4 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes in 2024
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.
But in order to get the best of the best, we acquired trail running shoes from the brand and tested them until they were literally broken into pieces. We tackled various terrains in them before we concluded which ones impressed us the most.
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. We give ourselves no reason to be partial to any brands as we give you more reason to trust us.
What happens in our scrutinization process is:
- We run in the shoes for a minimum of 30-50 miles. We approach difficult terrains in different conditions. We observe all the abilities and inefficiencies of the shoes, and we delve deeper by evaluating them down to specifics like fit, comfort, grip, support, and more.
- We slice them into bits. We measure each part via 30 different parameters like lightness, breathability, flexibility, etc.
Best Brooks trail running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Breathable upper
- Great value for the price
- Stability-enhancing Trail Adapt plate
- Impressive grip
- Amazing tongue
- Doubles well as a hiking shoe
- Fits most foot shapes
- Velcro strap for gaiter attachment
- Designed with heel strikers in mind
Cons
- Noticeable durability issues
- Midsole lacks bounce and softness
- Still on the heavier side
- No reflective elements
Best road-to-trail Brooks running shoes
What makes it the best?
Contrary to its name, Divide 4 combines elements that pave our seamless transitions from the streets to beaten paths. It has a flexible build that makes it easy to maneuver, a balanced cushion, and a reliable grip. Among all the Brooks trail running shoes we tested, Divide 4 is our top hybrid shoe.
Running in this pair made us feel versatile as the midsole flows with every stride. It enhances our agility, making the shift to uneven terrains feel effortless. In our bend test, it took 29.9% less effort vs. the average to flex the midsole to 90 degrees.
Another element that keeps our transitions smooth is the subtle yet sticky set of lugs in the outsole. Measuring 2.7 mm thick (vs. 3.5 mm average), it gave us good traction on trails and adapted well to the road without feeling chunky underfoot.
We found the balanced cushion to be stacked enough for impact protection. Despite being 15.3% softer than the average trail shoe, it had a good amount of firmness that gives a well-planted sensation. This feeling remained when we shifted our weight laterally and ran through uneven paths.
However, the lack of grip and lug depth tells us this shoe performs best on mild trails. Best to avoid rocky, muddy, and technical terrains.
Pros
- Good impact protection
- Smooth ride
- Feels stable underfoot
- Works well as a hybrid shoe
- Suitable for hiking
- Secure lockdown
- Comfy fit
- Accommodates wide feet
- Grippy outsole
- Easy on the wallet
Cons
- Midsole feels a little dull
- Not for technical or muddy trails
- Overall issues with durability
Best lightweight Brooks trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
The Catamount 3 defies traditional trail shoes, delivering unmatched versatility in our lab tests and runs. It's our top lightweight Brooks trail shoe, combining agility and stability in a remarkably airy package, which makes it a great performer across various speeds and distances.
Catamount 3 melts away on our feet and our scales confirm its weightlessness at 9.0 oz (255g), 13.0% lighter than the average trail shoe. This is attributed to its below-average stack, which our caliper measures at 28.3/21.5 mm, giving us a heightened surface connection.
The highlight of the Catamount 3 is the DNA Flash midsole, which provides exceptional support. Despite a softer-than-average 20.4 HA reading on our durometer, the ride feels balanced and snappy. Cutting the shoe open reveals a Skyvault plate in the forefoot, which serves as a rock plate and enhances stability and bounce. Since it doesn't extend to the heel, the Catamount 3 remains 21.3% more flexible than average, effortlessly adapting to technical terrain.
Underfoot, the TrailTack Green outsole delivers a good mix of grip and durability. Its 2.9 mm lugs are the perfect depth for a smooth and fast ride. Our durometer confirms its hardness is at par with average, erasing any concerns about premature wear.
However, the upper has dense multi-layered mesh and reinforcements that hamper airflow. Those who run in warmer weather should explore more breathable options.
Pros
- Reduced weight from v2
- Enhanced flexibility
- Stable and secure ride
- High-quality materials
- Suitable for all footstrikes
- Lightweight!
- Fantastic Skyvault plate
- Adaptable across various paces
Cons
- Poor upper ventilation
- Tight fit for some
- Limited grip in wet conditions
Brooks trail running shoes with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
Upon initial wear, the Caldera 7 undeniably offers the best cushioning among all the Brooks trail running shoes we tested in and out of the lab. This terrain monster serves tons of cushioning, a breathable experience, and a stable ride— all leading to lasting comfort as we mindlessly run in easy-to-moderate terrains without leg strain.
We found Caldera 7 suitable for long, laid-back days as it provides generous amounts of highly-regarded and bouncy DNA Loft v3 foam. At 36.7/27.8 mm, it dampens landing impact, making endurance runs less taxing on our legs. Our durometer confirms a plush 15.5 HA, 33.2% softer than average.
Despite its height and plush sensation, the ride feels remarkably stable. We credit the midsole sidewalls that guide our foot alignment, the stiff central groove for steady support, and its extensive landing base. This shoe is one of the widest we’ve seen, notably its 105.2 mm heel that’s 15.6 mm wider than average!
Moving to the upper, we're in awe of Caldera’s ventilation as it uses an engineered mesh for seamless breathability. After testing with our smoke-pumping machine, we gave it a well-deserved 5/5 rating, perfect for summer adventures.
Because of its size and high torsional rigidity, we didn’t feel too agile on twisty terrains. We recommend exploring other options for technical terrains.
Pros
- Tons of cushioning
- Plush DNA Loft v3 foam
- Best Caldera to date
- Roomier than ever
- Superb upper ventilation
- Surprisingly stable
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Still heavy
- Outsole could be better
- Not for technical trails