***(1) Introduction***

About a month ago, I wrote a post on the New Balance Hierro v9 (here is my original review). I was quite impressed with its comfort and trail capabilities, and truly believed I had found an excellent shoe for my long runs and hikes.
However, as any runner knows, curiosity often leads to new explorations. When u/johro4 commented on my post, I discovered he had shared an in-depth review of the Asics Trabuco Max 4 (read his insights here), a shoe I had considered before buying the Hierros.
Then, out of nowhere, a significant online discount popped up — 50% off my size 12. It was an opportunity too good to miss. So despite u/johro4’s mixed review, I grabbed a pair to see what the Trabuco Max 4 was all about.
I decided to put these two max-cushioned trail shoes head-to-head. 

For reference: I’ve logged over 100 miles on the Hierros and about 50 miles on the Trabuco Max 4, both on the exact same trails. I’m training for a very technical trail run near home, so I’ve covered the course multiple times.

***(2) Specs***

Hierro v9: US M12, weight ~11oz (311g), stack height 42mm heel / 38mm forefoot (4mm drop), midsole Dual-density Fresh Foam X, outsole Vibram Megagrip with 4.5mm lugs.

Trabuco Max 4: US M12, weight ~11oz (312g), stack height 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot (5mm drop), midsole FFBlast+, outsole AsicsGrip with 3.5-4mm lugs.

***(3) Fit & Upper Comfort: Tie***

There’s no clear winner here. Both shoes are constructed with breathable mesh, providing a secure and comfortable fit around the foot. They both feature ample padding in the heel and tongue for an accommodating feel.
With the Hierros, the only minor issue I had initially was that they felt a bit snug. But now that I have over 100 miles on them, they’re perfect. Either the midsole foam has compressed a bit or the insole has molded to my feet, but whatever it is, they feel flawless now. 
The Trabuco Max 4, on the other hand, has that classic 'disappearing' sensation on the foot that I really appreciate in Asics shoes.

**Bottom line**: both shoes are well built and offer excellent comfort and secure fits, making them equally reliable choices in terms of upper fit and feel.

***(4) Midsole & Cushioning: Slight Advantage Hierro***

The dual-density Fresh Foam X in the Hierro delivers a truly plush and bouncy ride. It feels protective and offers good rebound, maintaining a consistent feel over long distances.
In contrast, the FF BLAST+ in the Trabuco Max 4 provides ample cushioning, but it feels firmer and more responsive compared to the Hierro. It offers good energy transfer, partly due to the Guidesole rocker, and effectively protects the legs, though with a different kind of cushioned feel.
If the Hierro feels like a deeply cushioned sofa, the Trabuco Max 4 feels more like a responsive, supportive platform. Both offer high levels of cushioning, but their softness and energy return clearly differ.
I have to be completely honest here: I’m a FFBlast+ fiend. I love it in the Novablast 4, and I love it in the Superblast 2. The moment I slipped into the Trabuco Max 4, I had that familiar feeling, if you know what I mean. I like how responsive the foam is while still feeling protective and cushioned – it’s snappy and fun. 
However, the Fresh Foam X feels much more plush, and that sensation is fast becoming one of my favorites.

**Bottom line**: I think the Hierro has a more modern, luxurious, and plush feeling to it, making it the better choice if pure comfort and a premium underfoot experience are the priorities.

***(5) Outsole & Traction: Hierro Wins***

The Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Hierro v9 is simply outstanding. Its 4.5mm lugs provide excellent, reliable traction across various surfaces, from dry dirt to slick roots and muddy patches. I've always felt incredibly secure, and it consistently inspires confidence in diverse conditions.
The ASICSGRIP on the Max 4 performs adequately on dry, moderate trails. However, aligning with u/johro4's experience (and now my own), its performance in wet and muddy conditions was meh at best. The 3.5mm-4mm lugs, while present, are not great on serious mud, leading to a noticeable lack of grip. Also, technical terrain like steep scree fields can be tricky in the Trabuco.

**Clear winner here**: Hierro’s grip stands out as superior. The Trabuco Max 4 is suited for drier, less challenging trails where extreme grip isn’t a primary concern.

***(6) Stability & Protection: Tie***

Despite its high stack, the Hierro v9 offers a good stability for a maximalist shoe, largely due to its wide base. While it can feel a tad less nimble on extremely technical, off-camber terrain, its overall protective qualities are excellent. The integrated Toe Protect feature also adds robust front-foot defense against rocks and roots.
The Trabuco Max 4 features a wide platform, which inherently contributes to its stability on relatively flat or rolling ground. And even though its high stack can sometimes lead to a feeling of being less connected to the ground, the firmer FFBlast+ foam offers better stability overall.
Both shoes offer a high degree of protection from underfoot elements due to their substantial stack heights, but the Hierro feels a bit sturdier and its TPU Toe Protector is genuinely effective.

**Bottom line**: Both are protective maximalist options, The Hierro’s construction feels more solid and confidence-inspiring on harsh terrain while the Trabuco is definitely a more stable shoe.

***(7) Road-to-Trail Versatility: Slight Advantage Trabuco***

While comfortable enough for short road sections, the Hierro's weight and robust build can make it feel a bit cumbersome for extended pavement use, especially given my preference for lighter, snappier road shoes.

With its 5mm drop and slightly firmer, more responsive cushioning profile, the Trabuco Max 4 feels a bit more efficient and natural on road connectors compared to the Hierro. If your runs frequently involve mixed pavement and trail sections, this shoe might offer a more balanced and comfortable transition between surfaces.

**Bottom line**: Slight advantage to the Trabuco Max 4 for mixed road-to-trail use.

***(8) Durability & Longevity: Too Early To Call***

With over 100 miles on the Hierros and about 50 miles on the Trabuco Max 4, it's still too early to give a definitive verdict on long-term durability for both.
So far, both shoes show expected minimal wear on the outsoles. The Hierro's Vibram lugs appear very robust and show little sign of degradation. The Trabuco Max 4's outsole is also holding up. I'll keep monitoring them.

***The Verdict: Pros & Cons***

New Balance Hierro v9

✅ Pros:
Comfortable upper, no hot spots
Excellent lockdown despite softer upper
Feels very stable on moderate terrain
Great Vibram outsole grip, even on mud and wet rocks
Dual-density midsole feels protective and plush without being mushy
Less bottoming out than Hierro v7

❌ Cons:
Heavy, but does not feel sluggish
Less nimble than lighter shoes
Upper is quite warm in the summer

Asics FujiTrabuco Max 4

✅ Pros:
Responsive, snappy FFBlast+ midsole that still protects well
Excellent road-to-trail versatility – feels efficient on pavement
Stable ride thanks to firmer foam and wide platform
Disappears on foot like most Asics do

❌ Cons:
Mediocre traction in wet or muddy conditions
Less ground feel due to high stack and Guidesole design
Not ideal for extremely technical trails

***Conclusion: My Final Takeaway***

Considering all factors, the New Balance Hierro v9 remains my top choice for comprehensive trail running. Its superior comfort and, crucially, its consistently reliable grip in varied and challenging conditions make it a more dependable partner on the trails I typically encounter.
I feel more secure in the Hierro, and that confidence is key. In fact I will be using it for my upcoming races and that says it all.
While the Trabuco Max 4 has its strengths – especially its road-to-trail versatility and responsive ride – its limitations in grip are a significant drawback for me on wet, muddy, or very technical terrain. However, I will still use it for easier trails, hikes, and mixed road-to-trail courses where its firmer, snappier feel and Guidesole rocker shine.

Also, and I cannot stress this enough: I like having different trail shoes to rotate, for the same reasons I maintain a shoe rotation for road running (e.g., injury prevention, extending the lifespan of footwear, and optimizing performance**). So I don’t regret purchasing the Trabuco at all. As a running shoe hoarder, the more the merrier in my book – if you’re like me, you know what I mean

Asics Trabuco Max 4 v. New Balance Hierro v9