Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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For runners who want to explore any trail and feel protected while running, the men's Brooks Cascadia 16 trail-running shoes offer soft cushioning with an adaptable midsole and outsole construction.
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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) | 8 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 20 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 12 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic mesh |
Lining | Synthetic |
Midsole | EVA |
Support | None |
Outsole | TrailTack rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 3.1 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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This was probably my 6th pair of Brooks Cascadia's. Unfortunately this model was probably the worst for durability. I use my Garmin Connect app to track my mileage on the shoes and typically they need replacing near the 400 mile mark. These shoes barely made it to 300 miles before they started to deteriorate. The soles were still ok, but if you look at my pictures, it's clear there was a design flaw that led to them developing holes on the sides and the heel cups are badly worn out.
I've owned at least four iterations of the Cascadias and they are my go-to hiking shoes. They usually last about 600 miles or more, but these Cascadia 16s started failing much earlier. The fabric in the heel box started failing after about 200 miles, on both shoes. I encourage Brooks to stop changing what works. These shoes are fine besides the poor material selection in the inner heel/ankle area.
I don’t know how I never saw the model 173 - White/Biscuit/Rooibos! I bought these immediately upon seeing them. Why? I was about to leave for a two week trip to Europe and wanted to pack efficiently. This model had everything I needed. A single shoe that was sporty, durable and versatile enough to be my one shoe for the trip. I hiked, dined, ran and danced all over Europe in these sharply patterned pair. I have had so many compliments on them… literally across the globe. The Cascadia is my shoe! I’ve owned many. I just wish I had bought multiples. My favorite version ever! The 173 - White/Biscuit/Rooibos! Put more out for production!
I bought my Cascadia 16s to hike the 235km Larapinta Trail from end to end over 15 days in April 2023. The terrain and conditions varied from nice gravel/ sand tracks and sandy riverbeds to mostly rough, rocky shale, steep uneven rock paths, sharp quarzite outcrops, long rocky gullies and gorges requiring rock hopping, and water crossings. Weather conditions varied from hot to mild during our 6 - 8 hours of hiking 15 - 25kms each day, including one day of rain. I found the standout features of the Cascadia 16s to be: 1. Comfort - getting a shoe one size up allowed for feet swelling and wearing wool toe socks. I replaced the original foam insert in favour of an orthotic insole for greater arch and heal support. I did not get any blisters during the trip. Prior to the trip, I wore the shoes for about 60kms during training and did not experience any issues - they were fantastic straight out of the box. 2. Traction - the TrailTack Rubber sole was excellent across all track surface conditions providing good grip on rough and uneven surfaces, wet rocks, and confidence on the loose shale track sections and rock hopping up river beds and gorges. The Ballistic Rock Shield provided good protection from sharp rocks without loosing contact and feel for the track. Lacing up using the heel lock gave an added sense of connection to the track with a more firm and confident fit. 3. Toe protection - the toe rand provided excellent protection for my toes when kicking rocks and on steep descents. 4. Weight - these shoes are so much lighter that hiking boots. Being a trail runner, they do not have the ankle support boots may provide, however, this can be addressed by wearing an ankle support with the shoes. 5. Durability - these shoes took an absolute beating and remained intact for the whole trip. The shoes dried out very quickly during normal wear with wet socks and without any reduction in performance. The Cascadia 16 is an excellent shoe to wear on rugged trails.
Purchased these for a hike through North Cascades NP. Pros: Super comfortable fit--much more so than my hiking boots Fewer blisters and lost toe nails at end of hike Con: At the end of 8 miles, I first noticed the top of the shoe separating from the bottom. At the end of 50+ miles, the foam/rubber separation issue had worsened, but the shoe held through. I'm not sure these have another 50 miles left in them. Other potentially relevant details: I'm about 200 lbs and my pack weighed another 45 lbs on the first day. The first day was dry and without substantial elevation changes or trail challenges. Later parts of the hike included going up and over 3 passes, across more than a dozen streams, over, under, or around over 275 downed trees, and across several boulder fields. In short, the shoes faced some physical challenges though my hiking partners boots held up perfectly.
I really wanted to like these and still think I might. But, after about a month I’ve worn a fair amount of tread and my Plantar fasciitis may be returning. They do appear to have given me a better foot placement than my prior shoes, are very stable and excellent traction on difficult terrain allowing me to not have to shuffle step when ground gives way or I misread things. The heal is also quite wide for me and I’ve added a filler blister protector. Though even out of the box no blisters or hot spots occurred which was impressive. Going to stay in them for awhile longer. Shoes have about 140 miles.
EXPLORE ANY TRAIL 🤔. I didn't just explore any trail, I explored the Larapinta Trail wearing Cascadia 16s. It was a real test, and for the most part, they passed with flying colours. Boots or trail shoes was a common debate, but I just loved the flexibility and grip these trail shoes gave me. So much so that I've just purchased another pair
I spent some time trying to find a trail shoe to: a) run the local trails with more confidence than my road shoes allowed and b) replace my worn/destroyed Merrill Moab clunkers for day hikes. Tried the Cascadia 15 and found the toe box too narrow and the shoe overall was not very comfortable. Saucony Peregrine 11 was more comfortable but still a little narrow and the outsole compound a little too soft, IMO. Enter the Cascadia 16. Roomier and more comfortable than the 15s. Tried them on and went up 1/2 size from what I normally purchase. Took them on a 6K trail run today and really liked the ride. Stable, grippy when needed, and comfortable. Expect this to be a good all-round trail shoe.
great trail running shoe, After trying many trail shoe i found the one. keeping my foot safe with any challenge, Keeping my ankle stable and fingers free (using wide version)
I switched from another brand of walking shoes approximately 15 months, or ~4 pairs ago. I walk ~ 20-45 miles a week depending on the season and what event I’m training for. My walking is split between dirt trails, roads and rail-trails/cinders. I found these shoes fit perfectly right out of the box. The tread is grippy and I have not had any trouble with slipping on muddy trails. While the tread durability of this shoe is better than other brands I have worn, the fabric on the heel cup typically begins to tear at around 100-150 miles. I recently bought a pair of the Brooks Ghost and am happy to report the heel is much more durable in those.