Brooks Caldera 6

After almost a year without testing Brooks mountain shoes, today I can finally tell you about the Brooks Caldera 6, one of the crown jewels of the brand as far as trail running is concerned.

After a few mountain outings and many kilometers of training I can tell you that these trail running shoes from Brooks have done nothing but surprise me step by step. And that's why I think this is one of the models that best fit me to complete those long mileage runs in the mountains. Don't worry, below I will tell you my experience and opinion about the new Brooks.

This new model from Brooks is aimed at medium weight runners looking for perfect cushioning without losing stability.

What type of runner are the Brooks Caldera 6 recommended for?

If we look a little bit at the aesthetics of the shoe, at its appearance, I think that almost everyone would be able to distinguish what type of shoe this Brooks Caldera 6 is and what type of public it is aimed at. And the good thing about it is that almost none of us would be wrong. That's why, as I thought at first, I can assure you that this new Brooks model is aimed at medium-weight runners looking for perfect cushioning without losing stability.

Buy the Brooks Caldera 6 at the best price.

However, this would only be a small sector of the wide range that encompasses since it is a trail running shoe for "all audiences". And I explain; Brooks Running Caldera 6 will fit perfectly with runners of some what higher weight, yes, understanding that stability may be more compromised, or lighter weights, who will enjoy a cloud of foam (the DNA LOFT v3) that will allow them to roll kilometers and kilometers without any problem.

In addition, I believe that for those trail runners who have, as in my case, joint problems, especially in the ankles and knees, these new Caldera 6 are a life insurance, as they will allow less wear in these areas thanks to their great cushioning. A considerable difference compared to other long distance models such as the Brooks Cascadia 16, with much harder cushioning.

What did we like most about the Brooks Caldera 6?

If I had to highlight the strong points of these Caldera 6, without a doubt, I would choose their midsole. At first you might think that such a maximalist shoe (the heel heights range from 35mm to 29mm at the toe), with a 6 mm drop and such a soft cushioning vaya to be weak in terms of stability. But nothing could be further from the truth, since from the first step to the last, with countless kilometers in between, there is no feeling of insecurity at any time.

A priori, the profile of this maximalist shoe was thought to compromise stability, but nothing could be further from the truth, since from the first step to the last, with an infinite number of kilometers in between, there is no feeling of insecurity at any time.

Thanks to another of the most outstanding aspects of these Brooks Caldera 6, its fit. This model weighs around 311 grams, not excessively light in comparison with other brands, but it perfectly compensates for its upper, created with a breathable, elastic and more than comfortable technical mesh.

This allows those extra grams to be a mere anecdote because in all races a comfort and fit predominates that beyond providing comfort to the runner, helps you feel stable and secure at all times of the race.

And last, but certainly not least, we must highlight its sole. If we are facing an 'ultrarunning' model, the sole is one of the most important pillars to provide durability.

And that is something that Brooks has been achieving for some time with its Trail Tack system. This time, and comparing it with its predecessors, the Brooks Caldera 5, there is a total change in its tread pattern, not so much in prominence but in terms of shape.

Brooks Caldera 6 features

As they did in their other long distance model par excellence, the afore mentioned Brooks Cascadia 16, the geometry and layout of the lugs fits perfectly with the type of terrain we usually move on long distances, tracks, trails, compact surfaces... However, I have been able to verify that their traction and safety goes beyond that and that both on technical terrain and on greasier surfaces they behave perfectly well.

Opportunities for improvement in the Brooks Caldera 6

One of the aspects, for sure, to improve, we find it in the upper. While I have already said that its fit is very very good and that it provides a security and stability that is hard to find in other maximalist models, I think it lacks in the protection section.

It is clear that in long distance races we are rarely going to find too many technical sections, but perhaps the protections in the front area of these trail running shoes are scarce, which makes them somewhat less versatile than they could be with some small adjustments.

It is also true that providing the upper with more protection for this type of sectors or technical sections (which are minimal as we have mentioned) would raise the total weight of the model, so I understand that adjusting everything to perfection so that we gain protection without neglecting comfort and lightness would be difficult. It will be something to watch in future versions of Brooks.

What are the main competitors of the Brooks Caldera 6?

Because of their structure, materials and market niche these Brooks Caldera 6 are positioned as competition for models with maximum cushioning, high mileage and great fit. A wide range of trail running shoes from which I would highlight the following silhouettes:

Merrell Agility Peak 4

Saucony Xodus Ultra

ASICS Trabuco Max

Salomon Ultra Glide

Final conclusions about the Brooks Caldera 6

As we explained at the beginning, these trail running shoes from Brooks leave no room for error. They sell what you can really expect from them and they do it passing the test with flying colors, which is something that not all brands and models can ensure.

A shoe designed to enjoy many kilometers in the mountains, perfect for runners whose goal is not specific brands but comfort and durability for training and long distance events. In short, one of the great Brooks models that you should not miss if you are a mountain lover because, in addition, they can become your travel companions even in trekking outings. For me, a great success for the company that we will see how they evolve as they are reaching a very high point in each of the sectors to which they are oriented.

RUNNEA tester's evaluation

• Lightness: 7
• Responsiveness: 9
• Cushioning: 10
• Flexibility: 8
• Stability: 8
• Grip: 8