Brooks Cascadia 19 Reviews

Ran a 50-mile ultra in the Cascadia 19 and prefers its extra cushion to the older brick-like models.

Has run two 50-milers in the Cascadia 19 and is a fan.

Their favourite trail shoe for wide feet: completed a first 100k on technical terrain in the Cascadia 19, bombing descents in comfort with great foot protection.

Two testers with about 87 and 98 miles, covering long mountain runs in heavy rain and a 41-mile race section. They liked the soft, bouncy foam that felt lighter than its 11 oz, the secure lockdown despite the very padded tongue, the roomy forefoot and the flexible forefoot. The flaw is thin rock protection: the 87-mile tester punctured the exposed forefoot foam and felt rock hits, expects 300 to 400 miles of running, and prefers it for training over racing.

About 31 miles of mixed road, gravel, mud and rocky trail with creek crossings, starting with a 12-plus mile first run. They found the foam soft and comfortable, the fit true to size with no blisters or heel slip, and the midfoot snug only until it broke in. Downsides are poor drainage after creek crossings, taking over a mile to feel dry, and a heavily padded tongue that holds water. They'd use it for daily and long runs, even a 50k, on rough terrain.

'A boss of an ultra training shoe' for long, varied efforts where consistency matters, and surprisingly capable on scary technical pitches. Good for the bulk of high-mileage trail training.