Brooks Cascadia 18 Review (2024): Living Up to Its Legend?
There was a time when road running brands like Brooks were slow to compete with specialist trail brands, but that’s no longer the case. And the Cascadia series, mythical for many runners, is a case in point.
Popularized by ultramarathon running legend Scott Jurek, it has established itself as an essential star, to the point of being the main alternative to Hoka’s ultra-popular Speedgoat.
Brooks hasn’t made many changes to this Cascadia 18, which is understandable considering how tricky it is to touch up a winning formula.
Does this new iteration live up to its predecessors? Is it right for you?
Let’s find out with in-depth review of the Brooks Cascadia 18.
Why Trust Me
I’m an amateur runner with a passion for shoes. With a decent training volume of 4,000-5,000 km a year, I have the opportunity try many shoes. Also, I’ve been able to test products from competing brands such as the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v8 or the Hoka Speedgoat 6.
I tested these shoes on classic training sessions ranging from recovery jogging to traditional long runs on hilly trails. But also on more specific fartlek sessions and runs on technical terrain.
What You Need to Know
An excellent, robust and versatile trail running shoe for all conditions.
- 302 g/10.6 oz (EU size 42/US size 9)
- DNA Loft V2 foam and Ballisitic Rock Shield
- Stack height: 36 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- 4.5 mm lugs
- Daily runs, competition
The new Brooks Cascadia 18 offers few changes, despite some interesting new features.
The DNA LOFT V2 foam continues to offer a fairly firm underfoot feel for stability and excellent shock absorption. Responsiveness is satisfactory (despite the heavy weight) and should suit most runners.
The outsole is pretty much the same as v17, which appealed to runners with its Trail Adapt System and TrailTack Green Rubber. The result is remarkable traction and grip, enabling the Cascadia 18 to tackle any terrain.
The only changes to note concern the upper, which is more protective and durable while continuing to offer good breathability.
In short, the Brooks Cascadia 18 is as reliable, versatile and comfortable as ever. A classic that should continue to be popular among many ultra trail runners.
PROS
- Very versatile for all paces
- Excellent traction on all surfaces
- Eco-friendly design
- Breathable, comfortable upper with excellent fit
- Impressive foot protection
CONS
- Weight still high
- Lack of responsiveness for some runners
Grip
After the successful redesign of its version 17, Brooks has made the wise choice of keeping the outsole almost unchanged. We find again the Trail Adapt system:
- A rock plate (to protect from sharp and uncomfortable obstacles) in the midsole.
- DNA LOFT V2 foam
- 4.5 mm multidirectional lugs in specific locations
The 6-segment construction allows the shoe to adapt perfectly to all types of terrain.
TrailTack Green Rubber (with 25 % recycled materials) provides powerful grip on all surfaces.
The herringbone-shaped lugs remain unchanged and offer excellent grip, even on wet ground.
In short, if you liked the outsole of the V17 (which all the runners did), it’s exactly the same and offers the same level of performance.
Types of terrain
Wet or slippery ground, compact or loose, rolling path or steep trail, the testers are unanimous: it’s virtually impossible to fault the Brooks Cascadia 18.
Even on the road, the shoe remains pleasant to wear (but be careful not to overuse it, or the lugs will wear out too quickly).
Not surprisingly, the Brooks Cascadia 18 is extremely versatile on all types of terrain.
Cushioning
Trail Adapt technology (mentioned above) combines the rock plate with DNA LOFT V2 foam. The emphasis is clearly on protection. On the other hand, some runners find the feel a little firm.
Personally, I found the ride to be fairly balanced and pleasant — very similar (not firmer) than similar trail shoes, except maybe the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V8, reputed for its softness.
With a stack height of 36 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, the shoe offers very good shock absorption, which is quite logical since it’s Brooks’ ultra model.
The heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm is classic, and should be suitable for everyone.
Energy return
Weighing in at over 300 grams/10.5 oz, this shoe is not lightweight.
This is the main point of criticism, as runners would like more agile and lean shoes for future iterations (but is this really desirable if it’s to reduce protective elements?).
However, the plate compensates for this and ensures a a decent bounce for a responsive ride.
It’s not the highlight of the Cascadia 18, but at the same time, let’s be realistic: it should be sufficient for the majority of runners.
Foot Lockdown
Brooks couldn’t just reintroduce the v17 as the 18 — it had to make a few changes and they are in the upper.
Mesh inserts have been added in wear zones for greater resistance, but also better protection.
Otherwise, we find all the elements that have made the success of the series.
The mesh is airy and offers satisfactory breathability as well as very good coverage in cold weather.
The toe box offers offers standard volume.
Overall, the shoe fits true to size and offers precise lockdown (even better than on the previous model).
Comfort is excellent, with plenty of padding, especially in the heel counter and the gusseted tongue, both elements providing excellent support and not getting in the way of your effort.
The new lacing system also contributes to a secure fit and there’s a loop to store the laces.
Protection and breathability
The Brooks Cascadia 18 offers excellent protection, certainly among the best on the market.
The Ballistic Rock Shield is highly effective against stones and debris.
The new side inserts offer enhanced protection. There’s also a Velcro fastening at the back, allowing you to attach a gaiter if you prefer.
Ventilation is fairly standard and satisfactory. The shoe can get hot in summer, but that’s quite logical as the shoe should also be able to protect in winter in the mountains.
Use
Is there really a scenario that falls outside of Cascadia 18’s competences?
From daily training to long-distance ultra races, you can do anything trail with these shoes.
Its relatively comfy cushioning, excellent grip and protective features make it ideal for all terrains. These all-round features also make this a very good hiking shoe.
Logically, the shoe will perform less well on short trails, but it’s not its primary goal, so it’s better to turn to the Brooks Catamount 3 for such runs.
The same goes for fartlek-type speed training. But here again, it’s more than enough for most runners.
Quality and Durability
One Cascadia follows another, and the question remains: is it possible to wreck them?
The upper has been further strengthened and the outsole is very durable. Therefore, it’s a model that provides good durability and value.
The shoe is vegan and carbon-neutral. It’s partly fabricated with recycled materials, equivalent to 9 to 10 water bottles, notably the outsole (25%).
Brooks Cascadia 17 vs 18
Changes in this new version include:
- An even more eco-responsible design with more recycled materials
- A more protective upper
- A new lacing system
Version 18 offers even greater protection. But the two versions are still very similar, so don’t think twice about purchasing 17 if you find a good deal.
Conclusion
The Brooks Cascadia 18 remains very similar to its predecessor. It may seem disappointing, but at the same time, why change something that’s working so well for so many trail runners?
As always with the Cascadia, you get a sturdy (if not burly), very comfortable shoe that can go anywhere — one of the top picks for anyone looking for a reliable all-rounder suitable for ultra distances.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Trail |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 36 mm |
| Forefoot height | 28 mm |
| Lugs | 4.5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 302 g/10.7 oz |
| Weight (women) | 281 g/9.9 oz |
| Features | Available in GTX, Vegan, Recycled materials, Eco-friendly, Toe bumper, Rock plate |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2024 |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | Trail Adapt, TrailTack Green Rubber |
| Midsole | DNA Loft V2, Ballisitic Rock Shield |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Mid, Long, Marathon, Ultramarathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Did you know?
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