When it comes to trail running, choosing the right shoe can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and durability. Today, we’re reviewing three of the best Brooks trail running shoes: the Brooks Caldera 7, Brooks Catamount 3, and Brooks Cascadia 18. Each shoe offers something unique, whether it’s max cushioning, responsiveness for road-to-trail running, or a versatile all-rounder. Let’s dive into how they compare based on cushioning, performance, and fit, so you can find the best option for your trail running needs.
1. Brooks Caldera 7: Max Cushion Comfort for Long Distances
The Brooks Caldera 7 is designed for runners who crave maximum comfort over long distances on the trail. With 39mm of cushion in the rearfoot and 33mm in the forefoot, this shoe offers a 6mm drop, perfect for ultra comfort without compromising stability.
- Weight: 300g (Men’s US 9)
- Cushioning: The Caldera 7 has a soft, compliant cushioning, making it feel like you’re walking on a cloud. However, it offers less energy return than more responsive shoes, so it’s ideal for long-distance trail runs where comfort is key.
- Stability: Stability could be a concern due to its high stack height. To counteract this, Brooks added sidewalls from the heel to the midfoot and forefoot, cradling the foot and helping with downhill running and direction changes.
- Lugs: It is equipped with 4mm lugs and Brooks’ Trail Tack Green outsole, made from 25% recycled material, which offers great grip on moderate technical trails.
Best For: Long-distance trail runs, comfort seekers, and runners with conditions like Morton’s Neuroma, Metatarsalgia, and Bunions due to its wide toe box and extra cushioning.
2. Brooks Catamount 3: Fast and Responsive Road-to-Trail Performance
The Brooks Catamount 3 is a lightweight and responsive option for runners transitioning between road and trail. This shoe features Brooks DNA Flash foam cushioning, which is responsive and springy, giving you more energy return for faster, uptempo runs.
- Weight: Lighter than the Caldera 7, the Catamount 3 provides a fast, nimble feel.
- Cushioning: The DNA Flash foam offers a more responsive ride, ideal for quicker efforts on trails or even mixed road-to-trail runs. It’s designed for uptempo distances between 20 and 30km.
- Stability: The sidewalls in the rearfoot help cradle the foot but are less pronounced than in the Caldera 7, offering mild support.
- Lugs: 3.5mm lugs make this shoe more road-friendly but capable of easy-to-moderate technical trails.
Best For: Runners looking for a fast, responsive shoe for road-to-trail transitions and shorter trail races.
3. Brooks Cascadia 18: The Best All-Rounder Trail Shoe
The Brooks Cascadia 18 is your go-to all-rounder, offering balanced cushioning, stability, and protection for various trail conditions. It’s designed to handle everything from moderate technical terrain to long-distance runs, making it a versatile option.
- Weight: At 312g (Men’s US 9), it’s the heaviest of the three shoes but still manageable for longer runs.
- Cushioning: With 33mm of cushion in the rearfoot and 25mm in the forefoot (8mm drop), the Cascadia 18 offers a balance between energy return and comfort. It’s not as responsive as the Catamount 3 but provides enough cushioning for longer distances.
- Rock Plate: The rock plate embedded in the midsole adds extra protection on rocky terrain, making it ideal for more technical trails.
- Lugs: With 4.5mm multi-directional lugs, the Cascadia 18 excels on various terrains, providing superior traction and stability.
Best for: Runners seeking a versatile shoe for moderate to technical trails that offers stability and cushioning for long-distance runs.
Which Brooks Trail Running Shoe Is Best for You?
- For Maximum Cushioning: Choose the Brooks Caldera 7 if you want a plush, comfortable shoe for long-distance trail runs. Ideal for those with foot conditions like Morton’s Neuroma or metatarsalgia.
- For Speed and Responsiveness: Opt for the Brooks Catamount 3 if you’re transitioning between road and trail or want a fast shoe for uptempo trail runs.
- For Versatility and All-Terrain Performance: The Brooks Cascadia 18 is your best bet for an all-rounder that can handle a wide range of terrains and distances.
FAQs: Brooks Trail Running Shoes
Q: Are these shoes true to size? A: Yes, all three shoes fit true to size. The Brooks Caldera 7 has a wide toe box, making it great for runners with wider feet, while the Catamount 3 and Cascadia 18 have more tapered, snug fits for a racing feel.
Q: Can I use these shoes on the road? A: The Brooks Catamount 3 is the most road-friendly option, with less aggressive lugs and responsive cushioning, making it suitable for road-to-trail transitions.
Q: Are these shoes good for technical trails? A: The Brooks Cascadia 18 excels on technical trails with its rock plate and deep lugs, while the Caldera 7 is better for moderate trails due to its high stack height.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re after maximum comfort, speed or an all-rounder for different terrains, Brooks offers trail running shoes to suit every type of runner. Don’t forget to check out our other trail running shoe reviews for more insights!
