First Look: ASICS Trabuco Max

The Trabuco Max has been out for a while and is a bit of a sleeper hit. Last weekend I put them through their paces. Here’s a sneak peek into what this monster truck of a shoe brings to the table.

Design and Construction
There’s no way to deny that this shoe is a thick boy and probably the highest stack I’ve ever run in. The aesthetics are acceptable, but nothing to write home about. That being said they’ve made the shoe feel a lot less bulky than many of the offering in this space and it feels light on your feet.

Comfort and Fit
The step in feel of Trabuco Max is probably one of the best I’ve ever experienced, wide, soft, and plush with a solid lockdown. The FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning is softer than any of the other max cushion trail shoes, but not so soft that you feel like you’re going to fall over. This was the most pleasant surprise to me. For a stack this high you would think you would lose stability, but due to the wider base I felt securely footed on both runs. These are what I expect a high-stack shoe to feel like.

Performance
My initial impressions is this shoes is FUN. The outsole, while not Vibram, handles like a champ on a myriad of surfaces (ASICS Grip for the win). The midsole cushioning will make those long hours on your feet float by, but the softness and energy return isn’t the best if you’re looking to push the pace. I will continue to put these shoes through their paces to assess their real-world performance.

Highlights
- FF BLAST™ PLUS midsole cushioning is a pure joy on those easy long runs
- The ASICS Grip and updated lug pattern just works
- Wider toebox for prolonged comfort on those longer efforts
- Currently on sale for $99 USD

Awaiting Full Assessment
- Long-distance comfort over extended runs
- Durability over the long haul
- Where this shoe lives in the rotation

In closing, the ASICS Trabuco Max may be a great max cushion for your next 100miler or long easy days out on the trails. Stay tuned for a full review coming soon