Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe review – verdict, price, comparison, who it is for

Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe upper

The upper of the Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe is made from a dual-layer mesh with moderately good breathability. Both layers use a densely woven, soft and comfortable material, with large ventilation openings in the outer layer to improve airflow. The 2nd layer covers these openings, preventing debris from entering through the large ventilation holes. This level of softness and comfort is unusual in trail running shoes, but it also has a drawback: the soft mesh is not exceptionally durable. Additional protective overlays around the toes provide both toe protection and some resistance to moisture. However, if you frequently run in wet conditions, the GTX version is worth choosing: it is slightly more expensive, but lighter.

The upper has a medium-width fit overall, but it is noticeably tighter through the midfoot, and the toe box is narrower than average. The heel fits snugly around the foot. It fits normal to narrower feet well, but a wide version (2E) is also available. It fits true to size in length, but if you have wide feet and intend to use it for longer runs, going up a full or half size is worth considering.

The tongue is thick, comfortable and well padded, and wide enough to help keep debris out. It is gusseted on both sides, so it stays in place while running. An elastic loop at the top of the tongue lets you tuck away excess lace so it does not get in your way or catch on anything during your run. The laces are flat and wide, lying neatly against the tongue when properly threaded.

The heel collar is also generously padded and very comfortable. The shoe has a firm heel counter, which does not cause discomfort thanks to the cushioning, while providing a very stable, secure hold.

Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe midsole

The midsole of the Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe is made entirely from DNA Flash v2, an EVA-based foam produced using a supercritical nitrogen-foaming process. Brooks uses this foam in its Hyperion and Hyperion Max running shoes. It is a firmer, more responsive foam rather than one that feels soft and sinks underfoot. Brooks previously used DNA Loft foams in its Cascadia trail running shoes instead of this material. Flash v2 is lighter and suitably resilient, offering a springy feel rather than a sinking sensation. During a run, it feels moderately soft with a slightly firm edge, which helps it absorb impacts effectively while providing just enough rebound to keep a comfortable pace from feeling monotonous.

The midsole platform is wider than average, with a moderately pronounced but non-aggressive forefoot rocker and minimal heel rocker, so transitions feel smooth rather than fast. Because the outsole covers almost the entire midsole, torsional rigidity and longitudinal flexibility are both moderate and around average. As a result, the shoe does not feel overly stiff at lower intensities, yet still provides sufficient stability.

The 38 mm midsole thickness provides plenty of cushioning and good protection from rocks, but reduces ground feel. TrailAdapt technology and the wide midsole provide very good support, even though this is a neutral trail running shoe (although dedicated stability trail running shoes are rare).

Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe outsole

The outsole of the Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe uses Vibram Megagrip and is one of the shoe’s best features. Numerous brands offer Vibram outsoles in their trail running shoes, including Nike, Hoka, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Dynafit, Merrel and Inov-8, for good reason: they deliver both good grip and abrasion resistance. Megagrip is a relatively soft, grippy rubber compound developed by Vibram primarily for varied terrain. Its major advantage is that it grips well on wet surfaces while still offering respectable abrasion resistance.

The outsole covers virtually the entire midsole, with only a few cutouts, primarily to limit torsional rigidity and maintain sufficient flexibility. There is a larger transverse cutout in the middle, plus 3 narrower longitudinal cutouts in the forefoot and a larger, channel-shaped cutout at the rear. The rear cutout helps the shoe adapt to uneven ground, and the longitudinal forefoot cutouts serve a similar purpose.

The rubber lugs are 4 mm deep, providing enough bite for moderately technical terrain, but they quickly reach their limits in deep mud. Thanks to Vibram Traction Lug technology, the lugs also feature tiny protrusions that further improve traction

What is it like to run in the Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe?

The Brooks Cascadia 20 is primarily designed for daily trail runs and long runs at a more comfortable pace. It feels at home on easy to moderately technical terrain, while its 4 mm outsole lugs become less dependable on very rocky ground or in deep mud. This is not a lightweight, fast racing shoe; it is a reliable option you can confidently choose for a longer run over varied terrain.

It is comfortable at slower paces, but the ride feels firmer and more responsive rather than soft and sinking. This also makes it suitable for picking up the pace a little, although it noticeably lacks responsiveness for faster running.

Transitions feel pleasant, but the ride is not aggressive, and this is not the kind of shoe that strongly propels you forward. It offers good stability and cushioning, which become most noticeable on longer runs, where you can make the most of these benefits.

The best thing about the Cascadia 20 is its predictability. It is not particularly playful and does not encourage you to accelerate, but it is comfortable, well cushioned and secure, and handles almost any trail conditions apart from technical terrain. It is a very good choice for longer, steady-paced runs, but for fast, technical races I would choose a lighter, bouncier trail running shoe.

Who should buy the Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe, and who should avoid it?

The Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe is recommended for runners looking for a versatile, comfortable trail running shoe for easy to moderately challenging terrain, including longer distances. It also suits those who want generous padding and cushioning in a trail running shoe that offers good stability relative to its high midsole stack.

The Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe is not recommended if you are looking for a trail running shoe for challenging technical terrain. It is not recommended if you want a trail running shoe with a highly protective and exceptionally durable upper. It is also not recommended if you are looking for a running shoe for fast trail runs

What has changed from the previous version? Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoe vs Brooks Cascadia 19.

The Brooks Cascadia has changed so much from the previous version that runners familiar with it may barely recognise it.

• The upper has been redesigned, replacing the previous, more robust construction with a softer, more breathable mesh, although protection and durability have decreased. It is narrower, which gives it a more secure foothold.
• The midsole foam has also been replaced: instead of the previous DNA Loft v3, the Cascadia 20 uses DNA Flash v2 foam, which is firmer but more responsive. The midsole is 4 mm higher, improving cushioning. The new midsole is also wider, providing better support and greater stability.
• The Cascadia 20 outsole has been completely redesigned as well, replacing the previous proprietary TrailTack rubber with Vibram MegaGrip rubber, which offers better grip and above-average abrasion resistance. It handles almost any surface except challenging technical terrain and deep mud.

Overall, the previous, nimbler model has been replaced by a more comfortable, balanced shoe better suited to longer distances.

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoes?

There is no difference in construction or materials between the men’s and women’s Brooks Cascadia 20 trail running shoes. The men’s version has a higher official weight only because the shoes are weighed in different sizes: the men’s official weight of 306 gramm is measured in size 44, while the women’s Cascadia 20 running shoe has an official weight of 274 gramm measured in size 39.