ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoes

The ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoe is a neutral, versatile, comfortable trail running shoe that can meet all your everyday trail running needs. It has a comfortable upper with good breathability and good foot protection, a dynamic medium-soft midsole with good stability and shock absorption so you can use it for longer runs, a good grip sending sole that holds up well on moderately difficult terrain, and rock protection layers over the outsole.

ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 upper

The upper of the ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoe is made up of two layers, with an inner insert in addition to the outer engineered mesh layer. The two layers make the shoe more comfortable, wick moisture well and allow for good breathability. The upper is medium width and fits true to size. The tongue of the shoe is gusseted, wide, thick, well cushioned and well protected from debris and tight laces. There is also an elastic strap on the tongue where you can hide the laces to prevent them from getting caught in anything while trail running. The lacing holes are laced for a better tightening of the laces for a safer better footing. The eyelets are reinforced with a layer of faux leather. The heel collar is low, highly cushioned and rigid for comfort and secure support. The heel and front of the shoe have additional layers to protect the foot and provide better protection against moisture.

ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 midsole

The ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoe midsole is made entirely of FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco foam, complemented by a GEL layer in the heel to improve the shoe’s shock absorption. FF Blast+ Eco foam is a soft but dynamic, lightweight foam that is very versatile. It’s comfortable for slow running, but also has a dynamic feel that makes it suitable for faster runs or longer distances. Although the shoe is neutral, the foam is reinforced on the medial side of the metatarsus, so the stability of the shoe is very good. Stability and protection of the foot is enhanced by the foam of the midsole flexing slightly over the upper. The midsole is wide and medium high, 36mm at the heel with a 8mm drop. Between the midsole and the outsole is a thin nylon rock protection plate in the middle and front of the foot.

ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 outsole

The outsole of the ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoe covers the entire midfoot with small cutouts. The cutouts serve two purposes, one is to reduce the weight of the shoe and the other is to make it easier for stuck mud to roll out of the rubber lugs. The outsole is made of ASICSGRIP rubber, which is a little softer than average, so it has good traction. The rubber lugs on the outsole are 4.5mm high, which is good for easy to moderate terrain, but not enough for difficult, technical terrain, wet rocky or deep muddy surfaces. The durability of the outsole is good, but it also depends on the type of terrain you typically run on.

ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 vs Gel-Trabuco 12

TheSICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoe has changed a lot from its predecessor. The weight has been significantly reduced by 26 grams, mainly due to a new midsole foam.

Only minor changes have been made to the upper, with a different mesh weave, reinforced eyelets and no moisture barrier on the front.

The midsole has changed the most, with the Gel-Trabuco 13 FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco foam being softer, more dynamic and lighter than the Gel-Trabuco 12 FlyteFoam Blast foam.

The outsole material and the height of the rubber lugs are the same, but the arrangement and orientation of the lugs has changed, with fewer lugs on the outsole 3, which gives less grip but makes it harder for mud to stick.

If you want to compare the two shoes, you can do so on this page.

Who are the ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoes for and what kind of running?

The ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 trail running shoe is a versatile everyday running shoe, recommended for both beginner and advanced trail runners. With a comfortable midsole that provides good cushioning, dynamics and stability, the Gel-Trabuco 13 is suitable for longer runs, but you can also use it for your faster runs. Its outsole design means it has little grip for heavier, more technical terrain, but it holds its own on lighter to medium terrain. It’s changed a lot from its predecessor, with a lighter weight and a new midsole that makes it softer and more dynamic without sacrificing stability.