Hiring remote: Content writer / review specialist in 4 Best ASICS Trail Running Shoes
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ASICS is a well-known brand among runners. One of the brand’s standout features is stability, especially in road running shoes. In trail shoes, ASICS has a lot to offer, from budget-friendly options to maximally cushioned, insanely comfy trail shoes.
However, there are many choices available. We know well enough that some shoe descriptions are not true and that they are just full of fluff. So we stepped forward and did all the testing needed—out in the field and inside our lab—to really get to know and understand each ASICS trail running shoe.
The bonus is that we selected the leading shoes during our tests, and we listed them here for easy navigation!
How we test ASICS trail running shoes
When choosing our top ASICS trail shoes, we assess each one thoroughly through a series of tests in our shoe lab. Before we examine them, we purchase them with our own money to avoid brand loyalty and run in them for at least 30-50 miles.
The following processes take place:
- We measure every little detail and shoe feature. The most interesting measurements we make that are important for trail running are lug depth, outsole softness and thickness, durability of the toebox and outsole, and the shoe's breathability. We pump smoke into the shoe to assess its breathability and later even examine the upper under the microscope.
- We cut each shoe open to see what’s inside.
- We do not just poke around the parts that are right under our noses: we do tests that can be done only once the shoe has been cut in half. These tests are heel stack height, forefoot stack height, and midsole softness.
Best ASICS trail running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
We felt confident conquering all types of terrain at any pace and distance with the Gel Trabuco 13. Our lab validates it’s a highly supportive and protective, yet ultra-comfortable shoe. Its light build, stable ride, and exceptional grip make it our ultimate ASICS trail running shoe.
Gel Trabuco 13 is a finely constructed pair and resisted our Dremel test impressively in the outsole while maintaining an exceptional level of grip. The ASICSGRIP rubber only showed a minimal 0.5 mm dent vs. the 1.0 mm average. Its close-to-average 83.0 HC durometer reading and 3.3 mm lugs confirm its all-encompassing performance.
With a stack measuring 33.8/26.8 mm and the GEL unit in the heel, each landing felt protected regardless of weight or foot strike. The cushion feels balanced with a durometer measurement of 22.3 HA. On top of this, the vast 115.2/96.3 mm base secured our strides effectively.
Delaying the onset of fatigue is its light 10.2 oz (288g) build. Weighing below average, it feels easy on the feet. However, it lacks the natural ride some runners seek because of its ultra-stiff construction and heel. Those who want flexible shoes for better comfort should try alternatives.
Pros
- FF Blast+ ECO midsole boost energy return
- Stellar value for its durability
- Improved stability
- Lighter than its predecessor
- Rugged ASICSGRIP outsole grips well
- Flexible rock plate adds some protection
- Improved transitions for heel strikers
- New GEL insert in the heel
- Can handle some road segments
Cons
- Ultra-stiff construction limits hiking comfort
- Heel counter feels rigid
- Not for wide feet
Best ASICS trail shoes for long distance
What makes it the best?
After intensive lab analysis and extensive runs with the ASICS trail roster, we found Trabuco Max 3 as the best for long distances. We cruised along off-the-beaten paths with the plush foam that delivers nothing but supreme comfort. The ride feels stable for such a monstrous shoe while its zero-ground feel had us melting away mile markers without counting.
Max 3 suits its name with maximum FF Blast+ cushioning and impact protection. Our legs remained free from stress and fatigue even during endurance runs. The stack is one of the tallest we’ve measured in the lab, rising to a sky-high 42.4/33.9 mm. Trabuco Max doesn’t stop there and keeps its composition 29.3% softer than average, as per our durometer, confirming the cozy sensation our feet enjoy. Keeping our strides effortless is the toe rocker, paving the way for seamless heel-to-toe forward transitions.
For its size, we’re impressed with how stable we felt. The shoe has midsole sidewalls for subtle support, while the various-shaped 4.0 mm lugs ensure traction no matter where we run. On top of that, Trabuco Max widens its forefoot and heel to 116.0/91.7 mm so that any type of foot striker can land safely.
Because of its beefy build, the shoe lacks agility on technical and twisty terrains. Those who prefer more control and ground feel should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Enhanced durability
- Exceptional plush cushioning
- Ideal for winter runs
- Ultra distance-ready
- Surprisingly stable
- Reliable grip
- Good-quality materials
Cons
- Reduced breathability
- Increased weight
- Slight price bump
Best trail running shoes for beginners
What makes it the best?
With an accessible price point of $85, the ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 delivers great comfort and flexibility for exploring easy terrain. We find it the best beginner trail running shoe from ASICS because of its straightforward and light design, like a daily trainer equipped with reliable grip as proven by our lab tests.
Our leg muscles felt great because we had lots of foam beneath us to cushion each landing. Our caliper shows an above-average stack height of 37.7/27.6 mm, featuring a 10.1 mm drop that’s suitable for new runners who usually heel strike.
Gel Excite Trail 2 encourages free movement with its light and loose build. We never felt burdened even after long hours on foot because the shoe only weighs 10.3 oz (292g), at par with average despite its generous cushioning. In our bend test, it emerged 36.3% more flexible than average, enhancing its effortless sensation.
To secure our strides, the outsole features deep 4.0 mm lugs, which deliver awesome traction during testing. However, the outsole has minimal rubber coverage and leaves the midsole exposed and vulnerable to abrasions. Those who prefer more resilient pairs should invest in another shoe.
Pros
- Low price
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Generously cushioned midsole
- Versatile choice for hiking and running
- Everyday plush comfort
- Excellent for beginners
- All-season design
- Reasonable weight
Cons
- Not for moderate or technical trails
- Limited outsole coverage
- Durability concerns
- Not the best for forefoot strikers
Best budget ASICS trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
Our outdoor adventures with the Gel Venture 9 prove it places comfort at the forefront. With its gentle and muted ride, versatile midsole, and excellent ventilation, multi-terrain running felt like a breeze. Priced only at $80, it’s 41.6% cheaper than the average trail shoe in our lab! Without a doubt, it’s our best budget pick from ASICS’ trail lineup.
GV9 boasts a substantial 33.3 mm heel, serving as our shock absorber from repetitive impact. With a balanced durometer reading of 24.6 HA, the midsole delivers the ideal mix of softness and stability. Additionally, the fluid midsole keeps the ride smooth and natural, emerging 28.5% more flexible than the average trail shoe.
Meanwhile, the mesh upper effectively protects us from sunlight while allowing our body heat to escape for a more pleasant experience. On our smoke test, we noticed a good amount of airflow and gave it an impressive 4/5 breathability score, perfect for outdoor use.
While the shoe is light in the pocket, it’s quite heavy on the foot. At 11.1 oz (314g), it’s notably 7.5% heavier than average. We cannot recommend this pair to trail runners who prefer weightlessness.
Pros
- Fantastic value
- Summer-ready mesh upper
- Enough stack height
- Stable ride
- Good for heel strikers
- Ready for hiking
- GEL technology for amazing impact protection
Cons
- Durability could be better
- Lacks energy return
- Heavy
When it comes to performance footwear for active lifestyles and athletics, there are few other brands that do it better than ASICS. Since the 1940s, ASICS has been helping push the footwear industry forward with unique designs, innovative technologies, and a classic, unmistakable aesthetic.
Now, with their foray into trail running shoes, you can enjoy the quality of ASICS’ craftsmanship and shoe technology in yet another outdoor activity.
ASICS shoe technologies
There’s a long list of ASICS shoe technologies that make their footwear different from other manufacturers. The following section contains a shortened list of tech you can expect to see in their lineup of trail running shoes.
Amplifoam technology dampens vibrations
Amplifoam is a midsole technology that is designed to dampen vibration and absorb the impacts that come with trail running. Compared to mother midsole foams, Amplifoam is slightly lower (or lighter) in density, meaning it feels super cushy.
Despite the lower density, Amplifoam midsoles are relatively durable and do a decent job at retaining their shape and flexibility despite the stressors that come with trail running.
The Gel Venture models of ASICS trail running shoes come equipped with Amplifoam technology.
Gel Technology absorbs impacts
- Rearfoot Gel Technology: silicone gel integrated into the rear of the shoe helps lessen the impact from heel striking and helps your foot transition smoothly into the rest of its step progression.
- Forefoot Gel Technology: silicone gel in the toe area of the shoe dampens vibrations and reduces shock during forward stride movements.
Trail-specific outsole pattern gives you grip
ASICS trail running shoes feature a unidirectional lug pattern in the shoe’s forefoot to help propel you forward. In the rear of the shoe, the outsole features a different tread pattern to help enhance your braking power.
The lugs on ASICS trail runners are chevron-shaped, which are the best at providing traction on various surface types like dirt, gravel, grass, mud, rock, snow, and ice. The lugs are widely spaced to facilitate mud-shedding.
Water-resistant upper helps keep your feet dry
Some ASICS trail running shoes are made with synthetic and water-resistant materials in the upper. Synthetic materials are naturally water-resistant because they do not absorb water like other natural materials, like leather or cotton textiles.
This also means that ASICS trail runners are quick-drying. So, if you get wet, your shoes will dry out relatively quickly with sunshine and a nice breeze.
FF Blast Cushioning adds optimal comfort
FF Blast is a new ASICS technology for midsole cushioning. The new cushioning tech weighs less than its predecessors. It also offers a softer landing and better shock absorption.
Plus, FF Blast tech creates a more energized toe-off. In other words, it helps convert the impact of your step into energy for your next step as your foot progresses through its natural stride pattern.
The ASICS Trabuco Terra models of trail running shoes feature the FF Blast technology.
How to select the best ASICS trail running shoes for you
Foot width
One of the things that make ASICS unique is that they offer a high-volume (wider) version of many of their trail running shoes. So, if you know your feet are wider and if you’ve been struggling to find shoes to accommodate your higher-volume feet, try out a pair of wide ASICS trail runners.
Typical climate
Some models of ASICS trail running shoes are “waterproof,” meaning they are built with water-resistant materials. If you live in a geographic area with a wet climate or just want to be prepared for any type of precipitation or moisture while trail running, consider a pair of ASICS trail runners marked “waterproof.”
Intensity, volume, and duration of your trail running
- Intensity: how hard or easy are your trial running workouts?
- Volume: how often do you go out for trail running?
- Duration: how long are your trail runs?
Thinking about the intensity, volume, and duration of your typical trail running can help you pick a model of ASICS trail runners that will serve you best.
Tips for trying on ASICS trail runners
Trying on trail runners is more than just slipping on a pair of shoes and calling it good. If you’re going to be relying on ASICS shoes to protect and support your feet while trail running, you want them to be more than good–you want them to be perfect.
Here are some tips to help you get the perfect fit.
- Try them on in the afternoon: throughout the day, your feet swell. So, to get the most accurate fit, it’s best to try new shoes on after they’ve swelled sometime in the afternoon.
- Buy multiple pairs with different sizes: if you are unsure about size, purchase multiple pairs to experiment with sizing and then return the pairs that don’t fit the best.
- Use the socks you plan to run with: for the most accurate sizing, try new shoes on with the socks you plan to wear for trail running.
- Wear them around the house: without going outside and getting them dirty (so you can still return them if necessary), wear your new shoes around the house to see how they make your feet feel.
How to make your ASICS trail runners last longer
Trail running is notoriously rougher on your footwear than running on a treadmill or around the neighborhood on the pavement. That’s why we always recommend a little extra shoe care to help your ASICS go for the long haul.
Here are some tips.
- Clean them after they get muddy. The extra debris can dry out the materials and abrade the water-resistant coating.
- Avoid using them as everyday shoes. You can preserve the outsole by not wearing your trail runners all the time.
- If you want your ASICS trail runners to be everyday shoes, buy two pairs so one is always trail-ready.
“Anima Sana In Corpore Sano”
Believe it or not, ASICS is an acronym for the Latin phrase anima sana in corpore sano, which roughly translates to “you should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body.”
The Latin phrase was one of the major inspirations for the founder of ASICS, Kihachiro Onitsuka. He believed that physical activity was an essential part of healthy living.
So, in 1949, Onitsuka started ASICS to support and inspire athletes to lead an active lifestyle. In particular, he believed his footwear could help uplift the local youth struggling in the aftermath of the Second World War.
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