Asics Trabuco Max 4 Review (2025): Even More Cushion?

The days when Asics was just entering the trail scene are long gone. Since then, the brand has firmly established itself among the specialist brands, notably through its Trabuco series.

With the max cushion trend prevailing, it has recently evolved into a massively-sized version that has seen huge success. As such, the fourth edition of the Trabuco Max was highly anticipated.

Is it a good pick for your runner profile and goals? Should you be tempted by this ultra-comfortable cushioning? What are its drawbacks?

This is what we will explore with my in-depth field test.

Our Verdict

Grip

Several changes must be noted for the outsole. Of course, the ASICS GRIP rubber is back, as Asics is one of the few brands with its own technology (and not succumbing to VIBRAM).

However, there are some changes in the lugs. They go from 4.5 mm to 4 mm, which does not change the traction quality. Probably because their shape and layout are better studied than on the previous version.

For this Trabuco Max 4, they are chevron-shaped and even double chevrons (forming a “M”), giving the shoe better stability on compact and rocky terrain.

The grip is very good; it’s difficult to fault the shoe on any terrain. Even in wet and slippery conditions, the traction is there.

Let’s add that the shoe does not have a rock plate, but it’s hard to feel it with such a high stack.

Types of Terrain

Compared to its direct rivals for big ultras, the Trabuco Max 4 stands out for its versatility. Naturally, it’s very efficient on compact, rolling surfaces; this is its favorite terrain.

However, it also offers a good performance on muddy terrains with effective lugs. The mud is relatively easy to remove and doesn’t cling to the shoe much.

The shoe provides good control on moderately technical mountainous terrains with a good grip, especially in rocky areas.

Nevertheless, many testers have found the shoe more limited on very rugged terrains due to the very high stack, which limits its use on very technical mountain trails.

It is still endorsed with good versatility across a wide range of terrains.

Cushioning

Like many brands, Asics repurposes its older versions of foams in its entry-level models, or for instance, in this Trabuco Max 4.

For the midsole, the FFBlast+ foam of the V3 makes way for the FF Blast + ECO foam, which could be found in models like the Asics Novablast 4 or the Asics Gel Nimbus 26 (hence not that old).

I was a bit worried about this choice before trying the shoe, fearing it might be too soft for a trail shoe. However, it is not the case, and the feel is very well-balanced.

The brand’s choice is, in my opinion, very apt because the combination between this moderately dense foam and the rubber ensures a very pleasant impact feel and secure ride.

With dimensions of 41 mm under the heel and 36 mm under the toes, the shoe loses 2 mm compared to the V3, probably because it was judged to be too far from the ground.

The cushioning remains significant and offers excellent shock absorption. Unsurprisingly, there is no limit on the distance to consider, up to the ultra, nor the user profile.

The only caution is that the 5 mm drop is not usual for this kind of models. The brand aimed to offer good protection for forefoot strikers, but it might require adaptation time for those not accustomed to it.

Even though in all transparency, I barely felt it, and I rather found that the shoe “rolls” like one with an 8-10 mm drop.

Energy Return

At 300 grams for size 42, the shoe isn’t particularly lightweight. However, given its maximalist dimensions, it’s still reasonable. The dynamism will logically not be the shoe’s strong point.

Especially since the ECO version of the FF Blast + foam is softer but less reactive. Therefore, the shoe will be rather limited for accelerating the pace, not that it’s required either.

And for the vast majority of the pack who alternate walking and running during an ultra, the reactivity will be more than sufficient. The pronounced rocker provides very fluid transitions.

Foot Lockdown

It’s with the upper that the high-end feel is fully noticeable. The jacquard mesh is announced by the brand as more robust and technical than the V3.

It remains multi-layered, giving a certain thickness to the shoe. Especially since you find foam inserts or other paddings. Therefore, the comfort is excellent, and you can wear the shoe for a long time.

However, the size should be right. As with previous versions, the fit is tighter on the forefoot than on the classic Trabuco version, as noted by many testers.

As for me, having wide feet, I was not at all bothered and found the sizing quite typical compared to other Asics models, just a bit tighter on the instep.

But not every foot has the same shape, and given the number of runners who have complained, trying beforehand or opting for a half-size up might be sensible.

In relatively humid conditions, drying is moderately fast; the upper is not hydrophobic. There are fewer reinforcements (TPU bands) and thermoweldings than on the V3, but I found the hold good.

The brand logos and the close-fitting provide good structure at the midfoot. The mesh is multi-directional and woven to provide more support in key areas.

The new heel construction with a massive block is very effective. Although it doesn’t rise high, the rigid heel counter ensures a good lockdown. The loop at the back is helpful and almost necessary for wide feet, making it easier to put on.

The gusseted tongue is well-padded, ensuring good foot accompaniment without slipping. The lacing system is classic, although the brand claims it “prevents laces from coming undone during a trail.”

Somewhat vague since no details are provided. Despite looking, I couldn’t find anything specific and assume they refer to the elastic to tuck in the laces. In any case, I experienced no issue with this aspect. Overall, I found the upper very successful.

Protection and Breathability

The Asics Trabuco Max 4 offers very good protection. Even with fewer lateral reinforcements, it’s barely noticeable given the high stack and upper thickness. The robust toe cap covers a large area.

I note that, without matching the protection of models more specific to high mountains, the Trabuco Max 4 is certainly one of the most protective in its category.

Given the upper thickness, I was quite concerned about breathability. However, space between various mesh fibers has increased, enabling very satisfactory ventilation. The shoe also provides good coverage in cold weather, even in mountainous winter.

Use Scenarios

There’s no great mystery or debate about the Asics Trabuco Max 4’s use. The classic Trabuco version offers versatility across all formats of racing or for varying pace during training.

The Max version is designed for long (even very long) distances and its characteristics align with this. With some of the best shock absorption on the market, it can take trail runners through all scenarios, be it in competition or training.

Moreover, its good protection and very good grip enable traversing a wide variety of terrains, whether running or even hiking. It is difficult to find a real limit to the shoe.

Except, of course, short formats for fiery trails, or fartlek sessions in training. Dynamism is not the strong point and don’t expect miracles in this regard (although, for a broad base of runners, it will be more than enough).

Another caution, the 41 mm thickness does not suit Trabuco Max 4 for technical and/or unstable mountain terrains, it’s challenging to feel the ground safely in this context.

Other than that, the shoe is ideal for rolling ultras, and it can be suited for race formats starting at 50-60 km.

Quality and Durability

Like the Trabuco, the longevity offered by the Max 4 is excellent, with a robust upper and high-quality outsole. The shoe offers great durability and thus a very good price-quality ratio.

The shoe’s upper is entirely made from recycled materials, as well as the insole, toe box, eyelets, tongue, and collar lining.

Bio-based materials were used for the cushioning (24%). The bulk dyeing process used for making the insole reduces water consumption by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing process.

Finally, these shoes are vegan (like all ASICS running models).

Conclusion

The Asics Trabuco Max 4 fully deserves its maximalist label. It’s simply one of the best shoes for runners looking for comfort, cushioning, and protection on rolling ultras.

The shoe will be less comfortable on short formats and speed sessions, but these are the only limits to note.

A safe bet for any type of trail runner over long distances.

Facts

Technical Specs

Terrain	Trail
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	5 mm
Heel height	41 mm
Forefoot height	36 mm
Lugs	4.5 mm
Weight (men)	300 g/10.6 oz
Weight (women)	273 g/9.6 oz
Features	Vegan, Heavy runner, Rocker, Toe bumper
Athletes
Release year	2025

Cushioning

Softness	Balanced
Responsiveness	Medium

Technologies

Outsole	ASICSGRIP
Midsole	FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS ECO
Upper	Engineered Mesh

Use

Speed	Slow, Moderate
Distance	Short, Mid, Long, Ultramarathon
Workout	Daily running, Racing

Reference: official website