ASICS - TRABUCO MAX 4

I love my Trabuco Max 4s and Novablast 5s.

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

yeah I have a pair, had the Trabuco max 2 and after 400km they became a little soft and floppy, bought this pair above Tmax4, great shoe for 5km to 50km, haven't done more, we only have rocky trails and the Tmax4 fly over the rocks, does great on pavement as well, have a bit more go forward than the Tmax2 and stiffer. Great shoes!!

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.

***(1) Introduction*** About a month ago, I wrote a post on the New Balance Hierro v9 [(here is my original review)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/1l73wga/new_balance_fresh_foam_x_hierro_v9_50_mile_review/). I was quite impressed with its comfort and trail capabilities, and truly believed I had found an excellent shoe for my long runs and hikes. However, as any runner knows, curiosity often leads to new explorations. When u/jorho41 commented on my post, I discovered he had shared an in-depth review of the Asics Trabuco Max 4 [(read his insights here)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/1l6uycl/asics_trabuco_max_4/), a shoe I had considered before buying the Hierros. Then, out of nowhere, a significant online discount popped up — 50% off my size 12. It was an opportunity too good to miss. So despite u/johro4’s mixed review, I grabbed a pair to see what the Trabuco Max 4 was all about. I decided to put these two max-cushioned trail shoes head-to-head. For reference: I’ve logged well over 100 miles on the Hierros and about 60 miles on the Trabuco Max 4, both on the exact same trails. I’m training for a technical trail run near home, so I’ve covered the course multiple times. ***(2) Specs*** Hierro v9: US M12, weight ~11oz (311g), stack height 42mm heel / 38mm forefoot (4mm drop), midsole Dual-density Fresh Foam X, outsole Vibram Megagrip with 4.5mm lugs. Trabuco Max 4: US M12, weight ~11oz (312g), stack height 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot (5mm drop), midsole FFBlast+, outsole AsicsGrip with 3.5-4mm lugs. ***(3) Fit & Upper Comfort: Tie*** There’s no clear winner here. Both shoes are constructed with breathable mesh, providing a secure and comfortable fit around the foot. They both feature ample padding in the heel and tongue for an accommodating feel. With the Hierros, the only minor issue I had initially was that they felt a bit snug. But now that I have over 100 miles on them, they’re perfect. Either the midsole foam has compressed a bit or the insole has molded to my feet, but whatever it is, they feel flawless now. The Trabuco Max 4, on the other hand, has that classic 'disappearing' sensation on the foot that I really appreciate in Asics shoes. **Bottom line**: both shoes are well built and offer excellent comfort and secure fits. ***(4) Midsole & Cushioning: Slight Advantage Hierro*** The Fresh Foam X in the Hierro delivers a truly plush and bouncy ride. It feels protective and offers good rebound, maintaining a consistent feel over long distances. In contrast, the FF BLAST+ in the Trabuco Max 4 provides ample cushioning, but it feels firmer and more responsive compared to the Hierro. It offers good energy transfer, partly due to the Guidesole rocker, and effectively protects the legs, though with a different kind of cushioned feel. If the Hierro feels like a deeply cushioned sofa, the Trabuco Max 4 feels more like a responsive, supportive platform. Both offer high levels of cushioning, but their softness and energy return clearly differ. I have to be completely honest here: I’m a FFBlast+ fiend. I love it in the Novablast 4 and in the Superblast 2. The moment I slipped into the Trabuco Max 4, I had that familiar feeling. I like how responsive the foam is while still feeling protective and cushioned. However, the Fresh Foam X feels much more plush, and that sensation is fast becoming one of my favorites. **Bottom line**: I think the Hierro has a more modern, luxurious, and plush feeling to it. But both have high stacks, you lose the ground feel that many seek and that nimbler shoes provide. ***(5) Outsole & Traction: Hierro Wins*** The Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Hierro v9 is simply outstanding. Its 4.5mm lugs provide excellent, reliable traction across various surfaces, from dry dirt to slick roots and muddy patches. I've always felt incredibly secure, and it consistently inspires confidence in diverse conditions. The ASICSGRIP on the Max 4 performs adequately on dry, moderate trails. However, aligning with u/johro41's experience (and now my own), its performance in wet and muddy conditions was meh at best. The 3.5mm-4mm lugs, while present, are not great on serious mud, leading to a noticeable lack of grip. Also, technical terrain like steep scree fields can be tricky in the Trabuco. **Clear winner here**: Hierro’s grip stands out as superior. The Trabuco Max 4 is suited for drier, less challenging trails where extreme grip isn’t a primary concern. ***(6) Stability & Protection: Tie*** Despite its high stack, the Hierro v9 offers a good (not great) stability. While it can feel a tad less nimble on extremely technical, off-camber terrain, its overall protective qualities are excellent. The integrated Toe Protect feature also adds robust front-foot defense against rocks and roots. The Trabuco Max 4 features a wide platform, which inherently contributes to its stability on relatively flat or rolling ground. And even though its high stack can sometimes lead to a feeling of being less connected to the ground, the firmer FFBlast+ foam offers better stability overall. Both shoes offer a high degree of protection from underfoot elements due to their substantial stack heights, but the Hierro feels a bit sturdier and its TPU Toe Protector is genuinely effective. **Bottom line**: Both are protective maximalist options, The Hierro’s construction feels more solid and confidence-inspiring on harsh terrain while the Trabuco is definitely a more stable shoe. ***(7) Road-to-Trail Versatility: Slight Advantage Trabuco*** While comfortable enough for short road sections, the Hierro's weight and robust build can make it feel a bit cumbersome for extended pavement use, especially given my preference for lighter, snappier road shoes. With its 5mm drop and slightly firmer, more responsive cushioning profile, the Trabuco Max 4 feels a bit more efficient and natural on road connectors compared to the Hierro. If your runs frequently involve mixed pavement and trail sections, this shoe might offer a more balanced and comfortable transition between surfaces. **Bottom line**: The Trabuco Max 4 is better for mixed road-to-trail use. ***(8) Durability & Longevity: Too Early To Call*** With over 100 miles on the Hierros and about 50 miles on the Trabuco Max 4, it's still too early to give a definitive verdict on long-term durability for both. So far, both shoes show expected minimal wear on the outsoles. The Hierro's Vibram lugs appear very robust and show little sign of degradation. The Trabuco Max 4's outsole is also holding up. I'll keep monitoring them. ***The Verdict: Pros & Cons*** New Balance Hierro v9 ✅ Pros: Comfortable upper, no hot spots Excellent lockdown despite softer upper Feels very stable on moderate terrain Great Vibram outsole grip, even on mud and wet rocks Dual-density midsole feels protective and plush without being mushy Less bottoming out than Hierro v7 ❌ Cons: Heavy, but does not feel sluggish Less nimble than lighter shoes Upper is quite warm in the summer Asics FujiTrabuco Max 4 ✅ Pros: Responsive, snappy FFBlast+ midsole that still protects well Excellent road-to-trail versatility – feels efficient on pavement Stable ride thanks to firmer foam and wide platform Disappears on foot like most Asics do ❌ Cons: Mediocre traction in wet or muddy conditions Less ground feel due to high stack Not ideal for extremely technical trails ***Conclusion: My Final Takeaway*** Considering all factors, the New Balance Hierro v9 remains my top choice for comprehensive trail running. Its superior comfort and, crucially, its consistently reliable grip in varied and challenging conditions make it a more dependable partner on the trails I typically encounter. I feel more secure in the Hierro, and that confidence is key. In fact I will be using it for my upcoming races and that says it all. While the Trabuco Max 4 has its strengths – especially its road-to-trail versatility and responsive ride – its limitations in grip are a significant drawback for me on wet, muddy, or very technical terrain. However, I will still use it for easier trails, hikes, and mixed road-to-trail courses where its firmer, snappier feel and Guidesole rocker shine. Also, I like having different trail shoes to rotate, for the same reasons I maintain a shoe rotation for road running (e.g., injury prevention, extending the lifespan of footwear, and optimizing performance**). So I don’t regret purchasing the Trabuco at all. As a running shoe hoarder, the more the merrier in my book – if you’re like me, you know what I mean

I typically wear an 11.5 or 12 in running shoes and went with a size 12 in the Trabuco Max 4 (same as in the Hierro). The fit is right for me length-wise, but it does feel a bit snug in the forefoot. I think it’s partly due to the combination of the max cushioning and the pronounced rocker, which can make the toe box feel slightly tighter than it actually is.

I have the TRABUCO MAX 4 from Asics and they‘re perfect for wide feet, best shoes I‘ve owned.

Yesterday I ran a 30-mile backyard race with my wife. That put my Trabuco Max 4 mileages up to 54 in the three weeks I’ve owned them. Here are my thoughts. Having run almost exclusively in Asics shoes for the latest two years, I was very excited to test the Trabuco Max 4. As a 6'3“, 215-pound runner in my mid-thirties, I have leaned in heavily to the max cushion category. The road running I do is in large part to supplement my trail races. Having run the Novablast 3, 4, 5, and most recently Superblast 2, the first pair I ordered in my running shoe size 12m. Upon trying them on, it was apparent I'd need to size up a half size. When I received the 12.5, they fit like a traditional size 12. My first trail run in the Trabuco Max 4 was a moderate effort 17km on dry, compact dirt. First Run: The foam is firm and compliant, which I seek in a running shoe being a heavier runner. Despite the stack height, I found the ground feel to be adequate. The forefoot rocker provided a pleasant and predictable transition from forefoot to toe off. The upper did a great job breathing throughout the run. The most striking aspect of the shoe was how much it protected my legs. At no point throughout the run did I feel fatigued. This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I left the trail stoked on the shoe. That same day, after I had taken off the shoe to continue my day, I started to experience heel pain that radiated up my calf. The pain was transient; however, I would experience shooting pain on the inside of my heel. I decided the next day to use the shoe to walk the kids to the park. This time the pain was present while wearing the shoe. I isolated the point of insult, which was the tibial nerve being compressed by the foam backed by the extremely firm heel counter. When I returned home, I attempted to massage the heel counter after applying heat in the hopes that it would be easier to shape. Second Run: I went out again for another 17k trail run after it rained overnight. Sections of the trail were fairly muddy this time. Within the first mile I again experienced shooting pain midline in the heel and up the calf. I was hoping the foam in the heel would start to compact through the run alleviating some of the impingement I was experiencing. While defending I ran through a muddy section. It was there the shoe washed out over and over again. The experience was similar to trail running in road shoes. There was a total loss of grip. the last 3km I did some Tabata repeats. The pain in the heel and calf intensified as the heel counter rose up the heel during shoes compression cycles. The next few days I continued to have heel and calf pain in my left leg. Running in the Novablast and Superblast didn't illicit the same discomfort but the shooting pain would be transient throughout the day. Third Run: After some time out of the Trabuco Max 4 I opted to run on the road with a few running buddies casually for 10k. The pain presented itself again. I kept the shoes on walking my daughter to the park hoping beyond the issue was only induced if I was running. Unfortunately the discomfort persisted. Conclusion: There are so many good things going for this shoe. The user Jacquard mesh is fantastic. The foam is firm and compliant which is excellent for folks who want a more responsive shoe over longer efforts as well as heavier runners. The toe box when sized up allows for splaying of the foot over time. Yesterday I ran a 30 miles in a backyard run with my wife. During those five and a half hours all the issue I’ve identified were largely absent. There were times i could feel the heel intrude on my Achilles. However it wasn’t too such a degree that I considered swapping shoes. My thoughts after the run are that since I’m predominately stroke on my forefoot the heel of the shoe isn’t depressing dramatically enough cause issues…. Walking or driving in the shoe when there is excessive dorsal flection the shoe is intolerable. I have a 50k race in five weeks. I’m considering the new balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9. I look forward to an Trabuco Max 5 update. I really hope they lower the heel counter height and reduce its stiffness. We also need to see a shoe with longer lugs and a better lug pattern to give confidence in wet conditions. I hope Asics makes the necessary changes to this shoe. I’ll be looking forward to it!

Thank you for this. I am a bit heavier as I allude to in my last post covering the ASICS Trabuco Max 4. I am considering switching those shoes out for this Hierro V9. Your write up has me convinced.

Great review. I also wrote a review after 50 miles in the Trabuco max 4. The TLDR version of that review that can be found [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/1l6uycl/asics_trabuco_max_4/) was the heel counter position was boarder line intolerable. I’ve since picked up a pair of the previous TM3. I’ll be racing an ultra in them this weekend. I’ll do another write up comparing the 4 to the 3 after.

Suggestion: buy 2 shoes, get older models on sale to mitigate the cost. I put 600 miles on Novablast 4s (1st pair short, on 3rd pair) and have 138 on Trabuco Max 4s. Lugs on pavement are harsh and slow, and the shoes really are meant to do different things. Taking the Trabuco Max's on a road run is something I would not voluntarily do. They are not so great off-road either, the softness of the stack and shape makes descending hard on the ankles. I take the Novablasts on dirt sometimes (gravel, sand in golden gate park or candlestick) and they work (fine in wet, that seems to be an internet myth) you just have to slow down. But on real trails you will mess up your ankles and/or crash, same with the TR thick-soled versions of other Asics shoes (tried TR novablast 3s and nimbuses). Besides being slow and harsh, the downside of lugs on pavement is premature wear - the roads grind the lugs down and the cost-savings of using one shoe disappear. I have a local loop that I do weekly that takes 3-4 miles of roads to get to a mix of gravel, dirt, roots and rocks (10-17 miles total), and there doesn't seem to be a good shoe compromise. The Saucony Endorphin Rift model (400+ miles on 2 pairs) was pretty good on the roads after 100-150 miles with worn lugs, but the lockdown for technical trails wasn't great.

As a 230 lb. Clydesdale, I've learned that you usually can't go off of typical running shoe reviewer's thoughts on ride/squish/bounce (which are mostly done by 155 lb. gazelles). Any time I hear someone say "too stiff", "It rides like a brick" and "overly clunky", I gets me interested. The big guy crowd is pushing 50-80 additional lbs. into the pavement and shoe companies aren't accounting for this additional weight. Imagine putting 911 shocks and springs on Silverado 2500. With very few exceptions, that's what's happening when we buy the shoes with rave reviews. The Asics Trabuco Max 4 appears to be either a foam spec mistake by Asics or it is designed to soften up after a relatively high mileage #. Hoping it is former because this shoe rocks in its current form. It squishes. It bounces and it doesn't wobble. Upper is plush and well padded and the heel cup is awesome, allowing you not having to crank down the laces in order to get a good lock up. Only negative I've heard on these is that the outsole isn't very good in mud. I've been doing 4-5 mile groomed trail runs with it for the past week and it has taken the Brooks Caldera's spot as my favorite "hobby" trail shoe. If you're a bigger guy and are looking for a road-to-trail, groomed trail, gravel shoe.... Buy with confidence!

UPDATE: Had to go up a size to protect my big toes and I now have 50 miles on the new pair. These things hit their foam sweet spot at about 20-30 miles. They are now compliant and still extremely stable. Phenomenal shoe!

Asics Trabucco Max 4...I have been wearing the same shoe since version 1. Great shoe, stable, comfortable, built for narrower top of the foot with a wider toe box.

I used brooks caldera but there’s something inside that rubs and gives me brutal blisters I now use ASICS Trabuco max 4 They are good and comfy Not a fast shoe Very grippy on everything apart from wet mud, where they are dangerous

I loved the Trabuco Max 2 and hated the Trabuco Max 4 for the first 50 km. After that they soften up and now I like them even more than the 2. But in my first runs the 4 was just terribly hard and I almost threw they away.

Im 5’10, 155 pounds and don’t think they are too stiff or clunky. Just finished a 100 miler and did the first 60 miles with the Trabuco Max 4. Switched back to the Trabuco Max 2 for about 20 miles, then finished the last 20 back in the 4’s. As others have said, these are pretty stable, despite the stack height. I have been through several pairs of Superblast 1 and 2 and feel like these ride and break in very similarly.

Oh you’re the dude with FOG shirt. I got the Trabuco max4 as well and going to swap out for these as well

I'm 210lbs (95kg?) and I recently picked up the Asics Trabuco Max 4's. I didn't have any time to test them on the roads, but I did run 20 miles with 5200ft gain on a semi-technical trail last Saturday and they felt amazing the entire time. I imagine these would be fine on the road too, as the lugs aren't deep. I plan on wearing these for my upcoming 50k.

I run in these 4 seasons. For the mud/snow seasons I have hex screws in the lugs. Makes them invincible .

Trabuco Max 4 is legit. Another great option with similar weight, stack, and drop is The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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)