Cascadia 16

absolutely love the brooks cascadia (16s specifically)

I like my Brooks Cascadia. I don’t have the 18 but I started wearing a pair of 17’s this weekend. I have to say the last pair of Cascadias, the 16, to this pair are definitely different. For me they are better, little wider toe box, more defined heel cup and over all for me is a better shoe than the 16. I’d say it’s pretty safe going with the Cascadia. I’d worn and have other trail shoes but it’s my go to trail shoe if I’m looking or if they happen to randomly go on sale. Hope this is helpful and keep going.

Brooks Cascadia and CEP socks. Brooks shorts, the ones with the rear pockets and rear center zipper pocket. Garmin watch, some light weight shirt, hat and camelbak vest or camelbak belt. Camelbak flasks or Hydrapak flasks.

for me its a difference. im cascadia user since their 14 series, had all of them. between 16 vs 17 there is some difference. * 16 re more softly cushioned in mid layer, 17/18 re less soft but still perfectly fine for my needs which re like 42km max! * 16 have different outsole compared to 17 / 18 but honestly they re both performs excelent, i find 16 slightly better on wet terrain specially on more muddy terrain since they don't have those mini canals in bettwen and those canals tends to collect mud easier and its get off harder but again, its really small detail, nothing to worry about! * for me 17 re looks more like running shoes while 16 fells more like hiking one but performance is around the same, again 16 were little bit too soft for me personally soo i liked 17/18 more also some warning for you. don't go into high mountains with them or on some step/challening route with some climbing or with your full backpack onto your back. while they re lightweight, they don't protect your foot anywhere near compared to proper hiking boots + on rocks don't expect them to last some serious time, ok on normal rocks its going to be fine but on some rocks where they re sharp edges or you need to climb a little bit i suspect them to not last very long. def get used on them before trying some more challening terrain, those shoes re comfortable and lightweight but it comes with a price or worse foot protection! soo again, just as a word of a caution! those trail runners re for trail running and not for hiking in mountains!

I have been wearing the Cascadias for several years and when a pair runs out, just buy the next model available. I didn't notice any significant difference going from the 16s to 17s.

I’ve done multiple 20 mile days in cascadia 16 gtx while in the Adirondacks. great shoe for rough trails.

Fellow Pennsylvanian here... and this struggle is real! I'm somewhat in the same boat as you as I've been trying to find shoes that are protective against the rocks and roots of our region while also being durable enough to get your money's worth out of the shoes. Here's my progression of footwear over the past 5-7 years or so along with some insights you can take as suggestions. None of these options are zero drop though except the Merrell trail gloves. Adidas Terrex - Pros: good coushion, plenty of padding and protection against rocks. Cons: not wide enough for my feet and they changed the cut of the heel stabilizer to be too high. Merrell Trail Glove - Pros: out of box comfort and very light. Cons: not at all good on rocks. Asics Gel Venture - Pros: out of box comfort and good tread. Cons: not durable, not wide enought, bad quality control. Merrell Moab Speed 1 - Pros: great durability of shoe body, available in wide sizes, and sufficient protection against rocks. Cons: tread is not durable. However, this is probably my favorite trail runner and I wish it was still in production. Its a 500 mile shoe with 300 mile tread. Brooks Cascadia 13 and 15 - Pros: quality tread and good rock protection. Cons - not as wide as I'd like in their 2E size and the heel lock fabric deteriorated quickly causing blisters on my heel. New Balance Hierro V7 - Pros: good coushion and heel support. Cons - that damn flappy thing on the heel, lack of padding in the tongue, durability. Brooks Cascadia 16 - Pros: great rock plate, awesome tread, and wider toebox in 2E size. Cons - shit quality. Regardless, I went through 3 pairs and just dropped the 3rd in the trash after hiking up Old Rag in Shennandoah a week ago. 500 mile tread on a 250 mile shoe body that is not worth the cost. Merrell Moab Speed 2 - Pros - lightweight and PA approved rock plate. Cons - durability and the redesign in general. Wore these on a 260 mile section hike and they messed up my feet and gave me blisters on top of my toes. Was fully refunded though. Merrell Nova 4 - arrives in the mail today in advance of a 120 mile AT section in central Va in a couple of weeks. Might move onto Topo Terraventures or Ultraventures next.

I despise the 18s.  After a run or hike my feet were always super sore and after a couple months I left them in the closet and bought another shoe.  I miss the feel of the cascadia 15 and 16!!  I’m hoping the 19s are back on form