5 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes in 2026

The gravel trend is only getting bigger, and Brooks finally joined the party with the Ghost Trail. We found in the lab that it blends the familiar Ghost ride with dependable traction, strong durability, and a comfort-packed upper. We were especially impressed by how naturally the shoe transitions from asphalt to gravel and easy trails. It’s true that the weight runs a bit high and the tapered fit will not suit every foot, yet we believe Brooks delivered a very convincing first attempt.

We found that Brooks basically mixed the Hyperion Elite 5 with the Cascadia 19 and created a surprisingly convincing trail super shoe. The Cascadia Elite delivers explosive energy return, elite-level grip, and a premium-loaded build that immediately feels special on foot. We were especially impressed by the new Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole, which bites into the terrain with incredible confidence on fast and smooth trails. But the snug fit, high-drop geometry, and high price will clearly limit its appeal for many runners. Still, Brooks absolutely delivered one of the most advanced trail racers currently available on its very first attempt.

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 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.

With repetitive landings, we could feel the Caldera 8 taking care of our footing and our leg muscles, offering the best stability among all the Brooks trail running shoes we tested in and out of the lab. This shoe serves well-cushioned landings, reliable traction, and a surefooted ride—creating a smooth and relaxed experience in easy-to-moderate terrain.

Despite its plush sensation, the ride feels remarkably stable. We credit the midsole sidewalls that guide our foot alignment, the high torsional rigidity (21% stiffer than average) for steady support, and the extensive landing base. This shoe is one of the widest we’ve seen at 116.6/104.0 mm, notably its heel, which is 13.6 mm wider than average!

We found Caldera 8 suitable for laid-back days. At 36.7/27.9 mm, it reduces landing impact, making endurance runs less taxing on our legs. Additionally, our shock absorption test reveals a high score of 129/111 SA in the heel and forefoot, respectively, proving the relief we experienced.

Moving to the outsole, we're relieved of Caldera’s traction in various conditions. After our traction test, we found that it offers a dependable grip of 0.59, further assisted by 3.6 mm lugs that feel versatile on more technical sections.

Because of its wide dimensions, Caldera 8 feels like a bulky SUV. Those who prefer more agility for twisty trails should go for a more fluid and compact shoe.