Brooks Cascadia 19 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently received my new Cascadia 19s and was eager to get them out on my favorite trails. The Cascadia is a shoe I've historically loved. I'd even call myself a zealot. Unfortunately, the new design is a step back for me. A trail shoe has one job above all else: keep you sure on your feet. That's the whole point of running off-road. You need to trust the ground contact when the terrain gets technical and fast. The Cascadia 19 doesn't give me that. The new midsole has too much foam compared to previous generations, and it's too soft and thick, which creates a real sense of instability when running fast through mountainous terrain. In my older Cascadias I felt as sure-footed as a goat, running everything the trail threw at me. The new cushion gives too much and lets my foot roll in undesirable ways. I find myself slowing down, and even walking sections I'd normally run. I also used to rely on the Cascadia as my go-to shoe for light, fast backpacking ascents, and I'm not confident this version is up for that task. The toe box feels underbuilt compared to earlier generations of this legendary shoe. It just doesn't feel as robust as my older pairs. It feels like a soft, pliable road runner that wandered onto a trail. What stings most is that the last generation was basically perfect. This isn't a small refinement; it's a big redesign that traded away the firm, planted feel that made the Cascadia what it was. For now, I'd steer longtime Cascadia fans toward a previous model if you can still find one.

I was a Caldera lover for a long time until the Caldera 8 came out which I was NOT at all a fan....So I switched to the Cascadia 19 for my hiking and absolutely love them!!!! My only complaint (and reason for 4 stars) is just got back from hiking in Moab and the silty sand went right through the mesh on the top of the shoe. I had to stop and empty the sand out of my shoes a several times....

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Cascadia is one of my favorite to wear. After having tendons surgery this shoes is the most comfortable and supportive for my foot. I can wear it for hours when I go to the parks and walk trail. Looking forward to see what other fun color they will come in.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I didn't like these at all. They were very uncomfortable and very hard. I returned them and went with a different brand.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These are a far less capable show than the previous year, Cascadia 18 which may have been my favorite shoe. Still has good grip but now the cushioning is pillowy rather than planted, the tongue is very puffy which affects the fit and the shoe no longer hugs the heal like the previous generation. Further they routinely make my feet fall asleep. I thought these would be a drop in replacement for my previous pair but I was mistaken. Not sure who approved this “upgrade” but I’ve got a feeling it was the accountants…

Good comfortable shoe use. Good comfortable shoe use.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] "I’m incredibly impressed with the Cascadia 19. They deliver excellent support and protection on rugged trails and give great feedback on gravel roads. The fit is absolutely perfect. Best of all, I don't suffer from any foot fatigue after a couple-mile run, which is unusual given my flat feet. I'll definitely be recommending these to fellow runners."

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had. I have hip and knee problems and this shoe helps to alleviate both of those. I will be a lifelong Brooks customer from now on.