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 6.9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
13 reasons to buy
The Mazama is incredibly comfortable, according to most of the reviews.
It is quite light for a trail shoe.
Several runners felt the need to go fast in this shoe.
It has decent cushioning for long runs, based on a handful of comments.
The Mazama looks really nice, as noted by some runners.
A number of runners loved the stable ride in this shoe.
Breathability is excellent, as mentioned in a few reviews.
The superb traction gathered praises from almost all of the reviews.
More than a few runners valued the Propulsion Plate as it gives the shoe a snappy ride while it also protects the foot from the rugged terrain or sharp objects along the trail.
It’s a trail shoe that some runners have used for road running without any issues.
A handful mentioned that the midfoot fit is quite snug in a good way that it prevents the foot from moving forward when running fast downhill on technical or grassy terrain.
The responsiveness is appreciated by more than a handful of runners.
It offers superb ground feedback without doing away with necessary protection, as reported by several wear testers.
2 reasons not to buy
It is expensive.
A handful of runners observed that the shoe is a bit long.
Bottom line
The Mazama is a new trail shoe that Brooks offers to those who desire speed and stability in a lightweight package. While it does not have the most aggressive outsole, the traction shines on rocks, loose terrain, sand, and grass. Moreover, the grip continues to amaze in wet conditions. This is an excellent option for almost all types of distance during training or race day.
Rankings
Popularity
World wide, Mazama is in the top 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.
86 / 100 based on 24 expert reviews
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Billy • Level 1 expert
by iRun ShopOne thing you'll notice is that the design of the outer portion of the sole is designed to give it great flexibility, which is perfect for running on technical trails and uneven surfaces. -
Mayayo Oxigeno • Level 1 expert
by mayayo oxigenoIt provides stability and guide on uneven terrain. -
Runner's World • Level 5 expert
by Runner's WorldSnug and stiff is how wear-testers described the new Mazama. That may not sound like something you want from your dirt-dancing partner, but it works well at full-tilt. -
Ethan Newberry • Level 5 expert
by TheGingerRunnerI was pleasantly surprised by the Brooks Mazama. This thing is a speedy little beast ready for some gnarly technical, fast trail running. Built with speed in mind, the responsive and fairly reduced midsole is great at propelling you up or down a mountain with relative ease. -
Kevin Fonger • Level 4 expert
by Active Gear ReviewWhile many minimalist shoes tend to skimp on the structural integrity of the shoe and primarily focus on weight, the Brooks Mazama has created the perfect blend of light weight and a shoe that you actually want to wear. -
Jeff Valliere • Level 4 expert
by Road Trail RunThe Brooks Mazama is a serious speed demon and screams to go fast. These are geared for racing on just about any terrain, at almost any distance, as they are light, stable, comfortable, well cushioned/protected, have great traction and unprecedented response at toe off. -
Brian Metzler • Level 4 expert
by TriathleteIt’s a stable-riding shoe that serves up amazing proprioceptive “feel” for the trail while still having enough foam and protection (including a forefoot plate) against roots, rocks and other obstacles. It’s light and agile, yet it’s willing to be a true mountain mauler in short doses. -
Bryon Powell • Level 4 expert
by iRunFarThe Brooks Mazama looks to be a slicker, faster cousin of the famed Cascadia. Weighing in at 9.3 ounces with a 6mm drop, the stats definitely suggest such. So does the forefoot propulsion plate and some front-to-back rigidity (though maintaining torsional flexibility). -
Running Northwest • Level 3 expert
by Running NorthwestHaving spent several very intimate weeks with the Mazama in the mountains of Japan, I can safely say this is definitely my favorite Brooks trail shoe (sorry Cascadia). It’s lighter at only 9.3oz, has a 6mm offset, features a double layer of mess in the upper (which can be a little inflexible), and finishes with a sole that is sticky and has decently grippy bi-directional lugs. -
Donald Buraglio • Level 3 expert
by Feed the HabitThe Brooks Mazama was built for speed, and it delivers the goods with an ideal combination of protection, comfort, and agility. It’s an excellent choice for trail racing, or working on quick leg turnover on your regular training routes. -
Adam Chase • Level 3 expert
by Running CompetitorIt’s a stable-riding shoe that serves up amazing proprioceptive “feel” for the trail while still having enough foam and protection (including a forefoot plate) against roots, rocks and other obstacles. -
Henry Howard • Level 2 expert
by Running Shoes GuruIt feels light like a road shoe but the sole allows the runner to quickly navigate through dirt, water, sand, rocks and other trail hazards. -
Front Runner • Level 2 expert
by Front RunnerAll in all, I'm a huge fan of the Mazama. It's a good shape, feels fast, responsive and accurate. It's light and robust so in my eyes these credentials make it an great shoe! -
Kintec • Level 2 expert
by KintecThe Mazama is also a great option for someone who does a combination of road and trail running, as this shoe feels great on concrete and asphalt as well. -
Justin Nyberg • Level 2 expert
by Outside OnlineThe firm heel and stiff rock plate are a bit much for casual runs or flat terrain, and the long, narrow last put some testers off. But for tearing through technical terrain, the Mazama is straight ninja. -
Eric Schranz • Level 1 expert
by REICombine that platform with an independent forefoot and heel, and you’ve got a shoe that offers control and nimbleness on any type of terrain. The shoe far exceeded my expectations here. -
Cregg Weinmann • Level 1 expert
by Colorado RunnerThe Mazama has a snug, almost racer-like fit, a firm responsive ride, and great traction, which earned it our award for Best Trail Shoe. -
Milo Pierwola • Level 1 expert
by Trek TechWhether you run in the city or on the trails, this has been the most fun shoe that responds well, wears comfortably for a long time, and gives you a spring in your step that just inspires you to go another mile at the last turn home. -
Nick • Level 1 expert
by Keep Try ReviewIn summary the function and practicality in this shoe is great! Its light, provides great support and is durable and well made. -
Dann Albright • Level 1 expert
by Mountain Weekly NewsBecause of its mesh upper and lack of a Gore-Tex lining, it’s quite a bit lighter than the Ultra Raptor, and will have a more sprightly feel. That being said, it’s still a “rugged trail” shoe, so it’ll give you the grip you need to stay stable on any terrain. -
Franc Ramon • Level 1 expert
by Pinoy TrailsIf you want to go light and pack some speed on the trails, go for Brooks Mazama. This can be your go to race shoes with sufficient traction for most trail surfaces. -
Emily • Level 1 expert
by Trail and Ultra RunningThe protection under foot is solid, but with a lighter tread they are able to be worn on the pavement, if needed. -
Jacob • Level 1 expert
by Hike It. Like It.For training use? Maybe. If the price isn’t prohibitive and if a moderately stiff platform doesn’t bother you, then yes. -
Melanie • Level 1 expert
by Keep Try ReviewThe shoe took a little bit of getting used to and felt like the arch was too high for my foot. It is also a little narrower than most shoes I’ve worn in the past but was not uncomfortable. -
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These are visual presentations, not reviews
Updates to Mazama
The sleek upper features a very breathable mesh that is supported by extremely light overlays on both sides of the shoe. Besides being allowing optimal airflow, the upper wraps the foot in security and comfort as well.
The sticky rubber in the outsole allows the Brooks Mazama to shine on practically all outdoor surfaces, even when it rains. With moderately-sized and aggressive lugs, the shoe offers excellent grip that can take the runner from the doorstep to the trails.
A midsole plate doubles as protection against sharp objects on the trails and keeps the run very responsive. It works well with the decoupled midfoot to allow freedom of movement separately for the heel and the forefoot.
Trail-specific protection includes a lace garage, a gusseted tongue, and a tough toe bumper. These help the runner have a more confident run on the rough trails.
Mazama size and fit
The fit of the Brooks Mazama is designed for those with medium to slightly wider feet. It holds the heel and the midfoot reasonably well. The fit is snug in a good way with adequate room in the forefoot for the toes to splay or to accommodate swelling. It runs true to size.
Outsole
The outsole of the Mazama is populated with opposite-facing arrow-shaped lugs from the heel to the forefoot. Running uphill or downhill is enhanced with this kind of outsole layout. Brooks uses a very sticky rubber compound in the outsole for great traction on almost all outdoor surfaces. The depth of the lugs is just enough that running on the road does not feel jarring or bumpy.
Midsole
Spanning the heel to the forefoot in the Brooks Mazama is the brand-exclusive BioMoGo DNA midsole foam, which delivers cushioning right where and when the runner needs it. It adjusts to the stride of the runner so that the run feels responsive and cushioned. Transitions from landing to take-off are enhanced by the full-length foam. Beneath this foam is a thin slice of TPU plate that gives more pop during toe-offs. It doubles as a protection against sharp objects when running on the trails.
Upper
Brooks utilizes a double-layered mesh for improved durability, structure, and support. The mesh is also very breathable as evidenced by the countless holes. There are numerous lightweight synthetic overlays on the lateral and medial side of the shoe for support and midfoot hold. The thin and gusseted tongue is lined with plush fabric to avoid irritation or blisters while the ankle collar has light padding. A rubber toe bumper prevents the toes from getting bruised. There is enhanced cushioning in the form of a thin Race Sockliner.
Comparison
These are the most similar shoes to {{ctrl.stripTitle(ctrl.currentShoe.title, ctrl.currentShoe.brand)}} based on it's own characteristics.
