By Paul Freary
The Cascadia has long been Brooks’s most popular trail-going model. Offering off-road protection and traction, the shoe was a go-anywhere, do-anything kind of model.
Well, here’s a spoiler alert. I think the Cascadia 19 is the best yet, with better cushioning making it a perfect off-roader, wherever you plan on going!
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Stats
Brooks | Cascadia 19 |
---|---|
Best for | Fast training Shorter racing |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Mid/High cushioned |
Stack Height | 35mm heel 29mm forefoot |
Drop | 6mm |
Weight | Men 303g (10.7oz) Women 277g (9.8oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $150 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 |
What’s New?
The new Brooks Cascadia 19 features the brand’s DNA Loft v3, nitrogen-infused foam midsole. This transforms the overall comfort of the shoe over the previous version, the Cascadia 18.

DNA Loft v3 is softer, springier and more durable than the previous, CM-EVA based foam and offers an all-around improved ride.
The geometry of the Cascadia 19 has changed a little to accommodate the extra 2mm of cushioning in the heel and 4mm in the forefoot.

This in turn, reduces the heel drop by 2mm, now down to 6mm.
The Flexible rock plate is still present and is embedded within the midsole cushioning. This serves the main purpose of preventing sharp rocks and stones from penetrating the midsole foam and causing injury to the feet. The flexible plate also provides a little stability and added propulsion. Okay, this is in no way the same as a carbon-plated road racing shoe, but it does provide a little extra toe spring.

A new outsole is made with around 25% recycled material and offers an effective and relatively aggressive amount of traction on the trails. It sheds mud well and if flexible, making for a smooth off-road experience.
The mesh upper is airy with rubberised print to provide shape and structure.

Cascadia 19
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Fit
In terms of length, the new Brooks Cascadia 19 fits true to size. The width is also true to size, but feels a little roomier thanks to the softer, more open knit construction of the mesh upper.

The Brooks Cascadia 19 is available in two width options, D and 2E for men and B and D for women. These represent regular and wide fits.
There is neat padding in the ankle collar and heel of the Cascadia 19, with lots of padding in the tongue, which is particularly plush and padded.
Performance
Even before pulling the shoes on, I liked the Cascadia 19. It instantly felt soft and welcoming and, at least for me, an improvement over the Cascadia 18. Of course, as always, this is a personal opinion, but I tend to favour softer, more cushioned shoes.

The Cascadia 19 uses the brand’s DNA Loft v3, nitrogen-infused foam, and it makes the shoe feel like an entirely different model. The Caldera introduced the use of the nitro foam midsole last year, and that shoe transformed the off-road options. Despite using the same DNA Loft v3, the Cascadia 19 feels a little softer than the Caldera.
This is perhaps due to having a slightly lower stack, or maybe Brooks has tweaked the midsole foam a little? Either way, it feels great! The Cascadia 19 feels more nimble, more sprightly and more adaptable to the ground, simply an all-around improvement.

The new outsole pattern is effective, with the small teeth-like studs biting into the gravel paths and fire tracks of my local trail routes with ease and providing a confidence-boosting grip regardless of speed.
The fit is as nice as any Brooks road shoe, and even with the new, soft mesh upper, the rubberised prints and reinforcements at key areas, such as the heel and toe, should provide enough durability.
Stability
The Brooks Cascadia 19 is a trail running shoe and, like the vast majority of trail running shoes, is a neutral model.
Due to the undulations of the trails, manufacturers make their trail models neutral. This allows them to more easily adapt to the ground.

The Cascadia 19 does have a relatively wide footprint, and this does add to the shoe’s natural stability, as does the slightly extended midsole on both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe in the rearfoot area. Like the brand’s GuideRails system, these extended sections seat the foot within the midsole for a little added stability.
The Cascadia’s flexible rock plate also adds a little lateral stability to the shoe, although I would not recommend relying on this to control overpronation.
Shoes Similar to Cascadia 19
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro 9 is perhaps the clearest competitor to the Brooks Cascadia 19. The New Balance offers deep, soft cushioning and a versatile outsole lug pattern that make it a model aimed squarely at the same customer.

The fit, feel and performance of both these shoes make them options for the off-road runners wanting a plush, cushioned, go-anywhere trail running shoe.
My Verdict
The Brooks Cascadia 19 gets a resounding thumbs up from me. The shoe has evolved perfectly by incorporating the brand’s DNA Loft v3 foam, and it’s transformed its fit, feel and ride.

For me, every element of the new Cascadia is an improvement. That’s not to say the Cascadia 18 was a bad shoe. In fact, the Cascadia 18 was already one of the best value for money and best all-around off-road shoes on the market. The 19 takes that reputation and improves it in every department.
For those seeking a great value for money off-road shoe, there really is no further to look than the Cascadia 19. In fact, I can’t think of a better trail shoe at any price right now!
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