Brooks Cascadia 19 and Cascadia 19 GTX Multi Tester Review

Article by Jana Herzgova, Jen Schmidt, and John Tribbia

Brooks Cascadia 19  and Cascadia 19 GTX ($150, $180 GTX) 

Introduction

The Cascadia is Brooks heavier obligation path runner that bridges to climbing. The midsole foam is upgraded from DNA Loft v2 to supercritical DNA Loft v3 with 2mm extra cushion on the heel and 4mm extra on the forefoot so the Cascadia strikes from an 8mm drop to a 6mm drop shoe. We even have a brand new design TrailAdapt plate for extra terrain adaptable path stability.

The nineteenth incarnation of the Cascadia (spec weight 9.4 oz for girls’s) is considerably lighter than v18 (10.1 oz), which in flip was lighter than v17 (10.4 oz). 

Execs:

Stable all-around path shoe – Jen/Jana/John

Very comfy padded higher and heel collar – Jen/Jana/John

Considerably lighter than the earlier model – Jen

Higher vitality return than anticipated – Jen/Jana

Lace band is well-designed – Jen/John

Reasonably priced for the standard – Jen

Cons:

Nonetheless not the lightest shoe on the market – Jen/Jana/John

Pretty large base sacrifices some agility on technical trails – Jen

Not large foot possibility – Jana

Most comparable sneakers (along with your identify subsequent to every)

Saucony Xodus Extremely 4 – Jen

HOKA Speedgoat 5 – Jen

Brooks Caldera – Jen

Stats

Pattern Weights: 

     Cascadia 19 girls’s 9.56 oz /271g US8.5, males’s GTX  11.09oz / 314g US9

     Cascadia 19 GTX: girls’s 11.01 oz /312 g US10.5, males’s 11.09oz / 314g US9

Stack Top:  35 mm heel /  29 mm forefoot 

Platform Width:  100mm heel / 85mm midfoot  / 120mm forefoot 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Jana: The black colorway on the Cascadia 19 GTX is one in every of my favorites—clear, understated, and sharp. Proper out of the field, the shoe feels stable and trail-ready. It’s obtained that reliable Brooks look with simply sufficient updates to really feel contemporary.

The match is true to measurement and feels safe all through. It’s not overly cosy, but it surely wraps the foot properly, particularly within the heel and midfoot. There’s sufficient room within the toe field for toe splay, but it surely doesn’t really feel sloppy or unfastened.

The higher makes use of a Gore-Tex Invisible Match waterproof membrane that’s bonded on to the mesh. It retains water out with out making the shoe really feel cumbersome or stiff, and breathability continues to be respectable for a water-resistant path shoe. The mesh itself is tender and versatile, with supportive overlays that add construction and sturdiness. The gusseted tongue and padded collar add to the consolation, and total it’s a well-executed higher that holds as much as lengthy days out.

Jen: This was my introduction to the Cascadia, a shoe that has developed a loyal fan base all through its 19 variations. Nonetheless, the Cascadia has been closely criticized up to now for being, properly, heavy. 

I used to be pleasantly stunned to find that my pattern weighed in at 271 g (9.56 oz, USW8.5), nearly a full ounce lower than v17 and half an oz lower than v18. It stays on the heavier finish of the spectrum, however is barely lighter than the Saucony Xodus Extremely 4 (which I lately examined and cherished RTR Evaluation) or the HOKA Mafate Velocity 3 and Craft Extremely Path 2. 

Out of the field, my first impression was consolation – the tender liner and plushly padded tongue and heel collar really feel luxurious, particularly on drained toes as I started put on testing the week after a 50k. 

The heel counter is sort of agency and extends pretty excessive up the heel, so the additional padding on the heel collar feels mandatory. Along with the bolstered bands that have been launched to the higher in v18, v19 options 3D print overlays that might additional enhance sturdiness.

The refined elastic lace band on the tongue is a very well-designed contact and retains the laces in place with no further fuss.

The refined elastic band throughout the tongue retains the laces securely in place with out the necessity for an overbuilt lace storage.

As Jana famous, the match is safe with out being cosy and supplies a bit further room within the toe field. My low-volume foot didn’t slide round a lot on the run, however the match would simply accommodate a wider midfoot and forefoot. 

John: I largely agree with Jana and Jen’s evaluation of the Cascadia 19 GTX’s preliminary really feel. The shoe presents as a stable and well-constructed path runner proper out of the field. The GTX model, particularly, conjures up confidence for tackling wetter circumstances. Since we hit a dry spell right here in Colorado, I needed to resort to testing its waterproof claims with a backyard hose, and it handed with flying colours, preserving my toes completely dry.

Just like Jen’s expertise, the quick standout function for me was the consolation of the higher. The padded tongue and heel collar create a luxurious and safe match, which is a welcome and appreciated contact for lengthy days on the path. 

The elastic lace band might be my favourite small function that Brooks makes use of; it’s easy, efficient, and retains the laces locked down with none fuss. The match is true to measurement for my barely slim foot, offering ample room within the toe field with out feeling sloppy or inflicting any undesirable motion.

Midsole & Platform

Jana: The cushioning feels agency however comfy—extra about stability and assist than softness. It offers simply sufficient padding to maintain your toes completely satisfied on lengthy trails with out feeling squishy or sluggish. 

The froth is upgraded from DNA Loft v2 to supercritical DNA Loft v3 with 2mm extra cushion on the heel and 4mm extra on the forefoot so the Cascadia strikes from an 8mm drop to a 6mm drop shoe. The Path Adapt plate is modified.

The bottom feels stable and regular, which helps lots on uneven floor. Whether or not you are going uphill, downhill, or over rocks, the shoe stays balanced and protects your toes properly. It’s not a brilliant bouncy trip, but it surely’s dependable and will get the job executed. 

Jen: RTR testers famous in v18 of the Cascadia that the DNA LOFT v2 midsole was noticeably softer than in v17, and we get one other improve right here to DNA LOFT v3 plus a further 2 mm of froth within the heel and 4 mm within the midfoot. 

This forgiving midsole is well-suited to lengthy miles, though not so tender that it sacrifices vitality return fully. With the additional nitro-infused foam, excessive stack, and lack of rocker, v19 is finest suited to straightforward run days and hikes relatively than racing. The bottom is large, lending further stability and balancing out the 35 mm stack top. Then again, that width can really feel a bit clunky when in search of exact foot placement on technical terrain.

John: Whereas I can’t immediately evaluate this to earlier variations of the Cascadia, I discovered the midsole to offer an excellent stability of cushioning and responsiveness. It is not overly tender or mushy, which I admire, because it permits for a secure and managed really feel on different terrain. I agree with Jana that it feels extra about stability and assist than pure softness. The DNA Loft v3 foam gives nice safety from rocks and roots underfoot with out fully muting the path really feel. The 6mm drop feels comfy and pure, hitting a candy spot that ought to work properly for many runners.

Outsole

Jana: The grip is reliable on nearly any floor—filth, rocks, mud, or unfastened gravel. The lugs aren’t overly aggressive, however they chew properly and provide you with confidence on climbs and descents.

The rubber feels sturdy and handles moist circumstances with out slipping round. It’s not the stickiest outsole on the market, but it surely does its job properly and holds as much as powerful trails. General, it’s a stable selection in order for you traction with out feeling such as you’re sporting climbing boots.

Jen: I like to see sustainability-focused updates, and v19 will get a TrailTack Inexperienced outsole made from 25% recycled content material. My native trails are nearly fully dry at this level, so I couldn’t take a look at it on moist circumstances, however the 4 mm lugs carried out fairly properly on dry, unfastened, gravelly, sandy, and rocky surfaces.

The TrailAdapt system (Brooks’ built-in midsole/rock plate/outsole) will get up to date on this model as properly, switching out the midsole foam as mentioned beforehand and altering to a versatile and articulated rock plate. I didn’t run in v18, however my notion of v19 is that the articulated rock plate does enable the shoe to accommodate rockier terrain with out feeling too stiff. 

John: The TrailTack Inexperienced rubber on the outsole supplied dependable grip throughout the dry and sometimes unfastened, gravelly trails I frequent. The 4mm lugs are versatile; they’re deep sufficient to chew into softer filth however not so aggressive that they really feel awkward on laborious packed sections or temporary highway crossings.

What I discovered most spectacular is how the outsole works with the brand new articulated rock plate and midsole to have an effect on the trip. The segmentation within the plate and outsole permits the shoe to flex and adapt to uneven surfaces remarkably properly. This method prevents the shoe from feeling stiff or slappy, which may be a problem with extremely protecting path sneakers. As an alternative, the trip is easy and fluid, because the shoe strikes with the terrain relatively than preventing towards it. This adaptability supplies a really safe and predictable feeling underfoot, regardless of the circumstances.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Jana: The trip feels secure and easy. It’s not tremendous energetic or tender, but it surely rolls alongside properly and retains your toes protected. The shoe feels particularly good on lengthy, regular efforts—extra about consolation and management than velocity. It handles technical terrain properly with out feeling cumbersome.

I additionally advocate it to hikers – it’s cozy and performs properly on hikes as properly.

In conclusion, the Cascadia 19 GTX is a stable, all-around path shoe constructed for consolation, safety, and moist circumstances. The match is safe, the waterproof higher works with out feeling stiff, and the grip holds regular on most surfaces. It’s not flashy or ultra-light, but it surely’s reliable—particularly in case you’re spending plenty of time on the paths.

For those who’re in search of a shoe that may deal with tough terrain, variable climate, and lengthy miles with out a lot fuss, this one is a robust selection. Simply don’t anticipate a brilliant tender trip—it’s constructed extra for stability and sturdiness than velocity.

Jana’s Rating: 8.9 /10

Experience: 9; Match 9 (very cozy for me – however not for large foot of us); Worth 8.5 (it looks like all sneakers these days are costly – however this one I like); Fashion 9.5; Traction 8.5; Rock Safety 9

😊😊😊😊😊 – this pair is in my rotation for just a few days every week

Jen: I agree with Jana that the Cascadia 19 stays true to the remainder of the road’s popularity as reliable and cozy, however sensible and intentional updates from Brooks to an already in style line make v19 quicker and extra versatile. It won’t be my race day shoe, but it surely’s a simple selection for mileage days over gentle to reasonable terrain, particularly when my toes are sore and drained. The softness of the liner and the additional cushion within the heel collar and tongue add a contact of luxuriousness, and the trip was lighter and fewer stiff than I’d anticipated based mostly on what I’d heard about earlier variations. 

Jen’s Rating: 8.90/10

Experience (30%): 8.5 

Match (30%): 9

Worth (10%): 9.5

Fashion (5%): 9

Traction (15%): 9 (however couldn’t take a look at on moist surfaces)

Rock Safety (10%): 9

 😊😊😊😊- comfy and fulfilling

John: The Cascadia 19 GTX delivers a trip that’s, above all, secure, protecting, and predictable. It’s a workhorse of a shoe that feels able to dealing with nearly something you throw at it. The mixture of the cushioned DNA Loft v3 midsole, the adaptive TrailAdapt system, and the dependable outsole creates a really safe expertise on the path. It is not a shoe that screams “quick,” but it surely supplies a easy, comfy, and environment friendly trip that encourages you to remain out longer.

I’d advocate the Cascadia 19 GTX to any runner in search of a do-it-all path shoe. It’s a wonderful selection for every day coaching, lengthy runs, and even climbing. It builds confidence with each step, letting you deal with the path forward relatively than what’s in your toes.

John’s Rating: 8.65/10

Experience (30%): 8.5 

Match (30%): 9

Worth (10%): 8.5

Fashion (5%): 9

Traction (15%): 8 (stable, however VJ, La Sportiva are the benchmark right here)

Rock Safety (10%): 8.5

😊😊😊😊

Comparisons

Brooks Cascadia 18 (RTR Evaluation) – Jen

Whereas I didn’t run on this model, it’s the closest comparability for the reason that updates are comparatively minor, as described all through. Briefly, v19 updates the nitro-infused foam within the midsole and provides extra within the heel and forefoot, removes half an oz of weight, and updates the rock plate and outsole to enhance adaptability and sustainability specs.

Saucony Xodus Extremely 4 (RTR Evaluation) – Jen

Each sneakers are generalists prepared for lengthy miles and a wide range of surfaces, however the Xodus feels snappier to me regardless of being related weight (just below 10 oz in a US W8.5), stack top (35-36 mm), and drop (6 mm). The higher of the Cascadia is extra comfy, however the narrower base of the Xodus feels readier to sort out technical trails. I’d attain for the Cascadia for restoration days and favor the Xodus for exercises or tougher terrain.

Index to all RTR critiques: HERE

The Cascadia 19 is obtainable August 1st, 2025

Thanks for studying our assessment!

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Tester Profiles

Jana Herzgova took up working in 2016, after a again harm. Previous to that she was a velocity skater, however because of again ache and physician’s suggestion, she transitioned into working. Since then, beginning with shorter extremely distance races she rapidly developed into an avid lengthy distance and unsupported mountain runner. She additionally likes to tackle challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, primarily in unsupported and semi-self supported fashion. She presently lives in Utah/Wyoming.

Jennifer Schmidt  discovered path working in her mid-20’s and commenced dabbling on the roads just a few years later. Path 50k’s are nearest and dearest to her coronary heart, and she or he lately took the win on the 2025 Manner Too Cool 50k and positioned sixth on the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. Nowadays, you could find her totally on the candy California singletrack round Auburn, chasing aggressive and private targets over a wide range of surfaces and distances. Relying on the season, she additionally competes within the USATF highway and XC circuits for Sacramento Working Affiliation’s racing crew, with a marathon PR of two:41.

John Tribbia (5′ 6″, 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/path runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Ft, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Despite the fact that he competes much less often lately, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover John having fun with the every day grind of working on any floor, although his favourite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has gained races reminiscent of America’s Uphill, Imogene Cross Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Collection; and he is held a number of FKTs on a number of iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. For those who comply with him on Strava, you will discover he runs at various paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile earlier than the break of daybreak nearly every single day.

Samples have been supplied at no cost for assessment functions. No compensation was supplied by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought by way of buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.

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