We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance,
functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you
are agreeing to our privacy policy
10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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 by1,487
Cushioning
Stability
Fit
Most important from
472 reviews
#2
Brooks Men’s Caldera 8 Ultra Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/White - 10.5 Medium
The Brooks Caldera 8 is designed for serious trail runners who need a shoe that can handle long distances on rugged terrain. Its standout feature is the plush DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which is soft and stacked high to protect your feet from rocks and roots, making it very comfortable for extended runs. Stability is enhanced by the raised sidewalls and a widened base, which help secure your foot and smooth out uneven landings. The outsole includes flex grooves to adapt well to trail surfaces and offers good traction, though it’s best suited for varied but not extremely muddy or slippery trails.
Rating
10.0
Traction
Cushioning
Stability
Most important from
105 reviews
#3
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Sweet Lavender/Copper - 8 Medium
The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 is designed for trail runners and mountain hikers who need reliable grip and protection on varied terrain. It offers excellent traction thanks to its TrailTack Green outsole, which grips well on wet and dry surfaces and includes recycled material for eco-friendliness. Cushioning is soft and comfortable with the updated DNA LOFT v2 midsole, helping to absorb impact without feeling too bulky.
Rating
9.4
Traction
Fit
Durability
Most important from
282 reviews
Top 10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
Chosen by 1487 this week
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 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
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 Men’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 11 Medium
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
Related Products
Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Lemon Chrome/Black/Springbud - 11 Medium
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 Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Chateau Grey/White Sand - 8 Medium
Brooks Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Chateau Grey/White Sand - 8 Medium
Traction: TrailTrack Green outsole with rugged tread
Cushioning: super-soft DNA LOFT v3 cushioning
Stability: raised midsole foam walls, wider base
Fit: improved upper, external overlays, breathable mesh
Durability: sturdy synthetic materials, reinforced outsole
Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - White Sand/Chateau Gray/Yellow - 11 Medium
Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - White Sand/Chateau Gray/Yellow - 11 Medium
Traction: TrailTrack Green outsole
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam
Stability: raised midsole foam walls, widened base
Fit: external midfoot support, breathable mesh
Durability: tough rubber sole, reinforced upper
Brooks Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Citadel/Sunny Lime - 10 Medium
Brooks Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Citadel/Sunny Lime - 10 Medium
Traction: Rugged TrailTrack Green outsole
Cushioning: Super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: Raised midsole foam, widened base, flex grooves
Fit: Adaptable and secure
Durability: Breathable TPEE sandwich air mesh upper
#10
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
Recommended lists
How do we rank products for you?
Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
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.