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Brooks trail lineup

MenWomen
RoadTrail
Current lineup2026 edition

Shoe range map

Runnable terrain Mixed terrain Technical terrain
Race day ↑↓ Daily training← Shorter distanceLonger distance →

Distance and racing focus set the map position, and the colour marker shows terrain technicality — all three are editorial judgement, not performance scores or rankings.

Shoes by role

The full lineup with role explanations and buying advice
Shoe & specificationsWhy this roleIs it right for you?

301 g · 8 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Door-to-trail

Many trail runs start on the road, so this role covers shoes meant for mixed pavement and easy dirt. The Ghost Trail is Brooks' pick for that job, with what Brooks calls balanced cushioning.

Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Cascadia 20 is the daily trail pick and Brooks aims it at technical terrain and varied surfaces. Pick the Ghost Trail if your runs are mostly roads, parks and gravel.

Choose if

  • You run from your front door to parks and gravel paths
  • You want an 8 mm drop, a bit more than the Cascadia's
  • You stick mostly to groomed trails, not rocky ground

Skip if

  • You run steep, technical terrain most days
  • You want a lower drop for trail work

306 g · 6 mm drop
38 mm heel stack

Daily trail trainer

This is the shoe for most of your trail miles. The Cascadia 20 is Brooks' all-round trail trainer, aimed at technical terrain, varied surfaces and hiking.

Also considerCatamount 4Cascadia 20 GTX
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Catamount 4 is lighter at 269 g and Brooks lists it for marathon-distance trail racing, so pick it if speed matters more than all-round use. The Cascadia 20 GTX adds waterproofing for $190; choose it for wet or cold seasons.

Choose if

  • You run rocky, technical trails several times a week
  • You also hike and want one shoe for both
  • You like a 6 mm drop

Skip if

  • You mostly run pavement and gravel paths
  • You want the lightest shoe for fast efforts

301 g · 6 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Cushioned long trail

Long days on trail call for as much cushion as possible. The Caldera 8 is the most cushioned shoe in Brooks' trail range.

Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Cascadia 20 has high cushion and is aimed at technical terrain. Pick the Caldera 8 when cushion for long runs is your top need.

Choose if

  • You run long trail days and want max cushion
  • You want a neutral shoe with a 6 mm drop
  • You want max cushion at $150

Skip if

  • You want a light shoe for racing short distances
  • You need a waterproof upper
Technical trailNo selection yet

This edition has no pick for this role. Other shoes in the range may cover parts of the job.

218.3 g · 6 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Short trail race

Shorter trail races reward a light, quick shoe. The Catamount Agil is Brooks' racer for short trail events, with a nylon plate.

Also considerCatamount 4
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Catamount 4 weighs 269 g, has no plate and costs $170, and Brooks lists it for marathon-distance racing. Pick the Catamount Agil for shorter, faster races.

Choose if

  • You race short trail events and want speed
  • You want the lightest shoe in the range
  • You want a nylon plate for fast efforts

Skip if

  • You race ultras
  • You want a shoe for easy daily miles

266.5 g · 6 mm drop
40 mm heel stack

Ultra race

Competitive ultras need protection for many hours without losing speed. Reviewers call the Cascadia Elite a top-tier trail race shoe with plush multi-hour protection and a lively, propulsive ride.

Also considerCatamount 4
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Catamount 4 costs $170, has no plate and is aimed at marathon-distance races. Pick the Cascadia Elite if you race ultras and want the specialist option.

Choose if

  • You race ultras competitively and want a carbon plate
  • You race on wet, rocky trails with debris
  • You want a 40 mm heel stack for long race days

Skip if

  • You want a shoe for everyday training
  • You don't want to spend $275 on a race shoe

323.2 g · 6 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Waterproof / winter

Wet and cold seasons call for a waterproof shoe. The Cascadia 20 GTX takes the Cascadia design and adds a Gore-Tex upper for inclement weather.

Also considerCascadia 20
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The standard Cascadia 20 costs $160 and skips the waterproof upper. Pick the GTX only if you often run in wet or cold conditions.

Choose if

  • You run through rain, snow or slush
  • You hike in wet weather too
  • You want the Cascadia design with waterproofing

Skip if

  • You run mostly in warm, dry weather
  • You want the lightest Cascadia

Specs are from manufacturers. Role explanations are editorial judgement.