Brooks Cascadia 20

The Brooks Cascadia 20 is really versatile: enough cushioning to protect you on concrete or hard-packed, stony ground, but it’s not overly bulky. On a steep hillside, soft grass or mud you still have the feeling of ground-contact for confidence. Although like all of our trail shoes, it's neutral, its natural stability makes it a good choice for over-pronators.

The Brooks Cascadia 20 is ideal if...

You run or walk on wet and muddy terrains
You need stability on uneven ground
Your priority is comfort over speed

Feature	Details
Category	Trail Running Shoes
Cushioning	Balanced
Weight	M 306g / W 275g
Drop	6mm (38/32mm)
Lug Depth	4mm
Fit	True to size
Width Options	Standard & Wide

Men's Brooks Cascadia 20

£140

Women's Brooks Cascadia 20

£140

Pros

Smooth heel-toe transition – plush feel throughout
Good space in the toe box – great for longer distance
Excellent grip and traction on downhill running
Great shoe for walking/hiking too
CarbonNeutral® product – I love that Brooks is taking the environment seriously!

Cons

For muddier conditions you'd need a shoe with deeper lugs for better grip and traction

Improvements on Cascadia 19

Better traction with Vibram Megagrip rubber, more reliable even on technical terrains
4mm of extra cushioning, increased stack-height from heel to toes
Softer and more responsive without sacrificing stability

Features

Upper

The improved seamless air-mesh upper with 3D overlays is breathable and offers a secure fit
Good toe-guard coverage and protection
Gusset tongue keeps debris out
Loop to keep your laces secure and in place even on the most rugged terrain
Gaiter attachment

Midsole

New soft nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2 foam for enhanced cushioning and comfort
Flexible Rock Shield to protect against sharp stones
Upgraded Trail Adapt System integrates midsole, rock plate, and outsole system to provide security over any trail terrain

Outersole

New Vibram Megagrip is durable and provides excellent traction
Traction Lug technology for exceptional grip on wet and dry surfaces
4mm deep lugs
Multidirectional lugs provide grip for uphill and downhill running

In Testing

I've had previous versions of the Cascadia and I'm finding this version the most comfortable so far. The Trail Adapt system really does work, the shoe responds to the terrain and there's no twisting of your ankles when you hit a rut in the ground, you feel in control and more confident when the trails get fun!

As soon as you put them on, they fit like a glove, supporting the ankle but giving enough space for your toes to be happy and relaxed.

The cushioning is lovely, soft without losing that feeling on responsiveness and ground contact that's so important when the terrain is constantly changing. Running downhill there's no jarring as you land.

I love the grip in Cascadia 20. It doesn't look very aggressive, but it actually provides fantastic stability on a muddy trail or pebbles. Equally, when I start on tarmac before getting to the trails it still feels soft and comfy. If you're looking for a mixed-terrain shoe, you won't be disappointed.

Verdict

Great mixed-terrain shoe for all surfaces. Soft, cushioned and with fantastic grip. Now even lighter, you won't be disappointed with Cascadia 20. This is a Carbon Neutral trainer and that makes it even more attractive. Must have!

Men's Brooks Cascadia 20

£140

Men's Brooks Cascadia 20 Wide

£140

Women's Brooks Cascadia 20

£140

Brooks Cascadia 20 Comparison

Product	Comparison
Hoka Challenger	Better for road-to-trail. Balanced rather than Max cushioning, higher heel-to-toe drop at 8mm, similar weight, same width fittings. Waterproof version.
Saucony Peregrine	Better for road-to-trail. Balanced rather than Max cushioning, similar grip, similar heel-to-toe drop, slightly lighter, waterproof version for men.
Hoka Speedgoat	Better for longer mountain runs. More cushioned, lighter and faster feeling. Same grip and traction. Slightly lower drop at 5mm. Narrower fit and toe box. Available in wide version.
La Sportiva Akasha	More rugged for tough terrain (almost like a fell shoe), better grip on soft surfaces, more stable, very durable, firmer cushioning, slightly heavier, same heel-to-toe drop at 6mm. Narrower fit.