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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
9.8
Chosen by1,409
Cushioning
Stability
Fit
Most important from
212 reviews
#2
Brooks Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Citadel/Sunny Lime - 10 Medium
The Brooks Women's Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe is designed for trail runners looking for comfort, durability, and stability over long distances. Its super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning provides excellent comfort while being lightweight and responsive, making it suitable for ultra-distance runs. The rugged TrailTrack Green outsole ensures superior traction on both wet and dry trails, enhancing grip and safety.
Rating
9.6
Traction
Cushioning
Stability
Most important from
148 reviews
#3
Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Blue Sapphire/Orange - 9.5 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe is designed for those who enjoy long-distance trail running, providing a combination of comfort, support, and durability. One of its standout features is the super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, which offers a plush yet responsive feel, making it ideal for extended wear. The shoe's rugged outsole made from TrailTrack Green material ensures excellent traction on both wet and dry trails, enhancing safety and performance regardless of the weather conditions. Additionally, the outsole is partially made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendlier choice.
Rating
9.5
Traction
Cushioning
Stability
Most important from
146 reviews
Top 10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.8 score
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 1409 this week
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
Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Blue Sapphire/Orange - 9.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Blue Sapphire/Orange - 9.5 Medium
Traction: excellent on wet and dry trails
Cushioning: super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: raised midsole foam and widened base
Fit: secure fit at midfoot
Durability: durable
Water Resistance: not the best water resistance
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - Chateau Grey/Forged Iron - 9 Medium
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - Chateau Grey/Forged Iron - 9 Medium
Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 midsole
Stability: Trail Adapt System
Fit: 9 Medium
Durability: Mesh outer, rubber sole
Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Pink - 9 Medium
Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Pink - 9 Medium
Traction: TrailTack rubber with aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning
Fit: secure with tongue gusset and mesh
Durability: TPU Mudguard and toecap
Related Products
Brooks Men’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 12 Medium
Brooks Men’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 12 Medium
Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole, aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning
Fit: secure, tongue gusset, breathable air mesh
Durability: TPU Mudguard and toecap
Water Resistance: low
Brooks Men's, Divide 5 GTX Trail Running Shoe
Brooks Men's, Divide 5 GTX Trail Running Shoe
Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole, aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2, lighter midsole
Stability: May not offer high stability
Fit: Secure with tongue gusset, air mesh
Durability: Solid, TPU Mudguard and toecap
Water Resistance: GORE-TEX waterproof protection
Brooks Men’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Nightlife/Titan/Oyster Mushroom - 10.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Nightlife/Titan/Oyster Mushroom - 10.5 Medium
Traction: robust rubber sole
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: raised midsole foam walls
Fit: internal midfoot saddle
Durability: long-lasting
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 16 GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Coral - 9.5 Medium
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 16 GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Coral - 9.5 Medium
Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 Technology
Stability: release grooves and Rock Shield
Fit: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane
Water Resistance: GORE-TEX membrane
#10
7.9 score
Brooks Women’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Oyster/Blissful Blue/Pink - 9 Medium
Brooks Women’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Oyster/Blissful Blue/Pink - 9 Medium
Traction: reliable rubber sole
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: internal midfoot saddle, raised foam walls
Fit: comfortably secure
Water Resistance: may not offer best water resistance
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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.