Last updated: 10-Dec-18
These shoes have a grippy outsole for maximum traction on hills and slippery surfaces. Rear and forefoot gel cushioning systems provide shock absorption for a smoother, more protected ride. Memory foam in the heel and a removable sockliner give additional cushioning for a more comfortable run over longer distances.
FEATURES
- AHAR® Outsole
- Anti-Gravel Tongue
- DuoMax® Support System
- Lace Garage™ Technology
- Heel Clutching System™ Technology
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Cushioning Systems
- Removable Sockliner
- Rock Protection Plate
- Solyte® Midsole Material
- Solyte® Lasting 55
- Wet Grip
- Weight: 270g
- Price: £85
PROS: What is good about the Asics Gel Fuji Trabuco 5 trail running shoe
The first thing you notice when you put these on is how comfortable they are. They have the comfort of a road shoe with the features of a trail shoe. The cushioning in the rear and forefoot absolutely does what it says on the tin, it cushions. My legs were definitely feeling the love for these shoes.
The grip around the whole foot is also good. There is ample space in the toe box and I could feel my feet spreading out nicely. I got a half size up as summer is coming and I live in Morocco but I still felt they gripped onto my mid-foot and heels well.
What I really like about them, in addition to the comfort, is that I feel they help my whole foot to connect with the trail. I can feel the flow of the run through the foot. I tried them in sand as well, partly because I am often in sandy conditions and partly to check out my footprints, and I saw that they definitely encouraged me into a good, regular footfall.
The rock protection plate is useful and gives protection when I get clumsy
I like the simplicity of the lacing system, although I do sometimes have to re-tie on descent.
The weight is commensurate with the protection afforded. Although my foot feels protected it doesn’t feel constrained.
I feel secure on the descents and in quite tricky terrain, the lugs are grippy. I can’t speak to how long they will last.
They were also comfy on very hard packed trails and tarmac – and while I was walking. Definitely a bonus.
CONS: What’s not so good about the Asics Gel Fuji Trabuco 5 trail running shoe
This is really the obvious thing with a cushioned shoe, what you gain in comfort you lose in feeling the ground. I would probably use a different shoe for highly-technical, treacherous ascending and descending.
I haven’t had enough time with them but as with all lugs, I would watch for deterioration over time.
I liked the lacing system because it is easy and has a nice tuck-in feature, but I did have to stop and re-tie.
They aren’t the lightest shoe you can buy and they aren’t quite as responsive as some, but you have to balance that against the comfort which is excellent.
CONCLUSION
I liked the shoes a lot and would wear them on regular training runs, sand, hard-packed trails and moorland. I would make a different choice for very wet and slippery or technical ground. I loved the fact that they helped keep my legs fresh and that they did support my foot without being too restrictive. I think these are an excellent everyday shoe that will do your legs a favour.
| Score | |
| Design | 9/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 9/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 8.5/10 |
Other trainers you may want to consider:
Altra Lone Peak 3.0
Inov-8 Trail Talon 275
La Sportiva Mutants
Sketchers Go Trail Ultra 3
Have you used the Asics Gel Fuji Trabuco shoes? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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