Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Trabuco® 9

These shoes are made with inferior material on the top. Within a few months using them for walking only, a tear started at the toe. I have patched it and have now recently noticed another tear on the inner side. I recall reading another review that I dismissed before making this purchase complaining about the same issue. Should have paid more attention to that. For $125 shoes, this is unacceptable.

I had the Fujitrabuco and liked it but a freakish snag on a pointed tree root ripped the upper. The grip on the sole is fantastic -- I hiked rough volcanic rock and slippery slopes in these shoes and they worked well. The tread does not get clogged with soil unless it is sticky, wet clay. The sole was stiff enough to protect my feet. The one thing I would like to see is more arch support.

I do a lot of hiking and prefer trail runners to hiking shoes. I generally only buy Asics for road running, walking around, and hiking - very familiar with the brand and sizing, and Asics have been my go to brand for many years - big fan. I have relied on the Asics Kahana trail shoe for hiking for many years and have been very pleased with it, but Asics apparently discontinued the Kahana. After some research, I purchased the Trabuco. The online reviews are pretty spot on. My observations: the good - very lightweight, breathable, and good sized lugs on the soles; the bad - the toe box is extremely wide (some people may like this, but I do not), and the lacing system makes it difficult to tighten the shoes, particularly with the thin flat laces. As a result of the large toe box and the lacing system combined, these shoes are very loose fitting and definitely not snug enough for hiking, trail running, or just walking around. One shoe actually continuously slipped above my heel even with all eyelets being used and the laces as tight as possible. I switched back to my worn out Kahanas and the difference was night and day. Went for a snug and well-fitting six mile hike in my old shoes. Very disappointed in the Trabuco for a $140 purchase. Will be returning these and looking for another brand for trail shoes. If you like a large toe box and loose fit, you may like these, but I did not find them very practical at all. As always, I am very pleased with Zappos' service and immediate return credit for VIP customers.

Have had these for less than 1 months. Looked down today and saw a tear in the toe area where meets rubber. For $139 shoes this should NOT happen!