Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Traction
Key Features
• HPR Green compound outsole for strong traction• Four-point Pivot System steadies the run• BioMoGo DNA midsole customizes cushioning• Pivot Post System for steadiness and durability• Soft and Flexible S-257 Cushsole• Ballistic Rock Shield protects the foot• Breathable Element Mesh upper• Conformable Saddle for structure• 3D Rubber Print Mudguard• Hydrophobic Foam Package for support
Upper
The upper is mainly constructed of breathable Elemental Mesh, which works to stave off sweat and light amounts of water. Enhancing this further is the Element Lining, a soft material that provides a comfortable wear as well as sweat wicking. The Conformable Saddle is a midfoot cage that’s formed by a series of printed-on lines and bars that enable the shoe to maintain its structure. Its connection to the lacing system also allows for a more secure and customizable wear. Greater protection and structure comes in the form of a 3D Rubber Print Mudguard that wraps around the base of the upper, which works to keep mud and water out of the foot chamber. Finally, the collar is outfitted with a Hydrophobic Foam Package for added cushioning and stability. Though reviewers enjoy the comfort and support that this feature provides them, some have noted that the eyelets of its lacing system come apart after only a few wears.
Midsole
Brooks BioMoGo DNA midsole is a go-to feature when designing their trail shoes, so its no surprise that the Cascadia line relies on it as well. This eco-friendly feature contours to the shape of the runner’s foot to cushion it properly while providing energy return. Aiding the outsole’s four-point Pivot System is the Pivot Post System within the midsole. Marked by two triangles on each side of the shoe, it stabilizes the runner while providing added durability and balance. A Ballistic Rock Shield is fixed between the midsole and outsole for greater impact absorption and protection against rough surfaces. Greater comfort comes in the form of the BioMoGo-derived Profile Sockliner and S-257 Cushsole, which support the midfoot area while providing soft cushioning.
Outsole
Brooks’ trademarked HPR Green compound is once again used to form this model’s outsole. Made from environmentally conscious materials, it’s responsible for providing the reliable traction that buyers expect from the Cascadia line. As with any high-quality trail running shoe, it also allows a firm grip on wet or slippery surfaces. This grip is further intensified by the tread pattern’s aggressive gripping lugs, which have been redesigned to allow an easier transition from trails to roads. For greater stability across rough terrains, this model is now equipped with a four-point Pivot system. This is marked by a different color from the rest of the sole and can be seen protruding on the shoe’s medial and lateral sides
Breathability
The Cascadia 13’s breathable wear is one of its most praised features. The upper’s Elemental Mesh material provides unrestricted airflow as well as moisture-wicking properties. This is aided further by its Elemental liner, which also wicks sweat away from the foot. Runners feel significantly cooler and drier as they wear this shoe, with some even claiming that they never notice any hotspots at all. And because sweat is kept under control, the chances of experiencing foot odor and blisters were also eliminated for many reviewers.
Comfort
The Cascadia line has consistently been ranked high when it comes to comfort, and this model proves to be no different. The BioMoGo DNA midsole and Ballistic Rock Shield work together to safeguard against impact and jagged surfaces. Though these features can be a bit stiff, the inclusion of a sockliner and the S-257 Cushsole provide the runner with a cushiony comfort and a supportive wear. The Elemental Mesh upper’s breathable wear provides all-day temperature and moisture control, even working to keep out rainwater, as the Element Lining wraps the foot in soft comfort and sweat relief. The Hydrophobic Foam Package serves as padding around the collar and stabilizing ankle support.
Style
Though it remains mostly unchanged from its predecessor, the Cascadia 13’s appearance has undergone some minor changes. A smoother toe bumper replaces the old textured one, and printed overlays are now in place along the midfoot and around the heel. The brand’s logo is still present on the shoe’s lateral side, and its pull tab and traditional lacing system are also in place. Buyers are also glad to see that some very eye-catching color options are available to them. Black/orange and red/yellow/black are very popular for men, while grey/pink and navy/pink are enjoyed by women.
Durability
For the most part, the Cascadia 13 has proven to be quite durable. The HPR Green compound that makes up its outsole hold up incredibly well against frequent use on harsh terrains, as does its four-point Pivot System. Greater protection against wear and tear is offered by the Pivot Pot System and Ballistic Rock Shield, and the BioMoGo DNA midsole is specially engineered to outlast even the most durable foam material. The Conformable Saddle and 3D Rubber Print Mud Guard protect the upper from damage and help the shoe retain its shape for longer. Though most of these features hold up incredibly well, some reviewers have noticed that the shoe’s lacing eyelets begin to tear after only a few uses.
Protection
Protective features are key when it comes to any good trail running shoe, and the Cascadia 13 has plenty of them. The aggressive gripping lugs on its outsole help to carry the runner safely through many types of rough terrains. The Ballistic Rock Shield forms a barrier against jagged surfaces and aids the midsole in impact absorption, reducing the chances of long-term injury even further. A mudguard, made from 3D printed rubber, surrounds the base of the upper and ensures that dirt, mud, and water are kept out of the foot chamber. And the upper’s Elemental Mesh material allows unrestricted breathability, eliminating all hotspots and excessive moisture within the foot chamber. This, in turn, erases odor and the likelihood of blisters or infections.
Responsiveness
When compared to older models within the line, reviewers have pointed out that this version is not as responsive. It still features most of the same materials that were used in its predecessor, including the BioMoGo DNA midsole, Pivot Post System, and Ballistic Rock Shield. However, one item that was taken out was the Caterpillar Crash Pad, which many reviewers credited with giving the twelfth version most of its responsiveness. Because the previous version already had moderate energy return, the exclusion of this feature proved to have a negative impact on the wear of this particular model. Still, reviewers seem to be satisfied enough with its performance on light to moderate trails.
Support
The Cascadia 14 provides the best kind of support for neutral runners and is especially good for those with high arches. The customizable cushioning of the BioMoGo DNA midsole ensures the most ideal support for the runner’s unique foot shape, as does the BioMoGo-derived sockliner. These are enhanced further by the inclusion of the S-257 Cushsole. The midfoot is guaranteed a great deal of support thanks to the Conformable Saddle. Connected to the shoe’s lacing system, it accommodates the shape of the runner’s foot and allows them to better customize their fit and level of support. Finally, the specialized padding around the collar ensures that the runner’s ankles stay properly cushioned throughout the run.
Terrain
The Cascadia 13’s wear has proven to be more versatile than its predecessors. Not only could it handle runs through forests, dirt, gravel, and rocky trails with ease, but it also transitioned well onto road surfaces without feeling cumbersome. Though some reviewers say that it performs well on mud, others claimed that this shoe becomes slippery once its gripping lugs become clogged. A few runners have even stated that they felt uneasy when running across other types of slick surfaces. Considering that trail shoes are intended for use in different types of weather, that fact that several reviewers say that these perform better on dry surfaces is a bit disappointing.
Price
Across all online retailers, especially Brooks’ own website, the Cascadia 13 is available for $130. While this is still around the average cost of a high-quality shoe, it should be pointed out that it’s ten dollars higher than previous models within its line. Though some buyers may consider this shoe to be quite pricey, it’s actually quite a bargain when they take a closer look at all of its advanced features as well as its durable nature. Still, there are a number of great deals that can be found on Amazon or eBay as long as buyers check the listings’ reviews first.
Drop
As with all other models in this line, the Cascadia 13 features a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm. Though this is the standard height for most running shoes, a number of trail running models have a low or zero drop platform. To many, this is preferred because it allows them to have better balance and greater control over their movements as they run across rugged terrains. However, those who are used to added heel cushioning say that they still feel completely stable when wearing this particular shoe.
Stability
Another key feature of any well-made trail running shoe is stability, which the Cascadia 13 definitely offers. Though it does not work to correct any chronic foot conditions such as pronation, it still ensures a smooth and safe run across a number of different trails. This is thanks, primarily to the combined efforts of the four-point Pivot System and the Pivot post system. Located in the outsole and midsole respectively, these features work to balance the runner’s gait on uneven surfaces and ensure that the foot is kept in place. The Conformable Saddle strengthens this quality even further by acting as a midfoot cage and ensuring a proper fit via its inclusion in the shoe’s lacing system. Even the padding around the collar ensures that the foot never wobbles for leaves the shoe accidentally.
Flexibility
The disadvantage of some trail running models is that their focus on protection and stability doesn’t permit a very flexible wear, and some reviewers say that the Cascadia 13 seems to fall victim to this as well. The construction of its upper does permit natural movement without losing any structure or stability, and the inclusion of the S-257 Cushsole easily adapts to the runner’s gait. Still, the BioMoGo DNA midsole is designed to focus more on support and protection rather than a pliable wear, and the Ballistic Rock Shield only intensify these qualities even further.
Traction
Across most surfaces, the Cascadia 13’s traction fairs quite well. This model has kept the same tread pattern found on its predecessor. Hexagonal lugs surround the forefoot, and thin bars are placed around the heel, while a distinctive chevron pattern runs down the entire center of the foot. This particular pattern gives it a powerful grip that can safely carry the runner through forests, gravel, and rocky trails. However, this version has been modified just enough so that it can easily transition onto different types of road surfaces. Its one downside is that it can lose this traction once its lugs become clogged with mud or other debris.
Bottom Line
It’s quite safe to say that a number of trail runners would greatly benefit from wearing the Brooks Cascadia 13. Striking the perfect balance between protection and comfort, this model permits a safe run through rocks, forests, and puddles and easily transitions onto roads while providing a great deal of cushioning and breathable comfort. Of course, this shoe is not without its downsides. Its heavier weight makes it less than ideal for long distance runs, and its tread pattern can lose its grip when it becomes clogged. Still, when listing out all of its advanced features, it will become clear that this model will be worth every dollar spent on it.
