Brooks Cascadia 18 Review | GearJunkie

As someone who spends a lot of time on rugged, unpredictable trails, I’ve come to trust a select few shoes to handle the demands of varying terrain. The Brooks Cascadia has been one of those shoes for years. After testing the Cascadia 18 on everything from rocky mountain trails to rolling desert trails, I can confidently say it continues to impress. 

This iteration brings some helpful updates, most notably a redesigned mesh upper that makes the shoe even more durable and a little softer than the previous version. While some new releases can alter the balance of a good thing, the Cascadia 18 didn’t really change anything substantial in the base of the shoe. Chances are if you liked the 17, you will also like this one. 

In short: The Brooks Cascadia 18 is a reliable, comfortable trail shoe. It has a standard fit with room in the toe box, solid cushioning, and a tread pattern that can handle all types of terrain. This is not a dedicated speed or race shoe but an all-around trail shoe — great for all levels of trail runners.

To see how the Cascadia 18 performs against the competition, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best women’s trail running shoes.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Review

After months of testing, the Brooks Cascadia 18 has proven to be a durable and comfortable choice for both long and short trail runs, though it’s not my top pick for speed runs. I’d characterize it as a Jill-of-all-trades shoe — it excels in versatility, offering a solid balance of comfort, durability, and performance across various terrains. However, you might want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for something specifically for fast, technical runs. 

Keeping the Good

The shoe has all the features from previous iterations that I’ve appreciated. The padded collar and tongue provide a secure, snug fit, while the lace keeper ensures that my laces stay out of the way throughout my runs, reducing the chance of laces coming loose or getting snagged on low branches. 

Brooks also kept its gaiter trap, the Velcro attachment on the heel. It is a small but thoughtful detail I like to use when I venture into muddy, sandy, or snowy conditions. Not all gaiters utilize Velcro, but for those of us who do, it is a handy detail.  

One of my favorite features of the Cascadia 18 is its DNA LOFT v2 midsole and the Trail Adapt System introduced in the previous model. These two elements work together to provide a more cushioned ride without sacrificing stability. However, it does come at the cost of some responsiveness. I noticed less spring when I would throw in some strides mid-run.

Even though it is a slightly heavier trail shoe, I think the extra ounces can be worth it, depending on the user. It’s not as responsive as a dedicated speed shoe, but that isn’t the point of this shoe. 

The 8mm heel-to-toe drop offers a balanced feel, making it ideal for all types of trail runners, from beginners to seasoned runners. I found that the 18 was slightly softer out of the box than the 17, which made it feel more comfortable right away with a minimal break-in period.

Making the Upper More Durable

The most significant update is the redesigned mesh upper, which now includes protective overlays in high-wear areas. During my runs and after my testing, I didn’t notice any signs of wear on the overlays, which gives me confidence that they’ll last a long time in tough conditions. This is a helpful upgrade for anyone who values longevity in a shoe or runs on technical trails and wants that extra protection.

Lugs and Outsole

The tread pattern continues to deliver solid traction across various surfaces. I tested out their performance during the spring thaw when I ran on all types of surfaces in all different types of weather. I’d start out on dry trails and then run into pockets of mud and snow along the way, and the Cascadia 18 adjusted to every terrain.

I think this is where the Cascadia 18 really shines: the variety of trails it works on. It is not a specialized trail shoe, but it doesn’t need to be; it’s a workhorse.

Fit

I have fairly standard feet with moderate arches — nothing too wide/narrow or high/low, and I wear an average women’s size 8. The fit of the Cascadia 18 was exactly what I look for in a trail shoe: a little extra room in the toes, a comfortably snug midfoot, and a secure heel cup that holds everything in place. If you prefer more room, you’re in luck — the Cascadia 18 also has a wide version!

Room for Improvement

The Cascadia 18 is already on the heavier side for a trail shoe, and with the updates, it’s become slightly bulkier. While it’s a reliable workhorse, this added weight might be a turnoff for those who prefer a lighter shoe for faster trail running. That said, it does transition well into a more lightweight hiking shoe, making it versatile for different types of outdoor activities.

But at $140, the price is on the higher end for an all-around trail shoe. It does offer durability and comfort, but other specialty shoes are in this price range, so it might feel steep compared to other models.

Conclusion

There is a reason why the Brooks Cascadia 18 is our Runner-Up for Best Women’s Trail Shoe. It is one of my top recommendations for anyone looking for a reliable trail shoe that offers comfort, durability, and performance across diverse terrains. Despite its weight and price, it is still a solid trail running shoe for a wide variety of runners. 

The roomy toe box and secure fit make the Cascadia 18 a solid choice for a wide range of foot shapes. Whether you’re just starting out in trail running or a seasoned runner taking on challenging terrain, this shoe has the versatility to grow with you. With 18 iterations under its belt, it’s clear that Brooks is doing something right with this legacy trail shoe.