Brooks Cascadia 17

Once the previous shoes of the Cascadia from Brooks Running were among my favorite trail running shoes, I couldn't wait for the presentation of the new Brooks Cascadia 17. As usual with this American brand, expectations were high, and the renewed model delivers in every way.

Before going into the analysis of these Brooks Cascadia 17 all-terrain trail running shoes, there are a couple of nuances that I would like to highlight beforehand, and which I think are very important:

• Improved stability thanks to the Trail Adapt system, which we will explain later, and it is what makes it more dynamic and can adapt to any type of terrain compared to its predecessor.
• Another of its outstanding novelties is found in its outsole, which improves traction through the Trail Tack system.

Trail runner profile of the Brooks Cascadia 17

This model is ideal for mountain runners of medium or even heavy build who are looking for stable comfort in training and racing. Its recommended weights are: up to 85 kilos for men, maximum; and up to 70 kilos for women. In principle, we are talking about a model oriented to the neutral-footed trail runner, although it offers enough support to reduce the inward pronation that occurs with the passage of kilometers and muscle fatigue.

A point in favor of this new update of the Brooks Running Cascadia 17 is that without the need to have a good running technique, you can get a great performance and run at more lively and dynamic rhythms with the feeling of running on a soft cushion.

I have already mentioned that it is an all-terrain trail running shoe. Its running paces are intermediate, starting from 5:00 min/km, or softer and calmer still. So it is a very valid option for the most demanding trail runner, but also for the hiking lover, who does not miss the opportunity to go on new adventures in mountain terrain. From the smoothest to the rockiest trails, there is no mountain trail that can resist these Brooks Cascadia 17!

What I liked most about the Brooks Cascadia 17

Speaking of the midsole, and as we commented before, the Trail Adapt System uses an integrated sandwich midsole, a pebax plate that is right in the middle of the midsole, which is divided into 3 segments that do a great job in terms of protection against rocks. This Trail Adapt System of the Brooks Cascadia 17 integrates in its midsole the DNA LOFT v2 technology, which provides comfortable cushioning for any terrain.

Just as the Brooks Cascadia 16 had a complete outsole in terms of lugging, in the new Cascadia 17 the Trail Tack system of the outsole, mentioned above, makes the outsole divided into 6 parts, with a system of pads in different areas, which offers greater control and a very stable tread on broken terrain, where adaptability is greatly favored.

As for the upper, which is where we have less novelty, offers a similar feeling to the Cascadia 16 transmitting security, good support and breathability. The TPV reinforced toe protection protects our toes in the upper area during the race.

The most remarkable thing about the upper is the way it is made, with a 75% water saving, which, as an example, it means a reduction of 10 plastic bottles that could damage the environment.

The great durability of the previous model is maintained in these Cascadia 17. So another plus point for this Brooks model.

Improvement opportunities for the Brooks Cascadia 17

It is not an opportunity for improvement as such, but it is true that the inclusion of the new and exclusive Trail Tack system loses some cue with respect to the previous model. However, the success of the Brooks Running designers lies in the beveling of these new lugs, their multidirectionality and their reduced width, because they guarantee great versatility and traction on all types of terrain.

Once again, in this regard, it should also be noted that this system is manufactured with 25% recycled materials, called Trail Tack Green. It represents a significant saving in the use of silica, which provides versatile traction on wet and dry surfaces for greater stability on uneven terrain.

Cheapest Brooks Cascadia 17 Men's Shoes Prices

Cheapest Brooks Cascadia 17 Women's Shoes Prices

What are the direct rivals of the Brooks Cascadia 17?

ASICS Gel Trabuco 11

HOKA Speedgoat 5

Salomon Sense Ride 5

Merrell Agility Peak 4

Saucony Xodus 11

Final conclusions about the Brooks Cascadia 17

Tested for the first time in the new Trail Catllaràs by Brooks, a test with a very varied terrain (mud, negative lateral cantering, leaves in several layers...), and training with them the following weeks, I can come to the conclusion that the Brooks Cascadia 17 is a trail shoe model for all types of runners on broken terrain with great grip, stability and brutal comfort.

Finally, a split sole that mimics the hoof of a mountain goat to be a real animal in the mountains.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightweight: 85.
• Responsiveness: 9.
• Cushioning: 9.
• Stability: 95.
• Flexibility: 9.
• Grip: 85.