5 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
5 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Brooks has made a name in the running world. It’s given us some of the best road running shoes, and it sure didn’t let us down with its trail shoes

Among all the running shoes we’ve tested, nothing comes close to Brooks trail shoes in the durability department. Even better, they’re supportive and grippy, it’s hard to lose your steps in them.

How we test trail running shoes

Every shoe on this list, we’ve examined down to the nitty-gritties. We also have our own RunRepeat shoe testing lab where we conduct these tests. And before we do the following, we always make sure to buy each shoe with our own money: 

  • Run in them for a minimum of 30-50 miles
  • Slice them into bits
  • Measure each part via 30 different parameters like lightness, breathability, flexibility, etc.
  • Compute their Corescore through thousands of expert and user feedback 

Best Brooks trail running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand a stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!

Pros

  • Grippy outsole
  • Great lockdown
  • True to size
  • Roomy toebox
  • Durable
  • Gaiter attachments
  • Rock plate
  • Aggressive
  • Lacing options

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • A bit stiff
  • Runs warm
Full review of Brooks Cascadia 16

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Oyster Mushroom/Alloy/Orange (038)
Titan/Peacoat/Nightlife (411)
White/Biscuit/Rooibos (173)
Peacoat/Atomic Blue/Rooibos (490)
Yellow/Black/Grenadine (745)
Eclipse/Marina/Chalk (427)
Black/Grey/Red (008)
Zinnia/Eclipse/Nomad (758)
More colors

Best Brooks trail running shoes with wide toebox

Brooks Caldera 6
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

A true bruiser, the Caldera 6 from Brooks is a trail running shoe that lives and breathes comfort and protection. This said, it's not only a perfect trail shoe for long days; it's also an exceptional choice for road-to-trail excursions. Even more, it's hailed as the best Caldera to date, nailing it in the ride department with its fun and peppy performance.

Pros

  • Maxed-out protection
  • Grippy on wet, semi-technical trails
  • Stable on rugged surfaces
  • More responsive
  • Great for road-to-trail runs
  • Comfy for long miles
  • Lighter than the Caldera 5
  • Roomy enough for ultras
  • Amazing heel hold
  • Soft upper

Cons

  • Doesn't shed off mud
  • Not for narrow feet
Full review of Brooks Caldera 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Nightlife Titan Oyster Mushroo (756)
Oyster/Blue Depths/Pearl (071)
Rooibos/Biscuit/Peacoat (269)
Peacoat/Atomic Blue/Rooibos (490)
Black Fiery Red Blazing Yellow (035)

Brooks trail running shoes with best cushioning

Brooks Divide 3
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Brooks Divide 3 stands out as one of the best choices when it comes to door-to-trail shoes. It has received a complete makeover compared to the previous iteration, and considering its price, it's now a nearly perfect daily trainer, capable of tackling almost any situation, whether it is trails or roads. It can be as good (or even better) as many other more expensive competitors in its category.

Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable
  • Versatile for roads and trails
  • Smooth predictable ride
  • Great for long days out
  • Absolutely affordable
  • Overall secure fit
  • Broad toe box
  • Stable on moderate trails

Cons

  • Ride feels flat
  • Not for very technical trails
Full review of Brooks Divide 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Alloy/Titan/Nightlife (046)
Rooibos/Biscuit/Peacoat (269)
Blue (490)
Black/Pearl/Blue (017)

Best Brooks trail running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

Many runners know the Cascadia. It was one of the most popular trail running shoes back in the day, and with the 16th version, it has received a solid update. It’s nearly an all-new shoe and one that excels at protecting and keeping the feet stable on a variety of terrains, whether you are out for an ultramarathon or a short hike. This GTX version is also effective against bad weather, and overall a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Superb protection
  • All-day comfort
  • Smooth, pleasant ride
  • Waterproof, yet breathable
  • Roomy toe-box
  • Secure fit
  • Grippy even on wet rocks
  • Extremely stable
  • Sturdy and durable
  • No breaking-in needed
  • Doubles as a hiker

Cons

  • Could be lighter
  • Too firm underfoot for some
  • Not particularly responsive
Full review of Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/Ebony/Cinnabar (060)

Best Brooks trail supination running shoes

What makes it the best?

Speedy runs on technical terrains are a piece of cake with the Catamount 2, according to most reviewers. With top-tier construction from top to bottom ensuring a snug and well-supported fit, these trail runners not only look good, but they also perform great too. The confidence-boosting lockdown and super grippy outsole make slipping on the trails a thing of the past with these trail shoes from Brooks.

Pros

  • Fun and fast ride
  • Fits true to size
  • Great for technical terrain
  • Very responsive
  • Lightweight
  • Superb lockdown
  • Grips on almost everything
  • Looks really rad

Cons

  • Cutouts on the outsole pick up mud
  • Cushion turns rigid at lower temperatures
Full review of Brooks Catamount 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Blue (490)
Rooibos/Biscuit/Peacoat (269)

Comparison of the 5 best Brooks trail running shoes

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Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.