Brooks - Cascadia 19 GTX

I like Brooks. I tried on a few different brands at a running store and those felt most comfortable to me. I highly recommend going to a shoe store that specializes in running and getting a proper fit. I found out that I was actually a 9.5 instead of a 8.5, so switching to the larger size made a huge difference! I wear Glycerin 22 for daily road running and Ghost 17 GTX for daily road running when it’s raining (I’m in the PNW so it rains a lot). I wear the Cascadia 19 GTX on trails. I run a lot, like 70 mpw 6x a week, and I have no complaints! Just make sure to replace the every few months.

Brooks shoes are great when they’re new but they wear out really fast. Heavy use you’ll be lucky to get six months out of them.

Update- tried the Brooks, Altras, and Hokas. Brooks Cascadia 19 clear the lineup by a mile and it’s not even funny.

I'd say the biggest difference between these two are the foam, aside from the obvious that you're probably aware of (Altra foot shape and zero drop). Ultimately you're choosing between: \- Zero drop, foot shape, with average foam \- 6mm drop, less roomy toe box (but still good), and a much more responsive foam If I were hiking more I'd pick the Altra, and opt for the Brooks if I were going to get more mileage running.

I just took my new Brooks Cascadia 19 out for their maiden voyage and I really enjoyed them. I had a pair of the 17s that I did not enjoy at all— too stiff, too clunky, no energy return— but the 19s are a huge improvement. They fit my feet well, have a moderate drop (6mm; 6-8mm is ideal for me), the uppers are super comfy, and they are so, so stable. I have ankle tendon issues (yes, I am diligently working on them with strength and balance training) so stability is super important for me, especially on trails.

I have had multiple pairs of cascadias different years. Always wore a size 12 with no problems. For some reason the 19’s feel tight. Anyone else experiencing this?

Have tried some On shoes and I think they aren’t very great for running in general. They look stylish though. Have been enjoying my brooks cascadia 19s for my daily trail running

94 ultra finishes @ 250 lbs. here. Dense foam is necessary, although I wouldn't overthink the cutting age foam thing. High arches = orthotics? The most recent version of Brooks Cascadia should be on the list. Nothing fancy, but they work, and I liked the bit of additional torsional stiffness for sidehilling. I also got along with the stiffer Hokas, although they didn't last long.

Another vote for cascadias. The 19s do come in wide too, alternatively you could try men’s for more width.

I’ve been trying through a couple of trail running shoes but seems like I’m always coming back to the Cascadia, it has been a great shoe for long days on my feet and enough stability for a good amount of technicality. I use them for both trail running and destroyed one pair hiking the Camino primitivo. Wondering if anyone has tried the 19 which Brooks launched in summer. I’m reading they added a bit more cushioning to the sole. If not - well I will once the GTX I ordered arrived 😎 Edit: took the babes for a ride - 14k, 300m steep climb on moderately technical terrain, muddy flats and a fast paved downhill. Omg such a perfect first fit (like all my Brooks shoes)! The 19 definitely a bit more cushioned as the 18, seemingly bridging between older Cascadias and the Caldera. But still firm enough to notice what’s going on beneath my feet. Stable enough to wobble over technical terrain. Love at first stride! 😻

I also orbited around a few different options and always come back to the Cascadia. Had some hopes on the Caldera but wasn’t wide enough for me.

When I tried them on I noticed a sliiiiiightly slipping heel but I can probably fix this with marathon lacing if needed.