Asics Gel Trabuco 14 | Out with the old, In with the new, Shoe Review

It's just approaching 6 years now that I've been living over in the UK and it's been not much less time since I've had a new pair of running shoes. Sufficed to say it was time for an upgrade.

Left: New Asics, Right: Old Saucony

My last pair was bought online without having first tried them on in the store and I've had a bit of trouble with them with blisters during any runs longer than about 4km. I had always thought that was due to my extended breaks between runs but realised that it was actually the shoe. Despite my own admission to the fact that ordering online can be a bit hit or miss I've done it again, but to much better results. If you're not as optimistic as me, get yourself over to the specialist running shops where they might have a treadmill to try out a pair first. (Then cheekily order them online where they'll usually be cheaper)

I was lucky enough to have taken delivery of a new pair of trail running shoes that Sports Direct had kindly sent me to review. I opened the box to reveal a surprisingly handsome pair of shoes the Asics Gel Trabuco 14. I suspect some of you might not be too keen on the colour, but for me, I like my shoes to stand out from the crowd a bit.

I put them to the test with a half hour wet trail run, I felt like I was running on a cloud. Notably, running downhill, they absorbed the full force of impact and gripped the terrain impeccably. I was very impressed and busting to get out there again and put them to the test some more.

This is the latest release of this model of shoe. Personally, I've not had the opportunity to compare previous models with. However, I've found some mixed opinion out there with this latest version saying that it's less of a true, hard-core trail shoe, a bit wider than normal and that the lacing system is completely different without the normal second usuable hole to butterfly lace your shoe to help hold your foot and ankle in place. I can attest to the latter criticism myself as when I went running through some wet muddy ground in my last run the shoe got a bit stuck and my foot almost came out of the shoe.

ASICS Men's Gel Trabuco 14

Asics Gel Trabuco 14

A long-standing favourite of trail runners, GEL-TRABUCO 14 is the most performance-oriented edition yet. The rugged outsole offers excellent trail traction combined with a comfortable feel. The Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning System that eases the shock experienced during the impact and toe-off phases, while the Solyte Midsole Material, a lighter compound than ASICS’ standard EVA and SpEVA, not only reduces weight but also enhances cushioning and durability. Also helping to reduce weight of the sole unit is the Trusstic System with no loss of structural integrity. A Trail Specific Outsole features reversed lugs for excellent uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain, while ASICS High Abrasion Resistant rubber placed in critical areas of the outsole provides exceptional durability. In the midsole area, the dual density Duomax Support System enhances support and stability. A Rock Protection Plate helps to protect against stone bruises.

- Mens trail running shoes 
- Lace-up 
- Padded ankle collar 
- Breathable mesh upper 
- Solyte midsole 
- Rearfoot Gel Cushioning 
- AHAR+ (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) outsole 
- Asics logo 
- Synthetic/Mesh upper, Textile inner, Synthetic sole