Ladies’s Brooks Cascadia 18 Evaluation

Bottom Line

The Brooks Cascadia has always been a popular choice among trail enthusiasts for good reason. This iteration has an aggressive lug pattern, sticky traction, high-wear spot reinforced uppers, generous space for your toes without compromising midfoot and heel snugness, and neutral cushioning that still allows you to feel the ground. 

Our testers took them on dirt roads, sandy singletrack, crushed gravel paths, and muddy, root-laden trails from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. We found them to be cruisy on technical trails but also able to handle hard-packed dirt and gravel tracks without discomfort, making them a supremely versatile shoe. Also available in two widths, the Cascadia 18 is a sure bet for nearly every foot type, no matter what type of trails you run on. They are also a great value at a more budget-friendly price point making this great shoe even more appealing. Find out more in our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Traction

Built for trails, the Brooks Cascadia 18 is an avid trail runner’s dream shoe. With impressively deep lugs and sticky traction, these shoes will grip everything from wet logs to mud—keeping you stable on any adventure.

Throughout testing on a wide variety of trails, including sand, compact dirt, mud and roots, and crushed gravel, these shoes never disappointed. We found they were versatile performers even on technical terrain, providing stability and confidence. 

On a recent run in Bellingham, Washington’s Galbraith Mountain trail system, we tested them on wet rocks and logs, finding good grip with minimal slippage. Deep lugs really dig into muddy trails to keep you in control; however, they also hold that mud after you’ve finished your fun. You’ll want to make sure to knock that loose before getting into your car or walking into your house.

comfort

Providing moderate cushion, these shoes strike the perfect balance between comfort and ground feel. While prolonged wear on pavement or hard packed surfaces might eventually hurt, we found that the Cascadia 18 transitioned through harder approach surfaces, onto rugged trails, and back again with aplomb. 

The foam has a stiffer feel than some other brands, but it’s not a drawback and left us feeling stable on all terrain. No matter which width you choose (there are two), you’ll find the toe box design accommodates full toe splay without sliding. 

The heel cup and midfoot keep things in place without compression, even on longer outings. We found them comfortable right out of the box without the need to fuss too much with lacing, which was a relief, since the webbing eyelets make lace-locking difficult.

Weight

The Cascadia 18 weighs in at the heavier end of the shoes we tested, but overall we felt it was worth the trade-off for the increased durability. Higher weight does make a difference on long mountain days, but the aggressive tread, stability, and durability made it worth it. Its performance in every other area negated any drawbacks from the couple of extra ounces.

Durability

With the Cascadia 18, Brooks has crafted an extremely durable trail running shoe. Utilizing recycled materials, the mesh upper features strategic reinforced overlays in high-wear areas such as the toes and along the sides, improving durability without compromising breathability. 

On autumn hikes in Michigan, thick blankets of fallen leaves obscured trail debris which frequently caught on our shoes. Throughout the course of testing, we found that the Cascadia 18 held up to these snag hazards on trail with no tears or evidence of delamination. 

We anticipate that the woven upper will be quite durable for extended use in a wide variety of conditions making these a great choice for a lightweight hiking shoe as well as a do-it-all trail running shoe.

Breathability

While the tightly woven mesh that gives these shoes excellent durability does sacrifice some breathability, it isn’t a dealbreaker. Even though the Cascadia 18 is just a tad less breathable than some of the competition, it’s not enough to generate hot spots or cause blisters.

We would love to see these shoes dry a little faster after splashing through creeks, but they drain well and don’t cause chafing or blisters even when wet. We found them to be a little on the warm side on hotter days, but ultimately, our feet were happy even in those conditions and never felt swampy. However, prolonged use in heat and humidity might cause problems.

Responsiveness

Brooks does an excellent job of marrying ground feel with cushion in the Cascadia 18, creating a shoe that provides comfort and performance. This iteration offers plenty of responsiveness, ensuring you have the speed and agility you need without compromising comfort. 

We found that while we could feel rocks and roots on more rugged terrain, it was just the right amount—allowing us to connect and respond to the trail without feeling like our feet were getting beat up. 

If you’re used to more heavily cushioned shoes or softer midsoles, these may feel a bit flat and stiff at first, but they were not uncomfortable and we quickly adapted to their feel.

Should You Buy the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18?

Avid hikers and trail runners alike will find the Cascadia 18 a solid option. Those searching for a trail running shoe that combines a well-balanced, moderate cushion with aggressive traction and excellent stability will find it here. 

Available in two widths and a wide variety of sizes, nearly anyone can dial in a perfect fit. While they aren’t the best shoe for hard packed trails (like rail-trails and gravel bike paths), they excel on all types of singletrack, making them a highly versatile shoe that won’t break the bank.

Ultimately, these are a great choice for most trail runners and thru-hikers who are looking for a workhorse daily trail shoe or long mountain ultra racer. Those who frequent gravel paths or fire roads will want to look elsewhere. 

Given their durability, traction, and overall performance, we highly recommend them.

What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that handle rugged trails like a champ.

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: Check out this Editor’s Pick if you’re looking for a highly breathable trail shoe that can handle minimal hardpack while excelling on more technical terrain.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for a lighter shoe without sacrificing traction or durability, check out this former Editor’s Pick. These shoes are at home on rugged trails and have even more room in the footbox.

La Sportiva Bushido III Review: If you’re looking for an even more aggressive trail shoe with a narrower profile and less cushion, these trail runners check all the boxes.