Article by Jeff Beck, John Tribbia, Jeff and Allison Valliere
Brooks Caldera 4 ($140)
Introduction:
John: I have never worn previous versions of the Caldera, but I have enjoyed early models of the Brooks Cascadia and Adrenaline. Obviously, this shoe comes with more stack height and is touted to be Brooks’ new ultra marathon shoe. I am really excited to try it out, because of my past positive experiences with other Brooks models. Out of the box and walking around, the shoe is very comfortable and has an impressive “compact” feeling despite it being a bigger cushioned shoe with 3mm more cushion stack than its predecessor. The stack height is anomalously high for Brooks, yet they didn’t lose sight of stability by adding the cushion. My early impressions are that it works really well: the center of gravity is still low and I don’t feel prone to ankle rolls and I feel connected to the ground. The engineered mesh upper is comfortable to bare skin and seems durable. The outsole is Brooks’ sticky TrailTack rubber and is just enough that would allow for road and off-road terrain.
Jeff B: I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum, I ran in the Caldera 2 and reviewed the 3 - however, I had the same immediate enthusiasm for the shoe that John did. I raved about the 3 last year, and the 4 changed virtually every aspect of the shoe. Normally that’s cause for concern - did Brooks ruin a good thing? Unbelievably, no, but it has really shifted what the Caldera is.
Pros:
John: well cushioned, stable and smooth ride, comfortable and sturdy/durable upper, secure fit, versatility from road to trail
Jeff B: The extra midsole gives added protection, toe box width grew, entire platform is a little wider, upper breathes well but also has good foothold.
Jeff V: Cushion, comfort, style, relaxed fit for all day comfort, wide platform, protection, reasonably light for so much shoe.
Allison: Comfort, fit, cushion style, light, response
Cons:
John: Traction and toe protection
Jeff B: Toe bumper on medial side is a little obtrusive
Jeff V: Relaxed fit resulting in lack of security in technical terrain, particularly at higher speeds. Thin laces, traction limitations
Allison: Traction
Stats
Official Weight:: men's 10 oz / 283 g (US9) :: women's 8.9 oz / 252g (US8)
Sample Weights:
10.9oz / 309g US men’s 10.5D, 10.5 oz./298g US men’s 10, 9.25 oz./263g US women’s 9
4mm offset
Available Feb 1. 2020. $140
