4 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes

Among all Brooks trail running shoes we’ve tested in and out of the lab, Cascadia 18 established its dominance in off-the-beaten paths. Together with its well-designed lugs and Trail Adapt system, this workhorse has unmatched versatility across mixed terrains and paces. On top of this, it offers out-of-this-world breathability!

We navigated through steep and uneven paths with a high level of agility thanks to the flexible midsole and grippy outsole. Our caliper shows the lugs are 4.0 mm, deeper than the 3.5 mm average. The lugs are designed with intention, varying in shape and size to serve their purpose better. The set in the rear is used for brakes, the midfoot for mud-shedding, and the forefoot for enhanced grip on ascents.

The Trail Adapt system stabilizes our strides and protects us from underfoot debris. The sensation underfoot feels firm, translating to a consistently steady ride even on rough terrains. Another feature that enhances stability is the vast landing platform—notably in the heel area with a generous 5.8 mm extra width!

We gave the upper a 4/5 on our breathability test as it performed impressively compared to the typical trail shoe, keeping our feet refreshed even on sunny days.

Cascadia 18’s focus on protection and stability gave up the plush cushion that some runners prefer. We recommend exploring other options if comfort is the top priority.

Contrary to its name, Divide 4 combines elements that pave our seamless transitions from the streets to beaten paths. It has a flexible build that makes it easy to maneuver, a balanced cushion, and a reliable grip. Among all the Brooks trail running shoes we tested, Divide 4 is our top hybrid shoe.

Running in this pair made us feel versatile as the midsole flows with every stride. It enhances our agility, making the shift to uneven terrains feel effortless. In our bend test, it took 29.9% less effort vs. the average to flex the midsole to 90 degrees. 

Another element that keeps our transitions smooth is the subtle yet sticky set of lugs in the outsole. Measuring 2.7 mm thick (vs. 3.5 mm average), it gave us good traction on trails and adapted well to the road without feeling chunky underfoot.

We found the balanced cushion to be stacked enough for impact protection. Despite being 15.3% softer than the average trail shoe, it had a good amount of firmness that gives a well-planted sensation. This feeling remained when we shifted our weight laterally and ran through uneven paths.

However, the lack of grip and lug depth tells us this shoe performs best on mild trails. Best to avoid rocky, muddy, and technical terrains.

The Catamount 3 defies traditional trail shoes, delivering unmatched versatility in our lab tests and runs. It's our top lightweight Brooks trail shoe, combining agility and stability in a remarkably airy package, which makes it a great performer across various speeds and distances.

Catamount 3 melts away on our feet and our scales confirm its weightlessness at 9.0 oz (255g), 13.0% lighter than the average trail shoe. This is attributed to its below-average stack, which our caliper measures at 28.3/21.5 mm, giving us a heightened surface connection. 

The highlight of the Catamount 3 is the DNA Flash midsole, which provides exceptional support. Despite a softer-than-average 20.4 HA reading on our durometer, the ride feels balanced and snappy. Cutting the shoe open reveals a Skyvault plate in the forefoot, which serves as a rock plate and enhances stability and bounce. Since it doesn't extend to the heel, the Catamount 3 remains 21.3% more flexible than average, effortlessly adapting to technical terrain.

Underfoot, the TrailTack Green outsole delivers a good mix of grip and durability. Its 2.9 mm lugs are the perfect depth for a smooth and fast ride. Our durometer confirms its hardness is at par with average, erasing any concerns about premature wear.

However, the upper has dense multi-layered mesh and reinforcements that hamper airflow. Those who run in warmer weather should explore more breathable options.

Upon initial wear, the Caldera 7 undeniably offers the best cushioning among all the Brooks trail running shoes we tested in and out of the lab. This terrain monster serves tons of cushioning, a breathable experience, and a stable ride— all leading to lasting comfort as we mindlessly run in easy-to-moderate terrains without leg strain. 

We found Caldera 7 suitable for long, laid-back days as it provides generous amounts of highly-regarded and bouncy DNA Loft v3 foam. At 36.7/27.8 mm, it dampens landing impact, making endurance runs less taxing on our legs. Our durometer confirms a plush 15.5 HA, 33.2% softer than average. 

Despite its height and plush sensation, the ride feels remarkably stable. We credit the midsole sidewalls that guide our foot alignment, the stiff central groove for steady support, and its extensive landing base. This shoe is one of the widest we’ve seen, notably its 105.2 mm heel that’s 15.6 mm wider than average!

Moving to the upper, we're in awe of Caldera’s ventilation as it uses an engineered mesh for seamless breathability. After testing with our smoke-pumping machine, we gave it a well-deserved 5/5 rating, perfect for summer adventures.

Because of its size and high torsional rigidity, we didn’t feel too agile on twisty terrains. We recommend exploring other options for technical terrains.