The Brooks Caldera 7 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Caldera 7 is a trail running shoe designed for those who prioritize cushioning and stability on easy trails. With its notable features, including a substantial amount of cushioning and a ventilated upper, this shoe is ideal for runners seeking comfort during their runs.

Lab tests reveal a stable ride, making it an excellent choice for runners focused on plush performance. However, the design may not fully cater to technical terrains and could be improved with a lighter weight. Overall, the Brooks Caldera 7 excels in providing a soft ride, particularly suited for less challenging trail conditions.


Pros

  • Tons of cushioning
  • Plush DNA Loft v3 foam
  • Best Caldera to date
  • Superb upper ventilation
  • Surprisingly stable
  • Fairly priced
  • Can handle ultra races

Cons

  • Still heavy
  • Outsole could be better
  • Not for technical trails

Key Features

  • Ultra-Cushioning: The Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning ensures that your feet remain comfortable even on lengthy runs.
  • Rugged Outsole: The new TrailTrack Green outsole design enhances traction on various terrains, providing reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions.
  • Durable Upper: The breathable TPEE sandwich air mesh upper offers protection while ensuring moisture management during your runs.
  • Stable Ride: Features like strategically raised midsole foam walls and flex grooves aim to stabilize your movements over uneven ground.
  • Eco-Friendly: Made with 25% recycled materials, the Caldera 7 is a certified carbon-neutral product, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Shaft Height: Ankle Strap
  • Outer Material: Synthetic

Brooks Caldera 7 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Caldera 7 ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2 Brooks Caldera 8 Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Price $150 $85 $150 $185
Trail terrain Light Light Light Moderate
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.8 oz / 305g 10.3 oz / 292g 10.9 oz / 309g 10.3 oz / 293g
Drop lab Drop brand 8.9 mm 10.1 mm 8.8 mm 7.2 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 Normal
Toebox durability Decent Very bad Bad Good
Heel padding durability Good Bad Good Good
Outsole durability Decent Decent Decent Good
Breathability Breathable Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Narrow
Stiffness Stiff Flexible Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Flexible
Lug depth 4.0 mm 4.0 mm 3.6 mm 3.9 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 36.7 mm 37.7 mm 36.7 mm 38.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 27.8 mm 27.6 mm 27.9 mm 30.8 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
For heavy runners
Season Summer All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 40% Bottom 20% Top 25% Top 36%
Popularity Bottom 39% Bottom 44% Top 47% Top 23%