Brooks Cascadia 16 vs. Caldera 6 (2022 Comparison): Which One?

Brooks Cascadia 16 vs Caldera 6

Historically, these two trail running shoes have always occupied different positions in the Brooks collection.

The Brooks Cascadia is a more responsive, more agile, less cushioned shoe with a superior grip for technical trails.

The Caldera, on the other hand, has a higher stack for more cushioning. Thus, shock absorption and overall comfort are better for longer distances. However, naturally, this reduces the underfoot ground feel.

Cascadia vs. Caldera: which one should you choose?

It all depends on the level of comfort you are after, the distances you plan to cover, and the types of trails you’ll be running.

For very technical trails, the Cascadia is the better choice.

For long runs in comfort with optimal cushioning, the Caldera seems more suitable.

If you’re not sure which one to choose and can’t decide, then opt for the Cascadia, which is more versatile with its better grip.

Also, the latest model (16) is more cushioned than ever before in the series, resulting in a softer, smoother ride that is much closer to the Caldera than in the past.

Side-by-side comparison

9.5
Brooks Cascadia 16 Check Prices
9
Brooks Caldera 5 Check Prices
Overview
Description More cushioned without losing ground feel, the Brooks Cascadia 16 is a very good trail running shoe that offers comfort and protection for all conditions. The Brooks Caldera 5 is a comfortable high-stack trail running shoe for long distances.
Comfort
10
Grip
9
Protection and foot lockdown
9
Responsiveness
9
Durability
9.5
Value
9.5
Design
9
Comfort
8.5
Grip
9
Protection and foot lockdown
9.5
Responsiveness
9
Durability
9
Value
9
Design
9
Facts
TerrainTrailTrail
Support NeutralNeutral
Heel stack height29 mm32 mm
Forefoot stack height21 mm28 mm
Heel-to-toe drop8 mm4 mm
Lugs mm4 mm
Weight (men)298 g301 g
Weight (women) 269 g266 g
Features Available in GTX, Vegan, Toe bumper, Rock plate, Gaiter attachment pointsAvailable in GTX, Vegan, Toe bumper, Gaiter attachment points
Athletes Scott Jurek
Release year20212021
Technologies
Outsole TrailTackTrailTack
Midsole Ballistic Rock Shield, DNA Loft v2 BioMoGo DNA
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh, Mud Guard
Cushioning
Cushioning Soft Balanced
ResponsivenessMedium Low
Use
DistanceMid, Long, Ultramarathon Mid, Long, Ultramarathon
Speed Slow, Moderate Slow, Moderate
WorkoutsDaily running Daily running, Recovery
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.