ASICS - Trabuco Max 3

Came here to comment exactly this. I'm 6'2", 190lb (188cm/87kg). Daily trail runner in Switzerland, running 70-80km/week. I have the Trabuco Max 2 and Max 3. Version 4 is the most recent launch. By far the most comfortable trail shoes I've ever owned. They just work perfectly for me. Have over 1000km in the 3's, so super durable too. Also own Hoka Stinson 6 (bit soft), Brooks Caldera 6 (too firm, never softened up), Altra Olympus 6 (midsole felt dead from the start) and Nike Wildhorse 7 (most comfortable upper of any shoe but midsole a bit thin) but none are as good for me as the Trabuco Max.

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.

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.

Another fan here although I prefer the max. So good for long mixed trails with some hard road sections

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.

Butting in to say I just got the ASICS Trabuco Max 3 and I absolutely love them! Just switched over from the Brooks Calderas.

If you like cushioned trail running shoes, Asics Trabuco Max 3. Very good traction also on muddy paths and wet grass, but you need to get used to have less ground feel. Which for me is good because I run mainly on gravel and rocky paths, yet not very technical. They have a narrow toe box though, I had to size up by a whole size.

With a current weight range from 70-75 kg I'm considered on the heavier side for women running shoes, giving a pass to all shoes classified for "lighter" runners. But most reviews for "heavier" runners the description of soft/firmness or bounciness aren't always relatable either. I got last year the Trabuco Max 3, as my legs did well with medium to max cushion shoes on the road and where I live the trails aren't very technical anyway. I run mostly on dry gravel/rocky trails and some muddy conditions I winter. I was surprised how stable those shoes are, soft yet bouncy and really fun running downhill too with a good grip on gravel. I'm surprised you say that the Max 4 aren't doing well on mud, as the Max 3 perform quite well.

ASICS Trabuco Max 3, Hoka Tecton X3, and Adidas Agravic speed ultra are three of my favorite trail shoes right now.

I think it also depends on the geometry. Tecton X2, X3, Fujispeed 2, Fujitrabuco Max 3, Endorphin Edge or Metafuji all have carbon plates but they don’t feel as propulsive as most road super shoes I’ve ran in (certainly not as many! Endorphin Pro, Endorphin Speed and Metaspeed Sky). In fact, Asics shoes are probably the least carbon-plate-feeling shoe, and not in a bad way. The Terrex ASU is the only exception.

I quite enjoy Saucony Ride TR, but even regular Rides are fine. Asics Fujitrabuco max are nice too.

I’m on my second pair of max 3s. One of my favorite shoes of all time. Comfortable and last 100 more miles than others I’ve tried recently. I think I saw the winner of the Cocodona 250, Dan Green, was wearing these during some of the race.

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

ASICS Trabuco Max 3 - Long trail, less technical (third pair, love these shoes) Saucony Peregrine 14 - Trail VJ MAXx2 - Mountain Heat gear - Rabbit Delector 2.0 sun hoodie, Janji Sun Chaser hoodie, Rabbit Ice Rad-Dana, Outdoor Research arm sleeves, Fractel Legionnaire Sun Hat.

How does Trabuco Max 4 fit? I have the Max 3 and went TTS with my purchase. It feels quite snug in the toe box to the point my toes rub a bit on the bumper, even after 250+ km of use. I figured it would shape in a bit, but that clearly didn’t happen.

That is my summation of the Max 3, as well. The rocker definitely seems to shorten the shoe a bit. Thanks for the review and feedback!

Nice! I’ve done some 32+ km runs in the 3 without major issue. The shoe, much like the Max 4, seems to be a bit snug in the toe box. Once you get over that, though, it’s pretty serviceable for flatter trails. The tight toe box really does bother me on downhills, though.

Nike Zegama 2, Nike Wildhorse 8, Asics Trabuco Max 3. I see a lot of you running in the Topo Ultraventures. How do they compare to the shoes in my rotation?

I have the Asics Trabuco Max 3s, which I jokingly call my clown shoes because that’s exactly how they feel! I’m constantly stubbing them on branches, rocks, and gravel, and it’s like the lugs are magnets for anything they could possibly trip over. I only wear them when I have to. Just to make it more dufficult for you; I’m a big fan of the Nike Zegama 2! They’re my go-tos! I also like the Nike Wildhorse 8. They’re not as cushioned, but they’re total workhorses.

I'm also in the market for a mid-stack technical runner with a rocker. I have had some nerve pain and went with a ASICS Trabuco Max 3, which really helped get rid of the pain but the stack and fit aren't great for anythng remotely technical. The one I'm really looking forward to is the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro (comes out in a week or so). It looks like it has more rocker than the Zegama 2, which are also on my list to try if the Prodigio Pros don't work.

I have the Trabuco Max V3 and the Hierro V9 and also the NB More Trail V3. I'm also a heavy runner with shoe size US13 and of these 3 shoes I like the More Trail V3 the most!

Yes, I'd say so and although I find the trabuco max v3 quite ok the sizing is very odd. The more trail fits me perfect and I even bought another pair when it was on sale.

Nike Zegama 2 has a sticky Vibram sole and is frequently on sale and widely available. Asics Trabuco Max 2 / 3 also has good grip and is comfortable. Both can be run in on and off pavement. Both are comfortable enough to wear for casual use.

Zegama 2 is firm, fresh foam more is firm, speedgoat is firm. I have tried them all and they might be softer than an old style trail shoe, but definitely not soft shoes. The softest I have tried so far is ASICS trabuco max 2&3 But I would love to find a similar or softer and bouncy trail shoe, like Neo vista but for door to trail type shoes.

The trabuco max 2&3 had exceptional grip. Probably a combination of rubber+lug pattern+depth. Dunno why Asics changed it for the 4 iteration, but they NEED to bring it back before I run through my stock of Max 2s. I also tend to agree with those who say that FFBlast+ eco does not live up to the FFBlast+ plushness and liveliness, based on thumbpressing the 3&4 side by side, and having more than 200 race miles on the 2s.

I mostly run with Asics trabuco max shoes, max stack, very technical terrain mostly, I have only rolled my ankle once because of the socks, lightweight or kinda sleek socks makes your feet roll inside the shoe, if you get some nice thicker rough socks you wont have rolling ankle problems, or much less

The trabucco max has a decent toe box width! I was pleasantly surprised!

Have you thought about Asics Trabuco Max or Brooks Caldera 8? Those are good high stack options and also stable with good grip. Seems to check some of your boxes. Another shoe you may want to keep an eye out for releasing later this summer is the La Sportiva Prodigio MAX. Prodigio Pro is great, but I'm sure the MAX will be really good, more specifically for bigger runners.

Asics trabuco max. Ran a trail marathon in them and they were amazing. They are a 5mm drop tho

I found the Trabuca Max to be a bit stiff. I ended up loving the Solomon S/lab Ultra Glide as it has dreamy cushion. It's a very high end running shoe with a matching price tag. I suspect many would consider it overkill for trail walking, but i like it for both.

I've got these (the 2s). They are big and squishy.

I have chronic knee issues from torn ligaments coupled with weak glutes. I have issues with patella tracking and some damage to the area. I usually run in ASICS or Saucony (and use KT tape and strength training). I’ve taken ASICS Trabuco Max, Novablast/ Novablast Trail or Gel Nimbus on trails like this. Saucony Xodus Ultra and Peregrine too. I prefer the higher heel drops and max cushion for my knee. Some of my trail shoes rec might be a bit overkill, but the road versions would work.

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.

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.

The Trabuco Max series is aimed at Ultra Distances on hard trails and small road sections. They are a bit heavy as a result but if you're ok with the added weight over the non-max versions they are excellent. I've run in various generations of this shoe and found it a please to run in from short runs to Ultra Marathon. The lugs are fairly low profile by trail shoe standards. Due to that, very soft mud and wet conditions they are not good for.

I have loose ankle ligaments. My lowest drop trail shoe, the MTN Racer, is what what I’ve rolled my ankle in the most. My highest stack, Trabuco Max, I’ve rolled it the least. Not saying lower = more rolls, but I don’t think you’ll a big improvement with lower drop. Ankle strength work, ankle brace or wrap

Asics Trabuco Max would be my thought. They’re not great in the mud, but they’re perfectly usable and they are very well cushioned. Or what about the Nike Zegama 2? Vibram sole, loads of ZoomX so should work.

Try the asics Trabuco Max, they’re well cushioned but the cushion is on the firm side that may suit a heavier runner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asics Trabuco have worked well for me.

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!

Asics Trabuco and Pegasus trail 4.

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.

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

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)