The Brooks Cascadia 8 (Women’s Version) has a slightly new redesign compared to the Cascadia 7. Let’s take a look at the new Brooks Cascadia 8.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
I like the new design, that is, thinner upper material. The shoe is approximately 1 ounce lighter than the Cascadia 7 and fits true to size. Brooks dropped the heel height from 22mm to 20mm – thus, having a 10mm differential versus 12mm in the Cascadia 7 – a nice redesign. You will also notice a more “cushioned” feeling. Brooks replace the midsole with their BioMoGo DNA material. The outsole has also been redesigned. There is a slight change to the upper material and shape near the toebox. Overall, a great fit out of the box. See photos below.
TRAIL TESTING
The Cascadia 8 was tested in wet, muddy and dry conditions on technical and non-technical trails. The shoe drained well during multiple stream crossings. Mud was shed without any problems. The shoe felt solid on multiple terrain – rocky and technical terrain. There is plenty of protection from rocks or anything that may be waiting for you on the trail. They felt very good on a 25+ miler training run (out of the box). The Cascadia 8 is a solid performer on the trail.
TECH SPECS
- Forefoot Height -10 mm
- Heel Height – 20 mm
- Drop – 10 mm
- Gusseted tongue
- Neutral Shoe
- Rock Plate (forefoot)
- Midsole – EVA
- Upper – Synthetic
- Made In – China
- Women’ Version
Weight Breakdown
CONCLUSION
The Brooks Cascadia 8 is designed for the trail runner looking for an all-around trail shoe. I like the lower drop in the Cascadia 8 (10mm) and would like to see it in the 8mm range (just my preference). In summary, the Cascadia 8 is a solid performer on the trail.
I am a huge fan of the 7s, and I am liking the 8s so far. I do feel like the toe box is significantly bigger. This shoe has done well for training runs of marathon distance, but I’m wondering how the wider tie box will feel during longer races.