Mountain shoes
Product 2025
Woman, Man
We previously awarded the first version of the Asics Trabuco Max for its excellent on-trail performance, though its outsole wasn’t exactly a benchmark in durability.
Now, we’ve tested the Trabuco Max 4, a shoe that clearly belongs to the oversized trail category, reminiscent of some of the early Hoka models.
What we loved in the original Trabuco Max is still there: highly effective cushioning—generous but not spongy. The shoe filters out impact, but it doesn’t dull the stride’s energy return. There’s no excessive rolling either, and stability was judged good for runners around 70–75 kg. Heavier runners might find the midsole compresses a bit more underfoot.
Another strong point is the rockered geometry, which gives the shoe a nice forward roll. The ride is smooth despite the substantial stack height and overall bulk of the Trabuco Max 4. Even so, the weight remains reasonable at 305 grams (size 42.5).
So yes, this version of the Asics Trabuco Max brings real dynamic qualities, with a well-managed balance between cushioning and energy return.
The outsole grip is solid, the flat laces provide strong lockdown, and the foot is held securely, while still allowing for ample room in the toe box. The toe bumper is fairly thin, and you’ll find a heel tab for easy on/off. One thing to note: gaiter attachment systems have disappeared over successive generations of the Trabuco Max. That said, comfort is excellent, making it a great option for long-distance trail running.
In this oversized version, the Trabuco Max 4 stands out as an excellent trail shoe, with a well-balanced mix of high cushioning and solid stability. It receives our First Award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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