10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Women's Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe is designed for trail runners looking for comfort, durability, and stability over long distances. Its super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning provides excellent comfort while being lightweight and responsive, making it suitable for ultra-distance runs. The rugged TrailTrack Green outsole ensures superior traction on both wet and dry trails, enhancing grip and safety.

This shoe’s durability is further supported by a breathable TPEE sandwich air mesh upper that offers protective durability and helps manage moisture, keeping your feet dry over various terrains. Stability is a key feature, with strategically raised midsole foam walls, a widened base, and added flex grooves in the outsole all working together to ensure a stable ride and smooth landings on uneven surfaces.

The fit is adaptable and secure, thanks to the improved upper design. However, it’s worth noting that the shoe is specified to be hand-washed only, which may require a bit more maintenance. Additionally, while the shoe offers excellent performance in most trail conditions, its water resistance is not explicitly highlighted, so it may not be the best choice for very wet or muddy trails. This shoe is ideal for serious trail runners seeking a combination of comfort, support, and durability for long-distance runs.

The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe is designed specifically for trail runners and mountain hikers. One of its standout features is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which provides a soft and comfortable feel over various terrains. The shoe also offers excellent traction thanks to the TrailTack Green outsole rubber, making it suitable for both wet and dry conditions. Additionally, the shoe’s stability is enhanced by the Trail Adapt System and the zonal outsole pods, which help maintain control and a stable ride on uneven surfaces.

The breathable mesh upper and the TPU mudguard add to the shoe’s durability, protecting your feet from trail debris and ensuring the shoe dries quickly after getting wet. However, while the shoe excels in cushioning, traction, and stability, it may have some drawbacks. The fit of the shoe might be an issue for some users, as it is only available in medium width, potentially limiting comfort for those with wider feet. Additionally, while the shoe is designed to block trail debris, it may not offer the same level of water resistance as some other trail running shoes.

That being said, the Cascadia 18 is a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable and stable shoe for trail running, especially in diverse conditions.

The Brooks Women’s Caldera 6 trail running shoe is designed for runners aiming to cover longer distances on trails with good support and comfort. One of its strong points is the cushioning, featuring Brooks’ softest technology yet (nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3), which makes the shoe feel plush and responsive without adding extra weight. This helps reduce fatigue over long runs. It also offers a secure fit thanks to an internal midfoot saddle that keeps your foot stable without feeling tight or stuffy.

Breathability is improved with a quick-drying mesh upper, which is great for warmer runs or wet conditions. Traction and stability are well thought out with a widened base, split heel outsole, and raised midsole walls that help with balance on uneven paths. The rubber sole should hold up well on rough surfaces, suggesting decent durability. However, the shoe weighs about 1.5 pounds, which is a bit heavier than some ultra-light trail shoes, so it might feel less nimble for those who prefer very lightweight gear.

The Caldera 6 is suitable for women looking for a cushioned, stable, and breathable trail shoe to handle a variety of terrains comfortably. If waterproofing or an ultra-lightweight design is a priority, other options might be worth exploring.