Brooks Cascadia 15, Men’s race Running Shoe

Product Information

According to the reviewers who tested the shoe, this new Brooks Cascadia offers the perfect combination of comfort, protection, and bounce. The weight is not as light as we would expect—298 g (M)/269 g (W)—but runners couldn’t feel it. We still have to appreciate Brooks’ efforts to increase the cushioning and sole height while shaving a bit of the weight simultaneously (7 g less, yay!). Canice is a 2 x finisher of the Wasatch 100, the Bear 100, Moab 100, Western States 100, and Leadman as well as many other ultras. He regularly competes in Expedition Length Adventure races with his longest race to date 600 miles as well as in traditional road races and triathlons. Another gripe, there are no reflective elements. It looks like there are on the toe, but it doesn’t really light up in our tests. And the velcro strap on the heel does have a bit of shiny thread but it’s really faint in our tests as well. The multidirectional lugs are pronounced and numerous, spread across the entire outsole for maximum traction.

This year’s Cascadia 15 resembles the previous version in almost every way, which makes sense– only real update is an enhanced upper. Jeff V: The Caldera 4 has a very similar upper in regard to material, but the Caldera has a wider, more relaxed fit that makes it more suited to moderate to mellow terrain than the Cascadia. Cushioning is also softer and more ample, though traction and overall technical performance does not match the Cascadia.TAYLOR: To answer the question from before, sadly, the Brooks Cascadia 15 is more like the bighorn king who once was. I tried. I really, really tried. After reviewing the overhauled Cascadia 14 last year, I had zero interest in stepping foot in it again. I worked myself up to be excited about the 15 and was really let down again. The overlay on the tip of the toe box does not feature any drainage holes. There are slits on the sides and near the heel, but if you are a forefoot striker, the water can stay accumulated in the toe box. One should also note the universal gaiter loops and durable lacing. Again, besides the restrictive feeling in the toes, this shoe is well constructed. Midsole

Hannah: blister free, comfortable fit out of the box. Great traction. Best for mellow recovery hikes and runs Jeff V: Very close in my opinion in all ways, though the Mad River TR 2 has perhaps a touch better traction and a slightly softer midsole. Brooks has a history and reputation of making well-built, high-end, reliable running footwear, and this is no exception.Jeff V: I really like the Cascadia 15 and it does a wonderful job performing as a versatile, well protected, durable everyday trainer. Some days I have a specific agenda and select a shoe that will perfectly fill that niche, but other days, I walk out the door not knowing the route, terrain, how fast I feel like going or if it will involve scrambling, some fire roads, wet, mud, snow, etc… On those days, the Cascadia 15 is the perfect shoe to grab that will handle just about anything you throw at it.

Last but not least, if the Brooks Cascadia 16 received such high scores from the testers, it’s also because of the excellent ground feelit offers. Typically, you have to choose between cushion and proprioception. Well, not here! ConclusionI really liked the upper in the Cascadia 15s, but the best features are in the midsole of this shoe. The durable midsole features an 8mm drop and provides good protection underfoot. I’m generally impressed with the looks, profile, and design of the Cascadia 15s, although it doesn’t necessarily grab one’s attention with its outward design. The color scheme pictured here is Ebony/Red, with a gold accent for the logo and some of the trim. Are you running in either the Brooks Cascadia 15 or the Brooks Cascadia 15 GTX? Leave a comment to share your thoughts on either or both shoe models.

If I am going to give up some of that plush cushioning, I would like to get something in return for it. I did not experience that with this shoe. Style of the Brooks Cascadia 15TAYLOR: I waited this long to say it, but both last year’s model and the new Cascadia 15 are on my shortlist of shoes that I really don’t like. Another overhaul would be welcomed! Honestly, it’s outdated and out-performed by so many other shoes, even from the same company. Greg Pirtle (Male / 6' 0" / 180lbs / 38 years old) road and trail runner who has run everything from 5K to 100K races. Runs 70-90 training miles a week with about 20-30 of those miles being on the trail. Typically run 80-90% of my road miles easy/low HR (less than 145bpm) @ 9:00 to 9:30/mi. The famed Brooks upper And given the extra protective element of Gore-Tex, how does this shoe do in some sloppy and wet conditions? John: Agree with Jeff and I will only comment that I felt that the Mad River TR 2 midsole is much softer and cushier than the Cascadia 15’s, at least during the initial break-in period.