Today, trail running is becoming more and more popular. More people are turning to off-road running, and the sport has grown significantly. With that, more sportswear brands are releasing trail shoes to keep up with the growing popularity and demand for trail gear.
However, trail running wasn’t always booming. Back in 2004, off-road running was still relatively niche. But Brooks took a leap into the trail world, collaborating with ultra-runner Scott Jurek to release the first Cascadia iteration. At the time, this transitional trail shoe was one of a kind.
Now, 20+ years later, there are countless trail shoe options to choose from. Yet Brooks’ first trail shoe, the Cascadia, continues to be a fan-favorite among hikers, trail runners, and anyone looking for a cushioned, versatile trainer.
The 20th iteration of the shoe also didn’t rest on its longstanding legacy. Brooks made some key changes in the Cascadia 20, offering a design with more cushioning, more traction, and a different type of foam.
In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 20th version of this esteemed trail shoe. We’ll highlight the key specs, summarize all the features that make up the shoe, and offer some alternative trail running shoe options to help you decide if the Cascadia is the perfect pair of shoes for you.
Brooks Cascadia 20: Brief Overview & Specs
Every brand has its own unique approach to running shoe construction. They use different stack heights, drops, cushioning, and other technologies and specs to deliver a distinctive feel. Here are the specs and elements Brooks uses in the newest Cascadia.
- Advertised as a moderately cushioned trail shoe that can adapt to a wide variety of trail terrains
- Stack height: 38/32 mm
- 6 mm drop
- Weight: 10.8 oz for men’s shoes, 9.7 oz for women’s
- Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 used in the midsole for a more responsive ride (compared to DNA Loft in previous iterations)
- Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4 mm lugs provides effective grip on everything from gravel to uneven mountainous trails
- Air mesh upper with 3D overlays provides a secure, breathable fit with added protection and durability
- Trail Adapt technology incorporates a wide base, adaptable lugs, and zonal flexibility for maximum shock absorption and stability on trails
- Price: $160
A Deep Dive on the Brooks Cascadia 20
As we mentioned earlier, Brooks didn’t just slap a couple of minor tweaks on the newest Cascadia and call it a day. The 20th version features some pretty major upgrades to the cushioning, ride, and more.
We’ll dive into these new features – as well as the more established ones – to give you the best possible insight into how this enduring trail shoe model feels and performs.
New DNA Flash v2 Midsole
One of the biggest changes from previous versions of the Cascadia to the Cascadia 20 is the new midsole makeup. Instead of the dependable DNA Loft v3 foam used in past iterations, the Cascadia 20 relies on the springy, more responsive DNA Flash v2 to deliver long-lasting comfort and protection underfoot.
Like DNA Loft foam, DNA Flash is infused with nitrogen to give it a lightweight, airy feel. But this foam differs in the overall ride and running experience. It’s the same foam used in Brooks’ uptempo and race day shoes, so you can expect more energy return to propel you through any trail run.
There are also 4 mm more cushioning in both the heel and forefoot, bringing the overall stack height to 38/32 mm. This moderate stack height provides plenty of protection and impact absorption out on the trails, keeping your legs feeling good from the very first to the very last mile.
Trail Adapt Technology
While the Trail Adapt system looks a bit different in the Cascadia 20, this technology plays the same role in this new model as in past models – protecting feet from debris and keeping you feeling safe and secure on trails.
In the past, this Trail Adapt system has included a rock plate for additional firmness and defense on debris-heavy terrain. The Cascadia 20 does away with this stiff rock plate, instead using a higher stack height, firmer cushioning, and a wide base to deliver consistent protection and stability.
The midsole also incorporates zonal flexibility as part of this Trail Adapt technology. The midsole itself is relatively stiff and rigid, but the flexibility in key areas of the shoe allows for natural freedom of movement throughout the gait cycle.
Vibram Outsole
For years, Vibram has been the industry standard for reliable grip, traction, and durability. So we were happy to see the Cascadia 20 finally includes a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
This trusted outsole is designed to handle all kinds of terrain. From packed dirt paths to gravel roads to technical terrain, wet or dry conditions, or any other slippery surfaces, the grippy outsole and adaptable 4 mm lugs have got you covered.
Trail-Ready Fit and Upper
A comfortable upper is always a crucial element in a running shoe, but in trail shoes, having a secure, durable upper is especially important. Fortunately, the newest Cascadia knocks it out of the park in this area.
The upper is made from a lightweight air mesh, with lots of ventilation and a secure fit for maximum all-around comfort. Additional structure and durability stem from the toe cap and mudguard in high-abrasion areas.
The Cascadia 20 is designed to hug the feet, providing a snug, locked-in feel. However, with this secure fit and additional padding around the upper, some people may find the shoe too tight and narrow. If you prefer a more spacious fit, you may want to consider sizing up or trying a shoe with a wider, less tapered toe box.
Trail Test Results
For our review process, we put every new model through rigorous testing for the best possible insight into how it feels and performs. With the Cascadia 20, this means hitting the trails and dirt paths in our area and taking the shoes through long, slow trail runs, uptempo runs, and even a few hikes.
Brooks’ attention to smaller details is what really impressed us at first glance. The heel pull tab made the shoes easy to slide on, and the soft padding around the heel and collar offered immediate step-in comfort. Even the laces had been upgraded from the Cascadia 19. The thin, flimsy laces were replaced with a thicker, more durable material for a secure lockdown and maximum comfort around the top of the foot.
Setting out on some slower miles, the added cushioning had a big impact. While there was no longer a rock plate, the higher cushion design – paired with the more responsive DNA Flash v2 foam – felt protective and stable underfoot.
The new cushioning also delivered a dynamic feel and smooth ride mile after mile. While it’s still relatively firm and rigid overall, the upgraded TrailAdapt system features flexibility in key areas to help the shoe adapt and flex with your natural movement.
This flexible and stable TrailAdapt technology excelled on uneven terrain and steep up and downhills. The shoe felt structured and secure without feeling overly rigid and blocky.
One of the biggest upgrades from the Cascadia 19 to the Cascadia 20 was the new Vibram Megagrip outsole. While the previous Cascadia’s TrailTack Green outsole could adapt to more all-terrain runs, we found that the new Vibram outsole delivered more grippy and consistent traction across technical terrain.
We even put the 19th iteration on one foot and the 20th on the other to compare side-by-side and found some immediate differences. The Vibram outsole was stickier across a variety of surfaces, inspiring more confidence and security with every step.
Brooks made a lot of upgrades in the newest Cascadia, so long-term fans of the shoe may find that not every update works for them. The shoe used to have a firmer, closer-to-the-ground feel for ground feel and agility on trails.
The Cascadia 20 sacrifices some of this ground feel in favor of a higher stack height. Those who prioritize comfort and shock absorption will appreciate this change, but anyone looking for a more nimble, low-cushion trail shoe won’t find that same feel in the newest Cascadia.
The air mesh upper was another key upgrade in the Cascadia 20. This upper moves away from a traditional, more structured trail upper, instead relying on a lightweight mesh to maximize breathability. Our review team members were fans of this change and appreciated the light yet secure fit around the foot.
Just keep the fit in mind when deciding if the Cascadia is right for you. The air mesh is flexible and accommodating, but the rubber mudguard and toe cap result in limited stretch. Combined with a narrow, tapered fit in the toe box, the shoes may feel too snug and narrow for runners or walkers who prefer a wider fit.
Overall, the Cascadia 20 is a great choice for anyone looking for a dedicated trail walking or running shoe. It can carry you over a vast range of dirt, gravel, and trail surfaces in comfort, with lots of grip, cushioning, and stability. The new upgrades and technology bring the 20th version of this trail shoe to the next level, with a light, responsive ride perfect for a huge variety of off-road activities.
Pros and Cons
The Cascadia 20 offers a fresh take on a reliable trail running classic. There were a lot of features we loved about the update, as well as some cons to keep in mind if you’re debating whether it’s the right shoe for you.
Pros
- Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 foam, paired with increased stack height, delivers a responsive and bouncy ride to help you traverse through trails
- Proprietary rubber outsole was replaced with Vibram Megagrip for more traction in both wet and dry conditions
- Unique TrailAdapt technology uses a broad base and key flexibility areas for more stability through each stride
- New air mesh upper is lighter and more breathable than ever
Cons
- Focus on high stack height and new cushioning limits the ground feel, agility, and stability the previous version was known for
- May feel too snug and narrow for anyone with a wider foot
Brooks Cascadia 20 vs the Competition: How Does it Stack Up?
With the upgrade, the Cascadia is nearing high-cushion trail shoe territory. While this extra foam felt fantastic underfoot on long runs, it limits the shoe’s versatility for more uptempo runs.
Anyone who prefers to feel the ground under their feet on runs should compare the Cascadia to the Altra Experience Wild 3+. Like the Cascadia, it has a Vibram outsole, responsive foam, and lightweight mesh upper. There’s a lower stack height in this Altra shoe (32/28 mm), so you won’t get as much softness and protection on runs.
But this moderate stack height, along with the rocker profile and springy foam, adds a bit more versatility compared to the Cascadia. They also have a spacious, footshaped toe box, making this model a great choice for wider feet.
Those who like the Cascadia’s high stack height and energetic ride should also check out the new Asics Blazeblast. This energetic trail shoe is lighter than the Cascadia, offering a bit more adaptability and flexibility without sacrificing energetic cushioning.
However, the Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole is a bit more minimal than the Cascadia’s Vibram outsole. While the Blazeblast is ideal for all-terrain or lighter trail runs, the Cascadia is likely the better choice for those looking for a dedicated trail shoe for technical terrain.
Finally, the Cascadia is also worth comparing to the Hoka Speedgoat, one of the original high-cushioned trail shoes on the market. The Speedgoat 7 is a great alternative to the Cascadia 20, offering a similarly technical Vibram Megagrip outsole and a high stack of well-balanced cushioning. You can’t go wrong with either choice when you’re heading out on the trails. Both are guaranteed to absorb impact while helping you tackle rocks, roots, slippery terrain, and more.
The Finish Line: Brooks Cascadia 20 Final Thoughts
The 20th iteration of a shoe is a big deal, so we were happy to see Brooks rise to the occasion with a range of innovative new features and technologies. They maintained the model’s reliable, stable, and comfortable ride while making some modern updates for the best possible trail experience.
If you like well-balanced cushioning, effective grip for technical trails, and a breathable design, we think the Cascadia 20 could be the shoe for you. But you also shouldn’t just take our word for it. Everyone’s gait, foot shape, and preferences are different, so it’s important to test out shoes for yourself. Luckily, the newest Cascadia and some of the other top trail shoes around are available to try on now at one of the 30+ Marathon Sports locations across New England.
Want to hit the trails but don’t know where to start with shoes and gear? Our team is here for you. We’ll use the Right Fit process to narrow down your options and help you find the perfect shoe and equipment for your next off-road adventures.
