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 decided to try Trabucos after running in Cascadias for a few years and I think I’ll be going back to Cascadia. Despite the length of the Trabucos being good I find I have to do the laces up really tight otherwise I feel like I’m sliding around in the shoe even with a heel lock, got bruises from the tight laces during my last ultra.
The toe box thing is interesting - I found the Cascadias pretty roomy too when I tried them on. Maybe it's just how different foot shapes interact with the shoe design
For a 5-day 33 mile trek I'd probably lean toward the extra cushioning of the Cascadias, especially if you're coming from the 15s and liked them. Your feet are gonna thank you on day 4 when you still have some padding left under there
I just properly got into running on trail and road and I’m really enjoying a pair of brooks Cascadia 18 after having Salomon speed cross 6 for hiking and a wee bit of running.
I picked myself up an innov8 racepac 8 as my runs were getting above 10km/ an hour. But I then got injured and I’m only back to running 3x 22 minutes this week.
Though I’m sure I’ll be buying plenty more trail kit in the future!
3catcaper
