Details
Brand
Brooks
Breathability
7.7
Latest Version
Cascadia 12
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Thermoplastic EVA plate • This is a plate located in the midsole that helps the foot stay stable and in place.• Ballistic Rock Sheild • This is found in the forefoot of the shoe and does an amazing job at protecting the foot from sharp objects.• BioMoGo polymer allows foam • This is a foam technology that lessens foot fatigue, improves energy return and adds comfort to each run.• Air mesh material of the upper improves breathability and keeps feet cool and dry.• DNA cushioning • The DNA cushioning of this shoe is located in the midsole. It uses a high viscosity liquid that increases responsiveness
Upper
The upper of this shoe offers quite a few great features. To begin, the material composition of it is a synthetic nylon and polyester mesh that effectively translates for runners into a highly breathable running experience. In addition, the upper is designed to a seamless build that helps negate or altogether eliminate friction to your foot on your runs. The lining of the upper is made of an adequate air mesh technology and acts as a climate control for the shoe which assists in keeping the entire foot cool and dry.;Quite a lot can happen on a trail run, and the trail runner needs to be prepared for the unexpected, whether it be a stream or soggy terrain. Fortunately, they are already known, tried and wear-tested which showed positive results with the shoe drying quickly, even after streams and puddles. A newer addition to the Cascadia 9 is a suede overlay that wraps the foot in support for added security.
Midsole
The midsole technology of the Brooks Cascada 9’s is pretty impressive. To begin, it is constructed from a unique material that is biodegradable. This can help expand your love and respect for nature! The midsole also consists of a thermoplastic EVA plate. This plate helps keep the foot in place on long runs, even in unstable terrain.;Another key technology used in the midsole is a BioMoGo polymer alloy foam. This material is designed to help the runner in the three main areas: It lessens foot fatigue, it improves the energy return with every stride, and it adds a huge amount of comfort. And if all that technology weren’t enough, the Cascadia 9 also offers DNA cushioning. This is a highly versatile liquid that gives the shoe an incredibly reactive experience that is unique to every runner.
Outsole
The material and design of the outsole great for many reasons. To start it offers a medial and lateral pivot posting system that keeps the foot stable even on an uneven, slippery, or rough terrain. The lugs on the underside guarantee the best grip possible, but even with all that protection and grip, runners reported that the shoe did not feel heavy. The outside edges of the outsole are designed with multi-direction traction to ensure a good grip whether you are going up or downhill.;Not only is the material of the midsole designed with the environment in mind, so too is the material of the outsole. The outsole is made of two different durable materials: a high-density carbon rubber and a rubber made from recycled materials.
Breathability
Runners, know that staying dry, whether in the heat or the cold, is so important to a good run. This shoe really shines in the breathability department. Aside from your basic, breathable mesh upper, reviews hailed this shoe as being able to dry quickly after sloshing through streams and puddles. This is a key feature to consider when purchasing trail shoes!
Comfort
One runner raved that even after a “222+ mile ultra race there was no issue with blisters or hot spots”. If ultra runners can wear this shoe through some of the most extreme conditions, and still rave about the comfort, you know this is a shoe you can count on to provide unparallel comfort. The DNA cushioning certainly helps in this area. It improves responsiveness but it also improves the overall comfort for each individual.
Style
These are cool looking shoes. They easily rank up there with some of the most stylish shoes on the market right now. They come in a variety of cool combinations, and many reviews note how stylish they look, even with jeans.
Durability
Many ultra-marathoners reviewed this shoe and through the miles, they still came back with the general consensus being extremely positive, especially in terms of their longevity. Most could not be happier with the quality and durability of the shoe. The dual foam material of the midsole and the double rubber material of the outsole make the Brooks Cascadia 9 an extremely durable shoe. These shoes were actually designed with the help of famed ultra marathon runner, Scott Jurek. Mr. Jurek knows a thing or two about how important it is that a shoe will hold up even under harsh conditions and extended use. His expertise certainly shows in the durability of these shoes.
Protection
An important quality to consider when deciding of a pair of trail running shoes is the level of protection they offer. These shoes do a great job of protecting your foot from sharp objects, blisters, and slippery terrain. The forefoot of the shoe includes a Ballistic Rock Sheild. This is designed to help keep feet safe against sharp objects found on the trail. In addition to this technology, the upper uses a seamless construction. This helps eliminate or at the very least prevent blisters and hot spots.;Hailed for their versatility, durability, and protection, the Brooks Cascadia 9’s are a high-quality shoe from a brand you can trust. Whether running along a soggy trail, sprinting down uneven, rocky terrain, or taking a jog in your neighborhood on a rainy day, these shoes will not let you down. Brooks’ continues to utilize the latest and greatest technology in creating their shoes, and features like their DNA cushioning, BioMoGo polymer alloy foam, and Ballistic Rock Shield, help make this a comfortable, protective shoe for your runs on and off the trail.
Responsiveness
The Brooks Cascadia 9 utilize some of the newest technology to increase the responsiveness of their shoes. The stand out feature in improved responsiveness is the DNA cushioning offered in the midsole. This technology offers a high viscosity liquid that allows for an incredibly reactive run. What this means for runners is that regardless of their unique gait, the shoe will adapt to your stride and improve the running experience for each runner. A responsive run is very important to for a trail runner, especially one who is going an extreme amount of miles, like an ultra-marathoner. A responsive run returns energy to the foot and keeps fatigue at bay.
Support
These shoes offer neutral support. Their focus is not on the runner who is looking for extra support. They are great overall shoes, and the technology used to create them offers stability and your average level of support, but for those seeking an extremely supportive shoe, you might want to look elsewhere.
Terrain
One reviewer commented, “I took these shoes to Sequoia National Park through snow, water, and dirt, and they did great and dried quickly.” Because of a combination of their quick drying system and the durable grip of the outsole, the Brooks Cascadia 9 is a great shoe for all terrain. These can be used for the true adventure hiker and ultramarathoner, or the runner who is just beginning. They can go anywhere!
Price
Sometimes you have to splurge and pay for a higher quality item. This is that item. You can find this shoe for less than 120 dollars, but reviewers agreed that it was worth every penny. If cost is your number one concern, there are lots of great options for you, but if you are in a position to splurge a little on a high-quality shoe, this is a great option!
Drop
The drop on these shoes is slightly higher than standard 12.9. Even though this shoe does have a higher drop, many runners reported that the had a very responsive and flexible experience while running in them.
Stability
This shoe scores high in the Stability category. Stability is an important characteristic to consider when purchasing a trail running shoe. The terrain can change quickly, and it is important that you have a shoe that can respond to your needs, and help to keep your foot and ankle as stable as possible. The heel height of this shoe is a bit lower than the average. This gives the runner more stability, even on uneven surfaces.
Flexibility
Even though the Brooks Cascadia 9 is a heavy shoe with a powerful outsole, reviews agreed that the shoe still felt very flexible and responsive. This shoe offers a combination of flexibility where you want it and stability where you need it most.
Traction
Because of the powerful rubber outsole, this shoe offers amazing traction. The chevron design provides multi-directional traction. This shoe provides the ultimate grip. Reviewers loved how the shoe can easily take them through slippery terrain, and they never felt like they were in danger of falling. The outsoles also off a medial and lateral pivot posting system which help maintain balance and grip for the runner.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Cascadia 9 is an all around great shoe that can tackle the tough terrain and the higher volume of miles that an ultra runner would need, but it is also perfect as your daily wear shoe. Reviewer after reviewer listed the unique locations that this shoe was able t take them: Cascadia National Park, Sequoia National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and even the Hardrock Endurance Run in Colorado. It utilizes some of the best technology around to give you a protected, stable, durable shoe.;It also shows that it cares about the environment by using recycled materials as well as materials that are biodegradable. Brooks cares about the environment, and by purchasing this shoe, you are saying you stand with them in their quest to reduce waste. While the price is on the higher side for these trail running shoes, review after review agreed that they were worth every penny.
