I took the Brooks Cascadia 19 trail running shoes to Chamonix - and came home sorry I hadn't worn them sooner
The Brooks Cascadia 19s have been just about perfected over the last 20 years, and as far as I'm concerned, they're a fit for any off-road walk or run
Brooks has come close to perfect with the 19th edition of its legendary trail shoe thanks to a lighter and more agile design. I've been running in these shoes for six months, and the secure fit, slightly lower drop and great traction mean I can take on any trail I want with confidence.
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Out-of-the-box comfort thanks to plush midsole
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Very secure fit and roomy toe box
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Great traction and stability
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Lots of sizes available
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Upper fabric is a little thick
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I haven't had much experience with Brooks trail runners until I got my hands on the Cascadia 19s, despite the brand being a pioneer in trail shoes. Now that I've spent six months running and hiking in these shoes, I'm just sorry I waited so long.
I first tried these running shoes out during a few days of trail running and hiking in Chamonix in late summer, and I liked them so much I've been wearing them on the considerably boggier trails of Scotland through the autumn, winter and spring.
Brooks Cascadia 19 trail running shoes review
Specifications
- Size range: 3 - 10
- Weight: 230g per shoe
- Stack height: 35 mm - 29 mm
- Heel to toe drop: 6 mm
- Lug depth: 4.5 mm
- Waterproof version available: Yes
- Materials: Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, TrailTack Green outsole, mesh fabric upper
The Brooks Cascadia 19 Trail Running Shoes are more of a straightforward style compared to the outlandish world of Hokas or Ons, but they come in a range of colourways, from demure beige to eye-popping peach, and they come in a really wide range of sizes, so you're likely to find something that suits you.
What are the Brooks Cascadia 19 trail running shoes like for running?
My first run in these shoes was a hilly 10k. They felt absolutely great then and have continued to do so for almost every trail run I've done over the last six months, regardless of the conditions. Brooks has brought the drop (the difference in height between heel and forefoot) down a little, and I think that really helps me avoid a toe-bashing on downhills.
They're easy to pull on but are snug around my midfoot. This doesn't restrict my feet at all and translates into a really secure fit. There's zero slippage of my foot inside the shoe, even on steeper descents, and my toes have plenty of room to move and flex.
As soon as I got over the joy of the fit of these shoes, my mind went straight to that bouncy sensation. These shoes might not have the stack of some trail shoes, but they still feel springy even on soft grassy trails.
The lace garages mean no stopping to re-tie
I wouldn't wear these shoes for road running, but when I do have to cross a little tarmac to get to the trail, they actually feel a lot more forgiving than shoes like my Hoka Speedgoat 6s.
They don't have a super wide fit, which usually helps with stability, but a healthy 35mm wedge of soft, nitrogen-infused cushioning gives me more flexibility underfoot without sacrificing control. The overall design and fit lend themselves to an extremely stable run, even over quite unpredictable terrain.
Like a lot of trail shoes nowadays, the addition of a lace garage means I tuck the laces away, so I never have to stop and retie. Honestly, the whole package just means I have more fun, whether I'm wearing these as running or walking shoes.
What are the Brooks Cascadia 19 trail running shoes like for walking?
A bit like the Hoka Speedgoat 6s, the Cascadia 19s are brilliant when I want a reasonably rugged shoe that works for both running and hiking on the trails. Unlike the Speedgoats, however, these shoes were comfortable out of the box.
I tested them in canary yellow, which pops on the trail and means I probably won't wear them out around town. I gave them their first real spin over a few days in Chamonix, France, where I was covering the famous trail race - the 100-mile UTMB. I was travelling with a small backpack, which meant I needed one pair of shoes that would work for everything, and I ended up wearing these quite happily for about 36 hours straight.
I always wear a half size up to give my feet room to swell and leave room for thicker socks in the winter months. I don't have wide feet, but I do have high arches, and when I first put these on, I was a little concerned they weren't high volume enough, as the fit feels extremely snug. That's down to the tongue being really quite plush, particularly by modern trail runner standards, but once I started hiking, I realised that these were going to be a big win.
The fit is so snug around my midfoot, but my toes have plenty of room
During that first test, where I experienced some unseasonably warm daytime conditions, I had plenty of opportunity to assess the breathability of the Cascadia 19s, and I never encountered sweaty feet. That was a little surprising because of the thick upper, but the porous mesh does exactly what it's meant to do. Since I've been back in Scotland, I've also been pleased to learn that when they get wet, they also drain and dry quickly.
One of the ways that Brooks made this model lighter than the Cascadia 18s is by making the upper a little less robust, but there are protective overlays around the toes and heel, plus a rock plate for protection in the sole, so they protected my feet well when I was scampering over the rocky trails of Chamonix.
Finally, the grip of these shoes really is something to write home about. The chevron lug pattern has proven itself a winner in other shoes, but I think the TrailTack Green outsole used here really is unusually sticky. I've never even slipped in these shoes, from steep, wet grassy descents and on dry, rocky trails. Outside of the sloppiest conditions, these shoes have some of the best traction I've tested.
The traction really is impressive
Who are the Brooks Cascadia 19 trail running shoes made for?
I'd recommend these shoes to anyone seeking a year-round, do-it-all trail runner that's capable on rough ground and comfortable for all-day wear.
They have the goods for those who like to take on more adventurous terrain, but they're not overly technical for straightforward walks and runs, and the grip is enough to keep you upright on most trails.
They're not the lightest or the heaviest trail shoes out there, and for most feet, the fit will be really secure, making them a solid choice for both hiking and running. That said, the snugness around the midfoot could make them too tight for those with really wide feet.
They come in a waterproof version for wetter months, but personally I pair mine with waterproof socks, which means I can wear them year-round.
I wear mine year round
The w&h verdict on the Brooks Cascadia 19 trail running shoes
This is one of the more versatile trail running shoes I've worn, and it's telling that I keep reaching for them season after season. Available in wide sizing and waterproof versions, it performs well under technical conditions but is light and comfortable enough for easy paths and the newer trail runner.
With 20 years of engineering behind them, it's hard to find fault with these trail running shoes. An array of colours, including cream and pink varieties, only add to the list of positives about them.
