Introduction:
Well, well, the fan-favourite Trabuco is back with its thirteenth version. No more dealing with a boring midsole on your trail shoes. The ASICS Trabuco 13 brings that springy pop you’ve been craving. But, is it really as versatile as they say? And do those shallower lugs have what it takes to tackle tough trails? Our trail testers took these bad boys for a spin and they’re here to spill the beans.
This shoe looks as good as it feels (as long as your foot isn’t too wide)
Esther: Right out of the box, the Trabuco 13 immediately grabs your attention with its striking look. I received the knockout Nova Orange / Light Ube making me feel like I just drank a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to fuel my run. Every colourway of this model is a winner, and while aesthetics are just one part of the story, it does play a big role in getting you excited to hit the trails. More importantly, the shoe’s build stays true to ASICS’ reputation for quality. The breathable upper mesh is durable, with subtle overlays on the toe box. The toe bumper is well-placed and reinforced to shield your toes from rocks. This is something I initially doubted, but it definitely does the job.
The fit is comfortable and relaxed, with a wide opening for easy on and off. The pliable mesh and plush heel counter add to the comfort. That said, the last is on the flatter side, making it better suited for lower arches. That said, if you have high arches, the support might feel lacking. The laces are strung along a cord, which can make achieving a snug lockdown tricky, especially since the shoe has a wider feel. After a few runs, I found that thicker socks helped to fill out the forefoot, providing a more secure fit while still allowing for ample toe splay.
The Trabuco 13 is a low-to-the-ground ride, offering stability but sacrificing ankle support. The latter isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, given the shoe’s overall stability features. While the fit may not provide a perfect lockdown for everyone, the comfort and protection it offers still make it a solid choice for a variety of runners.
Theo: Last year, I tried the Trabuco 12. Sadly, I found this to be disappointing especially when compared to the Trabuco Max 3 which I was testing at the same time. While they weren’t a bad shoe, they were just a little dull for my tastes. Heavy, rather firm and lacking in grip they just didn’t hit the mark. Let’s see if the changes fit the bill.
Like Esther I truly loved the style of the shoe! Although I am usually not the biggest fan of a stand out colourway, I have to admit that the red really pops on foot. Overall, the step in comfort is great and it is true to size. Around the ankle, the padding keeps the ankle well held. Although, if you prefer a bit of freedom in that area, this is not the shoe for you. While the shoe is true to size, it does, in my opinion, run a little narrow. For me, this is a bonus as I like a snug fit to hold my foot in place on rough trails. However, if your foot is wider in the midfoot area, you may find this uncomfortable after a few hours on the trail.
On the contrary to the previous version, the tongue does a great job and really protects the forefoot. The mesh is rugous from the outside. While I don’t think this is the most durable upper on the market, I don’t notice any signs of wear at the moment. As a bonus, there is a second layer inside the shoe to “cocoon” your forefoot. Lovely stuff! The toe protection is minimalistic, nonetheless, that would be the only con with the narrow fit.
A midsole which will keep you moving
Esther: Once you’ve tightened the laces, using that last extra eyelet, it’s time to let the Trabuco 13 do its thing. ASICS has gone all-in with the FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO midsole. I truly appreciate the effort to use recycled materials, but it can’t come at a cost to performance. Wow, can you ever feel the comfort here. What a refreshing change from older models, which, let’s face it, were not comfortable, too sluggish and about as responsive as a soggy sponge. I remember picking up the Trabuco 10 for their gnarly lugs, only to be let down by a midsole that felt like it had already checked out.
Enter the Trabuco 13, all bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and clearly hopped up on espresso. The midsole is incredibly comfortable, offering just the right mix of cushion and responsiveness to keep you bouncing along the trail like a happy puppy. It’s not launching you forward with each step, but it definitely keeps things lively, offering a sweet balance between softness and firmness. It’s lightweight, yet comfy enough for long hours on the trails without your feet screaming at you.
Heel strikers will especially love the cushioned landing in the heel, while midfoot strikers will also find their way. As for toe strikers? Well, they might wish for a slightly different midsole design, but hey, we can’t win ’em all.
One thing you’ll notice on your run is the built-in stability support. Whether you’re an overpronator or a supinator, the Trabuco 13’s contour guides your foot back to the centre.
On the trail, the Trabuco 13 does shine. It handles roots, gravel, rocks, and forest floors with ease. It’s light, dynamic, and ready for anything. The T13 is also pared back from previous models, which means you can place your feet with more precision on tricky sections. A thin rockplate at the forefoot lets you feel the terrain beneath, yet sharp rocks won’t be poking through anytime soon.
Theo: To be honest, the previous version was not the most enjoyable ride. It was firm and lacking in any dynamism. So before trying them I was a bit sceptical about how much I would enjoy this version.
First of all, ASICS changed the foam from FF Blast to FF Blast+ and it makes a huge difference! This foam is used for instance on the METAFUJI and you instantly feel the dynamism of the shoe. They are more than pleasant to run with!
On the contrary to the METAFUJI, this shoe does not have a carbon plate. For me, that is almost a plus because I find this shoe definitely more tolerant for your ankle on the trails. Only on the road the metafuji will have an advantage of bounciness but otherwise, on technical terrain, I would prefer to run with the Trabuco 13. Also, the midsole feels less stiff and reinforces the comfort of the shoe. Furthermore, they are definitely cushioned enough for me and runners of my ilk to enjoy.
A noticeable difference is found in the geometry of the midsole. ASICS created a completely new design, especially in the heel. Therefore, it completely changes the philosophy of the shoe and the way you will run with it. Despite being a mid-foot runner, I realised I loved to run as a heel striker with them. I think I saved a lot of energy, especially in downhill thanks to this modification. Moreover, I found this part of the midsole really cushioned and it is a pleasure to run miles and miles in them.
In conclusion, I can just say that this midsole is absolutely amazing! It will suit 99% of the runners out there. Anyone on the start line could use them or for training or for races and they will do a marvellous job. The versatility of this shoe reminds me of the S/LAB Genesis.
A shoe which can tackle almost any terrain with confidence
Esther: The outsole has changed so much on this model, it’s not even funny. While not as epic or deep as those on the T10, the Trabuco 13 adds some smarts to the new lug pattern. This model makes a bold departure away from the Trabuco 12’s pyramidal lugs to adopt multidirectional chevrons. They work! They are amazing on up and downhill trail segments.
Minor cutaways on the outsole save on some weight while still giving plenty of ground coverage (and durability!). Of course, we’re accustomed to the reliable and grippy ASICSgrip outsole rubber, which certainly doesn’t disappoint here. The only place it might struggle is extreme bogs, which I seem to find on every winter run, but otherwise, this shoe keeps you planted.
Theo: I have never really been a big fan of the classic ASICS trail running outsole. While they had a rather unique pattern, it became problematic in the rain. However, ASICS have really changed it up on the Trabuco 13. This time, they have gone for a V and inverse V shape. Aside from being better in the wet, it has also improved the downhill grip. That said, I would like to see deeper lugs but that’s just nitpicking on my behalf.
An energised companion for most trail adventures
Esther: Overall, the Trabuco 13 delivers a dynamic and responsive ride, thanks to its energetic midsole and highly versatile nature. While the lack of high-arch support and some challenges with lockdown may be a slight drawback, the shoe’s lightweight and comfortable design, along with its impressive traction on varied terrain, will make it a solid choice for trail enthusiasts. The Trabuco 13 is a great update with a blend of comfort, stability, and durability that shines through, ensuring that it’s not just a pretty face. It’s a well-built companion for tackling most of your mid-distance Spring to Summer trail goals, and whatever they throw at you.
Theo: I was a bit sceptical about this shoe after the previous model. Much to my delight, this new version is completely different. What’s more, in my opinion, it’s a blast (or rather a Blast+)!
It is a shoe which will suit almost any runner for almost any run. They are responsive, cushioned, comfortable and reasonably light. From small recovery runs to all day trail epics, it is an excellent choice. For me, it is as versatile as the Salomon S/LAB yet even more comfortable. Overall, it is a great shoe which is made almost unbeatable by the price when compared to others on the market.
