Customer Reviews

ASICS Men's GEL-Trabuco 12 G-TX Running Shoe,Carbon/Aluminum/Blazing Orange,12.5 D US

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

At my age, I don't trail run. I bought these shoes for everyday wear in our Minnesota winter, and they are working out fantastically well.

In the summer, I typically wear ASICS athletic shoes, but in winter here, that's out of the question. To get from the parking lot to my office, I typically have to step in slush, puddles, or snow. Parked on the street in the city, I frequently have to climb over a pile of snow to get to the sidewalk. Regular shoes get my feet wet almost immediately. On the other hand, it's uncomfortable driving a car or clomping around in big over-the-ankle winter boots.

These ASICS are a perfect compromise. I have stepped in slush puddles, and walked through 2-inch deep snow and my feet stayed completely dry.

I bought these shoes for the waterproofness, but I was surprised to find they have excellent traction on ice. The soles are more like hiking boots than running shoes. Every outdoor horizontal surface in Minnesota this winter is covered by an inch of iron-hard ice. I have walked on a lot of it in these shoes and have not worried about falling.

They are comfortable to wear -- they feel like athletic shoes. The only drawback is that Gore-Tex is hot to wear. (This is not a bad thing here - it was 17 degrees below zero this morning.) In warmer temperatures, my feet would probably be uncomfortably warm. When I get into the office, I change into a pair of clean ASICS running shoes.

Because of the soles, I suppose, they are stiffer than running shoes. They were slightly uncomfortable until I got them broken in, which took a week or so. Now they're fine. I would avoid wearing them on a long hike right out of the box, if possible.

It seems that most all running shoes are getting narrower and narrower in the forefoot (toebox) In fact, the brand-new New Balance MT910GT comes in mens D & 4E widths. I wear a 2E, so went with the 4E and a pretty nice fit. Ironically, I had to size "down" to a 12.5. I sure wish ASICS had at least the GEL-Trabuco in widths. I wear Brooks for road shoes (13EE) and New Balance for off-road. ASICS had been my favorite brand, but "if the shoe doesn't fit..."

They're waterproof, great grip for runs in bad conditions, decent fit overall. The only thing that is a tad odd is how thick the sole is, which adds an inch or so additional vs. a normal running shoe. Not really a problem, but noticeable so I figured I would point it out.

This is a great shoe for trail running. Very good shock absorption. Very durable outer that holds up well to water, mud, dirt and snow (I used gaiters to keep the snow out of the top). I have about 40 miles of trail running and about 80 hours of walking around on concrete floors at work and they still look and feel new.

Generally speaking, Asics make amazing shoes. This is not one of them. Although it is very well made and has a nice look overall and good tread, it has several drawbacks. 1) I have seen Gore-Tex applied to running shoes with less of a "puffy/heavy" look and feel (Nike's Air Steen which is no longer made). 2)The shoe itself is slightly heavy, 3) but its worst feature is that it doesn't have sufficient cushioning in the shoe. The best trail shoes (for trail running, not hiking) work well both on the road and on the trail. I would not want to run for long on the road in these shoes.

My husband used these until they worn down too much to be comfortable. He had no complaints that he shared. He did not buy another pair simply because as a runner he is always looking for the next best thing.

Asics are one of the best shoes out there. I had always been a big Nike, and Addidas fan, and mostly wore their basketball shoes (I guess because I grew up in the 80's in the big Air Jordon "Boom"!). About 5 years ago I hurt my back, and have had 3 surgeries. I decided I needed a running shoe for the support and cushion. I tried New Balance (never again will I waste my money on them), Addidas, and Nike were ok, but I need better than just ok. I tried Asics, my first pair were the 1150's, and they were great! I had my reservations about the Trabuco 12, mostly because they are a "Trail" running shoe. I was worried for nothing, these are so comfortable! Im not trying to sell anybody on Asics, but unless they totally go off course, I will continue to buy them only. It's amazing what a good pair of shoes will do for a bad back!

I run trails 2-3 times a week. This is my first ASICS shoe and after having used it for 3-4 months I believe I have a balanced and adequate take on the shoe.

Pros: It is well made, durable, neat features like a shoe lace packet, the GORE-TEX works well, great grip, and adequately comfortable for running on street and trail.

Cons: The shoe is heavy for a running shoe (due to GORE-TEX mostly), it is a very hot shoe and has little ventilation, and not completely water-proof.

I would recommend this shoe for anyone looking for a warm, water resistant, comfortable shoe. For me it works great on cold winter days on the trail, which may have some snow, puddles, or rain. Otherwise, expect to have hot feet and little ventilation to help the situation. I gave it four stars because if you know what you are getting it will be worth what you pay and last a decent amount of time.

I WORK AT A SEAFOOD DEPARTMENT AND IT IS ALWAYS WET, COLD AND SLIPPERY. SOME OF MY WORKMATES WEAR BOOTS, I TRIED THAT BUT IS HARD ON THE KNEES. THE PLACE I WORK AT HAS CONCRETE FLOORS, AND YOUR JOINTS TAKE A DAILY BEATING. I WANTED SOMETHING MORE LIKE A PAIR OF SNEAKERS, BUT WATER-PROOF. THIS IS THE BEST I'VE FOUND SO FAR. THEY ARE MORE LIKE TRAIL SHOES, BUT THEY ARE MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE THAN ANYTHING ELSE I'VE TRIED BEFORE. THEY ARE RELATIVELY SLIP-RESISTANT, BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO BE CAREFUL. ALSO THEY ARE NOT WATER-PROOF, THEY ARE WATER-RESISTANT. HAVING SAID THAT I GO HOME WITH DRY FEET ALMOST EVERY DAY, WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT. THE GORE-TEX DOES A GREAT JOB KEEPING THE WATER OUT. THE SHOE DOES NOT HAVE GORE-TEX ON THE HEELS, AND IT SHOULD. THAT'S USUALLY WHERE I GET WET, IF I DO. BUT OVERALL CAN'T DO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS (SO FAR AT LEAST), THEY ARE DURABLE, STURDY,COMFORTABLE FOR A TRAIL SHOE, AND THEY HAVE REALLY IMPROVED MY WORKING CONDITIONS.

I had a pair of Nike Pegasus +27 before I bought this ASICS pair and I feel so much confortable in this pair of ASICS. Nice support sole, good width size. Great for running.