Facts
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who does not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who needs arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overproanation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
Summary
We spent 6 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
5 reasons to buy
- Runners applauded the rugged outsole of the Brooks Cascadia 11 that delivers great traction for rough and wet surfaces.
- The Full-Length Segmented Crash Pad provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition, according to a couple of reviews.
- It features a Ballistic Rock Shield that keeps foot well-protection while running on hard and rough terrains.
- The mesh upper of the Cascadia 11 keeps foot cool and dry.
- Cushioning is resilient, noted a handful of runners.
3 reasons not to buy
- This shoe is slightly expensive for some runners.
- Some runners felt that this shoe is a bit heavy for them.
- Based on some reviews, the tongue feels off because it rubs the top of the foot.
Bottom line
The Brooks Cascadia 11 is versatile running shoe that offers a balance of cushioning, support and protection. With the impressive traction, this shoe will not disappoint trail runners who love to run in rough terrains.
Rankings
Popularity
Ratings
My Rating
Expert Reviews
Experts are runners, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
79 / 100 based on 17 expert reviews
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70 / 100 by Rob Andro • Rob Andro • Level 4 expert
Sadly, no improvements that rose it up in the standards of my shoe collection…
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86 / 100 by Sage to Summit • Jeff • Level 1 expert
It's still a go-to shoe, for me, for ultradistance races and big days in the mountains.
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90 / 100 by Road Trail Run • Jeff Valliere • Level 5 expert
Though a touch on the heavier side at 11.8 oz/334 grams., the added weight is well worth the all day protection and rugged durability it provides.
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76 / 100 by Runner's World • Runner's World • Level 5 expert
This model fit my feet perfectly, but the support caused comfort to be sacrificed—the shoes are a little firmer than cushiony
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88 / 100 by Active Gear Review • Kevin Fonger • Level 4 expert
If you had a mini heart attack over the flaw in the 10, Brooks heard it loud and clear and the 11 is better than ever!
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82 / 100 by Trail to Peak • Drew Robinson • Level 4 expert
If you have a narrow foot and like a shoe that fits with precision, this could be a great choice for you.
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81 / 100 by iRunFar • Bryon Powell • Level 4 expert
The Brooks Cascadia 11 is largely the Cascadia 10 with improvements to minimize the upper-tearing issues found in its predecessor.
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60 / 100 by Running Shoes Guru • Thomas Caughlan • Level 4 expert
In today's world of trail running shoes, the Cascadia feels like a re-issue from 2008, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
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83 / 100 by SGB Today • SGB Today • Level 3 expert
This shoe could easily double as a speed-hiker.
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81 / 100 by John Ellings • John Ellings • Level 3 expert
The design change was prompted by a few performance issues with the Cascadia 10, but otherwise, it’s the same fine shoe from last year. - See more at:
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81 / 100 by Trail Run Mag • Chris Ord • Level 3 expert
It’s not for short and fast racers – it’s a bit heavy and slow on the turnover, and not for plush maximalist runners either as it is not the squishiest thing on hard packed surfaces and on downhill heel strikes.
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80 / 100 by Relentless Forward Commotion • Heather Gannoe • Level 3 expert
That said, for me: I’ll be sticking with something a little more minimal.
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80 / 100 by Rackets and Runners • Rackets and Runners • Level 2 expert
Brooks set the standard for the modern trail running shoe with the Cascadia.
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79 / 100 by Runner's World UK • Runner's World UK • Level 2 expert
Grip is good thanks to deep lugs at both the front and back of the shoe, cushioning is excellent and there’s also a “Rockshield” – a plate between the outsole and midsole to prevent stone bruising.
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78 / 100 by Sage to Summit • Jeff Kozak • Level 2 expert
Except for the fact that the toebox could be a bit wider, especially over the front "pivot posts," the Cascadia 11 feels like a winner.
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83 / 100 by Outdoor Gear TV • Whitney • Level 1 expert
If you have narrow feet, try this shoe on. If you have a wider foot, it probably won't fit you.
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82 / 100 by Jamie • Jamie • Level 1 expert
The shoe remains stable and reliable, with traction that offers a good compromise between grip and durability.
Updates to Brooks Cascadia 11
- The Brooks brand has likened the Cascadia 11 to an SUV for the foot. It delivers responsible cushioning, a balanced platform, and a set of trail-specific features that’s sure to protect the foot at all times. It’s a versatile running shoe that can function well as part of the runner’s go-to gear when tackling those off-road adventures.
- Trail-specific technologies give the runner more protection and balance when taking on those unpredictable terrains. A suspension system helps in balancing the foot when standing on uneven ground; a ballistic rock shield protects the foot from debris; and the aggressive outsole gives traction over many types of surfaces.
- The mid-sole unit makes use of cushioning technologies that conform to the shape of the underfoot. It’s attuned to the individual needs of the runner. It delivers responsible cushioning, as well as flexibility.
- The outsole uses environment-friendly materials in order to make a robust and reliable layer of protection against wear and abrasion. The aggressive outsole design was specifically made to function well on the trails, yet it also gives traction over wet surfaces.
Brooks Cascadia 11 size and fit
The Brooks Cascadia 11 fits large. It is recommended to choose ½ size smaller than the standard length. It has a medium width when it comes to its heel, mid-foot and forefoot sections. It accommodates the runner who has a medium-sized foot. This shoe’s semi-curved shape follows the natural curve of the human foot.
Outsole
The HPR Green is an outsole unit that uses environment-friendly compounds. This layer is durable and it protects the rest of the sole unit from the abrasive nature of the trails. It also delivers traction that is resistant to skidding. Now, the shoe can hold firmly on dry and wet surfaces.
The Cush Pod Configuration is an outsole/mid-sole design that essentially primes the foot to perform more efficiently through the gait cycle. The rear section receives impact well and disperses shock; the forefoot is flexible enough to make each toe-off efficient.
Midsole
The BioMoGo DNA is a cushioning technology that is soft and comfortable. It carries the foot well and even molds itself to the shape of the underfoot, allowing the platform to fully support the curvature of the underfoot.
The S-257 mid-sole compound adds more cushioning and flexibility to the platform. It allows the foot to move naturally, so each step isn’t restricted or limited.
The Heel and Forefoot Pivot System makes use of posts that assist in balancing the foot when stepping on unpredictable surfaces. They keep the foot in place and reduces the risk of slippage. It’s like a car’s suspension system that adapts to the varied surfaces.The Ballistic Rock Shield makes use of a thermoplastic EVA sheath, which is placed right between the outsole and the mid-sole unit. It protects the foot from jagged surfaces and potentially harmful trail debris.
A smooth transition from the heel to the forefoot is afforded by the Caterpillar Crash Pad. This segmented section of the mid-sole flexes with the foot and gives cushioning and stability for a smoother and more responsive ride.
Upper
The Element Mesh is a breathable material that makes up the main upper unit. It is capable of managing moisture, so the material and the foot stay dry throughout the activity.
A secure mid-foot fit is afforded by a Conformable Saddle Construction. It shapes itself to the contours of the foot, making the fit more customizable and agreeable to the runner. Synthetic
Overlays provide security and snugness to the fit. They help the upper unit in wrapping the foot comfortably and surely, thus preventing slips and discomfort when running.
The Element Lining is an inner sleeve that’s soft and smooth. The foot can acclimate well to it when wearing the shoe. It has a moisture-managing capability, so the foot stays dry at all times.
The Profile Sock liner is an added layer of cushioning that’s made from the BioMoGo material. It molds itself to the shape of the foot, thus giving a personalized underfoot experience, as well as consistent and reliable support.