Asics Gel Trabuco 10 Review (2023): Sturdy at Last?

Published on: 10/18/2022

The Consensus

Asics Gel Trabuco 10 Review Analysis

Introduction

Asics is more comfortable with road shoes than with trail running shoes; that’s a fact. However, the Japanese brand has built a reliable series around the Trabuco, which has been recognized for many years.

Indeed, the Trabuco enjoys a good reputation in the trail running world. It relies on versatility to retain its followers year after year. They appreciate its comfort, protection, strength, and durability (despite some hiccups on the last point).

Asics had made significant improvements to the Trabuco 9, including weight and grip. Can it still do better with version 10? Does the Trabuco 2022 still offer great value for trail running shoes? That’s what we’ll see in this detailed analysis.

Grip and durability

The outsole of the Gel Trabuco 10 is identical in every way to the previous model: full coverage Asics Grip rubber and aggressive, deep 5 mm lugs. This technology considerably improved the grip on the 9th version for more comfort and serenity. So there was no objective reason to change the configuration in 2022.

The construction and design of the lugs remain unchanged, allowing you to tackle a wide variety of trails, including steep and slippery ones, with confidence. They offer great protection in addition to the plate provided for this purpose.

In summary, there is nothing to say about this outsole, which is effective on a wide range of surfaces.

Some reviewers, however, find that it reaches its limits with sticky mud, which tends to clump on the closely spaced lugs. That’s the only minor flaw we can find with it, and it applies to most trail shoes.

Foot lockdown

The upper has undergone some overall positive changes, though with some doubts from some testers.

The tightened engineered mesh is more durable by using sturdier materials, correcting the fragility often blamed on version 9. However, it remains comfortable and breathable, even in hot weather.

However, the weight increased: 305 g/10.8 oz vs. 290 g/10.2 oz for the Trabuco 9. It’s not a lightweight shoe! This can be a burden on long runs, especially if it has been raining for hours. Some runners have indeed found that water had trouble evacuating on this new upper. For those who like their feet dry, a Gore-Tex version is available.

The stone guard is now more harmoniously integrated into the upper without losing effectiveness. The gusseted tongue and lacing system combo provides a good midfoot lockdown. The overlay heel cup has been redesigned to provide a more effective lock at the back.

The problem is with the toe box. Thin-footed testers didn’t like the bulky toe box, causing problems with sliding forward, especially on steep descents. On the upside, trailers with wider feet will enjoy sufficient room.

In short, reviews on the upper are mixed but globally positive.

Cushioning

Again, Asics has used the same midsole construction as the previous iteration: FlyteFoam technology with a consistent 34 mm stack height at the heel (26 mm at the toes) and a moderate 8 mm drop.

The formula has proven to be both soft and responsive cushioning. The cushioning of this trail shoe is protective without being maximal (leave that to the Trabuco Max!).

Of course, we find the GEL cushioning technology at the back of the shoe, whose effectiveness in minimizing the impact on the ground needn’t further proof. It forms with the FlyteFoam a perfect athletic duettist act, allowing soft landings on the heel in full protection.

The Duomax midfoot support system completes the package. This higher-density foam provides both stability and firmness (but not excessively).

Finally, the Asics Gel Trabuco 10 has a very effective rock plate to protect against rocks, debris, and steep terrain. According to the athletes who have tested the shoe, its presence is barely noticeable even though it is embedded in the sole and does not affect how flexible the sole is – quite the contrary!

The ride

The initial ride feel is generally good right out of the box. Trail runners appreciated the smooth yet balanced ride, the comfortable and responsive cushioning of the sole, and the fantastic protection provided by the plate.

Testers were very impressed with the Trabuco’s flexibility, despite the rock plate’s presence. The transitions were flawless both uphill and downhill, facilitated by the incredible traction with their Asics Grip rubber. Technical and rocky terrain in the forest and mountains will be well taken care of!

By all reviews, this is a versatile all-rounder, not built for speed and performance but for long distances. That said, it also gets the job done on shorter distances. And, of course, you can still wear them for your races if that’s your favorite pair of trail running shoes!

The only downside is the toe box, which some testers found to be too roomy at the expense of the shoe’s lockdown.

Conclusion

A moderately thick midsole, just the right amount of cushioning, an effective rock plate, a durable and breathable mesh, and deep lugs: the Trabuco 10 is definitely great value for trail running.

It will suit any trailer looking for a versatile model that can accompany them on a wide variety of terrains and reliably during their long runs (but not only). We just hope next year’s model will be lighter!

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use

Reference: Asics's official site

Comparisons – Asics Gel Trabuco 10 vs.:

Asics Gel Trabuco 9

There are few differences between the T10 and T9. As mentioned in the preamble, the Japanese brand had already made significant improvements to the 9th version. Therefore, the developments on version 10 are minor.

Thus, the main technologies remain the same:

• FlyteFoam for soft, comfortable, and responsive cushioning, in combination with Gel and DuoMax
• Asics Grip in-house rubber in full coverage for effective grip and traction
• Rock plate for protection on rocky terrain

The weight is also pretty much the same, give or take a few grams.

The changes are mainly in the upper and fit. The air mesh of the Trabuco 9 was fragile and prone to tearing. The v10 has tighter mesh, which makes it more durable on the trail – but more permeable to water, too, which it tends to trap in its mesh.

The one-piece stacked heel cup provides a more effective lockdown at the back of the foot. The foot no longer floats, much to the delight of users.

With equivalent technologies, the advantage goes to the Trabuco 10 for its improved mesh quality, making the shoe even more durable throughout the miles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)