shoes) and got the Trabuco 12 in a half size up and they fit perfectly. Seems the forefoot area and toe box is wider than usual. On a side note, I’ve been using runrepeat.com to find suitable shoes, crazy amount of info. A lot of brands dont seem to bother with wide fits, but the site helps to identify shoes that have wider standard fit. That’s how I came to buy the Asics Trabuco’s

I’ve got both the asics trabuco gtx 12 and the new balance hierro goretex. Both are great shoes I bought on discount. The asics are a bit more sturdy, harder grip and less breathable whereas the new balance I would wear to work on a rainy day

What sensation? I just got the 12 for light hiking and they are giving me the weirdest ankle pain

Not on the list. But - ASICS Trabuco 11’s fit the criteria. I’ve just upgraded to 12’s because there was a sale I couldn’t miss. Put well over 1000km into my 11’s.

I’ve done 200k in mine. A mix of steep technical stuff and roads. All good. Done a couple of 20k runs in them too.

Hi. I live in Japan and I have big feet so my options are limited. My first ever shoes were the asics Fujilite. I bought them because they fitted the best for the limited options I could get (I fully agree with everyone’s opinion that the best shoes for you are the ones that fit the best). They worked well but after a while I started running further and I felt that I needed more cushioning so I went with the ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 and I loved them, good cushioning for long runs. A few weeks ago I bought the Trabuco 13 for this race but after 2 runs a small hole was appearing and the outsole in the toe area was coming of so I didn’t have any confidence in them for my race so I kept with my Trabuco 12. All I can say is that I used the Trabuco 12 and love them and they held up very well in almost 10 hours of non stop running.

The gel-Trabuco 13 only came out a month or two ago so I assume the salesperson was wrong. I have two things to add. 1, gore-tex shoes are crap! You don’t want to lock moisture in your shoes. The top of your socks will get wet and the dampness will seep down into the bottom of your socks and the gtx will keep the water in. You’d be better with normal quick drying shoes. If you really want waterproof, go with waterproof socks. 2, I have the Trabuco 12 and love them. I’ve used them for over 600km. I’ve used them in 50k races no problem. I bought the 13s and after two runs totalling 30k a hole was starting to appear on the side and the front toe area where the outsole meets the upper, it started peeling. I sent them back for a refund.

I have a pair of the 12s and 13s. 300km on each...so far so good!

Did you manage to find a set of shoes, OP? I'd like to add my opinion. I have had the Trabuco 11, 12 and now the 13. I would say that out of them all, the 13 is by the best in terms of comfort. So, 11's were great and comfortable but were a size too small which meant my toes kept hitting the ends of the shoe so I ended up selling them. The 12's were good but a little stiff. The grip on them was incredible however. Now to the 13's - actually won these in a competition literally a week after buying the 12's so I was able to do a side by side comparison with basically two new sets of shoes (Trabuco 12 vs 13). The 13's are by far the best in comfort out of all of them. The toe box is wider than the 12 (which was a bit narrow for my feet). The 13's sole is cushioned and flexible which made hitting the trails a breeze. They didn't need any break in period whatsoever. The first few runs the grip wasn't as good as the 12's but now they feel a lot better. Not sure why though. Honestly, if these die then I'd purchase another set of the 13's immediately.

The Trabuco 12 have been the best trail shoes I’ve ever owned. I’m 6”4 and charge hard over serious rocky terrain…and I feel completely safe in them. About the upgrade to the 13

This is a solid suggestion. The Gel-Trabuco comes in a Gore-Tex version and has a robust sole, suitable for more rugged terrain. If the OP is serious about the need for hiking, then a proper trail shoe will work.

Waterproof: I find the Asics Gel Trabuco GoreTex are among the comfiest waterproof shoes I have ever had. They are trail running shows. Older versions were more low-key, the new ones have a horrible "goretex" writing on them. TropicFeel AT Hdry are also pretty good. Non-waterproof: Asics Gel Venture 9. There is now a version 10 Columbia Drainmaker XTR The Columbia are more ventilated than the Venture 9. I use the Columbia in the summer (I can also wear them without socks) and the Asics Venture in the winter, when I don't need waterproof shoes. Depending on where you're going, would something like waterproof show covers / gaiters be an option? There are people who wear GoreTex in the Florida summer - I'd die. But if you are going somewhere when it can rain a lot one day and get very sunny and hot the next, waterproof show covers might be an option. Functional but ugly... The RunRepeat website has excellent reviews

Hi from Edmonton :) Asics gel-trabuco GTX are the latest ones I've bought and my favorite so far. My feet are never wet. Rock protection plate is A+ on the trail. Tread has been grippy on wet trails, snowy trails, and slippery streets so far. My toes had to get used to the hard toe at first, but they did... And that harder toe has been essential for someone who trips over roots as much as I do 😁

Same, except I tried on some trail shoes and was incredibly unimpressed. The Gel Trabuco Max felt as if the insole/midsole was completely flat. Zero arch or other support. Coming from the Nimbus 27 this was a shock. Especially for a $160 trail shoe. I think that price range should automatically include Vibram rubber too.

My road runners are Asics Gel Cumulus, and my trail are Asics Gel-Trabuco. Very similar, although the trail do feel harder on the roads.

I have the Gel Trabaco and love it.

I really like the Asics Gel-Trabucos. I live in the country and my runs are a mix of pavement and dirt/gravel and they do fine on both.

I picked up some Gel Trabucos here recently and love them. Other shoes I have been wearing are xodus ultras, mtn racers and brooks catamount. Fit wise I love them, they feel stable and enough cushion while not being clunky like my catamounts.

Fit matters, as all the major brands produce some good trail runners. I used a Trabuco way back in the day and they were fine.

I run in Brooks Glycerine on Road and Asics gel Trabuco on trails. Love the asics

ASICS Gel Trabuco. I love ‘em

I love my Gel Trabucos! Have the same colour👌

ASICS Trabuco Max line is legit. Dan Green wore them for Cocodona 250. Trabuco Gel is good also for slightly more technical terrain.

I had Scott Supertrac RCs, Hoka Speedgoats and LaSportiva Bushidos before, last year I had the opportunity to take part in an Asics shoe test event and really liked them. I got a pair of Asics FujiLite 5s and really, really loved them. Ran over 600km in them last year and would say they are a wonderful versatile shoe. Used them in alpine terrain as well as chill forest trails, never had a Problem, was especially surprised with their sole/grip on wet trails. Would 100% recommend the FujiLites, i did not enjoy the other Asics trail shoes too much though, the Gel trabuco etc. felt weird for my taste...

after reviewing all insights contributed across reddit & fb, ended up using asics gel trabuco trail running shoes & they were the best. just finished our camino portugues. buen camino!

ASICS gel venture 10 comes in extra wide. I have somewhat wide feet and mid level arches and they fit pretty well. The gel Trabuco in standard is also on the wide side.

I like Vibram a lot, any shoe with a Megagrip outsole will have enough traction for me. But I have found that it is not the end all be all anymore. Asicsgrip is stickier than Vibram and extremely durable on top. It's amazing stuff, really. Asics' trail lineup is not that big, but they have some really interesting models and a great allrounder in the Trabuco.

I focus on trail running during the summer months, and last June, I picked up a pair of Merrell Agility Peak 5 — and absolutely fell in love with them. In 2022 and 2023, I ran in both the Salomon Ultra Glide and the Asics Trabuco, which are excellent trail shoes in their own right. However, the Merrells stood out offering great comfort and protection over long distances. They’re a fantastic all-around choice though they are a bit on the heavy side. Looking ahead to 2025, I’ve been considering the Saucony Xodus, as I’ve heard great things about them and am eager to see how they compare.

Well that's indeed what I would do, unless you are used to hiking boots with zero drop. If you are not (most boots are not zero drop) definitely get something with cushioning and drop. There are plenty of good shoes out there. The Trabuco from Asics is also a good one (8mm drop I believe). Enjoy the trails!

You can probably find decent all rounders to do this, Brooks Cascadia or ASICS Trabuco. Personally if it’s over half marathon with 10k or more on road I’ll favour comfort over grip and just be prepared to slip around a bit, and will use my Trabuco Max.

Brooks Cascadia, ASICS Trabuco, TNF vector enduris 3, all good all rounder trail shoes. Look for deals, avoid altra unless you know that you want zero drop.

I have 3 pairs. One for trail and two road. The road pairs are identical models and I wear them in rotation. I start the second pair when the first is half way through its life. The theory is that will help prevent injury as you’re not going from wearing quite worn out shoes all the time to suddenly wearing new ones, ie a sudden change in the level of support etc. Plus at least every second run you’re wearing shoes that are in the first half of their life. If you retire your shoes at a set number of kms you won’t actually spend any extra money. I was recommended asics gt2000 after a foot analysis at a running store, plus by a podiatrist and physio, and have been wearing that model for over a decade. Love them. For trails I wear asics trabuco, very grippy!

ASICS Trabuco for everything! I used them on a 63k/4500m and a 44k/2000m ultra and never thought about my feet. My current training pair has 1100k and still no sign of breaking down.

ASICS Trabuco

That's pretty good. Thanks for letting me know. I tried out Asics Trabuco for their delicious boying-boing (lol), but sadly the change in heel drop made it feel like I was running in heels. Not a good plan.

Have a the asics range, the Trabuco and Trabuco Max have been my go to UK trail shoe. They’re not brilliant on mud, but for rocky and hard packed trails they’re brilliant.

For the rim to rim, trail runners are perfect. It's mostly a packed trail trail runners let your feet breathe more. I did the rim to rim to rim in ASICS Trabicos trail a few years back, and they were perfect. Otherwise, it kind of depends where you tend to do a lot of your hiking and preference for what you like to wear. In the Rocky Mountains, I prefer a hiking boot to help navigate Rocky trails in big boulders-- while my friend doesn't find that she needs that very much. Hiking poles can make a difference too--I used those for room to rim, and I used them for longer, moderate hikes, and challenging hikes.

With trail runners you're going to protect your feet more if you're hiking a trail where you are navigating big rocks and tree stumps, etc. Think less stubbed toes and less time removing debris etc . I think overall, you'll be able to hike more trails with trail runners. You can always strap your Sandals onto your day pack for water crossing or for the option. I know a lot of people like the Altras. I've owned four different pairs of ASICS Trabucos. The best thing to do is to go to a store and try them all on because everybody's feet are different. Ps. Get yourself some affordable dirty girl gaiters to keep debris from entering your shoes and you'll be set!

Asics have decent ones too, I had Trabucos for a while, they were great but the lack of protection sucks when you're a defender

People are sleeping on ASICS Tribuco. I’ve bought 2 pairs and done a few ultras. The ASICS rubber is wildly grippy

Agree with others. This is a bit heavy and stiff but cheap. For a generalist trail shoe, look at the Trabuco. For a more Ultra Shoe, the Trabuco Max. For trail racing shoes, Meta Fuji and Fuji Lite. I ran an Ultra in the Trabuco Max 2, was perfect.

S-tier: Asicsgrip. Tested it on mossy wet rocks by the waterfall. Beats megagrip

Asicsgrip is amazing. I have a pair of old Fujilyte 2 to walk the dog and these MFs still stick to the ground as fairly new. I've done super fast series on technical terrain where at first I would've swear I was about to kill myself but nope. On the other hand I have always Found LaSportiva Akasha awesome, I guess the rest of the lineup will be similar regarding the proper sole/terrains intended. Once you've run a few miles to get rid of that "new sole coating" they move incredible. Less over wet rock/soils but very nice anyways, slipped just two or three times in a +1000kms distance span.

For me in wet terrain with rocks, the best is Asicsgrip (6). After that, probably Vibram (tried in Hoka and Nike shoes), Contagrip in Salomon Speedcross 4 and Continental in various Adidas models. Here, some variation between them (for example, Continental in Adidas Terrex Two Flow is better than in Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 (so a 4 for them). After those, probably the outsole by La Sportiva (in Jackal model) and various Nike outsoles (Kiger 8, Wildhorse 6, Pegasus 4 TR) in wet terrain (btw, in mid Spring to mid Autumn, Nike are pretty nice shoes here)