Brooks Cascadia 19 – Women's Shoes

Product detailed description

The Brooks Cascadia caught our attention primarily because of its versatility for trail running and long-distance hikes.

Brooks Running

This iconic American brand has carved out its place among the absolute top running shoe manufacturers in a truly remarkable way. It started out as a manufacturer of swim shoes and ballet slippers. Via roller skates, baseball, soccer, and softball cleats, they eventually made their way to running shoes.

Following a massive boom in interest in running after the 1972 Olympic marathon, they began to specialize exclusively in running shoes. They made history as one of the greatest innovators and developers of running technologies. For example, they were the first to use EVA foam or a breathable upper made of GORE-TEX. 

For us, their collaboration with trail running legend Scott Jurek is key. For example, the seven-time (1999–2005) winner of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and the record holder (2015) for completing the Appalachian Trail in 46 days.

And it was this badass who helped develop some of the most respected and versatile trail shoes in the universe at Brooks Running. The Brooks Cascadia.

Legend of long-distance trails

It’s been a long time since we put away our leather hiking boots and switched to lightweight running shoes. For ultralight travel, lightweight and highly breathable shoes are simply better suited. Tested, period. More here.

In addition to trail runners, the Brooks Cascadia quickly earned its place among hikers. Or rather, before the new modern shoes arrived—the ones you commonly see on trails today—the Brooks Cascadia was an absolute legend on long-distance trails. So, of course, they can’t be missing from our selection of running shoes.

Our Míra put the Brooks Cascadia 19 through its paces on a trek, and you can read his impressions here.

Brooks Cascadia 19

This is already the 19th version of this model, and Brooks is living up to its reputation as a leading innovator. As part of the Trail Adapt™ system, they’ve significantly improved the cushioning, and their nitrogen-injected DNA LOFT v3 midsole is now even softer and lighter. A protective layer—Ballistic Rock Shield, —has been newly inserted between the foam layers, acting as protection against rocks.

It integrates with the TrailTack outsole (4.5mm multi-directional lugs) and adapts beautifully to uneven terrain. Combined with a 35mm heel-to-toe drop (29mm at the toe), it provides truly luxurious comfort and traction even on the roughest terrain. Those in the know have surely already calculated that the drop on this model is 6 mm. Not too little, not too much, just right in the middle... ;-)

The shoe’s collar provides ample protection for the foot and toes. The upper is made of lightweight and highly breathable mesh. The overall shape of the shoe respects all trail running conventions and offers plenty of space. 

The Brooks Cascadia 19 is a shoe that was there at the very birth of trail running and remains true to how Brooks and Scott Jurek once envisioned it—a shoe for every adventure!

Choosing the Right Size

When choosing running shoes, we recommend selecting a size at least one size larger than your usual shoe size. This will help you avoid blisters, pressure sores, and other discomforts. If you’re looking for shoes primarily for long-distance treks, a larger size is an absolute must—we often recommend choosing shoes up to a size and a half larger.

Long-term exertion in demanding terrain puts significant strain on your feet, causing them to swell quickly. What feels comfortable during a short training session or a weekend hike is often not enough for a multi-day trek.

When choosing a larger size, however, it is absolutely essential that your heel stays secure in the shoe. If your heel "slides around," tightening the laces usually won’t solve the problem—in that case, we recommend choosing a different type or model of shoe.  A properly fitting shoe is the foundation of comfort and the prevention of pressure points and blisters.

All Brooks Cascadia models in our selection are Medium/B widths.

Brooks Cascadia 19:

• Stable and adaptable.
• Excellent cushioning.
• Traction in wet and dry conditions.
• Flat laces.

Technical specifications:

• Weight: 305 grams in size 43.
• Cushioning height 35 mm / 29 mm.
• Drop 6 mm.

Material:

• DNA LOFT v3 midsole.
• TrailTack outsole.
• Lightweight, breathable mesh upper.