The Brooks Caldera 6 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Caldera 6 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for long-distance runs and road-to-trail transitions. It is particularly suited for those seeking comfort and protection during extended outings.

With its enhanced DNA Loft v3 foam, the shoe offers a lighter and plusher experience, translating to improved cushioning on rugged terrains. However, its larger dimensions result in added weight, which may affect agility during sharp turns and rapid descents.


Pros

  • Enhanced, maxed-out protection
  • Excellent grip on dry surfaces
  • Remarkably stable despite its massive height
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Perfect for road-to-trail transitions
  • Ultra-comfortable for long runs with DNA Loft v3
  • Lighter compared to the Caldera 5
  • Superb heel support
  • Extensive upper TPU protection

Cons

  • Still too heavy
  • Excessively wide platform for technical terrain
  • Too much exposed foam on the outsole

Key Features

    Supportive Design: The Caldera 6 focuses on providing support for those ready to tackle extensive distances.

    Nitrogen-Infused DNA LOFT v3: This cutting-edge technology delivers soft, lightweight, and responsive cushioning, making every step feel plush.

    Internal Midfoot Saddle: This feature ensures your foot remains securely in place while allowing air circulation for breathability.

    Enhanced Breathability: Made with a quick-drying, lightweight air mesh upper that enhances airflow.

    Stable Ride: The foot sits securely within raised midsole foam walls, complemented by a widened base and split heel outsole for stability on uneven surfaces.

Specifications

    Origin: Imported

    Sole Material: Rubber

    Outer Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

    Inner Material: Jersey

Brooks Caldera 6 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Caldera 6 ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 Brooks Caldera 8 Hoka Stinson 7
Price $150 $85 $150 $170
Trail terrain Light Light Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 11.1 oz / 315g 10.3 oz / 292g 10.9 oz / 309g 12.1 oz / 342g
Drop lab Drop brand 12.1 mm 10.1 mm 8.8 mm 7.0 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Soft Balanced Soft Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Normal Big Big
Toebox durability Very good Very bad Bad Very bad
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Good Bad
Outsole durability Good Decent Decent Decent
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Flexible Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Lug depth 3.5 mm 4.0 mm 3.6 mm 3.0 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 38.4 mm 37.7 mm 36.7 mm 40.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 26.3 mm 27.6 mm 27.9 mm 33.0 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
For heavy runners
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 38% Bottom 20% Top 25% Bottom 43%
Popularity Bottom 30% Bottom 44% Top 47% Top 33%