Brooks Cascadia 18 Trail Running Shoe Review

In early 2022, we tested the Brooks Cascadia 16s. This year, it’s an upgrade to the Brooks Cascadia 18, and it’s left me even more impressed than before. Shoe delivery is always exciting, mainly because I really get to see how far technology is advancing when it comes to stability and adaptability, and how they’re embracing efforts to reduce global effects.

WIN: You have the chance to win a pair of Brooks Cascadia 18s by subscribing to Trail Run Magazine

So if you’re a trail runner who is aware of the environmental changes around going on in the world, then Brooks has your back.

About the Brooks Cascadia 18

In terms of how soft and adaptable the shoes are, the Brooks Cascadia 18 are oh-so-divinely comfortable. The second I put them on, I didn’t want to take them off. The Trail Adapt plate was quite dominant, I could feel myself being propelled forward within the first few steps – definitely a speed trail shoe that is responsive to pace. And what is this Trail Adapt I speak of? It’s unique to Brooks, utilising an integrated midsole (8mm drop), rock shield and zonal outsole pods for enhanced control and stability on the trails. This tech is 100% for premium mountain trail running, but don’t worry if you’re not a pro. It’s also for novice and mid-tier runners who are keen to get more technical on the trails and are looking for a boost in confidence. This shoe will certainly provide you with the assurance, becoming the best partner out there on the terrain.

READ: How to get started with trail running

Together with the Trail Adapt, the Brooks Cascadia 18 have a DNA Loft (v2) that provides soft cushioning, and the TrailTrack Green outsole rubber gives enhanced traction on wet and dry surfaces (it also features 25% recycled materials). The durable and brightly coloured lugs are positively insane; they provided me with very reliable grip and control across various terrains, especially on the downhills on wet pea gravel – brilliant for someone who usually lands on her bum to slide down (so that’s always fun). Having big lugs of 4.5mm surely made for a confident and fun run on local trails because I didn’t have to think about slipping or sliding on wet terrain. 

They are definitely confidence boosters. 

Towards the front of the shoe, the Cascadia 18s have a protective, breathable mesh upper that dries quickly, and the overlays in the high-wear areas add yet another layer of protection filtering out debris like pebbles, dirt and sand. The mesh features are updated in this shoe, and have lightweight GORETEX Invisible Fit technology bonded directly to the upper for more flexibility when it comes to fit and waterproof protection. 

How do the Brooks Cascadia 18 fit?

When it comes to said fit, the Brooks Cascadia 18 fit both wide and narrow feet. How so, you ask? We know there are a number of running shoes out there that are specifically catered to the narrow; it’s tiring and hard to get a wide foot even into them. The Brooks Cascadia 18 cater to all types of feet; there was no issue getting my mum feet and ten piggies comfortable…which brings me to the toe box. No qualms in this department at all. With sizing true to size, my toes had more than enough breathing space to swell up and slide forward when my momentum picked up – downhill, might I add.

Since the Books Cascadia 16s came out, the name has become synonymous with power, due in part to its ultra-protection, responsiveness and stability. Designed specifically for the rigors that come with trail running, the Cascadia 18s strike a perfect balance between a hardcore, rugged trail shoe where performance is required, and being comfortable like using marshmallows for slippers and jumping from cloud to cloud (heavenly, right?).

Other brilliant specs for these trail shoes are that the laces have bungee give in them, there’s an ankle lace lock hole for extra support, flip-up Velcro and pull tab at the heel counter and a discreet tongue with soft fabric that won’t slip down. 

They also come in a large range of colours to suit every personality (Women’s come in Oceana/Pearl Blue/Pink, Coconut/Chateau/White, Ebony/Sweet lavender/Copper, Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey and Grey Blue/Black/Pink. For the Men, they come in Oyster/Primer Grey/Coconut, Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey, Citadel/Ebony/Lime, Blue Sapphire/Black/Orange and Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato). Personally, the ones I got to test spoke to me – the Grey Blue/Black/Pink, with lugs that are featured as pink and bright yellow, and pink lace holders. 

Go on. You know you want to get in deep (into the trails) with the Cascadia 18s.