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 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
World wide, Cascadia 11 is in the bottom 50% most popular running shoes. The brand, Brooks, is the 5th most popular.
Map: Shows popularity per continent based on 1010 shoes
Ratings
Expert reviews
Experts are running shoe geeks, 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 18 expert reviews
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Jeff • Level 1 expert
by Sage to SummitIt's still a go-to shoe, for me, for ultradistance races and big days in the mountains. -
Whitney • Level 1 expert
by Outdoor Gear TVIf you have narrow feet, try this shoe on. If you have a wider foot, it probably won't fit you. -
Runner's World • Level 5 expert
by Runner's WorldThis model fit my feet perfectly, but the support caused comfort to be sacrificed—the shoes are a little firmer than cushiony -
Jeff Valliere • Level 4 expert
by Road Trail RunThough 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. -
Kevin Fonger • Level 4 expert
by Active Gear ReviewIf 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! -
Drew Robinson • Level 4 expert
by Trail to PeakIf you have a narrow foot and like a shoe that fits with precision, this could be a great choice for you. -
Bryon Powell • Level 4 expert
by iRunFarThe Brooks Cascadia 11 is largely the Cascadia 10 with improvements to minimize the upper-tearing issues found in its predecessor. -
Rob Andro • Level 4 expert
by Rob AndroSadly, no improvements that rose it up in the standards of my shoe collection… -
Thomas Caughlan • Level 4 expert
by Running Shoes GuruIn today's world of trail running shoes, the Cascadia feels like a re-issue from 2008, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. -
John Ellings • Level 3 expert
by John EllingsThe 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: -
Chris Ord • Level 2 expert
by Trail Run MagazineIt’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. -
Rackets and Runners • Level 2 expert
by Rackets and RunnersBrooks set the standard for the modern trail running shoe with the Cascadia. -
Relentless Forward Commotion • Level 2 expert
by Relentless Forward CommotionThat said, for me: I’ll be sticking with something a little more minimal. -
Jeff Kozak • Level 2 expert
by Sage to SummitExcept for the fact that the toebox could be a bit wider, especially over the front "pivot posts," the Cascadia 11 feels like a winner. -
Jamie • Level 1 expert
by JamieThe shoe remains stable and reliable, with traction that offers a good compromise between grip and durability.
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Runner's World UK • Level 1 expert
by Runner's WorldGrip 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. -
DesertRunner • Level 1 expert
by Gear InstituteIt falls short in comfort, design, width, and basic trail shoe concepts. -
Show moreless reviews
These are visual presentations, not reviews
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Connor • Running Warehouse
Along with the continued use of a forefoot Balistic Rock Shield for extra protection and a four-point pivot system for added control, this shoe is ready for any trail thrown in its way. -
Nelly • Shop Zappos
Down at the bottom, there's the long-lasting HPR Green outsole that offers reliable traction in wet and dry conditions. -
Connor • Running Warehouse
On the upper, an updated moisture-mesh design helps to increase breathability while providing a snug and secure wrap. -
Warren Greene • Performance Store
What's new? Well, it's all about the upper with this model. Taking away some of the overlays, especially in the forefoot, leaving that really good over-arch hold to really lock down the foot on top of the platform. -
Richard • Shop Zappos
You have a full-length BioMoGo DNA midsole that'll give you adaptive cushioning and plenty of shock absorption. You also have [a] full-length segmented crash pad to give you those fast heel-to-toe transitions.
Updates to 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.
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.
Comparison
These are the most similar shoes to {{ctrl.stripTitle(ctrl.currentShoe.title, ctrl.currentShoe.brand)}} based on it's own characteristics.
