ASICS Trabuco Max 3 review

Following extensive testing of the Trabuco Max 3 both in our lab and out on the trails, we confidently recommend it for:

• Maximalist shoe enthusiasts looking for ultimate leg-saving cushioning on the trails.
• Previous Trabuco Max fans seeking a warmer upper for colder runs.
• Fans of the ASICS FF Blast+ midsole, desiring that plush feel off-road.

The towering stack of the Trabuco Max 3 might not be everyone's cup of tea—it's a shoe designed for smooth paths and we found that pretty much erases any sensation of the ground beneath your feet.

This makes it a bit of a niche choice, ideal for runners who prioritise cushioning over terrain feel. For those who seek a more grounded and natural-running experience, we suggest considering alternatives like the Nike Wildhorse 8 or Merrell Agility Peak 5.

Moreover, we wouldn't recommend the Trabuco Max 3 as a door-to-trail shoe. Its comfort on non-trail surfaces leaves much to be desired, falling short of the versatility offered by the Hoka Challenger 7.

Given its massive midsole, it's no surprise the Trabuco Max 3 lacks flexibility even being a plateless shoe. Our standardized 90-degree bend test required 36.5N of force—typical for a shoe designed with such features.

This rigidity contributes to the shoe's lack of ground feel, aligning with its design intent for maximum cushioning and protection.

In the quest for the perfect trail shoe, breathability often takes a backseat, yet it remains a critical feature for some. Unfortunately, the Trabuco Max 3 marks a step back in this department. Compared to its well-ventilated predecessor, the Trabuco Max 2, this latest iteration only managed to secure a disappointing 2/5 in our smoke test.

Our examination under a light source further highlighted the change. The transition from an engineered mesh in the previous version to a jacquard mesh in the Trabuco Max 3 has significantly reduced airflow.

Unlike before, where light could easily pass through the upper, indicating good ventilation, the new model blocks out light entirely—a clear sign of compromised breathability.

Turning to the microscope for a closer look only confirmed our initial findings. The detailed view revealed a complete absence of the micro-ventilation gaps that characterized the mesh of the previous model.

However, this reduction in breathability might not pose an issue for runners who stick to cooler climates or avoid running in the peak heat of summer. The new mesh construction could still suffice for such conditions.

For runners prioritizing breathability above all, we suggest securing a pair of the v2 while they're still available, as they clearly outperform their successor in this aspect.

While we noticed a reduction in ventilation in the new Trabuco Max, it's exciting to see this change has boosted the shoe's durability.

In our Dremel testing, the jacquard mesh of the v3 truly impressed us—elevating its score from a good 3/5 to a great 4/5.

The heel padding retained its familiar comfort, feeling unchanged to us, yet we didn't just rely on our initial impressions and put it to the Dremel test.

The results were consistent with the previous model, earning a solid 4/5 score. Wear and tear in the heel won't be an issue with the Trabuco Max 3.

Transitioning to the outsole, we encountered the familiar ASICSGRIP rubber. While it may not carry the Vibram or Continental label, it impressively handled a variety of terrains, including light mud, with ease.

Our durometer test showed a hardness of 84.0 HC, aligning well with the average for trail shoes, indicating a balanced blend of durability and traction.

So, how did it hold up under our Dremel test? Let's dive in.

The wear was slightly more than we anticipated, with a 1.1 mm reduction, yet it's not a deal-breaker at all. Nonetheless, we do advise caution with road running in this shoe—not only does it feels weird, but the rubber might also wear down fast.

The outsole thickness, lugs aside, measured 1.9 mm—plenty sufficient for this shoe. Anything more would just add unnecessary weight.

On the topic of weight, we're facing another disappointment. The Trabuco Max 3 saw a jump from 10.3 oz in its predecessor to 10.9 oz in this edition—an unwelcome increase for us.

While staying under 11 oz is commendable for a shoe with such towering stack height, the shift from a lighter build was a bit of a letdown.

True to its name, the Trabuco Max 3 embodies the essence of maximalist trail running shoes from the ground up. At the heel, our measurements revealed a plush 42.4 mm of cushioning, catapulting it into the top ranks of the most generously cushioned trail shoes on the market.

For those on the lookout for a skyscraper-high trail shoe, we think that your search probably ends with the Trabuco Max 3. Regardless of your weight or how prominently you heel strike, this shoe has got your back.

The forefoot stands impressively stacked at 33.9 mm—significantly taller than most trail running shoes out there.

Naturally, with such a bold design choice, there are some compromises in stability and agility. However, as we often find in life, not everything can be had at once.

The discrepancy between measurements yields an 8.5-mm heel-to-toe drop, which more accurately reflects our running experience compared to the advertised 5-mm drop.

For those intrigued by these variations, we've explored this subject in a detailed guide.

The Trabuco Max 3 retains the same 4.7-mm insole as its predecessor—no changes here, maintaining it as a standard, reliable option.

The Trabuco Max 3's midsole remains a highlight, carrying over the beloved FF Blast+ technology seen in ASICS favorites like the Novablast 4. We measured its softness at 18.6 HA, ensuring a plush ride.

While it may not prioritize energy return—sometimes feeling slightly squishy—our experience was positive, particularly during long runs over two hours, where the EVA+OBC foam blend offered exceptional leg protection.

The Trabuco Max 3, with its poor ventilation, emerges as an ideal candidate for winter runs, although we wanted to prove how the FF Blast+ performs in colder conditions.

That's FF Blast+. And hey, we just loved the midsole's design, which mimics a topographic map—truly impressive.

We subjected the TM3 to a freezer test for 20 minutes and were delighted to discover a mere 12.1% increase in firmness—a remarkable outcome that underscores its reliability in chilly weather.

Given its towering stack height of over 40 mm, the Trabuco Max 3 might initially seem to lag in stability compared to more grounded trail shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Yet, ASICS has cleverly engineered this model to offer a surprising level of support.

For those not tackling the most rugged trails, the stability provided should be enough. And we found that on smoother terrain, the shoe impresses with its robust performance, demonstrating that it can hold its own even with its significant cushioning thanks to the midsole sidewalls.

The exceptional stability we noted in the TM3 can be partially attributed to its remarkable torsional rigidity, which we rated a solid 5/5. The shoe exhibits a stiffness akin to models equipped with carbon plates, and interestingly, it forgoes a even rock plate, a decision justified by its substantial stack height.

This characteristic, however, might deter those who favor a more flexible, natural feel during runs, particularly on technical trails that demand agility and adaptability.

We discovered the heel counter incorporates a robust insert, resulting in notable stiffness.

This rigidity is essential for enhancing stability—as we've previously discussed—earned a 4/5 in our evaluation. However, it comes again at the price of comfort, especially for those with Haglund's deformity.

The broad footprint of this shoe plays a crucial role in ensuring stability, especially considering its significant cushioning.

In our analysis, the forefoot's width stretched to 116.0 mm—beyond what we usually encounter for trail footwear.

The heel's width measures a more standard 91.7 mm compared to the broad forefoot—yet this doesn't detract from its suitability for those who strike at the rear. Coupled with the shoe's robust torsional rigidity and the solid support from the heel counter, it also brings some of it to the rear.

That said, due to these characteristics, we advise that this shoe is best suited for neutral runners.

The Trabuco Max 3's toe rocker provides an additional stability boost, enhancing forward transitions and aiding in maintaining a straight running path. However, it's worth noting that this feature might not offer much advantage on technical or twisty trails, but actually the opposite.

Given its massive midsole, it's no surprise the Trabuco Max 3 lacks flexibility even being a plateless shoe. Our standardized 90-degree bend test required 36.5N of force—typical for a shoe designed with such features.

This rigidity contributes to the shoe's lack of ground feel, aligning with its design intent for maximum cushioning and protection.

After 20 minutes in the freezer we did again the test and the TM3 excelled, hardening by a mere 3%—an outstanding performance that solidifies its reputation as a winter running delight.

The 4-mm lugs on the shoe strike a balance, making it versatile for a variety of terrains, though it slightly favors pure trail use with only very occasional road sections.

Additionally, we see potential for sporadic use in snowy conditions. While deeper lugs would enhance its snow capabilities, the shoe's cozy upper and stellar cold-weather midsole performance open up possibilities for some snow runs here and there.

The toebox, measuring a super-spacious 100.1 mm, positions the Trabuco Max 3 as a dream for runners with wider feet or those who favor a roomier fit. For trail aficionados who seek a snug, locked-in feel, we believe the Brooks Caldera 6 is a more suitable choice.

This shoe shines for ultra events, especially due to its toe cap design.

Unlike others that narrow significantly, the Trabuco Max 3 boasts a broad, Altra-like roundness at 83.8 mm. It's an ideal setup for those valuing ample toe splay—a critical feature for the long hauls of ultras.

The tongue is attached to the shoe with a partial gusset—a detail we find quite satisfactory. While our preference leans towards a fully gusseted tongue for complete debris blockage, this also meets our needs!

The tongue is crafted with two thin foam layers, totaling 4.9mm in thickness—not overly plush, but we discovered it to be quite sufficient during our long runs in the trails.

Yet, for those seeking an ultra-cushioned instep experience, this model might fall short. We suggest considering the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 instead.

The heel boasts a sleek, horizontal finger-loop tab—always a plus in our book and, in our opinion, adds a cool touch, right?

We also discovered a handy elastic loop on the tongue, a cool feature that was already present in the v2 and allows you to securely fasten your laces, ensuring they stay put throughout your entire journey.

You can easily take out the insole if you want to, as its not glued down.

Also, because it's shaped in a very standard way, it's simple to switch it out with ones from different brands like Ortholite.

A proper trail running shoe should have reflective features, and the Trabuco Max 3 ticks that box.