Brooks Cascadia Elite Reviews

Two testers logged about 35 km and 55 km on coastal paths, forest trails, parkland and some road. They found the ride cushioned and lively yet controlled, stable on a wide base, with a secure booty-style upper and roomy toe box. Downsides: shallow lugs suit dry, firm ground better than mud, the wide shape feels less nimble on twisting tracks, the collar is awkward to pull on, and one tester got evening foot cramps. Best for long mixed-terrain races.

Over 50 miles across trail races and mixed terrain, including dusty, stony courses and freshly ploughed fields. They like the plush yet springy foam, the stability for such a cushioned shoe, the sock-like upper that kept debris out, and the grip. Downsides are the stiff top edge of the heel cup that dug in near the end of an 18 km race, a soft toe box, and shallow lugs that look poor for mud. No signs of wear so far.

From 20K to 70K runs, the Cascadia Elite's soft foam has been protective and responsive and handles technical terrain fine.

About 40 miles, mostly on non-technical single track and double track. They like the squishy, cushy foam, the secure heel, the ankle collar that keeps debris out, and the grip. But the shoe feels chunky and not nimble, struggles on uneven or rutted ground, and the glue line started to peel near the upper by 40 miles. Best suited to lower-cadence, heavier runners on long, non-technical runs.