Welcome to our deep dive review of the Brooks Cascadia 19. A long time favorite hiking and trail running shoe, let’s find out what’s new.
My first thought when I put these beautifully bright shoes on was that the shoe is incredibly comfortable, and once I hit the trails, the traction and turnover were next-level. I definitely got out of my comfort zone by agreeing to try a trail shoe, as I usually just make my road shoes do the job! But the additional traction really allowed me to take advantage of the beautiful trails that Nantucket has to offer.
This review is completely honest and real. No sponsorship, just a real-world perspective on how the shoe performs, where it shines, and where it might not, from an island girl living 30 miles out at sea, with so much beautiful terrain to run all year round.
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide Feet: Enough space in the midfoot to work for wider feet.
- Technical Trails: It has fantastic traction, but maybe a little loss of agility for really rocky spots.
- Long Runs: Great for easy or training long runs.
- Front of the Pack: Not a race day shoe for the speedsters.
The Brooks Cascadia 19 delivers softness, stability, and adaptability, for any trail adventure that you wish to conquer.
Brooks Cascadia 19 Overview
I took the Brooks Cascadia 19 for a few 6 mile workouts that involved gravel, dirt, and sand runs with the Nantucket running group. It’s a light shoe, while also giving enough stability, structure, cushioning, and flexibility to manage all different kinds of terrains.
The shoe really gripped the elements that I was running on, while still allowing me to feel light and in control. I loved that it didn’t feel heavy, as that was something I worried about while unboxing it.
It’s fun. It’s stable. It has bounce. It can handle the technical areas. It’s durable. My only complaint is getting used to the stiffness of the shoe, but overall for a trail running shoe it is relatively lightweight and dries pretty quickly after running through all the island sandy puddles.
Bonus points for a trail shoe that really handles wet conditions well. Sometimes when we get wet the shoe suddenly feels heavy and holds water, but this drains and allows us to keep plugging along. The GTX version is even better at keeping you dry overall, so grab those if you want to use for winter runs or lots of mornings with wet trails.
Let’s talk about cushioning, as this is something that is incredibly important in any running shoe, and I can be picky. The first time I slid them on, they felt a little stiff and not as soft as I am typically used to. (When I am not trail running, I am wearing the Asics Novablast, which has a totally different feel than these).
I was a little nervous about this, but after a few miles and a few runs, I got used to it and it works on the trails. I would not run with these on pavement as they are too stiff and a little too heavy, but for the gravel, sand, and dirt roads it’s providing that rock protection and a little more ground feel.
While I wouldn’t call this a performance focused shoe, it’s definitely built to go the distance. Most of us aren’t trying to fly through the trails, so it’s a great option for the every day trail runner, just maybe not trail racers.
As noted this version is actually an oz lighter than previous versions and we think it’s going to feel like a really fabulous upgrade for anyone who already enjoys the Cascadia.
Cascadia 19 Specifications
- Weight: 9.4 oz.
- Stack Height: 35 mm in heel
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 3 colors
- Available in wide
- Available on Brooksrunning.com for $150.00
I LOVE how bright these shoes are! They are fun and definitely have an energetic vibe to them. I got lots of compliments on them, when I showed up to run with the group.
Quick Take
- Handles wet conditions well
- Great traction for different trail surfaces
- Roomy toe box
- Pretty stiff sole
- Not built for speed
- Not available in wide
Brooks Cascadia 19 Fit
The Brooks Cascadia 19 fits true to size; my foot had plenty of room length and width. The toebox felt comfortable, it’s not wide like an Altra, but nothing felt tight.
The Brooks Cascadia 19 is something I could wear for extended periods, which is one of the reasons they’re a long trail day go to for both runners and hikers.
The midfoot wraps securely once you get the laces locked down, and the heel feels locked in with no slipping. The tongue is medium mesh and stays securely in place when laced up.
There is just enough support in the arch, but not so much that it would cause a blister. This shoe feels stable and controlled, with just the right amount of firmness through the forefoot to keep things versatile for all sorts of situations.
The Brooks Cascadia 19 feels light, stable, solid, and enough cushion that keeps it versatile for all kinds of different terrains on the trails and even on the roads. I honestly have no complaints about this shoe. I love the color, the versatility of it, the cushioning, the stability, and the overall performance.
As someone who doesn’t run the trails on a regular basis, I am now taking advantage of the trails that the island has to offer.
Similar Shoes to the Brooks Cascadia 19
- Saucony Peregrine – More narrow fit, but similar ground contact and grip
- Hoka Speedgoat – Similar moderate cushion and 4mm heel to toe drop
- Brooks Caldera – Again similar level of cushion and great grip
Our Verdict
A long time favorite for trail running and hiking, we love the updates to the Cascadia 19. Lighter, great grip and finally not a white trail shoe! Our only complaint is we’d like a smidge more softness.
Who Tried It
I live 30 miles out at sea on Nantucket island, where I am a full time project manager for an interior design firm. If I am not working, you will find me running the island with my rescue dog Penny; learning to surf; making nourishing recipes; putting together at-home workouts and yoga sequences; reading; and creating content that inspires others that living a healthy lifestyle can be fun! Join me for Salty Soulful Vibes!
Follow along for more running, nourishing recipes, workouts, surfing, and lifestyle on Instagram: @katieuhran
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