Brooks Cascadia 19 Review: My First Brooks
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I’ll start with a confession. Until now, I had never owned a pair of Brooks shoes. I know that sounds odd, especially since I’ve been running for years. While many runners swear by Brooks, I always ended up reaching for newer and flashier brands like Altra or Hoka. My wife, on the other hand, has stuck with Brooks for as long as I can remember and has often told me I was missing out. Finally, I decided to give Brooks a try, and I landed on the Cascadia 19, their latest trail shoe that officially releases later this year. After spending plenty of miles in these, I have a lot to say.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Brooks Cascadia 19 made a strong first impression. The bright highlighter yellow colorway definitely grabs attention, but I’m more focused on performance than looks. Slipping them on, the comfort was immediately noticeable. The upper wraps the foot securely without any uncomfortable pressure points or tight spots. In my usual size 13, the fit feels dialed in. They are roomy enough in the toe box to let my toes splay naturally, but still snug enough to keep my foot stable on changing terrain. The heel locks in nicely, giving a solid sense of security, which is critical for uneven trails. It’s not featherlight, but there’s enough substance to give confidence for longer miles without feeling bulky. From the very first step, I felt like this was a shoe built to handle serious trail mileage.
Brooks Cascadia 19 Comfort
Comfort is probably the area where the Cascadia 19 really shines. Many brands lately have been trying to shave weight by cutting down on padding, especially in the tongue and ankle collar. While that might trim a few tenths of an ounce, I’ve always believed that a little extra padding can make a big difference, especially when you’re spending hours or days on your feet. Brooks didn’t skimp here, and I’m glad they didn’t.
The padded tongue stands out as one of my favorite features. On long runs and hikes, it keeps the laces from digging into the top of my foot, no matter how tight I pull them. This might seem like a small detail, but over the course of an ultra-distance race it will make a difference. My feet swell over time, and the extra cushion in the tongue allows me to adjust the laces as needed without discomfort.
The rest of the shoe is equally comfortable. The DNA Loft V3 midsole provides a soft but stable platform underfoot. It strikes a nice balance. It is cushioned enough to absorb impact over long distances but not so soft that you lose control on technical sections. The ride feels smooth and consistent. Even after long hours on the trail, my feet aren’t beat up or sore, which gives me confidence that these will serve me well in my next ultra.
Brooks Cascadia 19 Traction and Stability
On the trail, the Cascadia 19 feels sure-footed. The TrailTack Green outsole grips well on a variety of surfaces. I’ve tested them on packed dirt, loose gravel, sand, wet rocks, and even some muddy stretches, and they held up well in every situation. The chevron-shaped lugs aren’t the most aggressive out there, but they provide enough bite to handle most conditions you’ll face on established trails.
I also appreciate how stable the shoe feels. The base is wide enough to give a solid platform on uneven terrain, but not so wide that it feels clunky or slows me down when I pick up the pace. The rock plate underfoot offers enough protection to keep sharp rocks and roots from jabbing into the bottom of my foot, but still allows for enough ground feel to stay connected to the trail. For the kind of moderate technical terrain I typically run and hike on, the Cascadia 19 offers the right mix of protection and responsiveness.
Weight
At size 13, my pair weighs in at 13.2 ounces per shoe. That’s not featherweight, but it’s right in the ballpark for trail runners designed for long distances and mixed terrain. I’ve worn lighter shoes before, but often those lighter options sacrificed comfort, durability, or stability. The Cascadia 19 manages to deliver plenty of comfort and support without feeling overly bulky. On long days, the extra few ounces are barely noticeable, but the benefits of the added cushioning and protection definitely are.
Breathability and Weather Performance
Another area where the Cascadia 19 performs well is breathability. The mesh upper allows plenty of airflow, which has kept my feet cool even during hot and humid summer runs. The ventilation also helps the shoes dry quickly after creek crossings or rainy days. They’re not waterproof, but I honestly prefer breathability over waterproofing for most of my runs. Wet shoes that trap moisture can be far more miserable than a pair that drains and dries efficiently.
Who Is The Brooks Cascadia 19 For?
I think the Brooks Cascadia 19 will appeal to a very wide range of runners and hikers. It’s not the lightest or most technical trail shoe out there, but it strikes a balance that works for me. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle everything from daily trail miles to light backpacking trips, this is a great option. I would recommend it to anyone who wants comfort, versatility, and a stable ride without sacrificing too much agility.
Final Thoughts
After many miles in the Brooks Cascadia 19, I can confidently say this shoe has earned a spot in my trail rotation. It offers a really nice balance of comfort, protection, and stability without feeling overly bulky or stiff. The padded tongue and ankle collar make a big difference on long days, and the midsole hits that sweet spot between cushioning and ground feel. The traction holds up across a variety of surfaces, and the breathable upper keeps my feet comfortable. While $150 isn’t cheap, you’re getting a well-designed, durable trail shoe that feels ready for everything. I’m glad I finally gave Brooks a shot. And the Cascadia 19 has definitely delivered. If you are interested in checking out a pair, they will be available from brooksrunning.com and amazon.com, once they officially launch in Fall 2025.
