The Brooks Cascadia 16 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is a robust trail running shoe designed for off-road enthusiasts. Ideal for runners seeking stability and traction, this model features a significant 12 mm drop, making it suitable for those who prefer a lower-profile ride.

Lab tests indicate that the firm 31.5 HA foam provides a stable platform, ensuring reliable performance on uneven terrains. Additionally, the aggressive outsole offers notable grip, enhancing your confidence during challenging runs.

With its durable construction, including a ballistic rock plate and multiple upper-lacing eyelets for a customizable fit, the Brooks Cascadia 16 is engineered to tackle the demands of rugged trails.


Pros

  • Grippy outsole
  • Great lockdown
  • True to size
  • Roomy toebox
  • Durable
  • Gaiter attachments
  • Rock plate
  • Aggressive
  • Lacing options

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • A bit stiff
  • Runs warm

Key Features

  • Support in All Terrain: The release grooves in the midsole enhance adaptability on rough trails, while the Ballistic Rock Shield includes vertical grooves for side-to-side movement.
  • Cushion and Comfort: Featuring new DNA LOFT v2 Technology, this model offers 10% softer and 20% lighter cushioning compared to earlier versions, with an extra 2mm of foam in the midsole for added comfort.
  • High Performance in All Environments: Equipped with a TrailTack rubber outsole for excellent wet-dry traction, drainage ports quickly expel water, and a gusset effectively keeps out sand and debris.

Specifications

  • Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Shaft Height: Alla caviglia (Ankle height)
  • Outer Material: Synthetic

Brooks Cascadia 16 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Cascadia 16 ASICS Gel Trabuco 13 Brooks Cascadia 19 La Sportiva Mutant
Price $130 $140 $150 $165
Trail terrain Technical Light Light Technical
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.9 oz / 310g 10.2 oz / 288g 10.8 oz / 306g 11.4 oz / 323g
Drop lab Drop brand 10.3 mm 7.0 mm 7.8 mm 11.3 mm
Strike pattern Heel Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Heel
Size Slightly small True to size True to size Half size small
Midsole softness - Balanced Balanced Firm
Difference in midsole softness in cold - Normal Normal Small
Plate Rock plate Rock plate Rock plate
Toebox durability - Good Good Good
Heel padding durability - Good Decent Good
Outsole durability - Good Good Decent
Breathability - Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Narrow
Toebox width - Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Lug depth 4.3 mm 3.3 mm 3.8 mm 5.0 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 32.3 mm 33.8 mm 34.8 mm 33.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 22.0 mm 26.8 mm 27.0 mm 21.9 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
For heavy runners
Season - All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 45% Top 37% Top 50% Top 41%
Popularity Bottom 39% Top 30% Top 32% Bottom 37%