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 stopped wearing Speedgoats bc they fall apart so damn fast. Great for their business, bad for us runners. Personally I’ve switched to the ASICS Trabuco Max 4. Lowkey great trail shoe. 

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

Hey fellow heavy runner. I’m about 120kg, 204cm and have had trouble finding a trail shoe for my 14/15 size foot. I’ve run in the Trabuco 13s, Trabuco Max 4s, Ultraventure 4s, Lone Peaks 9s, Caldera 7s, Zegama 2s, Saucony Xodus ultra 4s, and right now the Caldera 19s. I’ve learned that I need max cushion, and something a little more supportive. The Calderas weren’t great for me and the Trabuco 13s weren’t cushioned enough. What did you like/dislike about the Calderas?

Out of the shoes I’ve tried, my favorite have been the Xodus Ultra 4 and the Cascadia 19. They both fit true to size. If you try out the Trabuco Max 4, they seemed to fit small, and smaller than the same size Trabuco 13. And I actually really liked the Trabuco 13, but just found they didn’t quite have enough cushion. Black toenails is pretty normal in this hobby.

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.

If your trails aren't too technical, have a look at the Trabuco max 4 or the NB hiero v9. I also love my Trabuco 13s, they're not quite as squishy as the Max 4's, but give a little more ground feel for more technical trails.

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!