ASICS Gel Trabuco 11

If there is an emblematic trail running shoe by the Japanese brand, this is undoubtedly the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11, an ideal shoe for comfortable and cushioned mountain running that adapts to a wide range of male and female runners.

Recently introduced, the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 trail running shoe presents great new features compared to the previous version. After testing this new version we believe that these new features have contributed to improving the performance and versatility of this great shoe.

First impressions and features of the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11

We really wanted to try the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 for several reasons, the first is that it is a shoe that fits my characteristics perfectly. I like shoes with cushioning, comfortable, with good grip of the sole and that, for a runner who is not fast in the mountains like me, can adapt perfectly. In addition, we had also had the opportunity to test the ASICS Gel Trabuco 10 and we wanted to see the improvements of the new version firsthand.

During the last few weeks we have been testing the shoe on different mountain terrains, more runnable forest trails with few technical difficulties, narrower and more technical trails, rocky terrain, climbs and descents with large slopes to check the behaviour of the shoe on a large typology of surfaces.

"The ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 are shoes that will work perfectly for a wide range of runners, providing comfort, cushioning and protection to run for miles and miles without problems in the mountains."

The behaviour of the outsole didn't surprise me too much, it is no secret that the ASICS Grip compound is one of the best on the market and the truth is that it works wonders in any type of situation. It is true that, due tot he weather, we have not been able to run on muddy or very wet terrain as we are short of rain and storms, but I think that they will hold up.

For rocky terrain you can run with the peace of mind of knowing that the terrain will not be a problem, as the shoe has an anti-rock plate in the front that protects us from stones which are pointed or difficult to step on while we run through these more technical terrains.

The base of the sole is one of the great innovations of the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11, with 10 mm width in the middle part of the sole and 5 mm wider in the heel, so we have more stability and security when running in the mountains, an aspect that heavier runners will greatly appreciate.

The new cushioning of the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 incorporates the Flyte Foam Blast compound in this model as opposed to the Flyte Foam of the previous version, and it has surprised us very pleasantly. Despite not being an excessively fast runner, we have noticed this greater versatility and multifunctionality of the shoe. With the new FF Blast foam we have run comfortably at faster paces and the truth is that it is one of the aspects that we liked the most about the shoe.

We appreciate the extra 2 mm in its profile, although it is not a maximalist shoe like others we can find on the market. We gain in comfort when running, although we may be a little more hindered on more technical terrain, but the new wider base of the sole will provide us with the security and stability we need.

The upper of the shoe protects the foot perfectly and provides a great fit to wear the shoes for many hours without any issues in the mountains. We have not had any problems with breathability and, despite not presenting as many new features as other parts of the shoe, it works properly.

What kind of runners are the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 for?

Runners of medium to heavy weight who need a comfortable running shoe with good cushioning have, without a doubt, the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 as one of their main options for running in the mountains.

One of the most positive aspects of the shoe is that it can be used by a wide range of runners as we find it to be a very complete shoe. Very good cushioning, good base to provide stability, a sole that works like a charm and an upper that didn't give any problems during the test.

What distances do we recommend the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 for?

With the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 we can cover any kind of distance without problems, from 10 km training to long distances in the mountains, as we are guaranteed great comfort. It's better if they are not at excessively fast paces, but with the new midsole we can also force it (and it will respond) without problems in those descents and less technical terrain.

What we liked most about the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11

We think that the incorporation of the new Flyte Foam Blast foam has been a great success, more than anything else, to give the shoe more versatility and dynamism than the previous versions, which were "heavier" shoes.

With the ASICS Grip outsole you know that you can go out to run in the mountains on a variety of terrains with the assurance that it will respond without problems. It didn't surprise us in that aspect, because it is one of the best outsoles on the market, but it is one of the strong points of the shoe.

Opportunities for improvement in the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11

The new ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 have few weak points as they are very complete trail running shoes targeted to a wide range of runners, but we found that the tongue of the shoe is perhaps too padded. It provides more comfort and protection, true, but we also believe that, especially in the hottest times of the year it can take its toll on the issue of breathability and, as they are shoes for long distances, perhaps we can suffer in that regard.

The design of the shoe is too continuist with respect to the previous versions (it is clear that this is a personal issue), they have improved features and technologies (which is the most important thing) but the design and colors are still the same as always with the Japanese brand, perhaps a little more innovation in the design and in the range of colours would not be bad for the new version.

With which models can we compare the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11?

NNormal Tomir

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7

Merrell Agility Peak 4

Craft CTM Ultra Trail

HOKA Speedgoat 5

Altra Lone Peak 7

Saucony Xodus Ultra 2

Final conclusions about the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11

Undoubtedly one of the most outstanding trail shoe of this season and even more with the new features introduced in this version, is this the most outstanding version of the Trabuco saga? It is obviously a subjective matter and many of us will have different opinions (all respectable of course). Our opinion? No doubt about it! The product managers of the Japanese brand have succeeded in the improvements introduced that make the ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 a more versatile shoe, with great cushioning and comfort and with a grip of the outsole that is difficult to match.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightness: 8
• Responsiveness: 8
• Cushioning: 9
• Stability: 9
• Flexibility: 8
• Grip: 9