ASICS - TRABUCO 14 Trail Running SE

[Trabuco 14](https://www.asics.com/pl/en-pl/trabuco--14/p/1011C166-800.html) [Trabuco MAX 5](https://www.asics.com/pl/en-pl/trabuco--max-5/p/1011C164-020.html) I haven't seen this being announced on anywhere so look what I found this morning. The changes made to Trabuco 14 seem to be a go with the flow of current trend for more bouncy foam, and more of it. Looks very promising in my opinion. But man was I disappointed when I found out about Trabuco MAX 5.... I have 4s, and I love the idea behind this shoe, more stack, more of an all-terrain shoe, rather than hardcore trail runner, but the 4s don't deliver on this idea after 1500km on the I feel like there is room for improvement and this shoe would slap in high stack trail category. I like to think that 5s are just there cuz management wanted a yearly release and they just slapped some new materials to the upper and called it a day... I love the idea behind this shoe, and Asics has some great foams to be molded to it, but they decided to just slap some new colors... Sorry for the rant, but I was looking forward to new version of these and I'm so disappointed. I will definitely be going to the nearest shoe store to check on the 14s, as a replacement for my 4s. What are your thoughts about this ?

I have the Trabuco 14. Sadly it’s not a shoe for me and I’ll be returning them. It feels comfortable enough but they have too much arch in them for me, even with putting different insoles in them. They’re quite roomy, maybe even too roomy, I had to tie them quite tight to avoid any slippage. The midsole isn’t as soft as the Novablast 5, but the rock plate it it makes the forefoot a fair amount firmer and stiffer than the back half of the shoe. I feel like it would have been a better shoe with either a full plate or no plate so you get a consistent feeling throughout

My asics tabucos, fujilite 3s and even gel cumulus TRs are seemingly indestructible. My feet don't seem to want anything else. My Salomons feel like plastic boxes compared to the asics.

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)

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!

Pair of Asic Trabuco trail runners got me over the GR11 no issue. Don't get me wrong, they were DONE by the end. But much preferred the light weight.

Option 3: trail running shoes 😁 You’ll need something to give you “stability” and dont be always putting “weight” on your knees when you come down from hills. I did it with some Scarpa, Salomon (worst shoes for me) and I’m planning to do it with ASICS Trabuco.

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.