After the third training session with the new Brooks Cascadia 9, it's time to write down my impression. I honestly don't like reviews because I think that shoes and feet are such a subjective and complicated topic to be summarised in a pros-and-cons list.
First of all, I consider myself a versatile runner who enjoys the road and, on a similar amount, the trail. Running on the hills around Liege is not really an easy task, not only due to the elevation gain, but especially because of the irregular terrain, usually soft and muddy.
The terrain where I am running since two weeks, in Spain is just another story. Rocky, aggressive, rough and only partially soft and muddy. And, of course, I am running on the road too.
I chose a pair of Brooks Cascadia for several reasons, definitely not for the colour (which, for the record, I find disgusting). When I first tried them in the shop it was kind of love at first sight. The shoes adapted quite instantly to my foot. The feeling of having comfortable shoes since the very beginning is invaluable and already a positive sign for a buy.
With the aid of some drills in the shop I also checked their flexibility. Brooks Cascadia are shoes that, if I close my eyes and run around I really won't feel to be running in a pair of trail shoes, if you know what I mean.
They looked bulky only in my hands. On my feet, it was another feeling.
The first training on the road was quite disappointing though, for several reasons that I can explain a posteriori. Running on the road does not allow these shoes to express at their full potential.
Moreover, the first training session should not be considered by any runner who wants to assign a score to any shoes.
Two days later I tried about the same distance on the rocky roads around Madrid and the tale was indeed quite different. Protective but still capable of giving me the responsiveness I need from the ground. Soft but stable. Running on rocks for long distances doesn't seem to affect the sole of the foot, which is isolated by a solid but flexible platform.
But what impressed me the most was the top line. Not bulky at all. Actually quite low; as low as the New Balance 890v3, probably my favourite road running shoes. I personally think that this is what makes Cascadia a winner in the realm of trail running.
Runners are usually focused on the midsole and the heel, believing that those two components can change their running technique. Probably. I am not sure. But a lower top line is the only thing that can give me the mobility I need from the ankles.
But don't forget that an off-road run requires a good running technique and trained ankles, regardless of any type of shoes.
