ASICS Trabuco Max Full Review - back in the game?!?

[@lallen47]

Surely if you remove the quick laces and replace them with some standard ones that would solve this big issue?

[@petermuller6903]

This is a shoe meant for ultra trails, so the toebox has to be bigger due to foot swelling at the end of an ultra race.

[@mvzinn111]

QD: Altra Lone Peak and Timp 2. Timp for more groomed trails and the Lone Peak for more technical and messy trails.

[@gregprevite8548]

Seth could you put a pair of standard laces on the shoe to see if it helps with the lockdown and tongue issue. Very interesting shoe!

[@cmcolangelo]

QD: Saucony. I love my Xodus 10s, but saw a picture of their upcoming Endorphin Trail (PWRRUN PB Foam) trail shoe and I am all in.

[@dannyj1983]

Good morning, DGR! As a company: Adidas. C'mon Adi, make something that can compete in the trail circuit. One shoe: Salomon sense ride 4. I just love that shoe and can't wait to see the next iteration.

[@dustinfanzo8238]

Picked up a pair of these based on Seth mentioning to me on Twitter that they would be a sleeper shoe of 2021 and could work great for my needs - sandy, root-filled coastal trails of Outer Banks, NC/Virginia Beach plus some concrete commuting from door to trail. I am pretty new to trail running (and running in general) so definitely not going the same distances as Seth and others but so far I am loving the Trabuco Max. I’m not running super technical terrain but navigating some hilly, winding single track full of roots and rocks and sand and these have me feeling safe and secure while pushing the pace to a level I couldn’t sustain in my previous Saucony Guide 13 TR. The rockered design feels great, the lugs grip the terrain beautifully, and the cushion and outsole feel amazing when I move to gravel or concrete. Like grippy little marshmallows! The one issue I am having is that it feels like my toes are shoving up into the toe box while running hilly single track, leading to some toe bruising/pain. Is this a sizing issue? Maybe going up a half size will solve this problem? A little concerned about sizing up and having a less snug fit in the heel (and adding unnecessary weight) but maybe a half size won’t be a big deal? Thoughts from the community? Side note for other readers: I overpronate a bit and benefit from a light stability shoe and these have felt great for me.

[@Sabundy]

Asics has had a great 2020. They are definitely moving in the right direction and starting to do some really interesting stuff

[@ashleyhopkins9395]

Asics for the novablast 2 + hyperspeed. Had the novablast for 2 days to replace saucony ride iso2 and the shoe is crazy bouncy. 17 miles already with a long run coming up tomorrow!

[@timashley2421]

QD: inov_8 for technical trails and Altra for less technical. Looking forward to the new Lone Peak iteration.

[@j.w.matney8390]

I had the Trabuco 7 and while the traction was great, it was so heavy and felt like there were anvils tied to my feet on runs longer than 7 miles. For me, it was similar to the Speedgoat4 which also had great traction but wasn't the shoe for me.I've stuck with the Hoka Torrant and the Inov8 Roclite. I may give this shoe a try.

[@vladimirdmitriev5834]

Hi! I am from Moscow. Salomon speedcross works perfectly here with lots of snow and icy roads. 4th gen was super nice but they did not last long enough. 5th gen doesnt fit me as good as the 4th but they are WAY more durable for sure. So hopefully 6th gen of speedcross will be something like mix of everything great that was in the speedcross history.. seriously looking forward to it.. fingers crossed!!:)

[@ivanbarcot3827]

QD: Hoka One One becuse they make great trail running shoes that can last for many many miles. Onward and upward!

[@glenzilly6065]

Certainly Hoka for me. They already have probably the best trail running shoe lineup but also don’t seem afraid to take risks with new innovative products.

[@roemer7]

Could you cut out the bungee laces and put in traditional laces? That might be a cool video update on the shoe.

[@benjaminbarretto8744]

Haha I knew I wouldn’t be the only person to think of this! I just commented above lol

[@johnknowles5595]

QD: Topo Athletic. I am loving the Ultraventure Pro, although it hasn’t been getting the best reviews. Topo is coming out with the Ultraventure 2 that I am excited to try.

[@jackash1975]

I want to try the UV Pro but my feet sweat SO much i am afraid the water resistant upper will be problematic. What are your thoughts on the upper?

[@johnknowles5595]

@@jackash1975 I have not had an issue with the upper breathability. They are not water resistant. There is a review that show water being poured over the upper.

[@TheFODRunner]

I saw these and they intrigued me so good to hear your thoughts on them!

[@benjaminbarretto8744]

Looking forward to updated (late 2020) road and trail shoe matrix blogs Seth! I am in the market for some new trail shoes!

[@liamoak3390]

Can't wait to see what the hoka evo speedgoat 2 will be like

[@liamoak3390]

@@bildotunechi I have the hoka torrent 2s and done just over 400 miles in them, and apart from a small rip in the upper from running through a torn Bush they look and feel like new still

[@liamoak3390]

@@bildotunechi I had one lug come away on my outsole at 70 miles but super glued it back on and since then it's been fine

[@lukebrooker8356]

Seth you should test the Asics Fujitrabucco Lyte. It seems to have a similar midsole but is lighter and maybe a different upper.

[@davidatchison6408]

QD: Pre-ordered the Altra Lone Peak 5 and looking forward to trying out this update. Past experience with Lone Peaks has been positive.

[@runnerfig]

Nike Wildhorse 7. If they can dial in the midfoot fit they will have an absolute beast of a shoe

[@MartinH_-_-_1]

HOKA for a new version of the Evo Speedgoats would be cool. Also a big ASICS fan and this shoe looks great so high hopes for them as well.

[@dazdarren9926]

QD: Inov 8. Love the graphene grip and looking forward to seeing it in more of their shoes

[@howsthatchicken5490]

I'm really surprised (and dissapointed) they screwed up the lacing system! Asics uses the quick-lacing system for the Fujitrabuco Pro and with that shoe they absolutely nailed it! Perfect lockdown and distribution of pressure. And the laces can be tucked underneath a small elastic tab which holds them in place at all times. No tongue (pocket) issues because the Pros don't have a tongue but an extremely comfortable (I love it!) sockliner, which keeps sand and rocks out and your feet and anckles nicely tucked in. And the outsole has amazing grip. The shoe is very light-weight as well. I've run distances of up to a little over a marathon in them and absolutely love the Pros. However, because they're medium cushioned I was looking to add a maximum cushioned trail running shoe that is still light-weight for ultras. Bought the Hoka Evo Speedgoat but the rocker sole is not working for my feet, they cause injuries. So dissapointed, because the shoe in itself is great, it's just not working for me. Was therefore happy to hear Asics comes with a more plush version of the Fujis, hoping those would be the perfect solution. But after your and other people's review, who indicated the exact same issues, I'm going to continue my search for the perfect maximum cushioned trail running shoe.

[@37wolverinedreams]

Las Sportiva makes an absolutely superb tie-down system, this is their thing, mountain shoes. I have never seen you wear La Sportiva? I just like how Asics fit my feet, if they had come out with this 6 months earlier, I would get these instead of my Hoka Bondi 6, maybe.

[@AsGuusual]

Some shoes are just exciting and this is definitely one of them. Great review (as always) Seth! QD: I've seen it suggested more in the comments, but since I saw Saucony is releasing the Endorphin Trail that has to be my pick as well.

[@davidbarclay7606]

Skechers max trail 6 hyper,it's got a full hyperburst midsole with a pebax forefoot plate

[@chippercatt]

do you know the release date?

[@parrotbrand2782]

Actually it is quite good running on asphalt too. But the outsole may wear out faster. It is on par with my best road running shoes. Lots of cushioning and rebound

[@jenellygarcia8013]

I love your blogs .keep going seth. I love to run too.

[@ryanlafferty7807]

QD: Skechers...I’m in love with Hyper Burst on the road, the Speed Trail was super interesting, and their new Max Trail may be a game changer!

[@rcbraith]

Have a look at the Saucony Canyon TR, it looks sweeeet, wil be on my list!

[@pitchmeupscotty]

QOD: Asics. Try the PRO (Asics Fujitrabuco Pro)! It doesn't have the tongue problem, a lot lighter, can go fast (it's designed as a racer), and fantastic grip in wet/muddy conditions. It does have the same lacing problems though. The ride of the Pro reminds me of the Hoka ATR 1, but the Pro has tons more grip. And I think they could even reduce the stack a mm or 2 to get a good short distance racer... Would love to try out the Lyte or Sky.

[@marlinweekley51]

have used a number of trail shoes and most worked well or ok but I find myself throwing in Hoka ATR 5s most often - they just seem to work best for my kind of running. Note: for some reason(s) the ATR 6 was not as acceptable to the feet - and “if feet aren’t happy legs aren’t happy” 😆🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@xXskaxxkidXx]

The Fuji Trabuco Pro has a lot of the same tech, but has the proper quick lace system and built in gaiter and I found mine at less than half the price of the max

[@arabacus]

possibly ASICS considering how positive your review of this shoe is, also looking forward to seeing what Hoka does

[@joshcontreras8821]

Qd: Topo. I really liked the ultraventure

[@jackash1975]

I also really like the Ultraventure. The upper has a lot of overlays that took a while to stretch/loosen. After about 25 miles the upper started to gel with the great comfort of the midsole.

[@AvinMarv]

the ASICS Gel Fujitrabuco 8 Goretex which I have been using for trail running and snow running are better in my opinion. When you brought up the lacing problem, the Fujitrabuco 8 Goretex has nailed it. The outsole is amazing; the shoes have so much grip on snow and slippery pavement. Just my opinion.

[@TracyK6066]

I’ve been looking forward to your Trabuco review ever since you mentioned running with them on Strava! They seem much softer/cushioned than the Salomon Speedcross (shame about the Trabuco lacing system though! In general much prefer regular laces). As a Bostonian I need to run through snowy parks and pavement and these sound pretty perfect. As Jami would say, MAGA.... Make Asics Great Again!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Make sure you watch tomorrow’s vlog 👍🏻

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

I put on classic laces, because I don't like auto laces, and it is superb.

[@SPORTS-ct9ot]

@@guilletjean-jacques5107 I am thinking of buying these shoes but the lace system was making me hesitant. Glad you shared your comment. I will likely switch to traditional laces as well. How is your current experience with the shoe?

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

@@SPORTS-ct9ot , je fais un 44 dans quasiment toutes les marques , et les asics taillent 1/2 pointure plus petite je trouves , si j avais eu un 44.5 je les auraient misent sans hesiter pour faire l UTMB , je n aurais pas mis les Hoka speedgoat , car pour moi les trabucco max sont meilleure en terme de confort , de dynamisme , il n y a pas photo , et puis en terme de durabilitée du mesh , c est le jour et la nuit , la ou en 400 km les trabucco n ont pas bougée , j ai du renvoyer , apres mon UTMB les hoka speedgoat 4 qui n avaient que 200 km , et ou le mesh commençait a se couper serieusement , j ai donc demandé un rembourssement . Pour ce qui est de l accroche sur n importe quelle surface , je peus vous dire que Asics avec leur nouvelle gomme sont au meme niveau que continental et vibram .

[@thomashayes9961]

Salomon has a new max cushioned trail shoe coming in June.

[@alpha760320]

Hey Seth, just wanted to tell you that ASICS is very invested since 2018-2019 in French trail running world especially with French pro trail runner Xavier Thevenard. They have a trail racing shoe named ASICS Gel-Fujitrabuco Sky. Xavier Thevenard tried to beat GR20 record (111 miles) with that shoe. It’s available in France since July but I don’t know where to find it in US, it’s not even listed on ASICS US website. Hope you can get your hands on that shoe because I think it will be a major 2021 trail racing shoe. Have a great day

[@CAIrondad]

Seth You have me laughing out loud with the discussion of the tongue! But overall, otherwise, this does look like a great shoe.

[@bradwigs75]

Another great video by Seth

[@SergiuSalcau00]

Can anyone elaborate something about this shoe concerning stability, ankles on steep and technical descents and downhills at speed????

[@egardner]

Looking forward to a new iteration of the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail. I feel like the shoe was perfect for me except that the tongue needs to be FULLY gusseted. Had to return the shoe because the tongue kept slipping way to the outsides of my feet. Seth, how would you compare the Trabuco Max to the More Trail?

[@df540148]

QD: Salomon. I'm excited to see the evolution of the Sense Ride and what tech they can draw from the Phantasm for the trail lineup.

[@edrianwick]

0:50 I don't like how his feet lean inward creating that pronation. I don't know how to run and I want to start running but I don't know which shoes to choose due to the large number of them. If someone can help me find some good shoes to start running? I am looking for shoes that are fast and that help eliminate pronation if possible.

[@ozenfant_ozn]

QD: Hoka as a brand. but if there's one shoe i'm really looking forward to it's the Salomon sense ride 4.

[@madtrexx]

QD: omg can't wait for novablast 2 from Asics :D

[@jackash1975]

Oh yeah!! So excited/nervous to see what V2 brings to the table.

[@jamiewright4704]

Try tucking the drawstring under the lace crossover second or middle way up the laces and forget the pocket.Throw back to a pair of terrex Adidas similar system from a few years ago..

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Please Trabuco Sky next!

[@runbikerun8189]

I am looking forward to seeing how BROOKS expands and innovates with the CATAMOUNT.

[@alracandffej]

Love the review and great job pointing out the tongue flaw (deal breaker). Do you have a review on the ASICS Trabuco 9?

[@JROPDX]

They almost made a trail shoe I would like to try but that tongue and lace system would drive me crazy. I would like to see Brooks get it rite with the Caldera or something that had a more aggressive lug pattern.

[@stevendoll8993]

Seth when are you going to do a review of the Salomon Snowspike CSWP? Love the channel. Keep it up.

[@fastrax1949]

Nice one, thanks. I'm not a fan of this lace system either. I have replaced in Salomon shoes with conventional. The shoe also does not have a second lace hole at the top for better heel lockdown and looking at next season's version (AW2021) the design is the same. Just a different colourway. The new trail shoe from Asics I am most excited about is the TERRA at £100 here in the UK. So $100 or $105 US? It bridges the gap between the Sonoma 6 and the Trabuco 9 and should fly out!!

[@agsmith001]

nice to see a lower drop on an Asics. looking for something with some energy return with lugs. which company am i excited about? i guess Altra if they can fix problems with Timp 2.0

[@philippegagne268]

QD: love my Hoka for trail runs but I’d like to try something new in 2021. Maybe a New Balance or Adidas. Have a great day everyone

[@mckl1791]

Hello. Finally, does somebody have tested switching to a normal lacing system ?

[@KrisztianDrKasza]

I'm about to do it! This bloody clips are way too tight, it's a horror to loosen it. But the BIGGEST problem is that the line are so thin, they cut into my foot (blocking my arteria [dorsalis pedis], so my toes got numb! When I loosened it, the whole shoe become too loose.

[@SeeChadRun]

Seth, a year ago you mentioned that you wanted to try out the Adidas Speed LD trail shoe. I love that shoe! It's lightweight but the cushioning has a good enough job You can use it for long trail rims. As for the Trabuvo, it seems like a great shoe, but that tongue would bother me.

[@simonziernhold4422]

QD: La Sportiva, because they make good shoes for mountain running and alpinism.

[@ebscoHOSTpub]

i love asics transformation this year but sometimes I wish that they would do something different or revolutionary with FlyteFoam. Its been years since they changed something. FFBlast is great...work with that.

[@benjaminbarretto8744]

I don’t know if anyone has already suggested this or if you thought of it, but what if you just cut out the quick laces and use your own traditional laces to get a better fit? If you try it out, maybe you could give us an update?

[@jmax9782]

Cut out those laces, bore a new hole closer to the rear of the shoe so new regular laces can be tied in a runners knot. And custom trim the tongue.

[@KrisztianDrKasza]

Agree, the lacing system suck, after two run I hate it! I'm going to change it too a normal shoelace...

[@SeenaTabatabai]

This one I’m getting it today I was hoping this one came out I had to return another one that didn’t fit which was a Scott I have 2 other road ASICS shoes the 360s. EDIT i pre-ordered it today.

[@nicross5000]

Thanks for thay great review! What model of Salomon has great laces please? I am eager to figure out that

[@francescodefendi3201]

That SHOEDIO Neon is great! 👏🏼

[@gasbike100mpg]

Hey Seth, would the toebox on this shoe be comparable to a wide shoe?? my feet do well with the toebox of a cheapo asics gen contend 7 4E. i need max cusion with a wide toebox. Hoka speedgoat 4 , wide version, just isnt wide enough , the toe taper is a bit sharp for me. thanks for posting this video.

[@oldmancycling7440]

Got these shoes and the tongue doesnt stick out on mine at all. Not sure what you did to your test shoes but having no issue with mine. Mine are the black version though if that makes them different

[@jernejznidarsic6345]

Yo man again in 🇸🇮Slovenian🇸🇮 jeresy, eho gave it to you? Luka?

[@pierrotgodot]

Try the Fujitrabuco Lyte, completely different shoe but very light and very fast

[@jrowan99]

QD: The Saucony Endorphin Trail looks interesting. With some many people loving the speed it will be interesting what the trail version is like.

[@DMcC123]

I just googled to find it, but it didn’t come up. Can you post a link? If it is anything like the Speed, that would be very compelling.

[@jrowan99]

@@DMcC123 I saw it on Ed Bud's channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaa5goOQjq9joK8

[@carlstoakes6240]

How does it compare against the Fresh Foam More Trail? A better outsole here I think but comfort overall?

[@tsubakichan]

For quick-lacing innovation, I'm curious what you'd think of Saucony Switchback 2!

[@paddywiggle]

As a cyclist, one boa dial usually doesnt work for me. It ends up tightening the shoe in one spot more than others. Usually I need two to get a good lockdown. Unless they fixed this with the Saucony, I wouldn’t buy it

[@darinhorton7957]

So could you remove the laces they have and put normal shoe laces to have a better lockdown?

[@schneckenwilly]

Can you use the Trabuco Max like an all terrain show like the Hoka challenger atr?

[@komorebi_5549]

Just curious, what are the benefits of this lock lacing system as opposed to traditional lacing?

[@jimodonnell2560]

Is the forefoot of the Asics Trabuco Max as wide as the Saucony Mad River? Since you have both shoes and judging by the insoles, which is wider? Thanks!

[@fabsterun]

Testing my Asics tomorrow not the max. Another suprise shoe it is a trabuco tho!

[@_EveryStepofTheWay]

If you can get the Trabuco max at 40% discount and Trabuco max 2 is regular price, which one would you go for? I’m looking for a shoe to wear for long distance walking with an average of 18-22 KM a day on the Camino de Santiago. I’m trying to decide between Brooks Caldera or Asics Trabuco Max 2, but I also wonder if maybe the previous version May work too

[@cherine777]

Hi Seth, I am looking at this shoe but a bit unsure of how it will handle really technical/rocky terrain? How was it going up and down hills? I'm nervous but I LOVE the feel of the shoe. Thanks!

[@derkiealfonso2393]

Why don't you come back for the review later ?

[@jernejznidarsic6345]

Do you know what new hoka collection is comming in january?

[@dominicsiu4419]

Hoka One One for sure although I still haven’t try any one of them cuz I still haven’t burn all my trail shoes yet🤣

[@Themata]

QD: chomping at the bit for the Altra Olympus 4.0 to arrive in my local store. Hoping they're the ticket for my first 50k 🤞 Max cushioned, max grip, zero drop, foot friendly shape 👍 Heavy, expensive 👎

[@nandkishoresharma5014]

Hey seth It will be appreciable if I get your advice on choosing between Gt 2000 8 Or Cumulus 22 I have no idea about my feet being pronation Or not.. Please help , should I get stability shoe even if I am neutral runner?? I am using Pegasus 36 and go for 2-3miles run daily. I loved skechers cushioning as compared to Pegasus. Looking forword to try my hands on asics this time..please suggest Appreciated

[@slavasss2189]

Side question- how to sort shoes in strava in alphabetical order? In sets list in chaotic way....same with my strava....and i not understand the logic how shoes are sorted.... who knows??

[@RebsGuarina]

How does this compare with the trabuco 9? Thanks

[@jurijtavcar4485]

Where did you get Slovenian top?

[@thebuzzingrunner4573]

Could you swap out the laces? Lace them up with a runners knot. Would that pin down that awful tongue?

[@WWidaKK]

Hei cool jacket. Slovenian right here 😁 anyone from Slovenia?

[@michaelormondrobinson]

Heya Seth. Is a wide fitting available in this shoe?

[@kad6000]

How are the Trabuco max compared to VJ Maxx?

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Hoka - upgrade to the EVO Jawz!

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

@@larsrytter1052 try! They are soft as a feather and light.

[@jacobreesmontgomery]

QD: I’m not really a trail runner but I would say Hoka One One because of the Speedgoat!

[@thirdculturemama]

Probably inov-8. Salomon & Hoka as runners up!

[@danieltsuedo334]

why didn’t they just go standard lacing ? how did this tongue and lacing, make it out of the prototype stage ?

[@jackash1975]

Exactly what i was thinking. When the design team was done, do you think they were like, "nailed it!"

[@danieltsuedo334]

@@jackash1975 if they think they “nailed it”..., they better have a talk with that designer(s).., on what is, and isn’t a finished product

[@DJ4712DC]

Common projects can wait for their trail shoes

[@lukesherwin4137]

Hoka and Nike: because I believe they will both come out with an innovative carbon-plated trail shoe (not withstanding Nike’s first awful attempt you showcased a couple weeks ago).

[@stefanbruhn8536]

QoD: i want to see if Nike can fix their mountain fly "issue". Lets imagine a 250g trail racing shoe with a plate?

[@paddywiggle]

Yea same