Brooks Women’s Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoe - Oyster/Blackened Pearl/Purple Review

SUMMARY: These are literally the best running shoes I've ever worn, trail or street!! 👏💗I used to be a high-end triathlete and even had sponsors. A couple months before the Hawaii IronMan in 2013 I got hit by a car while running and was nearly killed. 11 surgeries and 11 years of physical therapy later, I can walk again. And don't tell my surgeons, but I've even been super ultra slow "jogging "a little past month! I just can't help myself! 🙃 I switched to trails because it's so much easier on my joints. I wore Nike Pegasus for decades, 6-8 pairs a year plus at least one other brands every year just to try. But Nike don't last anymore because the support wears unevenly. Two years ago I tried the Nike Vomero, which I really liked, but I hate Nike politics and that they use child labor in concentration camps in China. So I switched to Brooks Glycerin, which I liked better than the Nikes. But now I need trail shoes.I have an exercise science BS and exercise medicine MS, so I understand by mechanics. But shoe technology has evolved greatly in the last couple of years, so I did some good research and then tried on literally 15 pairs of the top models from these brands: Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, On Cloud... and yes, the Nike Pegasus Trail just for comparison. I need a lightweight, narrow/low volume, straight-lasted, neutral shoe with maximum cushioning but that still has road feel, stability without motion control, and waterproof (GTX) as a bonus. It's good to have two pairs at a time and alternate, but I only need one pair of waterproof shoes. That's a tall order, and I thought I'd have to compromise – but I didn't!These three easily stood out: Hoka Challenger ATX 7 GTX, New Balance Hierro v7 GTX, and these Brooks Caldera 6 (no GTX option), with honorable mention for Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX. I couldn't get the Hokas in my size, so I went with the New Balance Hierro v7 GTX and found a really good deal on Amazon for them. I'll get the Hoka Challenger ATX next time. I couldn't get the Brooks Caldera in a store, but I also found this really good deal on Amazon and saved $60! This seller also gets 5 stars because the shoes came brand spanking new.The top model of ON Clouds were easily the least cushioned, with the Nike Pegasus being the second least cushioned {Bye Nike ~ and I don't even miss ya!}In every regard these are the best running shoes I've ever had! Sure, the bright pink is super fun and sporty, but they're even more cushioned than any of the road shoes I've tried on but have added bonus of extra stability and rugged lugs on the soles for trails. The toes have some dots on them for added protection, but not as much as the New Balance Hierros. They're not GTX, but I spray all my shoes with waterproof spray anyway because it keeps some cleaner, makes them last longer & helps keep my feet drier if I get caught in the rain or go through wet grass.I am happy to give my highest recommendation for these Brooks Caldera 6 trail shoes! 💗👏 Here's hoping next season they come out with GTX!

Great on feet, I work in dental field on my feet all the time. Plus the color is amazing!

Comfortable and its for dancing too.

I loved the price but the Brooks Caldera 6 gave me great comfort at the work place👍🏾👍🏾. Can't wait to try 7

These shoes are great! I don't wear them for hiking, but I wear them every day to work in as I am on my feet forr 10 hrs a day. They had to be broke in; however, because at first they felt quite stiff. I did not give 5 stars because I had to switch the insoles out with something that had gel in the heel. I have arthritis in my feet so this made them more comfortable for me. All around they are a great pair of shoes and are helpful for any one with knee issues.

Over a year ago I bought two pairs of shoes; the Brooks Caldera 4 and Hoka's Challenger ATR 6 models - I wanted to break them in at the same time and compare the two. For me, the Brooks Caldera 4 was a clear winner - they fit perfectly and I was able to hit the ground running with little to no break-in time. Because I was rotating the two pair they lasted longer, so by the time I was ready to replace them, the Brooks Caldera 4 were no longer available. By then the Caldera 6 was on the market so I bypassed the 5 model and bought what I assumed was the newest and greatest model in the 6. These fit differently and they look HUGE which was one of my issues with the Hoka's. The thick, cushy footbed the these Caldera 6 look amazing but because the shoe fits too tightly in other areas, I don't get to enjoy the cushiness because my feet are hurting elsewhere. It's unfortunate because so far I haven't been able to wear them more than a couple hours or so before they start to hurt. The window to return them as passed which is frustrating because you have to break in shoes before you know of they'll work for you :-( I should have used my experience with the 4's to know that if they weren't right out of the box, they weren't going to work for me.

Very Comfortable shoes.. I would buy them over again….

I am a nurse who spends 12+ hours on my feet each shift. I was a little hesitant about trying a trail running shoe. However, outside reviews, describe these shoes as soft and cushioned, while providing energy recovery in the spring back. I have a lot of faith in Brooks shoes and have had good experiences with the ghost and adrenaline models. I’ve tried this shoe and was so impressed with how my feet felt and my overall energy level at the end of the shift that I ordered a second pair. This is my new gold standard for shoes.