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10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium

The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe is designed specifically for trail runners and mountain hikers. One of its standout features is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which provides a soft and comfortable feel over various terrains. The shoe also offers excellent traction thanks to the TrailTack Green outsole rubber, making it suitable for both wet and dry conditions. Additionally, the shoe’s stability is enhanced by the Trail Adapt System and the zonal outsole pods, which help maintain control and a stable ride on uneven surfaces.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,174
Cushioning
Stability
Fit

Most important from
183 reviews

Cushioning
While the shoe excels in cushioning and support, the forefoot may not be wide enough for those with broader feet.
Stability
The stability of the Cascadia 18 is unmatched; I've never turned an ankle in them, even in rugged mountain terrains.
Fit
The new lacing system is a significant improvement, making it much easier to adjust the fit.
#2
10.0 score

Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - White/Navy/Bittersweet - 8 Medium

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe is designed for runners who enjoy challenging terrains and need reliable footwear to support them. The shoe excels in providing soft cushioning with its DNA LOFT v2 midsole technology, ensuring comfort on long trails. Enhanced traction is a standout feature, thanks to the TrailTack Green outsole, which performs well on both wet and dry surfaces and incorporates recycled materials for added sustainability.

Rating
10.0
Traction
Cushioning
Fit

Most important from
445 reviews

Traction
Super comfy with great arch support and solid grip, perfect for walking, jogging, and hiking.
Cushioning
Perfect for long days with lots of walking, offering extra pressure points that keep feet comfortable and pain-free.
Fit
Amazing fit and feel right from the start, ideal for dirt and rock trails.
#3
9.9 score

Brooks Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Citadel/Sunny Lime - 10 Medium

The Brooks Women's Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe is designed for trail runners looking for comfort, durability, and stability over long distances. Its super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning provides excellent comfort while being lightweight and responsive, making it suitable for ultra-distance runs. The rugged TrailTrack Green outsole ensures superior traction on both wet and dry trails, enhancing grip and safety.

Rating
9.9
Traction
Cushioning
Stability

Most important from
121 reviews

Traction
Fits true to size with a wide platform for stability. Very comfortable for 2+ mile power walks and provides great traction on wet streets and sidewalks.
Cushioning
If you want a very plush, cushiony sneaker, these are perfect. Ideal for long-distance hiking with excellent foot support.
Stability
Super comfy and lightweight, yet incredibly stable. I hiked 13 miles on first wear and felt great!
Fit
Fits true to size with a wide platform for stability. Very comfortable for 2+ mile power walks and provides great traction on wet streets and sidewalks.

Top 10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened Pearl/Grey - 10.5 Medium

Traction: TrailTack Green rubber
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2
Stability: Trail Adapt System, zonal pods
Fit: Medium width
Durability: Breathable mesh, TPU mudguard

Chosen by 1174 this week

Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - White/Navy/Bittersweet - 8 Medium

Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 midsole
Stability: Trail Adapt System
Fit: medium sizes
Durability: canvas outer and rubber sole

Brooks Women’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Citadel/Sunny Lime - 10 Medium

Traction: Rugged TrailTrack Green outsole
Cushioning: Super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: Raised midsole foam, widened base, flex grooves
Fit: Adaptable and secure
Durability: Breathable TPEE sandwich air mesh upper

Brooks Men’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoe - Chateau Grey/Forged Iron - 9 Medium

Traction: TrailTack Green outsole
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 midsole
Stability: Trail Adapt System
Fit: 9 Medium
Durability: Mesh outer, rubber sole

Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Pink - 9 Medium

Traction: TrailTack rubber with aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning
Fit: secure with tongue gusset and mesh
Durability: TPU Mudguard and toecap

Brooks Men’s Caldera 7 Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Blue Sapphire/Orange - 9.5 Medium

Traction: excellent on wet and dry trails
Cushioning: super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: raised midsole foam and widened base
Fit: secure fit at midfoot
Durability: durable
Water Resistance: not the best water resistance

Brooks Men's, Divide 5 GTX Trail Running Shoe

Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole, aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2, lighter midsole
Stability: May not offer high stability
Fit: Secure with tongue gusset, air mesh
Durability: Solid, TPU Mudguard and toecap
Water Resistance: GORE-TEX waterproof protection

Brooks Men’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 12 Medium

Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole, aggressive lugs
Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning
Fit: secure, tongue gusset, breathable air mesh
Durability: TPU Mudguard and toecap
Water Resistance: low

Brooks Women’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Oyster/Blissful Blue/Pink - 9 Medium

Traction: reliable rubber sole
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: internal midfoot saddle, raised foam walls
Fit: comfortably secure
Water Resistance: may not offer best water resistance

Brooks Men’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Nightlife/Titan/Oyster Mushroom - 10.5 Medium

Traction: robust rubber sole
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3
Stability: raised midsole foam walls
Fit: internal midfoot saddle
Durability: long-lasting
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Buying Guide for the Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes

Choosing the right trail running shoes is crucial for a comfortable and safe running experience. Trail running shoes are designed to provide better traction, stability, and protection compared to regular running shoes. When selecting a pair, it's important to consider various factors that will affect your performance and comfort on different terrains. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
TractionTraction refers to the grip that the shoe's outsole provides on different surfaces. This is important because trail running often involves uneven, slippery, or loose terrain. Shoes with aggressive lugs (deep, widely spaced treads) offer better grip on muddy and soft surfaces, while shoes with smaller, more closely spaced lugs are better for hard-packed trails. Consider the type of terrain you will be running on most frequently to choose the right level of traction.
CushioningCushioning is the amount of padding in the shoe's midsole, which affects comfort and shock absorption. More cushioning can provide a softer, more comfortable ride, which is beneficial for longer runs or rough terrain. However, it can also add weight and reduce ground feel. Less cushioning offers a more responsive and lightweight experience, which can be preferable for shorter runs or smoother trails. Think about your running distance and terrain to determine the right amount of cushioning for you.
StabilityStability in trail running shoes helps prevent ankle rolls and provides support on uneven terrain. Shoes with a wider base, firmer midsole, and additional support features like a rock plate (a thin, hard layer in the midsole) offer better stability. If you frequently run on rocky or uneven trails, or if you have a history of ankle injuries, look for shoes with enhanced stability features. For smoother trails or if you prefer a more flexible shoe, you might opt for less stability.
FitThe fit of the shoe is crucial for comfort and performance. Trail running shoes should fit snugly around the midfoot and heel to prevent slipping, but have enough room in the toe box to accommodate swelling and natural toe splay. A good fit helps prevent blisters and other foot issues. It's important to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are more swollen, and to wear the same socks you plan to run in. Consider your foot shape and any specific needs, such as wide or narrow feet, when choosing the fit.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the shoes can withstand the wear and tear of trail running. This is important because trail running can be tough on shoes, with exposure to rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Shoes made with high-quality materials and reinforced areas (like the toe cap and heel) tend to last longer. If you run frequently or on particularly rough trails, investing in a more durable shoe can save you money in the long run. Consider the typical conditions of your runs to determine the level of durability you need.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is the shoe's ability to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. This is important for comfort and to prevent blisters. Shoes with waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex) can keep water out but may be less breathable, which can lead to sweaty feet. Water-resistant shoes offer some protection while maintaining better breathability. If you run in wet or muddy conditions often, consider shoes with good water resistance. For dry climates, breathability might be more important.

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