Asics Trabuco 13 Review: Any Trail, Any Day
Trabuco 13: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 285g
- W: 250g
Best For:
- Great option for a variety of trail terrains.
- The most versatile Asics trail shoe.
Price:
- $230 AUD
Stack Height, Drop & Lugs:
- 34mm heel / 26mm forefoot
- 8mm drop
- 4mm lugs
Favourite Features:
- Feels like just the right amount of foam underfoot for a shoe in this category.
- New upper feels more refined.
Release Date:
- February, 2025
What's the Trabuco 13 all about?
The Trabuco 13 carries forward the legacy of Asics' most accessible and well rounded trail running shoe. Positioned within Asics' trail lineup, which also includes the max cushioned Trabuco Max 4 and the speed orientated Metafuji Trail, the Trabuco has long been a dependable pick for runners looking for versatility and comfort on a range of trail conditions.
What's exciting in recent years is how Asics has funneled the success and innovation from their road models (think: Novablast, Nimbus, and Superblast) into the trail space. That influence is immediately noticeable here. The Trabuco 13 benefits from improved cushioning, lighter construction and a more dynamic ride than earlier versions.
As always, this shoe continues to strike a strong balance between protection and agility, appealing to trail runners who want a lightweight shoe that still brings enough underfoot defense to confidently tackle moderate terrain.
There are three key changes in the Trabuco 13:
1) The most versatile Asics trail midsole
The Trabuco 13 gets a major upgrade underfoot with the introduction of FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, which Asics has rolled out across several recent road and trail models. It brings a smoother, more responsive ride compared to older foams, without sacrificing cushioning.
Interestingly, Asics chose to reduce the stack height by 0.5mm. While that might sound minor, it's a refreshing deviation in a market where most brands keep chasing more and more foam. The result? A nimble, more connected feel on the trails that still delivers comfort and protection, while setting itself apart from the higher stacked Trabuco Max 4.
This is also the lightest Trabuco to date, which is impressive as there doesn’t seem to be any compromise on durability or protection.
2) Improved upper ready to tackle the trails
The upper sees some meaningful refinements. A technical mesh combined with ripstop heel detailing adds structure and durability, while the new lace in lace system enhances foot lockdown without adding bulk.
One standout feature here is the addition of a sand guard tongue, which helps keep debris out and maintains comfort during long efforts. All in all, the Trabuco 13 upper feels more adaptive and secure than previous iterations and better suited to handle long days out on dusty, rocky, or wet trails.
3) ASICSGRIP, an underrated outsole compound
Asics continues to impress with its ASICSGRIP outsole, which provides dependable traction across mixed surfaces from slick rocks to loose dirt. The outsole continues to be one of the strongest features of the Trabuco line.
Asics are using a thin, flexible forefoot rock plate in this model. In an era where stiff plates are sometimes seen as overkill for moderate trails, we appreciate the lightweight implementation here. It adds just enough protection without making the shoe rigid and allows the shoe to adapt and mold over the trail elements.
Our first thoughts
The Trabuco 13 feels like a well designed evolution rather than a radical overhaul, and that’s a good thing. The updates make it lighter, more agile and more refined without losing what made it a fan favorite in the first place.
It sits in a sweet spot for trail runners who don’t want a super stacked max cushion ride but still crave reliable comfort and protection over long miles. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, training for your next ultra, or just want a trail shoe that can do a bit of everything, the Trabuco 13 is a solid, well-rounded option.
About the author
Seb Lopez - Trail Runner & Photographer
I’m passionate about trail running, hiking, adventure racing, and the outdoors in general. My favourite runs are long days spent with mates, exploring new places.
I also appreciate how different shoes allow me to connect with the terrain in unique ways and how that affects the running experience. When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll probably find me behind the camera as a sports photographer. It’s great to be on the other side and see the sport from a different angle.
