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10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato - 12 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX is a strong option for trail runners and mountain hikers looking for a reliable, waterproof shoe. Its standout feature is the GORE-TEX upper, which keeps your feet dry while still allowing breathability—great for wet or muddy conditions. The shoe’s cushioning uses Brooks’ DNA LOFT v2 technology, offering softness and comfort over rough terrain without feeling too heavy. For stability, the Trail Adapt System with a ballistic rock shield protects your feet from sharp rocks and uneven surfaces while still allowing natural foot movement. Traction is solid thanks to the TrailTack Green rubber outsole, which grips well on both wet and dry trails and is made partly from recycled materials, adding an eco-friendly touch.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,113
Cushioning
Water Resistance
Stability
Most important from
677 reviews
#2
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe is designed specifically for trail runners and mountain hikers. One of its standout features is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which provides a soft and comfortable feel over various terrains. The shoe also offers excellent traction thanks to the TrailTack Green outsole rubber, making it suitable for both wet and dry conditions. Additionally, the shoe’s stability is enhanced by the Trail Adapt System and the zonal outsole pods, which help maintain control and a stable ride on uneven surfaces.
Rating
9.1
Cushioning
Stability
Fit
Most important from
677 reviews
#3
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 10.5 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 is designed for trail runners and mountain hikers who need reliable support and protection on varied terrains. It offers strong traction thanks to its TrailTack Green outsole, which grips well on both wet and dry surfaces. The cushioning system, DNA LOFT v2, provides a soft yet responsive feel, helping to keep your feet comfortable over long distances.
Rating
9.1
Traction
Stability
Fit
Most important from
677 reviews
Top 10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato - 12 Medium
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Black/Tomato - 12 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green rubber outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 technology
Stability: Trail Adapt System with rock shield
Fit: secure but flexible feel
Durability: protective overlays and TPU mudguard
Water Resistance: GORE-TEX upper
Chosen by 1113 this week
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green rubber
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Stability: Trail Adapt System, zonal pods
Fit: Medium width
Durability: Breathable mesh, TPU mudguard
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 10.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 10.5 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Stability: Trail Adapt System, built-in rock shield
Fit: Standard lace-up, medium-width feet
Durability: Breathable mesh, overlays, TPU mudguard
Water Resistance: Some water resistance, quick-drying materials
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Grey Blue/Black/Pink - 9.5 Medium
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 GTX Waterproof Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Grey Blue/Black/Pink - 9.5 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green rubber outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Stability: Trail Adapt System, protective rock shield
Fit: Secure, adjustable with laces
Durability: Breathable mesh, reinforced overlays, TPU
Water Resistance: Waterproof GORE-TEX upper
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Sweet Lavender/Copper - 8 Medium
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Sweet Lavender/Copper - 8 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 midsole
Stability: Trail Adapt System, ballistic rock shield
Fit: Lace-Up
Durability: Breathable mesh, TPU mudguard, toecap
Water Resistance: Water resistance via quick-dry materials
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Up to 20% off
Brooks Men’s Caldera 8 Ultra Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/White - 10.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Caldera 8 Ultra Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/White - 10.5 Medium
Traction: Good traction, not for extreme mud
Cushioning: Plush DNA Loft v3, soft, high
Stability: Raised sidewalls, widened base
Fit: Lace-up, adjustable, secure, not tight
Durability: Durable nylon upper, rubber sole
Water Resistance: Not fully waterproof
Brooks Men’s Divide 5 GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe - Black/Alloy/Primer Grey - 10 Medium
Brooks Men’s Divide 5 GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe - Black/Alloy/Primer Grey - 10 Medium
Traction: TrailTack outsole with aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning
Stability: Stable on varied terrain
Fit: Snug midfoot hold, gusseted tongue
Durability: Rubber outsole with recycled materials
Water Resistance: Waterproof Gore-Tex upper
Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Pink - 8 Medium
Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Pink - 8 Medium
Traction: TrailTack outsole with aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning
Stability: secure fit with snug midfoot feel
Fit: secure, comfortable, snug midfoot feel
Durability: solid for typical trail use
Water Resistance: not waterproof, handles damp conditions
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - Sharp Green/Navy/Firecracker - 9.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - Sharp Green/Navy/Firecracker - 9.5 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 midsole
Stability: Trail Adapt System with midsole, rock plate
Fit: Standard medium width, ankle height
Durability: Canvas upper and rubber sole
#10
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - White Sand/Chateau Grey - 7 Medium
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - White Sand/Chateau Grey - 7 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 midsole
Stability: midsole, rock plate, outsole pods
Fit: medium fit around ankle
Durability: solid materials and protective features
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Buying Guide for the Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes
Choosing the right trail running shoes is crucial for a comfortable and safe running experience. Trail running shoes are designed to provide better traction, stability, and protection compared to regular running shoes. When selecting a pair, it's important to consider various factors that will affect your performance and comfort on different terrains. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.TractionTraction refers to the grip that the shoe's outsole provides on different surfaces. This is important because trail running often involves uneven, slippery, or loose terrain. Shoes with aggressive lugs (deep, widely spaced treads) offer better grip on muddy and soft surfaces, while shoes with smaller, more closely spaced lugs are better for hard-packed trails. Consider the type of terrain you will be running on most frequently to choose the right level of traction.
CushioningCushioning is the amount of padding in the shoe's midsole, which affects comfort and shock absorption. More cushioning can provide a softer, more comfortable ride, which is beneficial for longer runs or rough terrain. However, it can also add weight and reduce ground feel. Less cushioning offers a more responsive and lightweight experience, which can be preferable for shorter runs or smoother trails. Think about your running distance and terrain to determine the right amount of cushioning for you.
StabilityStability in trail running shoes helps prevent ankle rolls and provides support on uneven terrain. Shoes with a wider base, firmer midsole, and additional support features like a rock plate (a thin, hard layer in the midsole) offer better stability. If you frequently run on rocky or uneven trails, or if you have a history of ankle injuries, look for shoes with enhanced stability features. For smoother trails or if you prefer a more flexible shoe, you might opt for less stability.
FitThe fit of the shoe is crucial for comfort and performance. Trail running shoes should fit snugly around the midfoot and heel to prevent slipping, but have enough room in the toe box to accommodate swelling and natural toe splay. A good fit helps prevent blisters and other foot issues. It's important to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are more swollen, and to wear the same socks you plan to run in. Consider your foot shape and any specific needs, such as wide or narrow feet, when choosing the fit.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the shoes can withstand the wear and tear of trail running. This is important because trail running can be tough on shoes, with exposure to rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Shoes made with high-quality materials and reinforced areas (like the toe cap and heel) tend to last longer. If you run frequently or on particularly rough trails, investing in a more durable shoe can save you money in the long run. Consider the typical conditions of your runs to determine the level of durability you need.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is the shoe's ability to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. This is important for comfort and to prevent blisters. Shoes with waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex) can keep water out but may be less breathable, which can lead to sweaty feet. Water-resistant shoes offer some protection while maintaining better breathability. If you run in wet or muddy conditions often, consider shoes with good water resistance. For dry climates, breathability might be more important.