Hey guys, it’s Alastair here, and after putting the Brooks Cascadia 18 through its paces over the last month, I’m ready to share my thoughts.
If you caught my review of the Cascadia 17, you’ll know I was super impressed with those all mountain trail running shoes.
The latest iteration builds on what made its predecessor great, with a few key updates that make it even better. Let’s break it down.
Key Specifications
- Price: $140 at Brooks, REI, Sportsshoes (For UK readers)
- Weight: 11.1 oz (Men’s US 9) – slightly lighter than the 11.4 oz Cascadia 17
- Drop: 8mm (heel-to-toe)
- Fit: Medium width, true to size
- Cushioning: Balanced ride using DNA Loft v2 midsole foam
- Features: Semi-reinforced toe cap, Trail Adapt rock plate, gaiter attachment, TrailTack rubber outsole
How They Fit and Feel
The Cascadia 18 fits true to size with a medium width, offering a secure, comfortable feel right out of the box.
The upper design remains largely unchanged, which let me tell you, is a great thing! It’s breathable, flexible, and keeps your foot locked in place without any pressure points.
The cushioning in the midsole strikes a great balance between softness and responsiveness, making them a joy to run in, whether you choose to tackle steep inclines, rocky descents, or anything in between – they’re just that versatile an all-mountain running shoe.
What’s Good
Slightly lighter weight
Brooks shaved a little weight off this version, which is always welcome. At 11.1 oz, the Cascadia 18 feels just a bit snappier, especially on those longer runs.
Exceptional traction
The TrailTack rubber outsole is back, delivering excellent grip on technical terrain as always making them ideal for powering up loose climbs or navigating slippery descents.
Alastair Dixon
These lugs bite into the trail with confidence, as you can see in my video toward the end of this Cascadia 18 review.
Comfortable and secure upper
The upper construction feel largely unchanged from the previous version, and continues to impress mr with its breathability and thoughtful design.
Its flexible material, accommodates foot expansion during long runs, and has a nice padded collar and heel counter that keeps things comfy without compromising on stability.
The secure heel lock adds an extra layer of confidence on uneven terrain.
When I’m running technical trails fast with my dog Kepler, I need to be able to respond to his erratic lines that he likes to take, so control is incredibly important for me.
Balanced cushioning and stability
The DNA Loft v2 midsole brings a great mix of cushioning and response.
Alastair Dixon
It’s soft enough to absorb shocks on rocky paths but firm enough to provide a stable platform when the trail gets more challenging.
The Trail Adapt rock plate offers additional underfoot protection and energy return when you want to run fast, without adding any extra bulk.
The small features that don’t often get a mention
From the semi-reinforced toe cap that has durability enhancing plastic overlays, to the gaiter attachment at the heel and elastic stow loop for the laces, these small details make a big difference on the trails.
They protect your feet, keep debris out, and enhance your overall running experience making your time out on the trails that much more enjoyable.
What’s Not So Good
While the Cascadia 18 is slightly lighter than its predecessor, it’s still on the heavier side compared to some other all mountain trail shoes in its class.
However, for a $140 do-it-all trail shoe, this isn’t a dealbreaker, and you don’t feel the weight on the run, but it’s something to note for those seeking ultra-light options.
I could have just as easily not mentioned this because for $140, you get SO MUCH GREATNESS in these running shoes, and it’s still one of the best Brooks running shoes.
My Verdict
The Brooks Cascadia 18 builds on the already strong foundation of the Cascadia 17 with thoughtful improvements.
For $140, you’re getting a durable, comfortable, and versatile trail running shoe that performs beautifully on all kinds of terrain.
Whether you’re new to trail running or a seasoned pro already, it’s hard to find a better all-mountain trail shoe at this price point. If you want a reliable shoe that can tackle anything the trails throw at you, the Cascadia 18 is absolutely worth your money.
You can pick up your pair right now, for $140, at the following trusted online retailers:
$140 at Brooks, REI, Sportsshoes (For UK readers)
