Brooks Cascadia 16 vs. Hoka Speedgoat 5: Which One? (2022)

The two titans of trail running face to face! The choice between these two shoes is not an easy one as they both have their strong points and intended use.

Overall, the upper’s lockdown and volume of the Brooks Cascadia make it more comfortable, especially if you have wide feet. However, this comfort comes at a price: the lockdown is slightly less effective than with the Hoka Speedgoat and its stricter upper.

If you’re going to be speeding downhill on treacherous trails, the Hoka seems more secure.

In terms of cushioning and underfoot feel, both shoes feature a generous stack (29 mm heel height for the Cascadia, and 33 mm for the Speedgoat). However, the Cascadia comes with a rock plate, which significantly improves comfort, especially during long runs.

Finally, in terms of grip, while the Cascadia provides effective traction on the vast majority of terrains, testers note that the Speedgoat is still superior in this regard.

Cascadia vs. Speedgoat: which one should you choose?

Think of these shoes as complementary models: the Brooks Cascadia for comfort on moderately technical terrain and the Hoka Speedgoat for tougher routes with lots of challenging descents.

If in doubt, you can start with the Cascadia and add to your rotation later if you feel the need.

Also, if you have wide feet, the Speedgoat may not be compatible (to be tested).

Side-by-side comparison

9.5
Brooks Cascadia 16 Check Prices
9.6
Hoka Speedgoat 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 Hoka Speedgoat 5 keeps its crown as the most effective trail running shoe, capable of handling everything from daily training to the toughest ultrarunning races.
Comfort
10
Grip
9
Protection and foot lockdown
9
Responsiveness
9
Durability
9.5
Value
9.5
Design
9
Comfort
9.5
Grip
10
Protection and foot lockdown
9.5
Responsiveness
9.5
Durability
9.5
Value
9.5
Design
9.5
Facts
TerrainTrailTrail
Support NeutralNeutral
Heel stack height29 mm33 mm
Forefoot stack height21 mm29 mm
Heel-to-toe drop8 mm4 mm
Lugs mm5 mm
Weight (men)298 g290 g
Weight (women) 269 g240 g
Features Available in GTX, Vegan, Toe bumper, Rock plate, Gaiter attachment pointsAvailable in GTX, Vegan, Rocker
Athletes Scott JurekKarl Meltzer
Release year20212022
Technologies
Outsole TrailTackVibram MegaGrip
Midsole Ballistic Rock Shield, DNA Loft v2 CMEVA, Meta-Rocker Geometry
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh
Cushioning
Cushioning Soft Balanced
ResponsivenessMedium High
Use
DistanceMid, Long, Ultramarathon Mid, Long, Ultramarathon
Speed Slow, Moderate Slow, Moderate, Fast
WorkoutsDaily running Daily running
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.