Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe Review
The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 GTX is a remarkable choice for those who love tackling rugged terrains while keeping their feet dry and comfortable. This shoe is designed for the adventurous runner who seeks to explore any trail confidently, thanks to its innovative features and durable construction.
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Features
- Waterproof GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane ensures a lightweight and flexible protective fit.
- DNA LOFT v2 midsole technology offers exceptional cushioning on long runs over rough surfaces.
- New TrailTack Green outsole provides superior traction on both wet and dry conditions.
- Integrated midsole and rock plate work together with zonal outsole pods for enhanced stability.
- Constructed using 25% recycled materials, supporting eco-friendly practices.
Pros
- Excellent waterproof protection keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Soft cushioning makes long-distance trail runs more comfortable.
- Enhanced traction offers confidence on uneven surfaces.
- Adaptable stability features contribute to a controlled running experience.
- Environmentally conscious design with recycled material content.
Cons
- Price may be higher compared to other trail running shoes.
- Heavier than some competitors, which may affect speed.
- Fit may require breaking in for maximum comfort.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Waterproof | Cushioning | Traction | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 GTX | Yes | DNA LOFT v2 | TrailTack Green | Adaptive System |
| Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 | No | EnergyCell | Contagrip | Minimalist |
| Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Trail 3 | No | React Foam | Multi-surface | Balanced |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The Cascadia 17 GTX excels in providing comfort during long runs. The DNA LOFT v2 midsole absorbs impact effectively, making it suitable for extensive training sessions. You will appreciate the soft yet responsive feel as you navigate through diverse terrains.
Waterproof Performance: The GORE-TEX membrane is a standout feature in this model. When running in wet conditions or muddy trails, you'll find that your feet remain dry, which significantly enhances your overall experience. No more soggy socks!
Traction: With the new TrailTack Green outsole, the shoe delivers excellent grip on various surfaces. Whether it's slick rocks or muddy paths, you can trust the traction to keep you stable and secure.
Stability: The adaptable stability provided by the integrated midsole and rock plate helps maintain control on uneven ground. You can tackle challenging trails with confidence knowing that your footing is well-supported.
Overall Impression: If you're looking for a reliable and high-performing trail running shoe, the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 GTX is certainly worth considering. Its combination of comfort, waterproofing, and traction makes it ideal for serious trail runners who don’t want to sacrifice performance for protection.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning for long distance running. |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | Outstanding waterproof capabilities with GORE-TEX. |
| Traction | 4.7/5 | Great grip on both wet and dry surfaces. |
| Stability | 4.6/5 | Provides excellent support on uneven terrain. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Higher price point but justified by features and performance. |
User Reviews
I wore these on our trip to Yellowstone. We hike 4+ miles each day. The tread kept me from slipping on rocks and wet trails. My feet stayed dry even though I went through water and light rain. I was worried they might hurt my feet because I didn’t get a chance to wear them before our trip. Fortunately, they felt great the whole trip. Very comfy—just like my Brook’s running shoes. Some people mentioned the shoe had a narrow tongue. I didn’t find that an issue at all.
I unfortunately broke my ankle on the first time wearing these shoes on a hike but I hit at slippery spot on a wooden decline and it was not really the foot wear's fault. It has been my choice of foot wear during recovery as it is a higher sole and matched well when I was in a CAM boot, and now that it is winter, I have been wearing these for work since they are waterproof and I need a good athletic shoe as a physical therapist working in the schools. I get a lot of compliments on the shoes as they are aesthetically pleasing, nice colors.
I just got these today, and was expecting them to feel like my Brooks Ghost running shoes, which I’ve been buying for years. (The Ghosts have made my feet smile from the first time I tried them on, and every day since.) I ordered a whole size up from my normal size, as I do with Ghosts, which I find more comfortable.These Cascadia trail shoes are a little snug and stiff right out of the box, because of the stiff GoreTex coating and waterproof stitching around the tongue, and I contemplated returning them if they didn’t feel better after wearing them for a few minutes. But after some adjusting, and wearing them around the house for an hour, they felt great, and I was excited to try them on my regular nearby trails.I took them for a test run and they were wonderful! They handled the rocky, muddy, hilly trails & creeks near my house beautifully, keeping my feet comfy and dry. I highly recommend!!!
Not true to size
Too warm above 60 degrees. But they are Gortex so that is expected. I wear them in the winter to walk my dog and run errands. IF it is very cold, I wear merino socks. If it is 40 degrees or similar, I wear lighter socks. Most of the time in Denver, we don't need boots, just waterproof shoes. And thank you Brooks for offering 11.5 size! Many competitors are only offering 12's which are too wide for me. Only complaint is that, when I walk on trails, after snow is gone, ground softens up and I get mud easily in the shoe lugs. I have to soak them for a few minutes in a dish tub to get the dirt to fall off. This happens with my Oboes as well.
This is the first Brooks I did not like and I have a closet full of them, yes I am a Brooks running shoe junkie. This one sounded perfect for winter running, waterproof and better traction, but they were so uncomfortable that I retuned them. Maybe for hiking the firmness is helpful but I would not enjoy a run in them. Please keep in mind though that I am a street and not a trail runner.
I love Brooks! Theae are my first waterproof shoes by this brand. They are extremely tight midway, on top of my feet. I had to cut part of the white lining inside to stop my feet going numb. The reason I am keeping them is that Brooks are one if the very few brands that makes neutral sole shoes and the bottom grip is fantastic!
Great looking. Not overpriced. My feet felt good on gravel path but my knees hurt. Hate having to return.