Article by Dominique Winebaum, Allison and Jeff Valliere
Brooks Cascadia 18 ($140)
Introduction
This 18th iteration of the Brooks Cascadia features an updated mesh upper with protective overlay in high-wear areas. The significant upgrades first seen in the 17 have been carried over, such as the Trail Adapt System and outsole. Despite the lack of fanfare about this newer edition, it features changes in the upper and tweaks in the midsole firmness (softer) that I would characterize as noteworthy. Our test pairs are the non-waterproof model, with no change in price from last year ($140). GTX 18 is $170.
Pros:
Updated upper with excellent foothold, slightly squared off toebox - Dominique/Jeff /Allison
Very comfortable and secure fit - Dominique/Jeff
Protective upper against shocks and rocks - Dominique/JeffAllison
DNA Loft V2 midsole foam has been carried over from its predecessor but “tweaked” for a softer ride - Dominique/Jeff/Allison
Attractive color options - Dominique/Jeff/Allison
Well-priced at $140 for the non-GTX version - Dominique/Jeff/Allison
Trail Adapt protection and propulsion system - Dominique/Jeff/Allison
Grippy and sturdy outsole - Dominique/Jeff/Allison
Cons:
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 11.3 oz :: women 10.1 oz
Sample Weight: men’s 11.5 oz / 326g US 10 ,
women’s 10.12 oz / 288g US9 (V17: 10.5 oz / 298g US 9)
Midsole Stack Height: 33mm heel / 25mm forefoot (8mm drop)
Available now at Running Warehouse HERE, REI HERE
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Dominique: I tested the Cascadia 17 last year and it became a favorite of mine, along with the TOPO Traverse, when hiking in a low top – both extremely reliable, stable, sturdy, and comfortable. I was excited to get this latest version of the Cascadia though it appeared on the surface that they were only minor changes from the prior model.
After several hikes (easy terrain), walks, and a few runs, I concluded that the updates in the upper - squared off toe box, more padding in the collar, and slight changes to the shoelace system - made a notable difference.
In short, as much as I liked my Cascadia 17, the upper in the newer model delivers a better foothold and is even more comfortable.
I also took note when wearing the model 17 on one foot and the 18 on the other foot that the midsole was softer (more on the midsole below). When considering a Cascadia, I would recommend this newer model, as opposed to last year’s model at a discounted price, namely the updates are worth it.
Jeff V: I have reviewed or at least owned all Cascadias since version 5 and seen them evolve in different directions along the way, from what was considered way back to be a quick trail racer, to more of a steady, long days on your feet, protective “through hiker” worthy shoe. Out of the box the Cascadia 18 certainly looks the part and has even lost a few grams, though still looks very tough and beefy (they were already heavy though to start, so losing a few grams isn’t really saying a lot).
The breathable mesh upper is beefy, protective and durable, with overlays in high wear areas to enhance durability. The upper is pliable, yet durable and breathable, having run in temps in the 90’s and my feet never felt overly warm.
The heel collar is very plush and well padded.
The tongue is well padded too and semi gusseted, and is very comfortable with no lace bite.
The toe bumper is very beefy and protective. The laces are the woven type as found in recent Cascadias, which are among my favorites, as they are once and done tensioning and never come untied.
The heel counter is rigid, stable and well protected.
Overall, the subtle changes to the upper are a nice improvement. I found the previous upper to be excellent, but the new upper on the 18 is slightly more refined, softer and with a slightly tighter mesh weave to keep out debris without compromising breathability. Fit is true to size and comparable to the previous version, with a very secure fit, though with ample wiggle room in the forefoot.
Allison: Brooks is one of my favorite brands, if not my favorite and I have long had great luck with the Cascadia, including the 17 that I reviewed last year. I was looking forward to the 18, but I strangely had issues with fit, as even in my normal size 9, my toes were touching the front of the shoe. I was able to run in them a few times for this review though. This is strange, as neither Jeff or Dominique experienced this fit issue, so I am thinking it might just be a one off pre production anomaly.
Midsole & Platform
Dominique: The midsole is DNA Loft v2 foam, the same foam as in the Cascadia 16 and 17. However, after an inquiry regarding the feel of the midsole being softer in the model 18, we learned from the Brooks product line manager that the foam has been “tweaked” to be a little softer. If you squeeze the midsole with your fingers, it is a softer feel on the 18 versus the 17. Likewise when walking/running, you can feel the difference.
The centerpiece of the 18 is the “Trail Adapt System” which consists of 3 elements: an integrated midsole with DNA Loft v2 cushioning, a protective and also propulsive rock plate, and a segmented outsole all working together as a system to enhance one’s running experience over any terrain.
It is the same design in this new edition of the Cascadia, but with a “tweaked” midsole that feels a bit softer.
Jeff V: Dominique sums up the midsole well and I too thought the midsole felt a touch softer and this was confirmed by Brooks. The DNA Loft v2 is steady and reliable, well cushioned and even as bit softer now here, trending towards plush, yet firm enough for predictable, stable performance in technical terrain.
While not particularly responsive or top end performance oriented, the midsole is spot on for the intent of the Cascadia 18, day to day all terrain training, or long distance hiking/running. The Trail Adapt system is quite effective, providing a great blend of protection and flexibility, though it did take a few runs for me to break this shoe in and to not feel stiff.
While the Cascadia might never be classified as a go fast shoe, I do find that when I am feeling good and in technical terrain, the overall package is such that I can comfortably move quickly through technical terrain.
Allison V: As with the 17, cushioning and protection are very good for long distances on any terrain and are especially good in technical terrain, with much credit to the Trail Adapt system. While they do not have a bouncy or springy feel, I appreciate how protective and predictable they are, no matter the terrain and conditions. I have run/hiked up to 20 miles in the 17 and they left my legs feeling relatively fresh afterwards (and easily did 20 mile days consecutively), so I expect the same here with the 18. The softening of the midsole is noticeable and welcome.
Outsole
Dominique: The redesigned outsole in the 17 was carried over. A sturdy, grippy, and sticky outsole made with 4.5 mm lugs strategically placed in a chevron pattern that are divided in 6 different groups by groves. The “Trail Adapt System” is part of the outsole helping provide a stable platform.
Jeff V: Despite the multi coloring, the TrailTack Green outsole remains the same as the 17. I find that overall traction is very good on a wide range of terrain, be it steep and loose, off trail, slabby rock, gravel, snow, mud, etc… Wet traction is average, as is durability.
Allison: As mentioned, the outsole has not changed and traction is very good on a wide variety of surfaces.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Dominique: I will admit that I have not yet taken my Cascadia 18 on challenging trails, whether it is running or hiking. I don’t anticipate that the softer feel of the midsole will impact stability. Though it is not impacting me, this is not a lightweight trailrunner. It is better suited for training - and hiking - than for racing.
To be noted, this newer edition has a more comfortable midsole and better foothold than its predecessor while being as reliable and versatile. Reasonably priced at $140 for a trail shoe that does double duty as a low top hiker. I am considering hiking in the Cascadia 18 on an upcoming trek (6 days) on the GR 5 in August – from St-Gingolph to Les Contamines in France.
Dominique's Score: 9.39 /10
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Jeff V: I have been using the Cascadia 18 this summer in the high mountains on 12, 13 and 14,000 foot peaks and they have been amazing (as well as for my normal day to day runs in the Boulder foothills).
I find that while the Cascadia is a good day to day trail trainer, I do not find myself all that inclined to choose them for shorter runs or uptempo runs, but they are my first choice for long hikes or runs where I will be out most of the day and on terrain where I need a high level of protection, support, security, stability and traction.
While I had no issues with the upper on the 17 (or any other aspect of the shoe for that matter), the upper of the 18 is a nice improvement, a bit softer, more refined overall and perhaps with a touch better fit/security.
The slight softening of the midsole foam is also a nice touch as well, making the ride a bit more compliant while maintaining stability and performance. I would highly recommend the Cascadia 18 for anyone looking for a solid day to day trainer (a one shoe quiver sort of shoe), for those who want max protection for long all day outings or a through hike shoe.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.5/10
Ride: 9.5, Fit: 9.5, Value: 10, Style: 9.5, Traction: 9, Rock Protection: 10
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Allison: The Cascadia 18, as was the case for the 17 is a great, protective do it all trail shoe that is great for long days on your feet, mountain hikes. As I mentioned, I struggled with the fit of the upper, which I think is just a fluke, but hope to get a pair soon that fits me properly, as I love the 17 and can tell that I like the softer midsole cushioning of the 18 and the upper is really well done and protective.
Allison’s Score: 9.5/10
Ride: 9.5, Fit: 9.5, Value: 10, Style: 9.5, Traction: 9, Rock Protection: 10
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5 Comparisons
Brooks Cascadia 17 (RTR Review) -
Jeff V: Compared throughout. Slight improvement to upper and a little softer midsole, with the same outsole.
Brooks Caldera 6 (RTR Review) -
Jeff V: The Caldera is a larger, more maximal shoe, but is slightly lighter with softer foam. It is more adept on mellow trails, longer distances and is not nearly as agile in technical terrain as the Cascadia with its firmer more stable midsole, better foothold and superior traction.
Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Review) -
Jeff V: For racing or uptempo runs (on up to moderate technical), I would pick the Catamount 3 for its better response, faster, more sporty build and lighter weight, whereas the Cascadia is ideal for more rugged terrain at slower paces.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 (RTR Review) -
The Speedgoat is lighter, more responsive, more plush feeling and more agile overall. It is a much faster shoe better suited to racing and uptempo training, though equally good at just long days on your feet over any terrain. The Speedgoat also has stickier rubber outsole and is more durable.
Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 (RTR Review) -
Jeff V: Very close in weight and stack, the Xodus 3 is a close competitor, with a bit quicker turnover and more runnable feel. It is not as plush, stable or adept in technical terrain, as the Cascadia is overall more protective with better traction.
Tester Profiles
Dominique has run for over 40 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 10 and 11 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Allison Valliere is a 5th generation Coloradan who is passionate about the outdoors and has been hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing and running in the mountains since she was young. She has completed all but 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many hundreds of year round ascents of 14ers, 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and the West. Allison has also traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 feet in the Himalayas, to high altitudes in Ecuador and has worked for the National Park Service mapping plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California . Her almost daily routine involves runs/power hikes in the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile pace if schedule necessitates. But what really keeps her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking care of her 12 year old twin daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors.
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