10 Best Brooks Womens Trail Shoes 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19 GTX is designed for women who enjoy trail running or hiking in wet and challenging conditions. Its standout feature is the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, which keeps feet dry while still allowing some breathability—great for rainy or muddy trails. The shoe’s grip is strong thanks to the TrailTack Green rubber outsole, which holds well on both dry and wet surfaces, helping prevent slips on uneven terrain. The cushioning is notably comfortable, using DNA LOFT v3 foam that’s soft yet responsive, especially around the heel and forefoot, so your feet feel protected without losing energy return.

Brooks also improved stability by adding the Trail Adapt System with a flexible rock shield, which helps smooth out rough ground and supports your foot during tricky steps. In terms of fit, the shoe uses a breathable mesh upper combined with the Gore-Tex layer, offering a snug but flexible fit that molds well to your foot shape. Because of the lace-up design, you can adjust tightness easily. While the shoe focuses on protection and comfort, it’s a bit on the heavier side compared to some lighter trail shoes, which might be noticeable on longer runs or hikes.

Durability looks solid with reinforced materials and a tough sole, so it should hold up well over time on rugged paths. This shoe is ideal if you want reliable waterproofing and traction for wet, rough trails and don’t mind carrying a bit more weight for that extra support and protection.

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 is designed specifically for trail running and mountain hiking, offering a good balance of stability and protection. It features the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which makes running on rough terrain feel soft and comfortable without losing responsiveness. The TrailTack Green outsole, made partly from recycled materials, delivers strong traction on both wet and dry surfaces, which is great for unpredictable trail conditions. The shoe’s stability is enhanced by a midsole system paired with a protective rock shield that guards your feet from sharp trail debris while still allowing flexibility.

The upper is made from breathable, quick-drying mesh with extra overlays in high-wear spots, making the shoe durable and resistant to trail damage. With a TPU mudguard and toe cap, it effectively keeps out mud and small rocks, maintaining comfort for longer runs. Weight-wise, it’s reasonable at 1.5 pounds, so it won’t feel heavy during extended use. While the shoe offers decent water resistance thanks to its materials and mudguard, it’s not fully waterproof, so very wet conditions might still let moisture in.

Some runners may find the fit slightly narrow if they have wider feet, so trying them on before buying is recommended. For those looking for a reliable, cushioned, and stable trail shoe with good traction and moderate water resistance, the Cascadia 18 is a solid option for women who enjoy hiking or trail running in varied conditions.

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19 is designed for women who enjoy trail running and need reliable performance on various terrains. Its standout feature is the TrailTack Green outsole, which offers strong grip on both wet and dry surfaces, helping with traction on uneven trails. The shoe’s cushioning is upgraded with DNA LOFT v3 foam in the heel and forefoot, providing a soft yet responsive feel that helps absorb shock and keep your feet comfortable during long runs.

The fit is supportive and protective thanks to a breathable mesh upper combined with 3D print overlays and a reinforced toe cap, which guards against rocks and debris without making the shoe heavy. Durability is solid because of the reinforced toe and mudguard, plus the outsole contains recycled material, which is a nice eco-friendly touch. The Trail Adapt System and Ballistic Rock Shield enhance stability, which is important when running on rocky or unpredictable ground.

This shoe is a great choice if you want a comfortable, stable, and durable trail shoe that performs well in most trail environments but might not be the best option if you need full waterproofing.