My Brooks off road lineup consists of four trail models, the Divide, Cascadia, Caldara and Catamount. Lets see which shoes are suiable for the different types of trails. I will also give you some tips on choosing the perfect trail running shoes below.
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1. Brooks Divide 5 - Best Value for Money
Not only is the Divide 5 the best value Brooks trail shoe, but it could well be one of the best value off-road shoes around full stop!
While most entry-level trail shoes feel built to a price, the Divide doesn’t skimp on quality and feels every bit a well-put-together and considered model.
The midsole offers mid-level cushioning and the outsole is perfect for light trails: gravel paths, forest tracks and stony ground. While it can’t compete in the mud, remember this is a general trail shoe rather than a specific ‘mud runner’.
Fit, feel and ride
The Divide 5 feels a little like a Ghost from a few years ago, the DNA Loft midsole foam has a familiar feel and ride and while not as soft as a Ghost, this shoe has the full coverage trail outsole for traction.
The traction is perfectly capable for a variety of ‘light’ trails and even if things do get a little wet underfoot you shouldn’t have any issues.
The overall fit is great and the upper has a nice degree of padding in all the key areas, in particular around the ankle collar and Achilles, which I find a bonus on the trails as the foot twists and turns, this keeps a snug and comfortable fit.
Gore-Tex option
The Divide 5 is also available in a Gore-Tex version (pictured). This adds a waterproof upper to the shoe and still maintains a great value price, being just £10 / $10 more.
While some trail running regulars will scoff at Gore-Tex, for those who this shoe is aimed at, i.e. entry-level trail runners or those wanting an occasional off-road shoe, I think it’s great.
For splashing through puddles or running over wet grass covered in the morning dew, the Gore-Tex membrane keeps the water out and your feet dry.
2. Brooks Cascadia 18 - Best for Technical Trails
Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks
The most established off-road shoe from Brooks, the Cascadia has become a go-to model for dry, technical trails for Brooks fans.
With mid-to-high levels of cushioning, the Trail Adapt System and a protective upper, the Cascadia is a great, workhorse shoe built to go the distance.
Fit, Feel and ride
The midsole of the Cascadia features the brand’s ‘Trail Adapt System’. This is a special contoured midsole that can flex and adapt to the ground, contours and conditions to help keep your feet balanced and connected.
A stone guard is built into the shoe, placed between the semi-aggressive outsole and midsole cushioning. This prevents sharp stones and rocks from penetrating the shoes cushioning on the more technical surfaces.
The upper uses a strong woven material to keep trail debris out and has thick overlays around all the key areas of friction and ground contact to add protection and durability.
The toe bumper is particularly strong, so again take care with fit and allow a little bit of ‘wiggle room’ at the end of the longest toes.
In the wild
Out on the trails, the Cascadia is a strong, durable shoe that can tackle the most demanding trails. The cushioning provides all-day comfort should you need it and the outsole enough traction for even the harshest conditions.
3. Brooks Caldera 8 - Best for Ultra Distance Trail Racing
Also Available at
Holabird Sports ; Brooks
When Brooks gave the Caldera DNA Loft v3 cushioning, nitrogen-injected foam, it changed the game for trail shoes. One of the first models to offer a new ‘superfoam’ type midsole, the shoe offers a different ride experience in terms of plush cushioning and comfort sitting beside off-road traction.
The Caldera has a large, soft stack of DNA Loft v3, the same foam as found on the brand’s range-topping road shoe from 2023, the Glycerin 21. Its soft, pillowy ride has a great feel of energy return and above all, it is very durable. In a shoe like the Caldera, which is tailored more towards longer and ultra-distance trail runners, these features make it a great choice.
Fit, feel and ride
The upper of the Caldera is a little roomier (although still a regular width fit) than other models from the brand and this extra ‘wiggle’ room is to accommodate any foot swelling should you be tackling ultra-distance events. This doesn’t detract from the overall fit and I still went for my usual size in Brooks.
The upper construction is, as always excellent, and there are breathable sections combined with reinforced overlays to add durability and protection.
The shoe is very stable and its broad footprint and raised sidewalls both contribute to this. There are no GuideRails like the GTS shoes, but the sidewalls do extend a little to provide a similar result.
Overall, the Caldera is simply a great off-road shoe that is versatile and can go anywhere. Fit and feel are excellent and long-term comfort is great. If you are considering longer days on the trails, the Caldera is a great choice.
4. Brooks Catamount 4 - Best for Trail Races
Also Available at
Holabird Sports ; Brooks
The Catamount 4 has always been Brooks’ ‘faster’ off-road model and the latest versions reinforces that with the addition of the DNA Flash v2 midsole.
This midsole was seen previously on the Hyperion and adds a much more ‘energized’ feel to the shoe. It is now essentially a road race with off-road traction and protection.
Built with a focus on climbing, the shoe has a more flexible forefoot and its overall geometry favours a faster pace, with an agility and versatility that’s lacking in many trail models.
Fit, Feel and ride
The Catamount 4 has a much closer, secure fit when compared to the other shoes in the brand’s off-road range. It feels much more like the Brooks road racing models, with a more wrap-around midfoot. This does give it a more ‘connected’ feel of the ground and adds some confidence, particularly on more technical trails.
The shoe is the lightest of the Brooks trail shoes too and again, this adds to its fast feel.
The upper is a familiar, closely woven mesh and provides enough protection and durability and there’s reinforcement around the toe. Here it’s lighter and more of a printed rubberised overlay, but it works well and offers sufficient protection.
A ‘Skyvault’ nylon plate runs through the midsole. This offers an energised feel to the shoe on toe off as well as aiding lateral stability and acting as a stone guard in more extreme circumstances. It doesn’t offer a ‘supershoe’ carbon plate feel, but it does give the shoe just a little extra ‘pop’!
How to Choose the Perfect Trail Running Shoe
Trail running offers an exciting escape away from the concrete jungle and into nature, but choosing the right pair of trail running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention.
Unlike road running shoes, trail shoes are designed to handle uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, mud, and steep inclines. To find the right pair, you need to consider several factors, particularly the type of terrain and weather conditions you’ll be facing.
Terrain
The first step is to assess where you’ll be running most often. Trails vary widely, and your shoes should match the demands of the environment and surface.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a major role in determining the right trail running shoe.
Fit
Regardless of terrain or weather, fit is a very important consideration. When tackling steep descents, the feet can slide forward in your shoes. As trail shoes have a stronger upper and usually a thick rubber toe bumper, there will be less ‘give’ in this area.
With this in mind you should allow an additional half a size over your usual running shoe size. (i.e. if you were a US10 in a Brooks Ghost road shoe, go for a US10.5 in a trail model). Ultimately, you’ll know for yourself how much grip your local trails demand.
My Verdict
Essentially, there is something in the Brooks lineup for everyone when considering a trail shoe.
If you are conscious of price and simply want a trail shoe for occasional trail excursions, then the Divide will be great.
If you want some waterproof protection but again, good value, the Divide 5 in Gore-Tex is a must.
For durability, the Cascadia is your shoe, its reputation and rugged nature and second to note.
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