If there’s one brand I recommend to clients and fellow runners time and time again, it’s Brooks. Their shoes have helped me avoid injury more times than I can count. The problem? Off-road.
I’m pretty nervous on the trails. The grip and security of my Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide seem to put that at ease – but I don’t go out for too long. I also worry that moving too far away from Brooks would lead to a tweak, a strain or, in the past, a stress fracture – no thank you!
But with the Cascadia 19, that worry’s gone. Brooks describes this best trail running shoe as ideal for those looking to feel confident on any trail, thanks to its stable, supportive, and – best of all – fun traits.
Thankfully, I can now explore off-road trails and run over all sorts of terrain, including grass, rocks, road, wooden stiles, stony tracks, and dusty dry-mud fields without overthinking every step. I even ran for longer than an hour without worrying too much about an injury.
Read on to find out more about why this is my new go-to trail trainer.
Brooks Cascadia 19 review: Price and availability
The Brooks Cascadia 19 launched in July 2025 and is available now via Brooks, retailing for around £135 / $175 / AU$279.95. They come in three colourways. I tested the Coconut/Misty Blue/Ebony version – a versatile, slightly muted style that looks just as good around town as it does covered in trail mud.
Brooks Cascadia 19 Review: Specification
- Stack height: 35 mm heel
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
- Weight (men / women): 297g / 256g (US M9 / W8)
- Lug depth: 4mm (multidirectional chevron pattern)
- Sizes: US 3–11 (varies by region)
- Colours: At least three colourways (region-specific)
Brooks Cascadia 19 Review: Design and build quality
The Cascadia 19 slips on like a trail-ready slipper; plush, supportive, and instantly comfortable. There’s no break-in period required, and even after hours on tough terrain, the extra padding helps prevent hotspots and, crucially, any soreness in the feet or toes.
Fit-wise, it’s true to size with a generous toe box – no numb little toe woes here. It’s a strong option for (my) flat or wide feet, and the lacing system is simple and secure, with a neat tab to tuck away the laces. The laces are also flat with a slight grip to them, so once laced up, they stay in place and don’t loosen.
The upper is another standout: breathable, waterproof, soft, and flexible – minus the stiff, plasticky feel often found in other trail shoes. The thick, wide tongue might take over slightly, but the cradle-like heel collar offers a snug, pressure-free hold around the Achilles, which feels fine and comfortable with no movement once my feet are locked in. A rear pull tab makes them easy to slide on and adjust.
Cascadia 19 review: Running performance
(Image credit: Future)
Underfoot, the real star is the DNA Loft v3 midsole, first introduced in Brooks’ Caldera. This nitrogen-infused foam delivers better energy return alongside increased softness and responsiveness. A rockered forefoot and slightly lower profile also make this version feel more agile than its predecessor, the 18 — and more so than clunkier, platform-like trainers like the Hoka Tecton X3– or the Saucony Peregrine 14, which, for me, can create a feeling of being higher off the ground and less stable, particularly on technical trails.
Despite being a neutral shoe, the Cascadia 19 doesn’t skimp on stability. Its wide platform creates a grounded, secure base over uneven ground, while the cushioned midsole walks the line between plush and reactive. Pair that with an aggressive lug pattern on the outsole, and you’ve got solid grip in thick boggy terrain or highly technical conditions.
From top to bottom, the Cascadia 19 is clearly built for comfort and durability. Whether you’re clocking weekend long runs or tackling remote trails, it’s a reliable and seriously comfortable companion.
Brooks Cascadia 19 review: Running performance
(Image credit: Future)
Built for rugged mountain terrain, the Cascadia 19 arrives with a major performance overhaul. It builds on the Cascadia 18’s strengths while pushing forward in two key areas: grip and stability.
The headline update is Brooks’ enhanced Trail Adapt System, which now features a co-molded Ballistic Rock Shield integrated directly into the midsole. The result? A smoother, more sure-footed ride over sharp rocks and uneven ground – without compromising flexibility.
The outsole’s been re-engineered, too. Its 4mm multidirectional chevron lugs, split down the centre, boost traction on climbs, descents, and unpredictable surfaces. These arrow-like shapes face forward in the forefoot and backward at the heel, offering dynamic grip and a natural flex over technical terrain.
Meanwhile, the TrailTack Green rubber, made from 25% recycled material, delivers dependable all-weather grip and allows for natural foot movement and added responsiveness. Combined with the adaptive midsole and pivot system, the Cascadia 19 inspires confidence across rocky ridgelines, muddy singletracks, and everything in between.
Brooks Cascadia 19 review: Aesthetics
(Image credit: Future)
The Cascadia 19 isn’t just rugged in performance – it looks surprisingly sleek for a trail shoe. I was genuinely impressed by the design. The colour combo is eye-catching and stylish, and I love the flashes of buttery yellow — especially the jaggery grove detailing on the sole. It’s not too bold, but just bright enough to feel sporty and confident.
The upper is made from a reinforced mesh that’s breathable, quick-drying, and flexible, with strategically placed overlays around the front to provide trail-ready protection from sharp rocks and roots – all without sacrificing comfort.
This mesh not only kept my feet cool in the sweltering heat, but also held up in the rain, resisted abrasions, and kept out debris. The overall effect? A trail shoe that looks and feels tough, with a versatile, go-anywhere vibe.
Details like the gusseted tongue, T-Gaiter attachment points, and reinforced toe cap complete the mountain-ready look. While it’s not the lightest silhouette out there, the structured build is clearly designed for durability over minimalism – and I could wear them all day without any discomfort or heavy feet and gain some speed on the trails thanks to the reassuring grip.
Brooks Cascadia 19 review: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
Building on the legacy of the Cascadia 18, the Cascadia 19 is an impressive evolution. Brooks has taken this trusted trail workhorse and upgraded it with a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, resulting in a ride that’s cushioned, responsive, and surprisingly nimble. The pivot system in the midsole adapts smoothly to uneven ground, and the redesigned outsole delivers excellent traction, biting confidently into mud, wet rock, and loose gravel. Meanwhile, the updated upper feels modern, with breathable mesh, protective overlays, and waterproof performance without the bulk. They’re supportive and comfortable enough for all-day wear and hugged my feet like a dream whether trail running or hiking.
Sure, they’re not the lightest option out there, and the thick tongue might be a bit chunky for those chasing an ultra-light race-day feel, but the Cascadia 19 stands out as the most fun this line has felt in years. There’s bounce, grip, and a sense of confidence underfoot – and at a competitive price point, it’s a well-rounded, dependable trail shoe for everyday off-road adventures.
Brooks Cascadia 19 review: Also consider
If you like the stable yet energetic ride of the Brooks Cascadia 19 but prefer something more stripped back, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a great alternative. It delivers excellent ground feel, a responsive midsole, and a secure, snug upper without bulk. It’s lighter underfoot yet sits lower to the ground – ideal for runners who want to stay nimble on technical terrain.
For long-distance comfort with an even plusher ride, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is another top contender. It features a similarly aggressive outsole for grip and a roomier forefoot fit, making it a solid pick for ultra-distance events or extended hiking sessions. The cushioning is softer than the Cascadia’s but still offers enough stability for mountainous routes.
And if you’re chasing midsole magic with support for overpronation, the Asics GEL-Trabuco 10 is a strong choice. Designed for stability without sacrificing comfort, it performs well across varied terrain and longer runs – combining grip, cushioning, and structure in a well-rounded trail package.
