Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Stay solid on the trail in the women's Brooks Caldera trail-running shoes. Equipped with sticky rubber outsole lugs and responsive, well-cushioned midsoles, they deliver ample ground protection.
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View the Brooks Caldera Product LineView all Brooks Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Mesh |
Lining | Synthetic |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Carbon/blown rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 9 ounces |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 |
U.S. Men's | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
EU | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45.5 |
Sizes along top of chart are U.S. Women's sizes. Correlating U.S. Men's sizes and EU sizes provided for clarity.
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I went to REI in need of new trail shoes this past weekend and spotted the Caldera on the shelf. These shoes felt great right out of the box, very cushioned and supportive and the liner felt smooth and comfy. I took them up to Tiger Mountain for a trail run the other day and was not disappointed! They were stable, supportive and felt great on the muddy trails, no break in required.
These shoes are pretty awesome. I returned by Cascadias and bought these because they are so much more cushioned and are incredibly comfortable. I have about 100 miles on these shoes and have used them on mountains, rocky trails, and for road walking. I've used them in sun and in rain. To date I haven't had one single blister. They are also wider than the Cascadias, which is perfect for my wide feet. I love the Glycerins for that reason as well, but I'll probably stick with these from now on. The gaiter trap is also a fabulous feature which I use every time with my gaiters on the trail! The biggest drawback of these shoes is that they seriously lack traction. The soles just do not stick to rocky surfaces and they are downright dangerous when it rains. I have fallen twice on trails in the rain due to zero traction. I've slipped countless other times when it was totally dry because they just do not stick. If these had a Vibram sole they'd be perfect. Hopefully next year Brooks will incorporate that feature. I've also noticed that they don't drain well and dry out the way most trail runners do. It literally takes them HOURS to dry, and you'll slosh around in them for a while before the water drains out. Overall though, I think these are great and was really excited to see Brooks come out with another trail shoe that has some serious cushion on it!
After trying on several pairs of hiking shoes I ended up selecting these immediately. The cushion and comfort is very high quality. I am normally a size 8.5 and after wearing them for a day inside I decided to exchange for a size 8. It was a much better fit and I have a wider foot. I wore these for about 2-3 miles before my big trip thinking I'd need to break them in. That wasn't really necessary though. After our first 10 mile hike into Haleakala Crater in Maui my feet felt 100% fine. A few people I was with had sore and painful feet and I was one of the only ones who did not. If you haven't been, the crater is full of sharp volcanic rock, stones, sand, thick grass... basically every kind of ground you can imagine. Even walking through thick wet grass my feet stayed dry, however the top mesh part isn't WP. These shoes are so worth the money. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.
I have easy a dozen pair of Brooks for just about anything you can imagine and these are far and away my new favorite. Love them'
I have only taken these shoes out on one trail run and so far, I like them. The traction was great and my ankles felt stable. These shoes are really cushiony which I like for running. The top is lightweight and flexible, but my feet felt secure. I like the shoelace tuck in the tongue. I've been wearing Brooks shoes for years and am convinced they are the shoe brand for me!
I suffer from Morton's Neuroma. Hiking became difficult and walking or standing on concrete floors agonizing. These shoes are amazing! The footbed provides enough cushioning to keep the pain from slowing me down. And I don't need orthotics with them. The footbed adjusts, creating arch support as you shift your weight, while walking or running. These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I had to go up 1/2 size because of the tapered toe box.
I have tried many different light hiking shoes and ultimately decided on these trail running shoes for walking tours through Europe. They are unbelievably soft and comfortable. I particularly like the thick insole and the high outer sole. These shoes are true to size and are a perfect fit for those with wide feet. It helps that they look attractive!
I've run in these twice now both times on trail. The cushion is perfect, not too soft (like hokas) but not as hard as the Brooks Cascadias (my regular trail shoe).
I was looking for a shoe with a good cushion and support and these shoes provide that. I'm also amazed at how dry my feet stay even when running in a downpour and through large puddles. I love these and they are definitely my new trail running shoe!
I love these shoes! Recently got plantar fasciitis after 30 years of injury free running. The high arch, serious cushioning and low (4mm) drop have saved me! I can run in these shoes pain free. They seem to run a little big but are super comfortable.