TRABUCO MAX 2
Reviewed by Aaron Jackson
Podiatrist and Trail Runner
Navigate the trails with less effort.
TRABUCO MAX™ 2 is a cushioned trail running shoe that provides energy savings and cushioning properties to help you navigate the trails with less effort. It features FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning creates effortless impact absorption while propelling your momentum forward and GUIDESOLE™ technology curved sole design is strategically positioned to create an easy forward roll.
TRABUCO MAX 2 is a shoe designed for trail runners who are searching for maximum cushioning and protection.
Whilst we cannot categorically determine the ideal shoe for a runner based on a few clinical tests in isolation, I think a combination of some of these findings may point you towards this being a shoe worth considering for someone looking to run on trails or soft surfaces.
This could range from someone who likes to run a few kilometres around their local parks, to an experienced ultramarathon runner.
Someone who would benefit from the increased stack height on this shoe (compared to other trail options) is someone who:
- Has generalised forefoot discomfort related to time spent on feet, particularly on rough or rocky surfaces.
- Has niggles/injuries relating to management of vertical ground reaction forces, particularly the impact peak.
Otherwise, this shoe may be of benefit to those running longer distances as the increased stack could be somewhat ‘protective’ of the legs and may help to reduce the build-up of lactic acid (common/problematic in long hilly trail runs) and general fatigue.
Key Updates
- Upper: Now an engineered knit upper with improved ways to tuck the laces away.
- Midsole: FF BLAST PLUS for improved cushioning and protection. GUIDESOLE provides energy savings for trail runners traversing across long distances.
Impact of Updates
FF BLAST PLUS is a big change for this shoe, lending it a softer underfoot feel which is particularly noticeable when combined with the 29mm and 24mm rearfoot and forefoot stack (28mm and 23mm for women).
Clinical Relevance
The TRABUCO MAX is a key part of the ASICS trail running family. Trail running is booming at the moment and runners are becoming increasingly interested in challenging themselves to longer and longer distances. As a ‘maximum protection’ shoe, this is an excellent option for those individuals pushing themselves to run big distances (“big distances” is a relative term, I think that’s important to acknowledge). For anyone who is looking to push the boat out, there are two key reasons why I would suggest this option:
- The GUIDESOLE functions as a forefoot rocker. This contributes to the economical progression through the sagittal plane. For most runners, it will reduce the workload of the ankle plantar flexors and reduce time spent on the forefoot. Ultimately this is thought to make it easier for a runner to maintain their stride economically and effectively.
- The midsole material and large stack heights on this shoe are extremely forgiving. Ground reaction forces are therefore dampened, meaning that muscles are not required to work as hard, eccentrically, to maintain an upright posture. Around 80% of your physiological workload when running is simply to hold your body weight off the ground. Although a small change, management of vertical ground forces helps to improve this.
All that considered, this is a shoe that I frequently refer for in a clinical setting. Beyond the benefits described above, rocker shoes have been previously shown to have a positive effect on runners with Achilles tendon complaints.
With any specialised shoe like this, there will always be things to be cautious of. In the case of TRABUCO MAX, I warn anyone planning to use this for particularly technical trails. The increased stack height in this case may be more problematic than helpful as it essentially raises the centre of mass and may be less stable on trails full of tree roots etc. In those cases, look towards a lower-stacked shoe such as the FUJI LITE.
Personal Experience
This shoe feels great on the foot. The rocker is immediately obvious although not intrusive, and the midsole feels nice and soft. I have personally used this shoe for some local trails (mostly forestry roads) near my house. I’ve found it great on these runs as the large gravel that tends to make up these surfaces otherwise beats my feet up. Running in this shoe makes those trails feel smooth and comfortable to run on. Whilst I haven’t yet signed up for any really long runs, I will be interested to see how this feels when the mileage gets up a little higher.
