Hi, I’m James from Trail Shoes Reviewed, a foot and ankle specialist. In this review, we’re taking a deep dive into the Brooks Caldera 7, a maximally cushioned trail running shoe designed for long-distance comfort and stability. We’ll break down its key features, including cushioning, stability, upper lockdown, and fit, and compare it to other Brooks models.
By the end of this review, you’ll know if the Brooks Caldera 7 is the right choice for your trail adventures!
Key Features of the Brooks Caldera 7
1. Cushioning and Drop
The Brooks Caldera 7 is packed with maximal cushioning:
- Rearfoot Stack: 39mm
- Forefoot Stack: 33mm
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Despite the substantial cushioning, it weighs just 300g, making it lighter than the previous model. This shoe is designed for cruising long distances – perfect for 50K to 100K+ ultra runs.
If you enjoy a softer ride, this shoe delivers. But keep in mind, the high stack can make your stabiliser muscles work harder, especially if you’ve experienced peroneal tendonitis or posterior tibial tendonitis.
Related: If you prefer a lower stack height for more stability, check out the Salomon Genesis.
2. Stability and Sidewalls
One common issue with maximal cushioning is instability. Brooks has addressed this by adding large sidewalls:
- Heel to Midfoot and Midfoot to Forefoot sidewalls cradle your foot, reducing side-to-side movement.
- This enhances stability, particularly on downhill runs and muddy trails.
Combined with the 4mm multi-directional lugs on the TrailTack Green outsole (made from 25% recycled materials), the Caldera 7 offers solid grip on easy to moderate trails.
Related: For more technical terrain, you might prefer the Hoka Speedgoat 6, which offers deeper 5mm lugs.
3. Upper and Lockdown
The Caldera 7 features a TPE upper with engineered mesh, providing breathability and a secure fit. Key highlights include:
- Toe Box Protection: Mild protective overlay offers some rigidity, though it’s limited against hard impacts.
- Padded Gusseted Tongue: Ensures a secure fit and prevents lace pressure on long runs.
- Heel Counter: Moderate padding for comfort and stability.
- Gaiter Attachment: Convenient gaiter hook to keep debris out on dusty or muddy trails.
The roomy toe box is great for runners with Morton’s neuroma or bunion pain. For a shoe with a similarly wide fit and zero-drop design, check out the Altra Outroad 3.
Performance: Ideal for Long-Distance Comfort
The Brooks Caldera 7 shines in the following areas:
- Long-distance trail running (50K to 100K+)
- Moderate technical trails
- Hiking and walking on varied terrain
The max cushioning provides comfort for long hours on the trail without feeling too heavy. While the grip is good for moderate trails, it may struggle on wet rocks compared to shoes with stickier rubber outsoles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Maximal cushioning for long distances
- Stable design with large sidewalls
- Roomy toe box for comfort
- Lightweight for a max-cushion shoe
- Eco-friendly outsole materials
Cons:
- Not ideal for wet rocks or deep mud
- High stack height may strain stabilizer muscles
- Limited toe protection
Final Thoughts
The Brooks Caldera 7 is an excellent all-rounder for trail runners seeking maximum comfort over long distances. Its improved stability, roomy fit, and lighter weight make it perfect for ultra-distance runs and hikes on moderate trails.
If you have any questions about the Brooks Caldera 7, leave them in the comments below! And if you found this review helpful, be sure to check out our YouTube channel for more detailed trail shoe reviews.
