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10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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
10.0
Chosen by1,485
Cushioning
Stability
Fit

Most important from
298 reviews

Cushioning
While the shoe excels in cushioning and support, the forefoot may not be wide enough for those with broader feet.
Stability
The stability of the Cascadia 18 is unmatched; I've never turned an ankle in them, even in rugged mountain terrains.
Fit
The new lacing system is a significant improvement, making it much easier to adjust the fit.
#2
10.0 score

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
10.0
Traction
Stability
Fit

Most important from
298 reviews

Traction
The traction is outstanding, gripping well on all types of terrain from rocky trails to muddy paths.
Stability
These shoes deliver exceptional comfort and stability, making them a reliable choice for varied outdoor activities.
Fit
The fit is excellent, providing a form-fitting feel that supports confidence during long-distance walks and runs.
Durability
Built to last, the durability and performance inspire repeated purchases and strong brand loyalty.
Water Resistance
Water resistance works well in rain, keeping feet dry enough for most conditions without being fully waterproof.
#3
9.9 score

Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Pink - 8 Medium

The Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe is designed to handle both road and light trail running, making it a solid choice for runners who want versatility. Its standout feature is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which is softer and lighter than before, providing a comfortable and smooth ride, especially when switching between pavement and trails. The TrailTack rubber outsole with aggressive lugs offers good grip on various surfaces, including wet and dry terrain, helping you stay steady on uneven paths.

Rating
9.9
Fit
Traction
Cushioning

Most important from
115 reviews

Fit
Comfort and support have noticeably improved compared to the previous version, delivering a great fit and stylish design.
Traction
It performs exceptionally well both on trails and roads, providing reliable grip and durability across varied elevations.
Cushioning
The cushioning provides a smooth, comfortable ride even during longer runs, accommodating foot expansion effectively.
Durability
It performs exceptionally well both on trails and roads, providing reliable grip and durability across varied elevations.
Water Resistance
The lightweight, breathable upper keeps feet comfortable and dry, making it suitable for damp conditions without being fully waterproof.

Top 10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

Chosen by 1485 this week

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 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 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 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

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

Brooks Women’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Pearl/Blue Coral/Pink - 7 Medium

Traction: widened base, split heel outsole
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: internal midfoot saddle, widened base
Fit: secure fit with midfoot saddle
Durability: rubber sole

Brooks Men’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 11 Medium

Traction: TrailTack rubber, aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Fit: Snug midfoot, tongue gusset
Durability: Solid for casual to moderate trails

Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Lemon Chrome/Black/Springbud - 11 Medium

Traction: TrailTrack Green outsole, strong wet/dry grip
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v3 cushioning
Stability: Raised midsole foam walls, widened base
Fit: Improved upper, midfoot wrap, breathable mesh
Durability: Durable on different terrains
Water Resistance: Canvas outer, limited water resistance

Brooks Men's Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe - Titan/Peacoat/Nightlife - 9.5 Medium

Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 foam, extra 2mm foam
Stability: release grooves, Ballistic Rock Shield
Fit: medium width
Durability: synthetic materials, robust rubber sole
Water Resistance: not waterproof, drainage ports, gusset
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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.

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