ASICS
Trabuco Max 5
ASICS' max-cushion trail shoe pairs a 40 mm FF Blast Plus midsole and rockered sole with ASICSGRIP lugs and a water-repellent upper. Reviewers found it stable and protective over long distances but firm, heavy and clunky on technical ground.
What's new: A water-repellent jacquard mesh upper and redesigned lace loop replace the Max 4's mesh, with a slightly denser FF Blast Plus midsole; Road Trail Run's tester called it a subtle update.
About the Trabuco Max 5
Maximum cushioning for long trail days is the Trabuco Max 5's role in ASICS' range. It carries more foam than the Trabuco 14, with a 40 mm heel stack, and uses FF Blast Plus rather than that shoe's FF Blast Max; ASICS describes FF Blast Plus as lighter than standard FF Blast.
ASICS adds its Guidesole technology, a curved sole design that the brand says reduces ankle flexion and absorbs shock, giving the shoe a rocker profile. ASICSGRIP rubber handles traction, and the engineered mesh upper has a water-repellent treatment that ASICS says reduces water absorption in wet conditions. A redesigned lace loop also features, and ASICS says this version is lighter than the previous one. The drop is 5 mm and it comes in a standard fitting. Its high cushioning places it among the brand's options for ultra running.
Specs and features from asics.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch ASICS Trabuco Max 5 reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
77/100 review score
- Road Trail Run 8/10
The reviews in briefRoad Trail Run's Markus Zinkl found the ASICS Trabuco Max 5 stable, comfortable and durable over long forest runs, but firmer, heavier and clunkier than promised. Live for the Outdoors' Simon James and Karin Voller agreed it is protective on rocky ground, though they found the ride firm and the grip weak in sticky mud.
- Positive: Stable, wide platform that stays protective over long distances
- Positive: Comfortable upper and secure lacing
- Positive: Durable outsole that grips well on gravel and forest trails
- Mixed: Grip fades on wet tarmac and in sticky mud
- Negative: Firmer and less lively than expected
- Negative: Heavy and clunky on rooty, technical terrain
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 298 g
- Weight
- 40 mm
- Heel stack
- 5 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Testers found it true to size with a roomy toe box that tapers towards the front and a secure, well-padded heel.
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On TikTok
Trabuco Max 5 on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Trabuco Max 5
RRP around £160. Tap through for today's price.
ASICS Trabuco Max 5
In short
Pick this for long trail runs and ultras on gravel, forest paths and rocky ground when protection and stability matter most. Reviewers found it firm and heavy, so look elsewhere for nimble, technical running.
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