I’ve been putting the ASICS GEL-Trabuco 13 through some solid testing on a mixture of terrain, and it’s quickly become one of those shoes I reach for when I know the day’s going to involve technical trails, open stretches of fast runnign, and plenty of time on feet.
They are rugged, all-mountain trail running shoes that are protective under foot, have a pretty stable ride, and chomp through long-distance trail running adventures with ease.
Something about the GEL Trabuco 13, reminds me a lot of the Saucony Peregrine 15, and that's a really good thing!
Key specifications:
- Price: $140 at Saucony / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
- Weight: 10oz (283g), Men’s US 9
- Drop: 8mm (34mm heel / 26mm forefoot)
- Upper: Debris-resistant mesh, padded collar and heel
- Midsole: FF Blast+ with rear GEL unit and woven rock plate
- Outsole: ASICSGrip rubber, 4–5mm chevron-style lugs
- Best for: Long, technical trail runs in the mountains
Sizing and fit
These fit true to size for me with a secure heel and midfoot hold, plus just enough room in the forefoot to allow for natural splay.
The ankle and heel padding locks everything in without feeling overbuilt, and while the shoe does feel structured, it’s not overbearing.
Alastair Dixon
Just don’t expect a super minimal, sock-like fit here—it’s built for support and durability over long distances.
Performance review
Right away, I noticed how grounded and stable this shoe feels and the ride instantly reminded me of the Saucony Peregrine 15 (another awesome all mountain trail runner).
Alastair Dixon
The FF Blast+ midsole is a little on the firmer / more responsive side, but it doesn’t beat your legs up.
It actually feels really protective over long miles with just the right amount of cushioned that means it also maintains good control on technical terrain - I'm loving the balance.
I found it smooth enough on fire roads and gravel, but this shoe really shines when things get more technical and gradients start to come into play.
The GEL in the heel and those cradling sidewalls give extra protection and shock absorption when landing, especially on descents.
The built-in rock plate under foot adds confidence when stepping on sharp rocks or uneven ground, but it doesn’t make the ride overly stiff - it actually give the shoe extra response, like a toned down carbon plate.
It took a few runs for the flex to ease up, but once it did, the transition felt a lot more natural.
The upper fits really well for me, with total comfort around the collars, heel counter and tongue, producing impeccable heel lock - which is noticeable on steep inclines and fast descents.
The mesh also includes a sand guard, which helps keep fine dirt and sand particles out of the shoe - I actually did a little bit of running on sand, and can confirm none made it into my shoes.
Oh the upper also has a little elastic loop to tuck your laces into, keeping them out the way when running - a nice touch.
So, the upper has a lot of good things going for it but it's not the most breathable - not the worst, just not an airy experience in super hot conditions.
Grip-wise, the ASICSGrip outsole held strong on everything I threw at it—loose dirt, rocks, but I'm yet to test in the wet.
I also appreciate how the lugs wrap high up the toe, giving them good traction on really steep climbs - see below.
The chevron-style lugs aren’t quite as aggressive as some other all mountain trail shoes out there, but they’re super versatile and don’t feel too blocky underfoot.
This isn’t a fast or snappy shoe, but that’s by design. It’s built for all-day mountain adventures, where you need stability, cushion, and a shoe that keeps your feet feeling fresh even after hours on the trail - and it's actually faster than most all mountain shoes.
My verdict
The Trabuco 13 really surprised me. It’s not the lightest or most agile trail shoe out there, but when I’m heading out for big vertical days, long treks, or rough conditions.
This is a pair I can really trust - and I'm going to be keeping these in my rotation for sure.
The cushioning is protective while maintaining good response, the grip is dependable across most surfaces, and the upper does a great job keeping out debris while staying breathable enough.
If you’re looking for a versatile, rugged all mountain trail running shoe that can handle long miles and technical terrain, without punishing your feet, the Trabuco 13 is absolutely worth checking out and well worth $140.
You can pick up a pair to try for yourself at the following online retailers:
$140 at Saucony / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
