NEW TRAIL SHOES

It’s trail season! And here’s how to celebrate…

|| This shoe is all about comfort. The FF Blast+ ECO foam midsole offers a firm yet responsive cushioning, and a good balance between softness and stability||

BEST IN TEST NEW TRAIL SHOES

Asics Trabuco Max 4

£160 | Weight 256g| Drop 5mm| Stack height 41/36mm| Lugs 4mm Foam FF Blast+ ECO|asics.com| Tester Laura

The ASICS Trabuco Max line has built a solid reputation among trail runners for its maximal cushioning, reliable grip, and long-distance comfort. From the debut of the original Trabuco Max, which introduced a rocker sole for smoother transitions, to version 3’s improved traction and eco-conscious materials, each iteration has pushed performance and comfort further. Now with the Trabuco Max 4, ASICS aims to refine the formula even more, promising to deliver on both protection and energy return.

The fit I found the shoe to be snug and supportive, especially in the midfoot and heel areas. The engineered jacquard mesh upper is breathable (and made from 100% recycled materials). Runners with wider feet may find the fit a bit narrow and might want to size up by half a size.

The comfort This shoe is all about comfort. The FF Blast+ ECO foam midsole offers a firm yet responsive cushioning, and a good balance between softness and stability.

This design helps in absorbing impacts without feeling overly soft, making it suitable for longdistance runs.

Who and what they’re for The Trabuco Max 4 is aimed at trail runners who want a highlycushioned, protective shoe. It’s ideal for medium to long-distance runs on mixed terrains, including rocky paths, technical trails, and compacted dirt.

On the run I’ve found myself reaching for these shoes more and more for easy trail runs. They’re right up my street. They’re super comfortable on the trail and a joy to run in. As well as being well cushioned, the enhanced rocker profile helps with smoother heel to toe transitions. And I think they look pretty lovely too.