Article by Jana Herzgova, Jen Schmidt, and John Tribbia
Brooks Cascadia 19 and Cascadia 19 GTX ($150, $180 GTX)
Introduction
The Cascadia is Brooks heavier duty trail runner that bridges to hiking. The midsole foam is upgraded from DNA Loft v2 to supercritical DNA Loft v3 with 2mm more cushion at the heel and 4mm more at the forefoot so the Cascadia moves from an 8mm drop to a 6mm drop shoe. We also have a new design TrailAdapt plate for more terrain adaptable trail stability.
The 19th incarnation of the Cascadia (spec weight 9.4 oz for women’s) is significantly lighter than v18 (10.1 oz), which in turn was lighter than v17 (10.4 oz).
Pros:
Solid all-around trail shoe - Jen/Jana/John
Very comfortable padded upper and heel collar - Jen/Jana/John
Significantly lighter than the previous version - Jen
Better energy return than expected - Jen/Jana
Lace band is well-designed - Jen/John
Affordable for the quality - Jen
Cons:
Still not the lightest shoe out there - Jen/Jana/John
Fairly wide base sacrifices some agility on technical trails - Jen
Not wide foot option - Jana
Most comparable shoes (with your name next to each)
Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 - Jen
HOKA Speedgoat 5 - Jen
Brooks Caldera - Jen
Stats
Sample Weights:
Cascadia 19 women’s 9.56 oz /271g US8.5
Cascadia 19 GTX women’s 11.01 oz /312 g US10.5
Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jana: The black colorway on the Cascadia 19 GTX is one of my favorites—clean, understated, and sharp. Right out of the box, the shoe feels solid and trail-ready. It’s got that dependable Brooks look with just enough updates to feel fresh.
The fit is true to size and feels secure throughout. It’s not overly snug, but it wraps the foot well, especially in the heel and midfoot. There’s enough room in the toe box for toe splay, but it doesn’t feel sloppy or loose.
The upper uses a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit waterproof membrane that’s bonded directly to the mesh. It keeps water out without making the shoe feel bulky or stiff, and breathability is still decent for a waterproof trail shoe. The mesh itself is soft and flexible, with supportive overlays that add structure and durability. The gusseted tongue and padded collar add to the comfort, and overall it’s a well-executed upper that holds up to long days out.
Jen: This was my introduction to the Cascadia, a shoe that has developed a loyal fan base throughout its 19 versions. Still, the Cascadia has been heavily criticized in the past for being, well, heavy.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my sample weighed in at 271 g (9.56 oz, USW8.5), almost a full ounce less than v17 and half an ounce less than v18. It remains on the heavier end of the spectrum, but is slightly lighter than the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 (which I recently tested and loved RTR Review) or the HOKA Mafate Speed 3 and Craft Ultra Trail 2.
Out of the box, my first impression was comfort - the soft liner and plushly padded tongue and heel collar feel luxurious, especially on tired feet as I began wear testing the week after a 50k.
The heel counter is quite firm and extends fairly high up the heel, so the extra padding on the heel collar feels necessary. In addition to the reinforced bands that were introduced to the upper in v18, v19 features 3D print overlays that could further increase durability.
The subtle elastic lace band on the tongue is a particularly well-designed touch and keeps the laces in place with no extra fuss.
The subtle elastic band across the tongue keeps the laces securely in place without the need for an overbuilt lace garage.
As Jana noted, the fit is secure without being snug and provides a little extra room in the toe box. My low-volume foot didn’t slide around much on the run, but the fit would easily accommodate a wider midfoot and forefoot.
John: I largely agree with Jana and Jen’s assessment of the Cascadia 19 GTX’s initial feel. The shoe presents as a solid and well-constructed trail runner right out of the box. The GTX version, in particular, inspires confidence for tackling wetter conditions. Since we hit a dry spell here in Colorado, I had to resort to testing its waterproof claims with a garden hose, and it passed with flying colors, keeping my feet perfectly dry.
Similar to Jen’s experience, the immediate standout feature for me was the comfort of the upper. The padded tongue and heel collar create a plush and secure fit, which is a welcome and appreciated touch for long days on the trail.
The elastic lace band is probably my favorite small feature that Brooks uses; it’s simple, effective, and keeps the laces locked down without any fuss. The fit is true to size for my slightly narrow foot, providing ample room in the toe box without feeling sloppy or causing any unwanted movement.
Midsole & Platform
Jana: The cushioning feels firm but comfortable—more about stability and support than softness. It gives just enough padding to keep your feet happy on long trails without feeling squishy or slow.
The foam is upgraded from DNA Loft v2 to supercritical DNA Loft v3 with 2mm more cushion at the heel and 4mm more at the forefoot so the Cascadia moves from an 8mm drop to a 6mm drop shoe. The Trail Adapt plate is modified.
The base feels solid and steady, which helps a lot on uneven ground. Whether you're going uphill, downhill, or over rocks, the shoe stays balanced and protects your feet well. It’s not a super bouncy ride, but it’s reliable and gets the job done.
Jen: RTR testers noted in v18 of the Cascadia that the DNA LOFT v2 midsole was noticeably softer than in v17, and we get another upgrade here to DNA LOFT v3 plus an additional 2 mm of foam in the heel and 4 mm in the midfoot.
This forgiving midsole is well-suited to long miles, although not so soft that it sacrifices energy return completely. With the extra nitro-infused foam, high stack, and lack of rocker, v19 is best suited to easy run days and hikes rather than racing. The base is wide, lending extra stability and balancing out the 35 mm stack height. On the other hand, that width can feel a little clunky when looking for precise foot placement on technical terrain.
John: While I can’t directly compare this to previous versions of the Cascadia, I found the midsole to provide a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness. It's not overly soft or mushy, which I appreciate, as it allows for a stable and controlled feel on varied terrain. I agree with Jana that it feels more about stability and support than pure softness. The DNA Loft v3 foam offers great protection from rocks and roots underfoot without completely muting the trail feel. The 6mm drop feels comfortable and natural, hitting a sweet spot that should work well for most runners.
Outsole
Jana: The grip is dependable on just about any surface—dirt, rocks, mud, or loose gravel. The lugs aren’t overly aggressive, but they bite well and give you confidence on climbs and descents.
The rubber feels durable and handles wet conditions without slipping around. It’s not the stickiest outsole out there, but it does its job well and holds up to tough trails. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want traction without feeling like you're wearing hiking boots.
Jen: I love to see sustainability-focused updates, and v19 gets a TrailTack Green outsole made of 25% recycled content. My local trails are almost entirely dry at this point, so I couldn’t test it on wet conditions, but the 4 mm lugs performed quite well on dry, loose, gravelly, sandy, and rocky surfaces.
The TrailAdapt system (Brooks’ integrated midsole/rock plate/outsole) gets updated in this version as well, switching out the midsole foam as discussed previously and changing to a flexible and articulated rock plate. I didn’t run in v18, but my perception of v19 is that the articulated rock plate does allow the shoe to accommodate rockier terrain without feeling too stiff.
John: The TrailTack Green rubber on the outsole provided reliable grip across the dry and often loose, gravelly trails I frequent. The 4mm lugs are versatile; they are deep enough to bite into softer dirt but not so aggressive that they feel awkward on hard packed sections or brief road crossings.
What I found most impressive is how the outsole works with the new articulated rock plate and midsole to affect the ride. The segmentation in the plate and outsole allows the shoe to flex and adapt to uneven surfaces remarkably well. This system prevents the shoe from feeling stiff or slappy, which can be an issue with highly protective trail shoes. Instead, the ride is smooth and fluid, as the shoe moves with the terrain rather than fighting against it. This adaptability provides a very secure and predictable feeling underfoot, no matter the conditions.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jana: The ride feels stable and smooth. It’s not super energetic or soft, but it rolls along nicely and keeps your feet protected. The shoe feels especially good on long, steady efforts—more about comfort and control than speed. It handles technical terrain well without feeling bulky.
I also recommend it to hikers - it is comfy and performs well on hikes as well.
In conclusion, the Cascadia 19 GTX is a solid, all-around trail shoe built for comfort, protection, and wet conditions. The fit is secure, the waterproof upper works without feeling stiff, and the grip holds steady on most surfaces. It’s not flashy or ultra-light, but it’s dependable—especially if you’re spending a lot of time on the trails.
If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle rough terrain, variable weather, and long miles without much fuss, this one is a strong choice. Just don’t expect a super soft ride—it’s built more for stability and durability than speed.
Jana’s Score: 8.9 /10
Ride: 9; Fit 9 (very comfy for me - but not for wide foot folks); Value 8.5 (it feels like all shoes nowadays are expensive - but this one I love); Style 9.5; Traction 8.5; Rock Protection 9
😊😊😊😊😊 - this pair is in my rotation for a few days a week
Jen: I agree with Jana that the Cascadia 19 stays true to the rest of the line’s reputation as dependable and comfortable, but smart and intentional updates from Brooks to an already popular line make v19 faster and more versatile. It might not be my race day shoe, but it’s an easy choice for mileage days over light to moderate terrain, especially when my feet are sore and tired. The softness of the liner and the extra cushion in the heel collar and tongue add a touch of luxuriousness, and the ride was lighter and less stiff than I’d expected based on what I’d heard about previous versions.
Jen’s Score: 8.90/10
Ride (30%): 8.5
Fit (30%): 9
Value (10%): 9.5
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 9 (but couldn’t test on wet surfaces)
Rock Protection (10%): 9
😊😊😊😊- comfortable and enjoyable
John: The Cascadia 19 GTX delivers a ride that is, above all, stable, protective, and predictable. It’s a workhorse of a shoe that feels capable of handling almost anything you throw at it. The combination of the cushioned DNA Loft v3 midsole, the adaptive TrailAdapt system, and the reliable outsole creates a very secure experience on the trail. It's not a shoe that screams “fast,” but it provides a smooth, comfortable, and efficient ride that encourages you to stay out longer.
I would recommend the Cascadia 19 GTX to any runner looking for a do-it-all trail shoe. It’s an excellent choice for daily training, long runs, and even hiking. It builds confidence with every step, letting you focus on the trail ahead rather than what's on your feet.
John’s Score: 8.65/10
Ride (30%): 8.5
Fit (30%): 9
Value (10%): 8.5
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 8 (solid, but VJ, La Sportiva are the benchmark here)
Rock Protection (10%): 8.5
😊😊😊😊
Comparisons
Brooks Cascadia 18 (RTR Review) - Jen
While I didn’t run in this version, it’s the closest comparison since the updates are relatively minor, as described throughout. Briefly, v19 updates the nitro-infused foam in the midsole and adds more in the heel and forefoot, removes half an ounce of weight, and updates the rock plate and outsole to improve adaptability and sustainability specs.
Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 (RTR Review) - Jen
Both shoes are generalists ready for long miles and a variety of surfaces, but the Xodus feels snappier to me despite being similar weight (just under 10 oz in a US W8.5), stack height (35-36 mm), and drop (6 mm). The upper of the Cascadia is more comfortable, but the narrower base of the Xodus feels readier to tackle technical trails. I’d reach for the Cascadia for recovery days and favor the Xodus for workouts or more challenging terrain.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The Cascadia 19 is available August 1st, 2025
Tester Profiles
Jana Herzgova took up running in 2016, after a back injury. Prior to that she was a speed skater, but due to back pain and doctor's recommendation, she transitioned into running. Since then, starting with shorter ultra distance races she quickly evolved into an avid long distance and unsupported mountain runner. She also loves to take on challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, mainly in unsupported and semi-self supported style. She currently lives in Utah/Wyoming.
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's are nearest and dearest to her heart, and she recently took the win at the 2025 Way Too Cool 50k and placed sixth at the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn, chasing competitive and personal goals over a variety of surfaces and distances. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team, with a marathon PR of 2:41.
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
No comments:
Post a Comment