Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Offering a proven winning combo of cushioning, traction and fit, Brooks Cascadia 12 men's trail-running shoes now have an evolved pivot system that improves cushioning and flexibility at toe-off.
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View the Brooks Cascadia Product LineView all Brooks Men'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) | 10 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic mesh |
Lining | Synthetic |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Carbon/blown rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 8.2 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
U.S. Women's | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | ||||||
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 48.5 | 49.5 | 50.5 |
Sizes along top of chart are U.S. Men's sizes. Correlating U.S. Women's sizes and EU sizes provided for clarity.
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Liked the 10's, couldn't wear the 11's, excited to see the changes on the 12's so took a chance. My initial in store fitting, everything felt good with the exception of a little tightness above the last lace(above toe box) but not enough to really concern me. After a 4 mile street walk it became apparent that these shoes weren't for me, lots of irritation underneath the tongue on both feet. My assessment is that these shoes have a shallow roof (I guess I have tall feet?) that can cause issues up top...was hoping these would be the one's, unfortunately looks like I'll have to wait for the 13's.
Bought these shoes at a local store and ended up returning. Overall these are an excellent trail runner. They do live up to the great reveiws typically given. The footplate does its job, the soles have an outstanding lug pattern that provide exceptional grip on all types of surfaces. Support overall is great too, cushioning seamed moderate but enough. The width was more than adequate in the toe box for me. Now why they didn't work for me. Over the course of a week I logged about 32 miles in these. Unfortantly the lacing pattern over the tongue and height of the fabric over the top of my left foot placed a lot of pressure causing pain. I tried several different lacing patterns to relieve the pressure to no avail. I really liked these shoes, but unfortunately they just didn't work for me, so they only get 3 stars.
I have only been on 3 runs so far, but there are no reviews and figured I would give some feedback for anybody considering the Cascadia 12. First off, compared to the Cascadia 11, these are very different. I tried on the 11 and found the toe to have an abnormal point to it leaving a large gap for foot movement along with a tight width. The 12 is a reasonably rounded "normal" toe box and fits very nice with perfect width for my feet. The build feels very durable with extra reinforced toe box and sides. It doesn't seem that this durability limits any of the shoe flexibility or feel. On performance, I've taken them on hard and loose dirt, mud, ice, and single track trails so far. What I have noticed as a defining factor is that no matter how my foot lands and regardless of terrain (except ice) my foot feels very stable. The tread isn't overly aggressive, but it seems to just work very well without feeling like you need to dig in for traction. It doesn't give that "feel" of a fast racing shoe - except downhill can rip given the awesome stability factor. If you are a competitive racer in any distance 1/2 marathon or shorter, I may consider something on the lighter side. However, if you are more of a distance racer or looking for that go-to trail training shoe, this is a really good choice.
I have had multiple pairs of Cascadia's. I almost wrote them off after having a pair of Cascadia 11's. This sole and toe is much more similar to the older models which seem to really fit my foot.
I absolutely love these shoes! I'm an avid trail runner, and I also prefer trail runners (over boots) for hiking as well. These are quite possibly the most comfortable shoes I've ever put on my feet! The first few runs and hikes I've used these on, they have proven their worth. They are so stink'n comfortable, it's incredible. I look forward to putting many miles of trails on these! (For me they ran 1/2 size large. I normally wear size 9 running shoes, for these I got 8 1/2).
Not sure if I'll ever go back to hiking boots again. These trail runners are amazing. Since I've owned the shoes my long day hikes have been much nicer on my feet. Just did Whitney as a day hike and my feet feel wonderful. Also did Gorgonio, San Jacinto, San Bernadino, Baldy and a bunch of other peaks with these shoes and I have zero complaints. This is my favorite shoe after going through many other brands of boots and trail runners.
I bought my 12 at the NOC in N.C and I'm approaching Harpers Ferry sitting 54 miles out and these shoes are the bomb!!!! Only thing is I wish the toe Front lasted long but besides that a little trim of that part afterwards so they don't clip the rocks and they are smooth as silk I will have to switch out soon for a new pair since I am approaching PA and that territory will be more rockier than the previous part of the trail. Brooks I'm proud of you with no doubt in my mind this Trail runners kick Solomans butt mainly because you don't have the annoying bunggie lace things.
I have had these for a month now and have put in excess of 50 miles on them in mixed running conditions. Grip is good with the refreshed tread design. The added room in the toe box makes all the difference in the world. My Cascadias are some of the most comfortable shoes I own. For those that used to "size up" to get added room in the 11s, be sure to try a pair on before you purchase. I hope the redesigned upper holds up better long term than the previous models--time will tell.
I had the cascadia 8 before these and loved them. These shoes are just as nice, I've had them for about 3 months and they still look brand new! I've been waiting for Brooks to make another great cascadia and I think they have.
This is my second pair of this exact model and edition. I have found that they provide a good level of ankle support and have just enough padding all around. This has made them my go to trail shoe for trail training and races. They are relatively light weight and drain pretty well after being completely submerged. The traction they provide is pretty much perfect for most terrain, and they have proven to be stable on rocky terrain. They have served me well for trail running, and numerous OCR events.