The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 is a versatile trail shoe that provides the everyday running comfort and durability needed for more demanding terrain. Ideal for forest trails, they also perform well in mountainous conditions, offering stability and protection. Thanks to their thoughtful construction, they inspire confidence on a variety of surfaces, from mud to rocky trails. They are the perfect choice for runners looking for a reliable shoe for any route.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 is a highly cushioned trail running shoe designed for difficult terrain. They provide safety and security during mountain runs, even over long distances. Their greatest advantage is their versatility — they also perform well on less challenging trails. These universal shoes can handle any conditions, whether you are planning an ultramarathon or everyday running on forest trails.
Pros
- very good cushioning
- very good stability
- good isolation from stones
- high outsole for a universal off-road shoe
- a solid shoe with many uses
Cons
- delicate upper, not for the most difficult conditions
- no “rocker”
Asics running shoes – lineup
The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 is a model from the brand’s trail running segment, often referred to as “Run on the Trail.” As the name suggests, these shoes are designed for running on various trail surfaces. The Trabuco occupies a central place in the lineup and offers balanced purpose and cushioning. This makes it ideal for everyday running and demanding mountain runs.
Learn more about the lineup and models in the Asics running shoe guide.
| ULTRA | EVERYDAY TRAIL | SPEED TRAIL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Trabuco Max 3 |  Metafuji Trail | |
| very high cushioning |  Gel-Trabuco 13 |  Fujispeed 3 | |
| high cushioning |  Gel-Sonoma 7 |  Fuji Lite 3 |
Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 alternatives
The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 is a versatile trail shoe with many counterparts in its category. In terms of versatility and cushioning, it rivals models such as the Brooks Cascadia, Salomon Genesis, Nike Wildhorse, and Hoka Speedgoat. Want to learn more? Check out our guide to trail shoes with high cushioning.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 | 35,5/27,5 | 8 | 285 | 250 | 160 |
| Brooks Cascadia 17 | 33/25 | 8 | 298 | 278 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Daichi 7 | 33/25 | 8 | 308 | 255 | 150 |
| New Balance Hierro v7 | n/a | 8 | 301 | 235 | 160 |
| Nike Wildhorse 8 | 35/27 | 8 | 300 | n/a | 130 |
| Salomon Genesis | 34/26 | 8 | 269 | 242 | 160 |
| Salomon Sense Ride 5 | 29/21 | 8 | 293 | 247 | 130 |
Cushioning and protection
The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13’s midsole is made of FF Blast+ Eco foam, which is more responsive than the FF Blast foam used in previous models. According to the manufacturer, there is 35.5 mm of foam under the heel and 27.5 mm under the forefoot. While these values are quite high, they are typical for shoes of this type. The midsole’s thickness makes the Trabuco 13 exceptionally soft and comfortable. This makes them suitable for long ultra distances.
However, there is no clearly defined rocker — a profile that facilitates rolling the foot from heel to toe. Though the shoe has a slightly upturned toe and gently sloped heel, this feature is almost imperceptible. This will be a disadvantage for runners who expect this type of solution from a shoe. However, in technically difficult terrain, the lack of a rocker can increase stability and the precision of foot placement. This feature may be more practical than typical midsole contouring in difficult conditions.
The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 midsole features a Rock Protection Plate, a protective plate located at the front of the shoe under the forefoot. Its main function is to distribute point pressure evenly over a larger area, significantly increasing comfort when running on rocky trails. This feature prevents sharper stones from digging into the foot as much, reducing discomfort.
Deep outsole
The Trabuco 13’s outsole is made of AsicsGrip rubber, making it highly grippy on all surfaces. It has an aggressive tread with many herringbone-shaped lugs. These lugs are 3.0 millimeters high, a significant value even for trail shoes. This provides a secure grip on the ground.
The lugs at the front of the shoe are angled backward to improve traction during uphill runs. The lugs at the rear are angled forward to increase stability and control during downhill runs. This outsole configuration makes the Trabuco 13 ideal for mountain trails and less demanding terrain, such as suburban forests and parks. It is a versatile choice for runners looking for reliability.
Soft and pretty roomy upper
The new Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 has a technical mesh upper that is softer and more breathable than the previous model. This improves ventilation, which you’ll appreciate on warmer days. However, the mesh allows a significant amount of moisture to penetrate the shoe in wet conditions, so keep that in mind when planning a run in rainy weather or on muddy trails. The thinner upper has its advantages and challenges.
The front part of the upper has been slightly reinforced. Unlike typical trail shoes, there is no “toe bumper”; only mesh reinforcement strips have been applied to the upper. This soft solution will not effectively protect your toes if you kick a stone by accident. For a shoe designed for difficult terrain, the front is delicate.
The interior of the shoe meets trail running standards. The heel area is reinforced for stability, and soft foam padding insulates the foot from hard elements, increasing comfort. The rear of the shoe is soft yet stable, exactly what you would expect from a trail running shoe. The front, on the other hand, offers ample space. The upper is 105.8 mm wide at its widest point, slightly above average. A little extra space is good news, especially for ultra distances, as it allows your feet to swell freely.
A nice feature of the upper is the elastic band that holds the laces in place once tied. This extremely practical feature minimizes the risk of the laces coming undone or getting caught on obstacles on the trail. After all, no one likes untied laces while running. No one wants to trip and fall because their laces got caught on a root or a stick.
Medium weight
According to the manufacturer, the men’s version of the Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 weighs 285 grams, and the women’s version weighs 250 grams. These weights are considered fairly standard for trail shoes. In size 12 US, the shoe weighs 341 grams. While this may seem heavy, it is only slightly more than the average weight of trail shoes, which is 338 grams.
Therefore, the Trabuco 13 is slightly heavier than average, which aligns with its versatile character and balanced parameters. The shoe is balanced in terms of weight and offers functionality that works well in a wide range of applications.
Summary
The Asics Gel-Trabuco 13 is a reliable shoe for mountain trails and everyday forest runs. It offers comfort, versatility, and a solid grip, no matter how difficult the terrain. You’ll love the high level of cushioning and stability, especially on long distances. If you’re looking for a reliable running partner, the Trabuco 13 could be just what you need.
