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Brooks Cascadia Elite
Trail Ultra

Brooks Cascadia Elite

An innovative long-distance trail racer that finally brings Brooks into the tip-of-the-spear ultra racing category; scored 14 out of 15 and is the shoe Taylor would reach for to finish a 50 to 100 mile race. — Believe in the Run

"still quite soft, but it's not mushy" — Believe in the Run
$275.00 at Fleet Feet See all prices →
Physical blueprint

Where this shoe sits

Weight 269 g
Heel stack 41.0 mm
Drop 6.0 mm
Cushioning Maximal

Best for

Long Runs
Suits Heel, Midfoot strikers
Pronation Neutral
Surface Trail

Specifications

Weight (M9)
269g (9.5 oz)
Stack (Heel)
41.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
35.0 mm
Drop
6.0 mm
Midsole
DNA Gold (PEBA)
Plate
Pebax (SpeedVault+ carbon-infused Pebax trail plate)
Outsole
Vibram Megagrip Elite
Upper
Matryx engineered mesh + Kevlar
Lacing
Traditional

Fit Profile

Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Wide
Midfoot Width
Narrow
Heel Width
Narrow
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Narrow
Sizing
True To Size

Ride Characteristics

Cushioning
Maximal
Stability
Neutral

Durability

Outsole
Excellent

Expert reviews · 1 reviewer · grouped per channel

BI
Believe in the Run Youtube ↑

An innovative long-distance trail racer that finally brings Brooks into the tip-of-the-spear ultra racing category; scored 14 out of 15 and is the shoe Taylor would reach for to finish a 50 to 100 mile race.

Best for: 50 to 100 mile ultra trail racing where comfort, efficiency, and stability matter more than extreme toe-off pop

source
+1 earlier review from Believe in the Run

The reviewer's pick between the two — softer and more comfort-oriented for long distances with a much more functional fit on technical terrain.

Best for: Trail ultra racing across moderate and technical terrain where lockdown and long-haul comfort matter

source

Frequently asked questions

How does the Brooks Cascadia Elite fit?

Reviewers note: Generous wide forefoot with room to splay; secure padded heel and midfoot thanks to integrated mid-ankle knit booty; some forefoot sliding at faster paces that can be mitigated by strategic lacing, though this can bite into the arch.

Per Believe in the Run.

How much does the Brooks Cascadia Elite weigh and what is its drop?

The Brooks Cascadia Elite weighs about 269g (men's 9), has a 41.0mm heel stack and a 6.0mm heel-toe drop.

What shoes is the Brooks Cascadia Elite compared to?

Reviewers compare the Brooks Cascadia Elite to La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, HOKA Tecton X3, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra, The North Face Vectiv Pro 3.

Per Believe in the Run.

How many experts have reviewed the Brooks Cascadia Elite?

Next Pair aggregates 2 expert reviews of the Brooks Cascadia Elite, including Believe in the Run.

Per Believe in the Run.

Where it sits among similar shoes

Compared to other trail ultra in the same lane.

Weight · lower = lighter Men's size 9
Brooks Cascadia Elite
269g
Salomon Ultra Glide 4
275g
Kiprun Kipsummit Max
286g
HOKA Tecton X 3
275g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning mm
Brooks Cascadia Elite
41.0mm
Salomon Ultra Glide 4
39.0mm
Kiprun Kipsummit Max
39.0mm
HOKA Tecton X 3
40.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning mm
Brooks Cascadia Elite
6.0mm
Salomon Ultra Glide 4
6.0mm
Kiprun Kipsummit Max
6.0mm
HOKA Tecton X 3
5.0mm

Continue reading

Foam guide

How PEBA / Pebax foam works
Read the explainer

Similar shoes

Salomon Ultra Glide 4
275g · 6.0mm drop
Kiprun Kipsummit Max
286g · 6.0mm drop
HOKA Tecton X 3
275g · 5.0mm drop

Brooks Cascadia Elite

Data-driven recommendation backed by expert reviews.

Ask the advisor
Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-06-14