Article by Jen Schmidt, Dominique and Sam Winebaum, Allison and Jeff Valliere
Brooks Cascadia 20 ($160)
Introduction
The Cascadia 20 is Brooks heaviest duty trail runner and hiker. For its 20th edition, it gets 4 mm more stack height at about the same weight on a narrower platform, sees a Vibram MegaGrip outsole for the first time and gets a new DNA Flash v2 supercritical Nitro infused
Pros:
Vibram MegaGrip for the first time in the Cascadia: Sam, Jen, Dominique, Jeff, Allison
Lighter weight, yet 4mm more stack height front and back: Sam, Dominique, Jeff, Allison
Very rear stable and planted (also a Con): Sam, Jeff, Allison
Technical terrain running and hiking focus continues, Sam, Dominique, Jeff, Allison
Very plush and very supportive upper (also a Con); Sam, Dominique, Jeff, Allison
More narrow fit aids in technical competency: Jeff
Cons:
Heavy given its stack height: overdone upper if a super plush and supportive one: Sam, Jen
Rear of shoe is well planted and very stable but flat riding on the run and could use some rocker: Sam, Jen, Jeff
A significantly different shoe than v19, with a stiffer and less plush feel - Jen
My tester colorway “Arctic Wolf/Rose Nighlife” may be a trendy colorway but would opt for a darker and more stainproof option: Jen, Allison
More narrow fit less comfortable for longer days and could be an issue for those who prefer a roomier toe box: Jeff
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 10.56 oz / 299g :: women’s 9.7 oz / 275g
Sample Weights:
men’s 293g / 10.34 oz US 8.5 / EU42
304g / 10.72 oz US 10 / EU44 (vs. 315g / 11.1oz Cascadia 19 in US M10)
women’s 260 g / 9.17 oz US 8.5/ EU 39
Stack Height:
C20: 38 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot, 6mm drop
C19: 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot, 6mm drop
Platform Width: C20 95mm (heel) / 80mm (midfoot) / 115mm (forefoot)
C19: 105mm (heel) / 90mm (midfoot) / 125mm (forefoot)
Most comparable shoes
Brooks Cascadia 19
Saucony Xodus 4
Hoka Speedgoat 7
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jen: The Cascadia 19 was one of my favorite trail trainers of 2025, a supremely comfortable and underrated workhorse. It was clear from the first glance that the Cascadia 20 would be very different.
Visually, the new version is more similar to the Catamount than the previous Cascadia, with a narrower base and higher stack. The base of my US W8.5 measures 95mm (heel)/80mm/115mm (forefoot), as compared to 105mm/90mm/125mm in the Cascadia 19, showing that a full centimeter was shaved off throughout. Those weight savings allow stack height to increase 4mm to 38mm/32mm, now with a supercritical nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2 foam.
Note the much narrower base throughout in v20 (bottom) as compared to v19.
Despite the narrower base, the internal dimensions feel similar and will still accommodate a range of feet. Lockdown was similarly good through the midfoot for my low-volume feet, with plenty of room for toe splay up front.
The toebox is similarly wide internally but the base of the forefoot is much narrower.
The exterior of the upper changes only slightly, with a durable-feeling air mesh and 3D printed mud guard overlay. Internally, the silky liner that made v19 so lush to step into is mostly retained, although the tongue lining is now made of a less luxurious-feeling material.
It’s still a very comfortable shoe with a generously padded upper, but it feels a bit more businesslike. Perhaps the changes will help it shed heat a little better in the summer.
No visible changes to the lacing system, which worked well in v19 - the elastic band to secure lace ends remains a nice touch.
Redesigned heel counter, heel tab, and rear base.
The heel counter is slightly lower in this version, with a redesigned pull tab. I don’t notice any differences with the shape, firmness, or padding of the heel counter itself.
Still true to size for me and should stay true to size for medium and wide feet (also available in wide).
Sam: Classic Brooks step in comfort and security, trail style here. No question stepping in to the Cascadia 20 had me sure that security, support and comfort would be top notch. And it was standing around and on the trails of New Hampshire and Sedona where I tested.
I have not run a Cascadia in a few editions so can’t comment on the 19 but I recall earlier Cascadia as being firm and more hiker than trail runner for me.
Clearly with the 20, Brooks leans more towards a plush riding deeply cushioned trail runner with its hiking capabilities still there.
The fit is true to size, but echoing Jen, the toe box tip is pointy and could be more rounded even if the mesh and bumpers are not overly rigid and stiff. Wides will also be available.
Dominique: The fit is true to size and extremely comfortable. My experiences with prior Cascadia editions, 16th, 17th and 18th have always been positive. This latest iteration features significant new upgrades, and given that I skipped the 19th edition, the upper feels like a novelty as well. In comparison to the 18th edition, the shape of toebox is narrower, yet it is plenty roomy and comfortable for my toes.
I appreciate the soft feel of the air mesh upper, which is reinforced with 3D overlays and a TPU toe cap. It is a luxurious lightweight enough upper that could pass for a road shoe but which offers “trail-ready protection” even when hiking in the White Mountains.
Jeff:
I have a long history with the Cascadia, having run in every one since version 4. They have fluctuated from what I considered a race shoe (fewer options 20 years ago) to all day hikers/slow recovery day trainers. The Cascadia 20 might be my favorite so far, or at least in a long time, as they are lighter than the past few versions, a little narrower and more agile (yet still stable) and have 4mm more stack of cushioning.
The upper has been described in detail above, so I will focus on fit and performance. The fit is notably more narrow and less accommodating than previous versions, which can be either a pro or a con depending on your foot and preference.
For my narrow, low volume foot, I find fit to be very good, snug but not confining and just enough wiggle room for swelling and splay. While I had no issues with security in previous versions, security here is improved and appreciated when running technical terrain and especially at faster paces.
That said, for those with wider feet or those who just appreciate more wiggle room for longer days (which I sometimes appreciate when not pushing hard), some may find the new fit to be a turn off. Length is true to size and in line with previous versions, other Brooks shoes and just about any other size 10 TTS shoe for me, with a well padded and secure heel, plush tongue and snug midfoot and with especially secure lacing.
The mesh upper is high quality with a premium and durable feel, yet is reasonably light, flexible and well ventilated.
Allison:
Echoing the above, I find the upper materials to be very premium and they are very comfortable overall, well padded and flexible without any break in period. Fit for me is true to size, though as others have mentioned, the fit in the forefoot is not as generous as previous versions. For technical terrain, I do not mind this, as I appreciate the foothold, though I had no issues in previous versions either and appreciated the extra wiggle room for long days on the trail. This will either be a pro or a con depending on your foot and preference.
Breathability is very good, even on warm days in the 90s and I find protection to be good as well in rough terrain. I like the colorway, but they definitely get dirty easily.
Midsole & Platform
Jen: While the upper remains largely the same, the midsole receives a significant update. Officially, this version still features Brooks’ “TrailAdapt Technology”, with a wide base and “flexibility in critical areas”. I find it less flexible than v19, perhaps due to the 4mm increase in stack height and maybe the updated midsole foam.
An upgrade to DNA FLASH v2 nitrogen-infused foam makes a notable difference here. Whereas v19 was an easy day shoe, v20 has more spring in its step. I find it firmer underfoot with more rebound. The narrower base means improved agility without sacrificing stability, as 95/80/115 mm is still plenty wide to balance out the height. In fact, it feels so stable in the heel as to be somewhat stiff - probably a good thing for energy return, but less natural-feeling. While I’m honestly a little sad to lose the comfy squish of v19, the upgrades will mean improved speed and agility, especially on technical trails.
Sam: With a 38 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot, 4mm drop and 4mm more cushion than V19 and DNA Flash v2 supercritical foam we have plenty of deep cushion.
I would not call it firm but it is springier in feel than the DNA Loft v3 foam we had in v19. I have never much cared for Loft v3 foam finding it overly mushy and not very reactive in road shoes.
The platform is characterized by a very stable rear of the shoe that is flatter and more rigid than I prefer with no real rear rocker and a result it is not very agile feeling . At hiking paces and faster paces it works but at moderate trail paces I would like to see a quicker smoother transition to the front of the shoe where there is some welcome flex.
The depth of the front cushion/outsole provides plenty of rock protection and with its moderate flexibility a touch of agility,
Dominique: I have been enjoying all the upgrades to the Cascadia, and especially the depth of the cushioning and the feel of DNA Flash v2 supercritical foam underfoot. The TrailAdapt technology, which is built into the midsole, adds both support and stability. Over the past weeks, the Cascadia 20 has become my go-to hiker and is the perfect fit for the trails in Park City.
Jeff: The new DNA FLASH v2 foam is a big improvement for the Cascadia, with 4 mm more cushioning, they feel plush and deeply cushioned, yet adequately supportive for stability in technical terrain.
While not the most speedy shoe (and they could definitely benefit from a bit of a rockered design as mentioned above), I find myself easily able to run fast in them and find myself reaching for them for just about any run, no matter the distance or my intended terrain or effort. They feel reasonably light on the foot and are more responsive than previous versions, and have a great blend of cushioning, performance, support and stability.
Allison: Cushioning, especially with the 4 extra mm depth of it in the 20 is amazing, very plush, stable and well cushioned for full days on your feet. The DNA FLASH v2 foam feels light, responsive and energetic.
I have run in the Cascadia for daily training runs in the Boulder foothills and long mountain hikes, We also went on a recent family trip to NYC, where I wore them on long city walks up to 17 miles, standing in museums, etc…, they performed very well, with my feet and legs feeling fresh. I basically wore them from 8am until 10 or 11pm constantly on the go and the midsole felt exceptionally comfortable and supportive.
Outsole
Jen: A major performance-focused upgrade, the outsole now features Vibram Megagrip rather than Brooks’ TrailTack Green compound. Grip has been excellent so far thanks to the combination of Megagrip and 4mm chevron-shaped lugs with additional grip from side Traction Lug technology . While I don’t have nearly the same mileage on v20 as v19 yet, the lack of any visible wear so far may suggest improved durability - more miles will tell.’
Sam: in a first for the Cascadia, we see a fine MegaGrip outsole with fairly small aggressively shaped lugs with additional grip from the side of lugs Traction Lug.
No complaints even on road sections but there is no mistaking the outsole feel for anything but a trail outsole. I did find midfoot and rear lugs occasionally “catching” on roots due to the flat profile at the ground and midfoot stiffness.
Dominique: During my first outing in the Cascadia 20 in the White Mountains, I was able to hike in total confidence coming down steep ledgy surfaces thanks to my Vibram Megagrip outsole with its 4mm lugs and Traction Lug Technology. With its updated outsole, the Cascadia 20 is a great option, in addition to being a trail runner, when looking for a low top hiker, even if the terrain is rough.
Jeff: The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a big improvement, providing great all around traction over a wide range of surfaces and conditions. The rubber compound is sticky and performs well in the wet and grips confidently on slabby rock and scrambling.
While the lugs are only 4mm, the shape, orientation and the traction lug design provides good bite when conditions are loose. Given my preference for steep terrain and often loose off trail, I always prefer a deeper lug, but the design here allows for greater versatility over a wide range of terrain and uses. So far, durability is showing to be average to above average.
Allison: The outsole is confidence inspiring and I have found the Vibram Megagrip with traction lugs to provide great grip on any surface that I have run on. The lugs and outsole overall provide a high level of versatility, be it road to trail use, casual use, rugged mountain trails and off trail, or just full days walking around NYC.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jen: On paper, this should be a no-brainer: Brooks took one of my favorite shoes of 2025 and made significant improvements to the midsole and outsole. With a narrower base, updated supercritical midsole, and Vibram Megagrip outsole, v20 is ready to go places and paces that v19 couldn’t. Agility, energy return, and grip are all improved.
So why do I still feel a touch of nostalgia for v19? It’s hard to put my finger on. Maybe it’s that the previous version was just so dang comfortable: it was the shoe that gave my brain the “easy day” signal as soon as I stepped into its silky, cushioned interior for recovery days and weekday mileage. The updates make it more responsive but not to the level of a race shoe, so it still sits firmly in the trainer category, and still very close to the top of that list for versatility and value.
Even if v20 is a little firmer and stiffer, it’s still an excellent daily driver with plenty of cushion, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to most trail runners as an all-around trainer.
Jen’s overall score: 9.3/10
Ride (30%): 9
Fit (30%): 9.5
Value (10%): 9.5
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 9
Rock Protection (10%): 10
😊😊😊😊.5
Sam: Big changes but still a Cascadia, a trail shoe for heavy duty technical terrain and hikes but now with its deeper cushion. So it may slot as an unplated ultra type shoe in the Brooks line up, replacing the Caldera which had about the same weight and stack height.
It seems Brooks chose to trade the weight savings from the new DNA Flash V2 foam midsole for more upper comfort and one could even say plushness. This is one extremely comfortable shoe, top to bottom. The switch to Vibram MegaGrip is a great update reinforcing the shoe’s big mountain technical trails focus.
I wish they had lightened the upper to get the shoe closer to 10 oz / 283 g and the Speedgoat 7 which has a slightly higher stack height, wider platform and 23g lighter weight. Further, I wish the rear of the shoe was more dynamic and rockered to better match the clear energy of its midsole foam.
No question, all of this said if you are looking for supreme comfort, deep cushion, and now Vibram in a slower paced trail cruiser or ultra shoe or for hiking with a focus on more technical terrain, or you are seeking an any terrain easy to live with walking shoe the Cascadia is a top choice,
Sam’s Score: 9.08 /10
😊😊😊
Ride (30%): 8.5 weight and lack of rear rocker to transitions, flat rear feel affect the score here
Fit (30%): 9.2 plush and super secure
Value (10%): 9.2 for easy trail runs and hiking top value at $160 for its expected durability.
Style (5%) 9.5 Understated yet sharp
Traction (15%): 9.5 MegaGrip!
Rock Protection (10%): 9.5 plenty without a plate interfering with the easy front flex.
Dominique: Aside from the Arctic Wolf/Rose Nightlife color of my tester, which looks pretty stained after a total of 50 miles of hiking and trail running, I am extremely pleased with this latest iteration of the Cascadia 20. Just a minor downside, and though the shoelace system is extremely comfortable and secure, I find it a bit tedious to pull the the laces to get the fit secure when tying my shoes.
The level of comfort is “supreme” as noted by Sam, from the upper to the midsole and the fit is just perfect with the right thickness of socks, namely on the thinner side for me in my true to usual size pair. Likewise, I value the new Vibram Megagrip outsole as it gives my trail runner an edge when hiking.
This said, I like it more as a low top hiker than as a purely trail runner. That said it is a very versatile shoe. I more likely will grab my Hoka Speedgoat 7 for a trail run while sticking to my Cascadia 20 when going on a hike.
Dominique Score: 9.3 /10
😊😊😊😊.5 (as a low top hiker)
Ride (30%): 9
Fit (30%): 9.5
Value (10%): 9.5
Style (5%) 9
Traction (15%): 9.5
Rock Protection (10%): 9.5
Jeff: Overall I find the Cascadia 20 to be the best version in some time, as it is lighter and the midsole is lighter feeling, more dynamic and more responsive than any prior version, offering a more lively and fun ride, while still offering plush cushioning, support and protection.
The upper is very comfortable and secure, though the narrowing of the forefoot will be a detriment to some. While I do sort of miss the more relaxed and accommodating fit of the previous version(s), the narrower forefoot works well for me and my running preferences (steep/technical).
While I generally reserved previous versions of the Cascadia as more of a shoe I would pick for a family hike or 14er outing, I am more likely to grab the 20 for actual running, but usually on my moderate to recovery days.
As always, the Cascadia delivers quality, durability and reliable versatile performance and is a one shoe quiver sort of shoe, a shoe you can keep in your trunk and can handle about any run you throw at it.
Jeff’s overall score: 9.3/10
Ride (30%): 9.5
Fit (30%): 9 (great for my narrow, low volume foot, but those with wider feet and wider preference may be disappointed)
Value (10%): 9 .5
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 9
Rock Protection (10%): 10
😊😊😊😊
Allison: Overall, I find the Cascadia 20 to be an improvement. It has a more refined upper, much improved midsole and more grippy Vibram MegaGrip outsole. The midsole really makes the most difference for me, feeling lighter and responsive than previous versions. They are plush and comfortable for full days on my feet, be it in the mountains or long days walking the concrete of Manhattan. In all situations they have been comfortable, supportive and breathe well. I do miss the wider toe box despite the 20's working for my feet and would hope for the next version to open up the toe box a little while maintaining security. All in all a great update to one of the most reliable do it all trail shoes out there.
Allison’s overall score: 9.5/10
Ride (30%): 9.5
Fit (30%): 9.5
Value (10%): 9 .5
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 9.5
Rock Protection (10%): 10
😊😊😊😊😊
5 Comparisons
Cascadia 19 (RTR Review)
Jen: I touched on the differences throughout, but major upgrades include supercritical DNA FLASH v2 foam in the midsole to replace DNA LOFT, the narrower base, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. The new version is stiffer, bouncier, and less plush feeling, no longer purely a recovery/easy shoe and is capable of more technical terrain. Weight stays roughly the same with a loss of 10mm width throughout and a 4mm increase in stack height.
Jeff: Jen covers the comparison well, but I do find the 20 to be reasonably plush, with perhaps slightly higher density to maintain stability with the narrower platform, but either way, it works well for me and I find the 20 to be overall more runnable. Of course as mentioned, the
Vibrfam outsole is an improvement and the change to a more narrow forefoot helps in technical terrain, but I still long for the more accommodating toe box as found in the 19.
Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 (RTR Review)
Jen: Both shoes are comfortable all-arounders at a reasonable price point. The XU4 is nearly an ounce heavier in my US W8.5, at 283g vs. 260 in the Cascadia 20. The balance of stability and responsiveness is similar (favoring stability), and fit is similar throughout. At 36/30 mm stack height, the XU4 is just slightly lower, but that difference isn’t perceptible underfoot.
Jeff: Again, Jen covers the difference well. I do prefer the Cascadia over the Xodus, as it is lighter and more runnable, whereas I view the Xodus now as pure hiker based on my preferences.
Hoka Speedgoat 7 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Speedgoat is a clear competitor to the Cascadia and out-stats it with 23g lighter weight, a broader platform and a bit more stack height. The Hoka similar supercritical foam is a touch softer and bouncier and its front and especially rear rockers are more effective making it a faster smoother riding shoe as the pace picks up. Its upper is not quite as plush but similar fitting and true to size for me,
Salomon Genesis (RTR Review)
Jen: The Genesis is lighter by about an ounce (9.63 vs 10.8 in a sample size USM9), lower-profile at 30/22mm, and narrower in the heel and midfoot at 85/70/115mm. Both shoes are designed for stability, comfort, and value over many miles. The Matryx upper of the Genesis might be slightly lighter, but both uppers are substantial and trap some heat in my experience. Midsole responsiveness is better in the Cascadia 20 thanks to the evolution of foams over the years, and I experienced better traction in the Cascadia’s Vibram Megagrip than the Genesis’ Contagrip outsole.
Jeff: I find the Cascadia to feel more responsive, supportive and protective for longer distances, while the Genesis may have a slightly better fitting upper, though fit is overall comparable when it comes to volume and comfort.
North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 (RTR Review)
Jeff: The Enduris weighs a few grams more but has 3mm more stack and a wider platform. The Enduris has a much more accommodating forefoot, yet one still secure enough for technical terrain and is a better choice for those seeking wiggle room. Performance is overall pretty comparable, but a definite advantage to the Cascadia when it comes to traction with the new Vibram MegaGrip outsole.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
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 wins at the Fourmidable 50k in 2026, and Silver State 50k and Way Too Cool 50k in 2025. These days, you can find her primarily on the trails around Auburn, CA, 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.
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 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 Tour des Combins and Queyras, 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 oJr 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 NeJw 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 15 year old twin daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. Hex is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the 1:45 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Park City, Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. Sam is 5’9” /175cm and 160 lbs/ 73kg if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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3 comments:
This is supposed to complement the Cascadia Elite? It would be interesting to get a take from the thru-hiking crowd. The Cascadia was always the all-purpose, all-terrain, trustworthy option for most. There was a heritage to it, and people bought into that. Much of that seems destroyed with this iteration, and that fancy outsole is just lipstick on a pig. In a world of cheaper better shoes ($170 Altamesa 500v2, $165 Speedgoat 7, $160 Ultra Glide 4, etc.) I have a hard time seeing this as a top consideration on many runners' lists. I guess their in-store retail is their one big advantage. Simultaneously killed the Catamount and the Cascadia. Sad. Funny enough, this all reminds me of the new Outback debate and criticisms. :-)
So true. I'm so trying to like Brooks but they just keep destroying their shoes...making them bigger, clunker and unstabale and more importantly STILL NARROW
I don't know why Brooks (and many other major brands) keep slowly ceding ground to Topo and Altra by refusing to make shoes that can accomodate wide feet, or even D width feet that swell to E/2E during a long run or hike. I miss the foam on my Brooks Caldera 8s after switching to Topo Mountain Racer 4s, but Brooks isn't giving me any reason to come back with their forefoot crushing designs.
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