We spent a sunny cool Autumn morning out with Asics global team runner Brendan Lombard on a mix of rocky, rooted and smooth single track & sand roads. We didn't get to wear-test the shoes but had a good chat with him and a close up inspection of his good looking new shoes which he's been testing for a week. Asics are fast gaining market share off road and it's easy to see why.
This shoe hits the sweet spot of versatility with simplicity, efficiency and comfort.
Why we liked them: A consistent upgrade from the previous model, not too plush & bouncy yet still supportive, stable and comfortable. The durable Asics Grip outsole traction works on mixed surfaces while the upper has vastly improved protection from sharp rocks/branches. The effective, integrated rock plate toe bumper doesn't negatively affect the shoe's great midsole flexibility at all.
Why you might not: If you have narrow feet the broader toe box may prove too roomy and the new more resilient upper absorbs water. The diminutive 62kg, 33 year old trail runner has been rocking big race podiums with regularity this year, at Ultra trail Drakensberg, Addo, UTCT and the likes. We caught up with him before he heads off to tackle Europe and relishes the prospect of lacing up besides the world's best. Stats - 305 grams in size 9 Stack Height: 34mm heel / 26mm forefoot (8mm drop) Available now at R2400
A gusseted tongue, laces & traditional externally reinforced heel cup provide a solid & secure foot lockdown. What's changed? Asics retained the efficient and comfortable Flytefoam midsole with a 34mm stack and 8mm drop that was featured in the Trabuco 9. The Trabuco 9 utilized an external toe bumper that was stitched on top of the cloud mesh. The Trabuco 10's rock kicker is however integrated with the main upper by stylish overlays of varying densities, lightening in pliability as you move from the toe up towards the laces. These overlays are also used throughout the midfoot on both medial and lateral sides, offering support and protection. You would never guess that there was a rock-plate embedded in the sole.
Another standout new feature of the upper is a small lace pouch on top of the tongue, no more irritating loose laces.
In a nutshell the geometry & construction remain the same, as they say 'if it aint broke dont fix it'. The formula works, there's enough cushioning but is not plush like the Trabuco Max, it's dense but not too firm. The Trabuco 10 will appeal to a wide audience, featuring Asics’ signature Duomax midsole, a firmer density foam found along the medial side for support. As Bendan said, the Duomax works well providing support on uneven trails which in tandem with the softer Flytefoam is effective yet imperceivable. The outsole continues to provide full Asics Grip coverage with aggressive 5mm lugs, particularly in the forefoot, grabbing the autumn wet tree roots that litter the trails we ran. It's a bit firmer than Asics Fuji and Trabuco lytes which works well in South Africa's rocky terrain. You may just need to kick off the imbedded mud before you climb back in your car
The shoe provides a balanced and cushioned ride, not especially fast nor plush. This shoe lands in the happy space that covers all distances and terrain - the holy grail for a 1 shoe fits all solution, especially your mid pack run long, run happy camper. The Trabuco 10 is an ideal, reliable all purpose trail grinder which we'd recommend to any runner unless they run in swampy terrain or have very narrow feet.
Grab your pair at here or check them out in store at the Asics store in Canal Walk https://www.asics.com/za/en-za/store/asics-retail-canal-walk
