Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
6.9/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• The sticky and durable outsole is perfect for trails• Adaptable outsole for different surfaces• Increased traction due to multidirectional gripping logs• Complex midsole that utilizes two technologies (DNA and BioMoGo)• Customized underfoot support• Made from environmentally-friendly materials• Breathable mesh with fused overlays• Increased breathability with a perforated midsole• Rock Protection Plate for extra security• Wider toe box• 4 point pivot posts for a neutral plane• Long-life flat woven laces
Upper
As one would expect, the upper of the Cascadia 10 is made from a breathable mesh. This material adds to the overall comfort of the foot, and its seamless construction helps avoid the development of blisters. The overlays are fused to the mesh and provide a more solid feel to the upper. These fused overlays help contribute to the natural movement of the foot, but their main role is to secure the mesh to provide structure and an overall comfortable feel.;The shoelaces of the Cascadia 10 are directly connected to the overlays. This approach has been adopted by many manufacturers and it is easy to see why, it actually works to provide a more secure feel after lace -up. The Cascadia 10 comes with long-lasting flat woven shoelaces which have proven to be long-lasting.
Midsole
The midsole of the Cascadia 10 is a combination of two technologies: DNA foam and BioMoGo. The Brooks company delivers good cushioning by using these environmentally friendly technologies. The DNA foam provides a customized feel to the midsole, supporting the underfoot by following the natural contours of the human foot.;The BioMoGo technology uses environmentally-friendly but durable materials to make a durable, springy cushion for the foot. Placed between the midsole and the outsole is a Rock Protection Plate that aims to keep the foot safe from any hazardous and sharp objects that a runner may come across on the trail. The Cascadia 10’s foam insole provides great cushioning and breathability due to perforations placed throughout that keep the underfoot free from any excess humidity.
Outsole
The outsole of the Cascadia 10 is made from durable, sticky rubber that grips the ground tenaciously and provides excellent traction. The outsole also features multi-directional gripping lugs that can handle many different types of surfaces, providing dynamic traction. Although specifically designed for trail running, the Cascadia 10 can handle many types of surfaces, both off-road and traditional (asphalt, pavement, track) with ease.
Breathability
Brooks managed to deliver a breathable shoe while still providing a good amount of protection to the upper. The perforations in the midsole should keep most runners at ease when it comes to underfoot breathability, while the upper mesh is also highly breathable. The only problem with breathability is the fused overlays on the upper, but since the covered surface is limited, this does not affect the overall breathability too much.
Comfort
The Cascadia 10 provides a sock-like fit, which many runners can appreciate. Thanks to its seamless upper, which is made of a soft mesh material, it is very comfortable and non-irritating to the foot. There is increased comfort with the solid outsole and runners will appreciate the added protection of its Rock Protection Plate. One of the more unique comfort features of the Cascadia 10 is its breathable midsole. The DNA foam technology really shines by giving a customized feel by following the natural contours of the runner`s foot.
Style
In terms of style, runners often can`t really have high expectations from a trail running shoe. They often follow function over form, and as such tend to have a utilitarian look. Such is the case with the Brooks Cascadia 10. For the most part, its solid mash look and overall visual impact aren’t aesthetically pleasing, especially in brighter color combinations like orange and red. The all-black version looks more refined (and is probably is a better choice given the amount of dirt and dust one can encounter on trails), but this is not a shoe you buy for the style but because of its performance on the trail.
Durability
In theory, the shoe has above average durability. In practice, it will come as no surprise that this will be heavily impacted by the runner`s ability to look after the shoe. As most trail running shoes have problems in the toe box where the shoe bends, the Cascadia 10 can face this in the future. But once again, it will largely depend on the runner`s ability and technique. If given the proper care, the shoe will last for many miles.
Protection
Brooks understands the hazards of trail running and what it takes for a runner to successfully traverse the technical trails and rocky paths of nature. For the Cascadia 10, they have introduced a Rock Protection Plate between the outsole and the midsole. This is a major benefit to the runner, considering how many unexpected variables can be encountered on a trail. This plate protects the underfoot from sharp rocks, jagged debris, and other unexpected hazards that can be found on the trail. The outsole is made from durable rubber that has the ability to protect the foot, while its multi-directional lugs provide grip and an extra level of protection from damaging elements that can be found on the ground. Overall, this trail running shoe feels like it can handle any surface with ease and protect the runner from the many dangers that the unpredictable outdoors can present.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness can only be measured by comparing the Cascadia 10 to previous models. The Cascadia 10 has managed to upgrade some major responsiveness indicators, such as its improved midsole and a sticky rubber outsole that provide the runner with better surface control and flexibility. This edition also has a wider toe box compared to the Cascadia 9. The upper materials are also softer and feel more refined, and its lacing system provides a more secure fit after lace-up. Runners that have reviewed this edition have reported the Cascadia 10 to be one of the most responsive in its class.
Support
The combination of DNA and BioMoGo technologies in the midsole provides great support to the foot. The midfoot is also better secured to the fused overlays. The arch support is neutral and for the average runner, and the DNA foam insole that follows the natural contours of the foot provides a great deal of comfort and support to the runner, as well. However, this shoe does not address the specific problems over- or under-pronators have, so a separate insole or arch post may be needed for those with that suffer from those specific running conditions.
Terrain
The shoe can handle various terrains with ease. Standard forest trails and snowy mud-covered trails alike can be traversed wearing the Cascade 10. The design of the outsole is optimized to shed mud while maintaining grip throughout a run, which is a feature many adventurous runners will appreciate. But its sticky outsole is not just great for difficult topographies and surfaces: the Cascadia 10 also performs well on standard running surfaces, as well. Although this would make a rather heavy running shoe, those who enjoy hybrid trails will find its versatility a real benefit.
Price
Depending on what the trail runner considers affordable, the Cascadia 10 comes at a relatively moderate cost. Trail running shoes tend to be a little pricier than regular trainers, so its cost may not cause too much sticker shock to the experienced trail runner. Considering some of its features are leaders in its class, such as its versatility, responsiveness, underfoot protection, and midsole technology, the Cascadia 10’s price makes it a solid purchasing option for the experienced trail runner.
Drop
With a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, the Cascadia 10 is standard. This drop is perfect for most runners but presents a drawback to those who seek to run at an increased pace. The difference between this and a lower drop means that you can actually run longer, although not as fast.
Stability
Combining DNA foam, BioMoGo technology, and the Rock Protection Plate in the midsole, the Cascadia 10 manages to hold together very well and provide a great amount of overall stability. Brooks found a solution to increase midfoot stability with fused overlays on the upper which help secure the upper mash. The problem with trail running shoes is that they mostly aim to offer increased cushioning at all costs, which usually comes at the cost of stability. However, the sturdy design of the outsole comes as a great addition to Cascadia 10, making it feel much more stable and grounded than other trail running shoes with similar cushioning. However, it is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
When it comes to trail running shoes, flexibility is somewhat restricted for foot safety. The Cascadia 10 manages to stay flexible enough, but rather on the firmer side due to its Rock Protection Plate. Increased flexibility in the forefoot has proven to work against the runners as in some cases it has decreased overall durability.
Traction
One of the best features of the Cascadia 10 is the great amount of traction it provides. Outfitted with a sticky rubber outsole, its great grip and traction can hardly be improved upon. The multi-directional gripping lugs on the outsole also ensure the runner has sufficient traction over steep inclines and uneven topographies that can be found on trails. Brooks also kept the pivot points from the Cascadia 9 model: these 4 exterior pivot points help keep the foot in a neutral plane while adding increased traction.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Brooks Cascadia 10 is one of the most versatile shoes of its class. Some of its features have been considered class-leading, and it’s easy to see why: its advanced midsole is both breathable and comfortable without sacrificing stability or surface control, while its sticky rubber outsole provides superior grip and traction. This trail running shoe is a good option for those looking to run smoothly over harsh terrains like mountain trails, challenging technical trails, or hybrid trails. It will best serve most adventurous runners looking for a long run.;Not many manufacturers manage to stay true to what they believe in and change their perspective too often, playing mad scientist between each edition of an already proven solid product. However, Brooks has managed to arrive at the 10th version of the Cascadia without losing sight of what made this such a well-regarded trail running shoe. For some companies, updated editions only function as an extra marketing tool, but the Cascadia series managed to fine-tune this line with every edition without making drastic changes, striving towards perfection each time out. The Brooks Cascadia 10 may not be the perfect trail running shoe, but it’s the latest and greatest in a line that’s proven itself time and again to produce a superior product over its competition.
