Brooks Caldera 8 Review (2025): The Most Comfortable Shoe for an Ultra?
Brooks has made a name for itself in the trail running sector with its iconic Cascadia series. The Caldera series, which is newer and offers more cushioning, has a large following of fans who are drawn to the quality and comfort of these shoes, which have earned the brand several awards.
Does this new version measure up to the previous one? Is it a good fit for your running profile and goals?
That's what we'll find out in my review of the Brooks Caldera 8.
Why should you trust me?
With a personal best of 2:38 in the marathon and a substantial weekly training volume, I test a lot of running shoes, and it feeds straight back into my own training.
I put the Brooks Caldera 8 through its paces during various types of workouts to evaluate its comfort and how it feels while running. I also consulted with other runners of different skill levels to validate my impressions and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many people as possible.
Our verdict
An excellent, sturdy, and protective shoe with generous cushioning for ultra-distance running.
- Weight: 299 g / 10.5 oz (size 42)
- Foam: DNA Loft V3
- Height: 38 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6 mm
- 4-mm lugs
- Long-Distance Training and Racing
Brooks hasn't made many changes to the design; this new Caldera builds on what made the previous version so successful.
In the midsole, the DNA LOFT v3 foam offers a similar weight and feel to the v7: well-balanced, substantial cushioning designed to handle long distances.
The outsole has been carried over, featuring TrailTack Green Rubber and 4-mm lugs that provide traction on a wide variety of surfaces.
So it’s the upper that incorporates all the changes. It offers better breathability and a snugger fit, which, incidentally, isn’t to everyone’s liking.
In short, the Brooks Caldera 8, which is very similar to the 7, remains an excellent choice for training and racing where you need to cover longer distances.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption for going longer
- Excellent traction on a wide variety of surfaces
- Satisfactory responsiveness given the weight
- Breathable, comfortable upper with a great fit
- Excellent foot protection
Cons
- Lack of responsiveness among some runners
- Less comfort on very muddy or very technical surfaces
Grip
The Caldera 8 features the same outsole as the previous version, made with Brooks' signature TrailTack Green Rubber (25% recycled content).
The American company is one of the few to offer its own compound without giving in to the allure of Vibram soles.
The outsole has 4-mm lugs (medium depth) in a fairly aggressive chevron pattern. Only the grooves are lug-free, to provide greater flexibility and to clear debris.
The outsole provides excellent grip and makes the shoe very versatile. It offers great grip even in wet and slippery conditions.
The shoe doesn't have a rock plate, but you hardly notice it thanks to the very thick sole stack.
Types of Surfaces
The outsole, which is identical to that of the 7, therefore has the same strengths and weaknesses. The Caldera 8 will perform very well on both compact surfaces and looser surfaces and offers a very smooth ride.
It provides a good ride on moderately technical mountain surfaces and offers good traction.
Unsurprisingly, the shoe struggles on very muddy surface, where the lugs reach their limit. The mud also tends to stick to them.
The Caldera is primarily designed for ultra-long-distance runs on relatively flat surfaces, not for tackling mountain trails with steep paths. However, it does offer good versatility across a wide variety of surfaces.
Cushioning
The midsole remains unchanged. The DNA LOFT V3 foam is retained, as in most of the brand's models, including running shoes.
Infused with nitrogen, this foam ensures a soft feel and helps make the shoe a little lighter. Many reviews describe the feel as plush, an opinion I only partially share.
In my opinion, the feel is well-balanced but leans slightly toward the firm side, which is a plus for stability you expect from a trail running shoe. That said, it doesn’t feel stiff, and the shoe offers a comfortable ride that will inspire you to run farther.
With 38 mm of stack under the heel and 32 mm under the forefoot, the shoe offers excellent shock absorption, confirming its ability to support runners in ultra-distance races.
The 6-mm drop is slightly lower than the standard 8-10-mm drops and may take some getting used to. Personally, I didn’t notice any difference compared to riding a Cascadia 18 with an 8-mm drop.
Energy Return
Weighing in at 299 grams, this shoe isn't exactly lightweight. But ultra-running shoes generally have a weight of about the same amount.
However, the shoe holds its own with satisfactory responsiveness and a fairly pronounced rocker that allows for quick transitions. Most runners will be able to cover a wide range of paces during training with this Caldera 8.
Keep in mind, though, that this shoe wasn't designed for speed and so responsiveness isn't where it stands out.
Foot lockdown
The brand really had to make some changes. These changes are in the upper. The new mesh is thinner than the old one and gives this version better breathability than the Caldera 7, a point on which it had sometimes been criticized.
The upper is supposed to be water-repellent, but I'm not really convinced: water gets into the shoe when it rains. But the shoe dries quickly, which is a plus.
There are fewer reinforcements and heat-sealed panels, and they are concentrated at the back. This provides good heel lock, which is also ensured by the rigid heel counter.
The fit has been made snugger for better support. Those who felt there was too much room will appreciate this, while runners with wide feet may not be as pleased.
Personally, I haven't had any problems, and I have rather wide feet. The ride feels more planted, especially on the downhills. So it fits true to size.
The Velcro straps on the back have been removed and replaced with a simpler buckle that makes it easier to put the shoes on. The gusseted tongue is well-padded and fits the foot snugly, with no reports of slipping. The flat laces are conventional and do the job, featuring a small stretchy tongue for tucking in the laces. This provides excellent foot lockdown.
The padding fits snugly throughout the shoe, and the overall comfort is excellent: for ultra runners, you’ll be able to keep the Caldera 8 on your feet for a long time.
Protection and Breathability
The Brooks Caldera 8 offers excellent protection; the toe bumper is sturdy and protective. The raised sidewalls, wider base, and grooves in the outsole ensure excellent stability.
While it doesn't quite measure up to the Cascadia, which tackles any surface, the Caldera 8 offers good protection that will be sufficient for most ultrarunners.
The ventilation is very good, better than in the previous version, and the shoe also provides good warmth in cold weather, even in the mountains during winter.
Usage
The Caldera 8 adapts to a wide variety of scenarios thanks to its exceptional versatility and shock absorption that ranks among the best in the industry. It will take trail runners on runs of all distances, whether during training or in racing.
The extensive protection features and excellent grip will allow you to tackle almost any surface, whether you're running or even hiking.
Unsurprisingly, the limitations stem from the two points already mentioned:
- The lack of responsiveness can limit it on short, fast formats… and the weight won’t help speed up the pace
- Very muddy surfaces or more technical terrain in the mountains may be more difficult
Brooks recommends the Caldera 8 for runnable ultras. It is well-suited for races of 50 or 60 km or longer.
Quality and Lifespan
Like the Cascadia, the Caldera offers excellent longevity thanks to its sturdy upper and wear-resistant outsole. The shoe is very durable and therefore offers great value for money.
The shoe is vegan and certified neutral in terms of carbon emissions. It is made partly from recycled materials (52.9% for the upper and 25% for the outsole).
Brooks Caldera 7 vs. 8
There aren't that many changes in this new version:
- A more eco-friendly design with neutral carbon certification
- A more breathable and better-fitting upper
- A new loop at the back of the heel that makes it easier to slip on
The two products are very similar, and you can buy either one depending on the current promotions.
Conclusion
The new Brooks Caldera 8 doesn't revolutionize the tried-and-true model, only the upper has been updated. Fans of the series will be pleased; this version is still a formidable partner for training.
I would definitely recommend it for long-distance runs: its versatility and excellent shock absorption make it a top choice for ultrarunners, even if the courses aren't very technical.
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Trail |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel height | 38 mm |
| Forefoot height | 32 mm |
| Lugs | 4 mm |
| Weight (men) | 299 g/10.5 oz |
| Weight (women) | 272 g/9.6 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Price | Check Prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | TrailTack Green Rubber |
| Midsole | DNA Loft V3 |
| Upper | Air Mesh Sandwich, TPU toe bumper |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Mid, Long, Ultramarathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Reference: Brooks Caldera 8 official website
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