The Brooks Caldera 8 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Caldera 8 is a max-stack running shoe designed for those seeking stability and comfort during their runs. With a **12 mm drop**, it is particularly suitable for heel strikers, providing an optimal transition from heel to toe.

Lab tests indicate that the cushioning is moderate, which may affect performance for runners looking for a more substantial foam base. The **firm 31.5 HA foam** contributes to a stable platform, ensuring reliable grip and seamless transitions on varied terrains.

While the Brooks Caldera 8 retains the stable ride and excellent lockdown of its predecessors, it remains heavy and bulky, reflecting only minor updates from version 7. To enhance its competitive edge, future iterations may benefit from a comprehensive redesign rather than incremental changes.


Pros

  • Outstanding stability
  • Comfortable, smooth ride
  • Versatile on easy and moderate terrain
  • Secure, reliable lockdown
  • Fair and reasonable price
  • Dependable traction
  • Cleaner, more refined look

Cons

  • Still heavy
  • Needs more cushioning
  • Bulky, overly wide heel
  • Only for slow paces

Key Features

  • MEN'S ULTRA TRAIL SHOE: The Caldera 8 is built for distance, equipped with DNA Loft v3 cushioning that provides exceptional softness while delivering stability on rugged trails.
  • BREATHABLE PERFORMANCE UPPER: The shoe's upper is crafted from durable materials resistant to scratches and snags, featuring breathable air mesh with TPEE for effective moisture management.
  • ENDURING COMFORT: Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning offers a plush ride, protecting your feet from the harsh elements of rocky and root-filled paths.
  • SMOOTH, ADAPTABLE RIDE: Raised sidewalls contribute to added security and flexibility, while an expanded base and flex grooves in the outsole stabilize each landing.
  • CARBON NEUTRAL CERTIFIED: This product achieves carbon neutrality by utilizing recycled materials and supporting carbon offset projects, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious runners.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Nylon
  • Inner material: Nylon

Brooks Caldera 8 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Caldera 8 The North Face Vectiv Enduris 3 Nike Wildhorse 10 Saucony Xodus Ultra 4
Price $150 $150 $165 $170
Trail terrain Light Light Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.9 oz / 309g 9.7 oz / 275g 11 oz / 312g 11 oz / 312g
Drop lab Drop brand 8.8 mm 11.6 mm 10.9 mm 6.5 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size -
Midsole softness Soft Balanced Soft Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Big Normal Normal Normal
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Bad Good Very bad Decent
Heel padding durability Good Good Good Bad
Outsole durability Decent Good Decent Decent
Breathability Moderate Warm Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Lug depth 3.6 mm 3.3 mm 3.4 mm 3.5 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 36.7 mm 35.8 mm 38.3 mm 37.6 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 27.9 mm 24.2 mm 27.4 mm 31.1 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 25% Top 14% Top 7% Bottom 45%
Popularity Top 47% Bottom 48% Top 37% Bottom 42%