Brooks Cascadia 20 vs HOKA Speedgoat 7
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Brooks Cascadia 20 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The redesigned Cascadia 20 is lighter, softer, and better-rockered than previous versions thanks to added DNA Flash foam and a more road-friendly upper, while still leaning trail and retaining Vibram Megagrip traction — a good shoe overall with a few nitpicks reserved for the full written review.
Ride:Now uses DNA Flash foam with roughly 4mm more foam than previous Cascadias, making it lighter, softer, and better-rockered while still leaning trail overall; the more road-like mesh upper makes it fine on pavement despite Brooks marketing it as road-to-trail/all-terrain.
In their words: "sturdy, reliable trail shoe" · "definitely softer than previous versions"
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A dense, protective, and stable long-runner in the lineup — dependable over a lot of different terrain according to team reviewer John, who has used it for long trail races.
In their words: "loves this shoe just for its dependability"
HOKA Speedgoat 7 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion .
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For races over 50K like UTMB or CCC, the Speedgoat 7's higher stack and wider last offer more support than the lighter, lower-profile Zinal 3.
Ride:Higher stack and wider last than the Zinal 3, weighing about an ounce more; provides more support for longer, more technical ultras.
In their words: "more wiggle room" · "longer haul ultras"
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Ben Parkes names this alongside the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 as one of his current favorite trail shoes for grip and comfort.
Ride:Great grip and comfort.
In their words: "great grip, really good comfort"
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A strong update to the Speedgoat line — controlled, reliable, with excellent Vibram Megagrip and a livelier midsole than the Speedgoat 6. One of the best jack-of-all-trades trail shoes on the market, though specialized shoes beat it in extreme conditions.
Ride:New super critical EVA midsole adds a bit more pop and responsiveness vs the Speedgoat 6's compression molded EVA, while keeping a controlled, stable, ground-connected feel. Not the most cushioned trail shoe but stable on uneven ground.
Fit:Standard fit is fairly narrow; reviewer recommends going half a size up for trail use to allow toe room on descents; wide version available for those who don't get on with Hoka's narrow fit. Heel lockdown excellent thanks to thin laces and padded heel collars.
In their words: "lean towards going 1/2 size up" · "really nicely versatile, reliable workhorse" · "jack of all trades trail running shoe"
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The Speedgoat 7 corrects the fit and midsole missteps of v5 and v6 with a plush super critical EVA midsole and a longer, more secure tongue, putting the franchise back on track as a versatile everyday trail shoe.
Ride:New super critical EVA midsole is noticeably softer than the previous compressed EVA but still has pop. The hollowness at the heel felt in v6 has been corrected.
Fit:Much longer tongue than previous versions with wide wings that lock in well; still feels a pinch narrow out of the box but loosens up quickly. Available in standard and wide widths.
In their words: "It is so much softer" · "truly like a baby Mafhate" · "fits just a pinch narrow"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Brooks Cascadia 20 if
- Sturdy, reliable trail running, hiking, and easy walking, now with a lighter and softer ride than previous versions — Doctors of Running
- Dependable all-terrain trail use from daily outings to 100-milers, favoring stability and protection over excitement. — Believe in the Run
Consider the HOKA Speedgoat 7 if
- Trail running, one of the reviewer's current favorites. — Ben Parkes
- Ultra racers doing 50K+ distances (UTMB, CCC) who need more support and stack. — Sage Canaday
- Everyday bread and butter trail running, including faster efforts and ultras — Run Moore
- Long-distance and technical trail running for runners who loved the classic Speedgoat 2-4 character and felt the v5/v6 strayed from it. — iRunFar
- Broadly scoped trails, less technical terrain — Believe in the Run
- Versatile workhorse trail shoe for mixed terrain, long-haul ultras, and runners wanting one dependable do-it-all trail shoe with excellent grip. — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Brooks Cascadia 20 and the HOKA Speedgoat 7?
The Brooks Cascadia 20 is a technical trail and the HOKA Speedgoat 7 is a trail (light). By the numbers, the Brooks Cascadia 20 weighs 298g, has a 39mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the HOKA Speedgoat 7 weighs 272g, has a 38mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. MSRP is $160 for the Brooks Cascadia 20 and $165 for the HOKA Speedgoat 7.
Should I buy the Brooks Cascadia 20 or the HOKA Speedgoat 7?
Doctors of Running on the Brooks Cascadia 20: Sturdy, reliable trail running, hiking, and easy walking, now with a lighter and softer ride than previous versions. Ben Parkes on the HOKA Speedgoat 7: Trail running, one of the reviewer's current favorites.
Per Doctors of Running, Ben Parkes.
Which is lighter, the Brooks Cascadia 20 or the HOKA Speedgoat 7?
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is lighter, at 272g versus 298g (men's 9) — about 26g less.