Brooks Cascadia Elite

The Brooks Cascadia Elite is the American brand's entry into the trail super shoe segment: a fast, cushioned racing shoe designed for ultras and demanding mountain races. Although it uses men's sizing as its reference, it is a unisex model. In Brooks' trail range it complements the more aggressive Catamount 4, filling the maximum-cushioning slot with propulsion for long distances.

One of its star features is the DNA GOLD 100% PEBA midsole, the same foam as the road Hyperion Elite 5, much lighter, springier and more responsive than the DNA LOFT v3 of the Cascadia 19. Sandwiched between the foam layers is a horseshoe-shaped SpeedVault+ propulsion plate made of carbon-infused Pebax, designed to add stability on technical terrain without the aggressive stiffness of a full carbon plate. The MATRYX technical fabric upper with Kevlar fibres offers a remarkably secure hold, with a sock-like construction and a mini gaiter built in around the ankle that helps keep the foot in place without losing flexibility. Despite the absurdly oversized brand name on the side, the design is modern and attractive, although that is always subjective.

With 40 mm of stack height at the heel and 34 mm at the forefoot (6 mm drop), the geometry is generous but offset by a particularly wide platform that improves stability on uneven ground. The Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole (without the yellow logo on the sole you are nobody on the scene, with apologies to La Sportiva), with 3–4 mm lugs, provides outstanding grip in both dry and wet conditions, and the directional mini lugs help braking at the rear and traction at the front. Despite the volume, the weight stays contained at around 267 g, making it a very interesting option for runners looking for cushioning in abundance without dragging weight over long distances, with full wallets, because the launch price is high; everyone can judge whether it is worth what it costs. Ideal for ultras and competitive trail races where comfort at a sustained pace comes first.