Bottom Line
The Brooks Cascadia has always been a popular choice among trail enthusiasts for good reason. The latest update offers a padded tongue and a plusher-feeling upper without losing the deep lug pattern, sticky traction, generous toe space without compromising midfoot and heel snugness, and the plush cushioning underfoot featured in previous models.
Our testers took them on dirt roads, rolling singletrack, crushed gravel paths, and muddy, root-laden trails from the Midwest to the Appalachians. We found them to be cruisy on technical trails but also able to handle hard-packed dirt and gravel tracks, making them a supremely versatile shoe.
Also available in two widths, the Cascadia 19 remains a solid choice for nearly every foot type, wherever you decide to run. They are also a great value at a more budget-friendly price point, which makes this shoe even more appealing and is why it’s consistently winning a spot in our guide to the best women’s trail runners.
How We Tested
We tested the Brooks Cascadia 19 on a wide variety of trails and under different conditions to assess its performance and versatility. We ran short daily runs in dry conditions on dirt roads and sandy singletrack in the Midwest. We also took them on gravel paths and paved bike trails in the mid-Atlantic while traveling for work, in hot, humid conditions.
We also took them out for a few short sections of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee, where we had perfect weather and packed singletrack mixed with occasionally rocky and rooty terrain. We also encountered a bit of rain and the resulting mud on one of our Appalachian Trail excursions. We tested from cool to hot, wet to dry, and from humid to moderate on pretty much every type of trail over multiple months of testing to make sure the Cascadia 19 was fully vetted.
Quick Specs
Women’s Brooks Cascadia 19
Most Breathable Trail Runner
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $150
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 3.6 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cushioning: Balanced
Best For: Mixed Terrain
Pros
- Highly breathable
- Comfortable cushion
- Excellent traction
- Available in wide
Cons
- Not much arch support
- Slightly tight at widest point
Traction
Built for trails, the Cascadia 19 is an upgraded version of the perennially popular Brooks classic. The 19 is ideal for trail runners who love to tackle gnarly terrain. The Cascadia 19 has impressively deep lugs and sticky traction, which we appreciated on the wet rocks and mud of the Appalachian Trail.
Throughout a wide variety of trails, including sand, compact dirt, mud and roots, and crushed gravel, these shoes keep us feeling surefooted. We find they are versatile performers even on technical terrain, providing both stability and comfort.
Additionally, we appreciate Brooks’ use of 25% recycled materials in the outsole.
On our hikes and runs in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, we covered rocks, roots, packed singletrack, and mud. We were pleased that the deep lugs really dug in, keeping us in control even on slick mud with minimal slippage. While the aggressive tread served us well in those conditions, it also isn’t overkill for less challenging runs on smoother surfaces.
Comfort
Providing moderate cushion, these shoes strike the perfect balance between comfort and ground feel. While prolonged wear on pavement or hard-packed surfaces might eventually hurt, we found that the Cascadia 18 transitioned from harder approach surfaces onto rugged trails and back again with aplomb.
The foam has a stiffer feel than some other brands, but it’s not a drawback and left us feeling stable on all terrain. No matter which width you choose (there are two), you’ll find the toe box design accommodates full toe splay without sliding.
The heel cup and midfoot keep things in place without compression, even on longer outings. We found them comfortable right out of the box, without needing to fuss too much with lacing, which was a relief, since the webbing eyelets make lace-locking difficult.
Weight
The Cascadia 19 is not one of our lightest shoes, which tends to improve durability and stability on trails, though it can make really long mountain days a bit more tiring. Overall, our testers felt like the trade-off in weight was worth the extra cushioning, padding in the tongue, stick-to-anything outsole, and sizable lugs. Its performance in every other area negated any drawbacks from the couple of extra ounces that the Cascadia has.
Durability
With the Cascadia 19, Brooks has created an extremely durable trail running shoe without sacrificing comfort and performance. Utilizing nearly 70% recycled materials in the upper (in addition to the 25% in the outsole), the breathable mesh upper has been reinforced with added structure to enhance durability. We were pleased to find that this iteration remains highly breathable, earning it top marks in the breathability category (read more below).
On early summer hikes in the Tennessee mountains, we had to navigate blowdown, sharp rocks, and root-laden terrain. Despite tripping and catching our feet, we found that the Cascadia 19’s upper held up to these snag hazards on trail with no tears or evidence of delamination.
We also found the outsole extremely durable, with no visible signs of wear on the rubber despite frequent use. The midsole also seemed to be quite resilient even after long miles.
Breathability
The enhanced breathability of the Cascadia 19 is where this iteration really shines. The 19s earned top marks as our most breathable shoe while maintaining excellent durability (see more above). Our testers thought the new upper might be less breathable than previous models because of the mesh’s appearance, but that was not the case. We are pleased with how comfortable our feet are in these kicks, even on hot, humid days running in the mid-Atlantic summer.
The airy mesh and light colorways help keep our feet cool and comfortable throughout demanding days and long hauls. We are also impressed by how rapidly the Cascadia 19 dries, even after total submersion like fording creeks on the Appalachian Trail. Despite being thoroughly soaked, they were essentially dry by the next day. This meant we didn’t have to worry about hot spots or blisters developing from moisture build-up.
Responsiveness
Brooks does an excellent job of marrying ground feel with cushion in the Cascadia 19. The DNA LOFT v3 foam they use in the midsole is incredibly soft and comfortable yet highly responsive, keeping us feeling nimble and fresh throughout our runs.
Additionally, the Cascadia 19 includes an upgrade to Brooks’ Trail Adapt System, which embeds a flexible rock plate directly into the foam. This gives us a feeling of protection on rocky terrain without losing comfort. This integration also means we feel more connected to the ground and have a more balanced, responsive ride.
Compared to previous models that felt a bit stiff and flat, the Cascadia 19 feels like running on clouds and offers excellent energy return with each foot strike. While we do miss some of the ground feel and connectedness that the 18 offered, this completely revamped version quickly won us over whether we are running flat and fast, or negotiating steep, technical terrain.
Should You Buy the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19?
Avid hikers and trail runners alike will find the Cascadia 19 is a great update to the long line of this solidly built trail shoe. Those searching for a trail running shoe that combines a well-balanced, soft cushion with aggressive traction and excellent stability will find it here. Those with wider feet will also be pleased to find that the Cascadia is available in two widths (though our testers did note a bit of a pinch point at the widest part of their feet in the wide widths).
This version of the Cascadia is even more versatile than previous models thanks to additional cushioning and enhanced breathability. We can now recommend them for running on nearly every trail surface, from hard-packed trails (like rail-trails and gravel bike paths) to more rugged singletrack, making them a highly versatile shoe that won’t break the bank.
Ultimately, these are a great choice for most trail runners and thru-hikers who are looking for a workhorse daily trail shoe or a sturdy option for logging all-day mountain runs. They are sure to last you a long time.
What Other Women’s Trail Runners Should You Consider?
If the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19 isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that handle rugged trails like a champ.
Hoka Challenger 8 Review: This CleverHiker top choice is a great alternative to the Cascadia 19. If you’re looking for a highly responsive nimble trail runner with excellent trail traction and maximum cushion, these shoes are a perennial favorite on trail.
Topo Traverse Review: A top choice from our Gear Tester, Heather Anderson, this trail shoe is ideal for technical terrain, offering aggressive traction and exceptional cushioning, with a wide toe box and a hiking-forward design.
Topo Terraventure 5 Review: These have great grip with moderate cushion and a slightly less roomy fit without compromising toe space. Similarly priced to the Cascadia’s they work on both dry and muddy trails.
