Brooks Cascadia 19 Review: The Legend Levels Up
Cascadia 19: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 298g
- W: 266g
Best For:
- All-round trail running
Price:
- $280 AUD
Stack Height & Drop:
- 34.5mm heel / 28.5mm forefoot
- 6mm drop
- 4mm lugs
Favourite Features:
- DNA Loft v3 hits a sweet spot—soft but still responsive.
- More accommodating upper with a wider toebox.
Release Date:
- July 1st, 2025
What’s the Cascadia 19 All About?
The Brooks Cascadia is a true trail classic. Not many trail shoes make it to their 19th version, so that alone tells you just how long this one’s been trusted by runners and hikers alike.
Originally created with ultra legend Scott Jurek back in 2004, the Cascadia built its reputation in the ultra world, racking up wins and becoming a go-to for those chasing long days on technical terrain. Over time, as trail running boomed and more brands entered the scene with innovative designs, Brooks expanded their trail lineup, and the Cascadia gradually shifted toward more of a hiking/adventure shoe, falling a bit behind some of the more performance-driven options.
Personally, I’ve had a few versions of the Cascadia in my rotation over the past few years. It’s always been a reliable choice for adventure racing, rogaining and big hikes, being super rugged, protective and stable. It’s the kind of shoe that gives you confidence, especially when going off-trail. That said, I’ve also found the ride a little flat and the firmer DNA Loft v2 midsole could feel a bit harsh on longer missions.
So when I heard the Cascadia was getting upgraded with DNA Loft v3, I was genuinely excited.
On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes, so let’s break down what’s new.
There are three key updates in the Cascadia 19
1) New midsole heights: Softer, Lighter, Smoother
The most noticeable update is the new midsole. Brooks swapped out the firmer DNA Loft v2 for their softer and more energetic DNA Loft v3 foam, the same one used in the Caldera. I’ve run in that foam before and really like it, it strikes a great balance between soft and responsive without going over the top.
It’s also 20% lighter, which is a big win. The drop changes from 8mm to 6mm, and they’ve added a touch more stack height: +2mm in the heel and +4mm in the forefoot. The result is a more cushioned and smoother-feeling shoe that’s now more comfortable over long distances.
Worth noting: at 34.5mm in the heel, it’s getting close to the Caldera 8 in terms of height. That makes me wonder whether the lines between the two models are beginning to blur? The Cascadia has traditionally been the more stable and technical option, so I’m curious whether it holds onto that identity or leans more into the “all-day comfort” category.
2) Upper Updates: Room to Move
One of the trends in trail shoes right now is more room in the toe box, and Brooks is clearly listening. The Cascadia 19 gets a more rounded forefoot and a softer, plusher upper that keeps things comfy, especially on longer runs. It's a classic Brooks feel, just with more room to splay your toes.
It’s great for long days when your feet need a bit more space as they swell. You do lose the gaiter attachment from previous versions, but you still get a heel pull tab and slightly tweaked overlays. Nothing drastic—just small refinements.
3) Trail Adapt System: Still Stable, More Flexible
The Trail Adapt system is still a big part of what makes the Cascadia work, it links the rock plate, midsole and outsole for a stable, protective ride on technical terrain. What’s new is that the softer DNA Loft v3 midsole adds more flexibility and torsional give, helping the shoe adapt better to uneven ground.
These updates have given the shoe more flexibility which translates to stability on the trail - the shoe is softer though which often makes it less stable so it'll be interesting to see how this goes over time.
The outsole also gets a slight refresh. The TrailTack Green rubber feels softer underfoot, which adds to the improved comfort and grip across varied surfaces. Lug depth stays similar, but the shape and flex grooves have been tweaked to improve flow and adaptability.
One thing to watch: the softer rubber may wear faster than previous versions. That said, Brooks shoes have generally been pretty durable in my experience, so I’m hopeful it holds up well over time.
Our first thoughts
I really like this update from Brooks. It’s the Cascadia refresh I think a lot of people have been waiting for.
It’s softer, more dynamic and just more fun to run in. The ride is smoother and more forgiving, making it more versatile for longer distances and a wider range of trail users. That said, it may give up a bit of its edge in the most rugged terrain, whether that’s a pro or con depends on your needs. Personally, I think it’s a smart trade-off that will suit most runners better.
If you’ve worn previous versions of the Cascadia, this one will feel different, but in a good way. You’ll feel the changes, but also feel right at home.
About the author
Seb Lopez - Trail Runner & Photographer
I’m passionate about trail running, hiking, adventure racing, and the outdoors in general. My favourite runs are long days spent with mates, exploring new places.
I also appreciate how different shoes allow me to connect with the terrain in unique ways and how that affects the running experience. When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll probably find me behind the camera as a sports photographer. It’s great to be on the other side and see the sport from a different angle.
