Brooks  Cascadia 17 Trail-Running Shoes - Women's

My New Backpacking shoes!

Brooks Cascadia 17 were amazing on my recent backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. My pack weighed 34 lbs and the shoes provided all the support that I needed. I usually wear low hiking boots when backpacking but swithced to Cascadias this year because of all of the expected river crossings. The shoes were light and supportive and performed well in snow, with microspikes and dried quickly. I never had to put wet shoes on in the morning. The hidden velcro patch on the heel worked great with my Dirty Girl Gaitors. This is my 4th pair of Cascadias, but the first time I've worn them backpacking. They are great trail shoes.

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

Color discrepancy

*have not worn shoes yet* but originally ordered the oyster/black/purple style and the front was white instead of gray like the online photos showed. I ordered another pair in the primer/ebony/oriole style and the color was true to the online photos. They do seem on the narrow side, but since I have narrow feet I don’t expect an issue.

Not for me?

I’m struggling a bit with my Cascadia 17 shoes. They fit well (as do most Brooks shoes). My problem is that I’m experiencing a lot of big toe and ball of foot pain — and I suspect it is from the 8mm toe drop. I previously had the Caldera 5 shoes and LOVED them. But the newer versions have such thick soles and increased toe drop that I haven’t given them a try. The Cascadia 17 seemed good at first and I didn’t realize they have such a significant toe-drop until I starting researching my toe pain today. (It reminds me of a pair of On Cloudsurfer shoes that caused the same pain). Now I’m paying the price on my trail runs. I’m considering sending them back….

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

Not Navy,

I am disappointed in the color. I bought these specifically because they were listed as navy and white. They are not navy, they are a lavender blue. I kept them because these are the model that helps support my hip and knee. I don’t use them as a trail runner. I use them at work as a physical therapist. I don’t need all the traction there, but so far, this is the model that prevents me form over supination and keeps me comfortable. I also use previous models as my yard shoes (hilly) and hiking shoes. As other reviewers say, they are narrow, but for me, they are perfect. Most Brooks shoes are too loose in the forefoot for me. If you have a narrower than medium sized foot, these will be perfect. If you have a wide foot, skip them. I would recommend them, but don’t expect the navy shoes to be navy.

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

Color is different than advertised

The shoe is comfortable, but the color is very different from the online picture. Too bright for me so I am probably going to return them.

Tight

I have worn the cascadia for the past 15 years. I occasionally have skipped a model year but have a great deal of experience running in this shoe. The 17 is not for me. I was excited about the new traction system and the extra cushion but I think it makes the vertical inside of the shoe tighter. I cut my run short because I was at the loosest lacing I could do and still had deep red marks on the top of my inner foot where the shoe was too tight. I do use orthopedic inserts but these are the exact same ones i have used the past year in my 16s with no trouble. Returned the 17s and bought another pair of 16s.

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

Most uncomfortable shoes I’ve tried, base is so narrow for a size 11 shoes. I think 1D is not a good width. The side is obviously better or even N, but the 1D can cause you blisters. There’s no room to adjust, lace too short. Overall not satisfied, first time in Brooks shoes or other shoes. If this was my first Brooks, I will never buy any other Brooks products.

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

I love this trail shoe!

I love this trail shoe! It is simply the best! Headed to a 4 day hike at Big Bend National Park in November and thought I would give this trail shoes a try. I am so glad I did. I just might order my second pair now!!

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

Great shoe, please offer more color options in Wide

I prefer a trail running shoe because of the thicker tread to walk/hike my dog daily, he likes to go off road. Currently in Sedona and wore these hiking yesterday and they did not disappoint. My left knee is a bit weaker and I don't always trust footing but not with these, perfect traction and after a bit realized I could rely on the traction, very happy. My only negative about these shoes is that you need to offer more colors in Wide sizes, 1 color option is not cool. I typically need new shoes every 6 months and I like to rotate through colors to change things up

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com

A bit disappointed

Want to love them but I’ve already got a hole in the heel after less than 50 miles running….

Originally posted on brooksrunning.com