Asics Trabuco Max 3 trail running shoes

The Asics Trabuco Max 3 trail running shoe is an everyday trail running shoe with extremely high cushioning and a midfoot, making it ideal for longer runs. It will be loved primarily by those who value high cushioning, expect a trail running shoe to provide a comfortable sole and get tired as soon as possible. The FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam that makes up the midsole is a soft and dynamic foam, but at such an extreme volume (the midsole is 43mm thick at the heel), it makes the shoe stiff, which is good in some ways for off-road, but there are drawbacks. Compared to the previous version, the Trabuco Max 2 trail running shoe, almost only the upper of the shoe has changed.

The Trabuco Max 3 upper

Asics Trabuco Max 3 Upper

The upper of the Asics Trabuco Max 3 trail running shoe consists of a technical mesh upper (previously made from a mesh material) complemented by plus layers in multiple locations. In trail shoes, protection of the foot is usually a priority, so the upper is usually made of thicker and stronger material. Thicker materials tend to be less breathable (there are exceptions), and the Trabuco Max 3 is no exception. On hotter summer days, this upper is not ideal, unlike the previous version of the Trabuco Max. However, the thick upper is highly abrasion resistant and has good durability. The tongue is moderately thick, wide and fixed on both sides, providing good protection against debris. As in the previous version, there’s an elastic strap on the tongue that you can tuck the laces behind so they don’t get in the way while running and don’t get caught in anything. The heel collar of the shoe is moderately cushioned, and is particularly stiff, so it protects the foot and provides stability. The very stiff heel collar can cause foot support problems for people with an ankle that is not average, they will not be able to hold their foot securely with this stiff heel collar. The upper is also ideal for runners with wide feet.

Asics Trabuco Max 3 midfoot

Asics Trabuco Max 3 Upper

The midsole of the Asics Trabuco Max 3 trail running shoe hasn’t changed much from the previous version, still a very highly cushioned soft but structurally rigid midsole. The FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam that makes up the midsole is a dynamically bouncy but soft comfortable foam material that is currently the best foam Asics uses in everyday running shoes (Novablast, Nimbus, Cumulus, FujiLite, GT-200). The foam is 43mm thick at the heel and 38mm thick under the toes, with no separate rock protection plate, but in a midsole this thick, there’s no need for one. The high cushioning gives maximum comfort and shock absorption, making the shoe suitable for longer distance running. Ground feel and respositivity are very minimal in the shoe, so this is something to consider before buying. No matter how soft a midsole is, when it is as thick as the Trabuco Max 3 midsole, it makes the shoe structurally rigid. This is beneficial and necessary for a midsole this high because it makes the shoe more stable. A wider than average midsole geometry further aids stability. Because the midsole is rigid, the resulting stability is only effective on easier terrain. On very uneven, rocky ground, it is less stable because the midsole is too rigid and cannot flex.

Asics Trabuco Max 3 outsole

Asics Trabuco Max 3 upper

The outsole of the Asics Trabuco Max 3 trail running shoe is made from AsicsGrip rubber compound, a medium tough material. Although the outsole completely covers the midsole, it has numerous tiny holes that both make the shoe lighter and make it harder for mud to stick to the rubber spikes. The rubber spikes are oriented in different directions and are 4 mm thick, which is average. The moderately hard AsicsGrip rubber compound grips well, but wears a little faster than average. Because the high and stiff midsole makes it less than optimal to run in the Trabuco Max 3 on rocky, difficult terrain, it is not so important that the outsole grips well on rocks. On easier and moderately technical terrain, the outsole grip is good, even on wet surfaces.

Summary

Overall, the Asics Trabuco Max 3 trail running shoe is an everyday trail running shoe with very high cushioning for longer distances. It’s a good choice for colder days as the upper is less ventilated, providing good foot protection. The upper is more suited to those with a wider foot. The midsole is very high, good shock absorption but stiff and non-responsive. The outsole has good traction, but overall it is recommended for light to moderately difficult terrain.