ULTIMATE trail comfort? ASICS Trabuco Max 4 Initial Review

Today, we’re taking a first look at ASICS’ latest high-cushion trail running shoe, the Trabuco Max 4. Let’s dive in!

Upper Construction

ASICS consistently delivers high-quality uppers, and the Trabuco Max 4 is no exception. The engineered Jacquard mesh is soft to the touch, breathable, and made from 100% recycled materials, which is a great sustainability win.

The shoe features a gusseted tongue, well-padded ankle collar, and a substantial heel cradle for added support. A lace garage allows you to tuck laces away neatly. The standout feature is the cord-style lacing system, which runs through the eyelets for an adjustable and secure fit. We’ll see how well this works on the run!
 

Midsole & Cushioning

The Trabuco Max 4 boasts a deeply stacked midsole using ASICS’ FF Blast+ Eco foam. The foam feels a bit firmer compared to other high-stack shoes, which is promising for stability. It reminds me of the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3, a shoe I struggled with due to excessive softness and instability. Here’s hoping ASICS has found the right balance!

Outsole & Traction

Turning the shoe over reveals an interesting lug pattern, featuring small ‘M’-shaped lugs across the outsole. ASICS Grip rubber has always performed well for me, providing solid traction on wet, rocky trails—which is crucial here in Cornwall, especially on the coast path in winter. The 4mm lugs should offer decent grip, but we’ll see how they handle mixed terrain.

First Run Test

For the first outing, I planned an 8-mile route with a mix of terrain, including tarmac, compacted trails, and muddy sections. This should provide a well-rounded test of the shoe’s performance.
 

Fit & Comfort

• True to size: My usual UK 9.5 fit perfectly.

• Toe box width: Plenty of room for toe splay.

• Lockdown: Secure fit in the midfoot and heel.

Comfort was great right out of the box—no rubbing or irritation. The padding around the ankle and tongue added to the plush feel without being excessive.
 

Performance on the Trails

Despite my concerns about the deep stack height, the midsole felt stable. Unlike the overly soft Fresh Foam More Trail v3, the FF Blast+ Eco foam in the Trabuco Max 4 provided a good balance of cushioning and firmness. Even on uneven terrain, I felt planted and in control.
 

Traction & Grip

I was pleasantly surprised by the traction on muddy sections. While these lugs might struggle in deep boggy conditions, they handled today’s mix of compacted dirt, loose gravel, and wet surfaces impressively well. Even on mossy tarmac, where some shoes slip, the ASICS Grip rubber performed solidly.
 

Road-to-Trail Versatility

With its deep cushioning, the Trabuco Max 4 felt comfortable on tarmac sections, making it a good option for mixed-terrain runs. The ride was smooth, absorbing impact well, without feeling sluggish.

Final Thoughts

After 8.95 miles, I’m impressed with the Trabuco Max 4. A few key takeaways:

• Stable cushioning: Firmer than expected, providing a secure and balanced ride.

• Good grip: Surprisingly strong traction on muddy trails and wet tarmac.

• Comfortable fit: Plush upper, secure midfoot hold, and a great out-of-the-box feel.

The Trabuco Max 4 is ideal for long, mixed-terrain runs, particularly when you need extra cushioning without sacrificing stability. I’m looking forward to testing them on longer efforts soon!
 

What’s Next?

We’ve got more trail shoes arriving at Run4Adventure HQ, including models from Altra, Scott, Brooks, and New Balance, so stay tuned for more in-depth reviews.

Thanks for reading, and as always—stay safe and keep on running!

Check out the initial review video here.