The Asics Gel Trabuco 12 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 is a durable trail shoe designed for stability and grip. Its performance metrics make it particularly suitable for trail enthusiasts seeking reliable footwear for varied terrains.

With notable features like a stable platform and a robust upper, the shoe excels in maintaining grip under challenging conditions. The breathable construction and solid build quality further enhance its versatility, making it a dependable choice for outdoor adventures.


Pros

  • Durable upper
  • High versatility
  • Excellent stability
  • Incredible traction on varied terrains
  • All-around comfort
  • Delivers on multiple surfaces
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Competitively priced

Cons

  • Limited energy return from EVA foam
  • Heavier than many rivals
  • Slow mud clearance

Key Features

  • Breatheable mesh upper: This ensures adequate ventilation to keep your feet cool during long runs.
  • Recycled materials: At least 50% of the shoe’s main upper material is made from recycled sources, reflecting ASICS' commitment to sustainability.
  • Solution dyeing process: The sockliner is produced using a method that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and cuts carbon emissions by around 45%, contributing to eco-friendly practices.
  • Adaptive guidance system: This feature helps create a more stable ride, allowing you to navigate varying terrains with confidence.
  • Lace holder: Keeps the laces secure and prevents them from coming untied mid-run.

Specifications

  • Fabric type: Synthetic-and-mesh
  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Polyester

Asics Gel Trabuco 12 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 ASICS Gel Trabuco 13 ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Price $140 $140 $85 $185
Trail terrain Moderate Light Light Moderate
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.5 oz / 299g 10.2 oz / 288g 10.3 oz / 292g 10.3 oz / 293g
Drop lab Drop brand 7.8 mm 7.0 mm 10.1 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Soft Balanced Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Normal Normal Normal
Plate Rock plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Good Good Very bad Good
Heel padding durability Good Good Bad Good
Outsole durability Good Good Decent Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Wide Medium Medium Narrow
Stiffness Moderate Stiff Flexible Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Stiff Flexible
Lug depth 4.5 mm 3.3 mm 4.0 mm 3.9 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 35.4 mm 33.8 mm 37.7 mm 38.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 27.6 mm 26.8 mm 27.6 mm 30.8 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
For heavy runners
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 18% Top 37% Bottom 20% Top 36%
Popularity Top 26% Top 30% Bottom 44% Top 23%