Runner’s World “Editor’s Choice” in Spring Trail Shoe Review 2009.

It’s not just us that thinks that this Brooks trail shoe is in the short line for the best running shoe on any trail.

What makes this a great trail running shoe? The Cascadia 4 is a pure trail running shoe designed from the ground up.

Its brilliant blend of cushioning, traction, and support will help you conquer any terrain and any surface. The exclusive Brooks Pivot Posting system of independent, medial-lateral pivot posts are shaped to minimize ground contact surface area, reducing the destabilizing effect of trail irregularities.

The Ballistic Rock Shield is a toughened thermoplastic EVA sheath between the outsole and midsole that protects the forefoot by spreading out point loads from sharp objects.

Neither a stripped-down hiking shoe nor a glorified road shoe, it combines the best attributes of both. Runner’s World also summed it up by saying “The Cascadia offers dependable traction for technical trails, yet is cushy enough so that running short distances on roads won’t beat up your legs.” This latest version of the Cascadia 4 also offers an assymetrical lacing system (which allows the overlays in the forefoot to be relaxed for wider feet, or snugged up tighter for narrower feet), as well as Brooks’ biodegradable midsole BioMoGo. The Cascadia 4 is geared for neutral runners with biomechanically efficient strides.

Stabilty-seeking trail runners should check out the Brooks Adrenaline ASR 6.

Sizes:
Men’s: 8-13, 14, 15
Women’s: 6-11, 12
True to size

Widths:
Men’s: D
Women’s: B
True to width

Weight:
Men’s: 12.2 oz
Women’s: 10.2 oz

Brooks Trail Shoes Cascadia Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Really fantastic trail runners that are also great to wear all the time!, April 17, 2009
By Christian Arathos (San Francisco, USA)

I bought these shoes for two reasons:

1. Trail running
2. Hiking

Unless you are going on a terribly difficult multi day trail, trail runners are absolutely the best show for day hikes. These do not disappoint. They are easily one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve purchased in a long while. They provide enough support for running, and breathe very well (my feet never feel hot).

Please note that these are bright yellow. If you have the right personality, that can be a nice plus, but either way you will stand out and people will notice them =).

Really solid trail shoe, May 12, 2009
By CJ (Seattle, WA USA)

So far I have taken these for a spin on a few trail runs, and have been exceptionally pleased. They have great base support on the bottom as well as nice treads, though the shoe is still appropriate for some road running as well (some trail runners are not!). They are fairly heavy suckers, but that’s the price you pay for stability. Appropriate for those who are interested in a solid trail running shoe, also appropriate for day hikes. Note that they do come in two colors, I think the red is actually less flashy than the yellow (especially after you get some dirt on them…)

Brooks Men’s Cascadia 4 Trail Running Shoe Brooks Women’s Cascadia Trail Running Shoe