Article by Markus Zinkl and Nils Scharff
ASICS Trabuco Max 4 (180,00 €)
Introduction
Today we're talking about a shoe that looks pretty impressive on paper: the fourth edition of the Asics Trabuco Max. Thick sole, maximum comfort - that's what Asics promises. My colleague Nils and I strapped the shoe to our feet to find out what's what. We will share our thoughts and experiences with you here. Here is my first detailed impression after a few kilometers on the trails at home.
Pros:
- Very comfortable to walk in thanks to the generous heel padding.
- Very good stability for a shoe with a high stack height (wide platform, foot sits low).
- Good, protective cushioning for long distances.
- Feels lighter than the weight might suggest when running.
- Very durable ASICSGRIP outsole.
- Reliable grip for forest, gravel and moderate trail conditions.
- Ideal for long, relaxed runs "cruising".
- Good heel hold.
Cons:
- "Smart Lace Loop" (lace garage) a little loose, laces can slip out.
- Inner lining material can initially cause friction/hotspots with very thin socks (problem solved with thicker socks).
- Cushioning is rather firm, not extremely soft or "pillowy" (can also be an advantage depending on your preference).
Stats
Spec Weight: 315 g (men's EU 42 / US 8,5
Sample Weights: 11.5 oz / 326g (men's EU 44,5 / US 10,5), 332g (men's EU 44,5 / US 10,5)
Stack Height: 35mm Forefoot / 40mm Heel
Drop: 5 mm
Available now: $160/ 180,00 €
First impression, Fit and u=Upper
Markus: The stylish engineered jacquard mesh upper immediately catches the eye when unpacking. Not only does it look good, it also promises good breathability. Slipping them on is easy and the first impression on the foot is: comfortable!
The heel in particular is really generously padded and immediately feels comfortable. The hold in the heel area is great, I didn't even have to resort to marathon lacing.
I noticed one small drawback with the lacing: The "Smart Lace Loop", this little garage for the ends of the laces, seems a little loose. In my case, the ends of the laces sometimes got loose - nothing dramatic, but could be a little tighter.
In terms of fit, the Trabuco Max 4 reminds me a little of the Salomon Glide Max TR, but with a visibly higher stack height. On my first run with very thin socks, however, I had a problem: I got slight hotspots and even the beginnings of blisters on both balls of my feet, both on the inside (medial). My guess is that the upper material on the inside is perhaps a little too rough for my feet in combination with thin socks. I switched to slightly thicker socks on the following runs and lo and behold - no more problems! The shoe sits well and securely on the foot.
Nils: The ASICS Trabuco Max 4 is a really nice shoe! The colorway we were given, which ASICS calls "Cold Moss / Nova Orange", is really successful. The two greenish base tones are set off wonderfully by the orange accents. And the second colorway that ASICS offers in Germany also looks really chic!
Two overlays are particularly worth mentioning: firstly, the ASCIS logo, which provides additional support in the midfoot area, and secondly, the reinforcement of the toe area, which stands out in a dark color.
Apart from that, I can wholeheartedly agree with Markus: The Trabuco Max is all about comfort. The level of cushioning is most comparable to ASICS' premium trainer, the Nimbus. Normally I would say at this point that this is too much for me, but for a shoe that will potentially be worn for a long distance and time beyond the marathon distance, this may be just right.
In terms of fit, I found the Trabuco Max to be a tad too short. So if you are between two sizes or are planning to run an ultra in the shoe, you should perhaps choose half a size larger.
Midsole
Markus: This is where it gets exciting, because the FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole is the heart of this "Max" shoe. And yes, the stack height is considerable! Interestingly, however, the midsole doesn't feel as super soft and spongy as you might expect. It's more on the firmer side.
However, this is not a disadvantage, as the cushioning is still good and also works well over longer distances. What I particularly like is that the platform of the shoe is nice and wide. This, together with the fact that the foot feels like it is sitting in the midsole and not just on top of it, provides surprisingly good stability for a shoe with so much cushioning under the foot. You feel secure and don't topple around.
Nils: As the name suggests, the ASICS Trabuco Max 4 has an immense stack height of 35mm under the forefoot and 40mm under the heel. The resulting drop of 5mm is more or less the norm for trail shoes and harmonizes well with the rocker geometry in the forefoot area of the Trabuco Max.
The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole foam used comes from the last generation of ASICS cushioning materials and could be felt, for example, in the Novablast 4 or Nimbus 25 models. Measured by today's standards, it is therefore a rather firm cushioning foam, which takes into account the high structure of the shoe and contributes to the much-needed stability. The same applies to the extreme width of the midsole. Last but not least, a slightly flared heel section provides even more stability and, in combination with the slight hint of rocker, provides guidance.
Outsole
Markus: There's actually not much to complain about when it comes to the outsole. Asics uses the tried and tested ASICSGRIP compound, which is known for its durability. I'm not worried that the studs will wear out quickly.
In terms of grip, the sole is more than sufficient for the terrain for which the Trabuco Max 4 is intended - i.e. easier to moderate trails, forest paths and gravel tracks. It grips reliably and provides security. Of course, there are more specialized soles for deep mud or extremely technical, alpine terrain, but the overall package is perfect here for its intended terrains.
Nils: When it comes to the outsole, ASICS clearly relies on the tried and tested. The multidirectional lug pattern has already been used in several Trabuco variants in one form or another. The same applies to the ASICSGRIP rubber compound. This has always been one of the firmer types of trail rubber and promises extremely high durability with good traction.
During my test runs in the local woods, I didn't notice any weaknesses. And even on asphalt - e.g. during the transit to the trails - the medium-height studs didn't get in the way at all. Quite the opposite - the Trabuco Max glides smoothly over any terrain.
Running Feel and Ride
Markus: How does it run? Surprisingly well! What I noticed immediately was that the shoe is much lighter and more agile than its weight would suggest. You don't have the feeling that you're carrying around a heavy block. The midsole confirms the impression when standing still: it is not overly soft or cushiony. Rather, you feel a denser foam under the foot, which compresses and cushions noticeably up to a certain point, but doesn't sink away completely or give an undefined feeling.
This makes the shoe an ideal companion for relaxed "cruising". Long runs at a moderate pace on not too technical trails are its profession. This is exactly where it shows its strengths: Comfort and cushioning without becoming unstable. The combination of the wide platform and the slightly firmer midsole ensures a secure feeling even over longer distances.
That was my impression of the Asics Trabuco Max 4, an exciting shoe for anyone looking for maximum comfort and good cushioning for long, relaxed runs on easier trails without sacrificing stability. Let's see what my colleague Nils has to report!
Nils: I can only agree with Markus' comments on the running sensation. Despite 332 grams in my test size US 10.5 / EUR 44.5, the ASICS Trabuco Max runs very comfortably and the high weight on the foot is quickly forgotten.
Of course, the Trabuco Max is naturally not the most agile shoe. It's just as logical that it doesn't feel bombproof on very technical trails due to the high stack height. But on my local forest paths and single track trails, it ran smoothly. Thanks to the slightly firmer midsole tuning, there is enough stability in most cases and the deep cushioning doesn't feel spongy at all.
ASICS particularly emphasizes the protection and comfort of the Trabuco Max, both of which I consider to be its outstanding features. The Trabuco Max will certainly be on my feet in the future for long basic off-road runs or easier hikes.
Summary and Rcommendations
Markus: To summarize, the Asics Trabuco Max 4 is an extremely comfortable and, despite its maximum cushioning, surprisingly stable trail running shoe. It shines with a plush but not too soft midsole that provides protection on long distances, a wide, confidence-inspiring platform and a durable outsole with good grip for moderate terrain.
Minor points of criticism such as the somewhat loose Smart Lace Loop or the initial sensitivity of the inner material with thin socks hardly dampen the positive overall impression.
I therefore recommend the Asics Trabuco Max 4 to all runners who are looking for a shoe with maximum comfort for long, relaxed sessions on forest paths, gravel roads and easier trails. Anyone who likes to "cruise", attaches great importance to cushioning and stability and perhaps also wants to tackle an ultra-distance on suitable surfaces will find a reliable partner here.
However, if you are looking for an extremely light, agile shoe for technical trails and high speeds or prefer a super-soft, almost spongy ride, you should perhaps look elsewhere. For everyone else: a great comfort cruiser for long distances!
Markus’ Score 8,55/10
Ride: 8,5 - Fit 8,5 - Value 8 - Style: 8 - Traction: 9 - Rock Protection: 9
Nils: The ASICS Trabuco Max 4 is a shoe that does a lot right and nothing really wrong. The high midsole construction limits it somewhat in terms of technical terrain, and it also lacks a little agility and therefore versatility due to its high weight. However, these are foreseeable "shortcomings" for a trail shoe with maximum cushioning and don't bother you at all on moderate trails and at relaxed speeds. On the contrary - the Trabuco Max 4 offers a high level of protection and comfort, making it ideal for cruising over long distances. It also cuts a fine figure as a lightweight hiking shoe thanks to its good grip and slightly firmer midsole.
Nils’ Score: 8.43 / 10
Ride: 8 - Fit: 8.5 - Value: 8 - Style: 9 - Traction: 8.5 - Rock Protection: 9.5
4 Comparisons
Hoka Speedgoat 6 (RTR Review)
Markus: The Asics Trabuco Max 4 is positioned as an extremely stable comfort cruiser for long runs on moderate trails, with cushioning that is firm rather than overly soft. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 offers a similarly high level of cushioning, but is often perceived as slightly softer and more agile, and is considered a versatile all-rounder with excellent Vibram grip, but perhaps does not quite achieve the full stability of the wide Asics platform.
ASICS Metafuji Trail (RTR Review)
Nils: The Metafuji Trail is even more cushioned than the Trabuco Max. However, the upper material is much more minimalist and trimmed for competition, which makes it a little less stable, but at the same time gives it an enormous weight advantage of approx. 50 grams. Thanks to the competition foam FFTurbo foam in combination with a carbon fiber plate, it is significantly more agile and wants to be challenged accordingly. It is therefore a competition option, while the Trabuco is primarily reserved for training. Both EUR 44.5
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 (RTR Review)
Markus:The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 also competes on comfort, but tends to have an even softer Fresh Foam X feel and is often a little more "lifestyle" in appearance, while the Trabuco Max is more direct.
VJ Shoes Ultra 3 (RTR Review)
Markus: The VJ Shoes Ultra 3 is completely different. It prioritizes maximum grip, especially on technical and wet surfaces, as well as robustness and generally offers a firmer, more direct running feel with less of a focus on plush comfort.
Tester Profiles
Markus Zinkl is 35 years old and lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. He started running only to support his main sport, soccer. Since he stopped playing soccer, running has become his main sport to stay fit. He now runs between 60 and 80 kilometers 5-6 times a week. Apart from a local relay race, he rarely runs races. Markus runs both on the trail and on the road and is an absolute gear geek. Besides running, he spends most of his free time hiking, especially in the mountains, where his interest in equipment also comes into play.
Nils Scharff
I am 35 years young, born in Kassel, married to a wonderful wife and have been running around Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I have practiced all kinds of sports all my life, often 5-7 times a week. In addition to running, I have been climbing and bouldering for a few years now. I haven't considered myself a runner for very long. It all started with a company run that I didn't want to go into completely unprepared. From that point on, I just didn't stop. In 2017, I "only" ran just under 1000 kilometers, in 2018 I doubled that, and in 2019 I tripled it. The most important thing for me during all these kilometers, whether on the trail or on the road, is to switch off and exercise in nature. You will rarely find me on the treadmill or with headphones on. I have now run eleven marathons, and I recently set my PB of 2:40:05h in Berlin. In competitions, I generally run all distances from 5km (16:59min), 10km (34:44min) and half marathons (1:15:29h) to marathons.
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