Durability
When I first picked the shoe up in the local outdoors store it looked and felt exactly like a street runner. Immediately an alarm went off in my head as to its durability. It just didn't look rugged or trail worthy. The shoe has a thin mesh outer layer streaked with thin strips of leather and the kick toe was the smallest I'd ever seen on a hiker. After I tried it on though I had to risk it, it was that comfortable. The shoe fit like a glove and the Brooks insole felt amazing. I purchased the Cascadia 8 that day and have since put almost 450 miles on the pair with no durability problems. The shoe is surprisinglytough. I've had no rips or tears in the mesh and I've done my far share of bushwhacking through thorns and thick under brush. The laces are not frayed or ripped in any spot and the sole isn't pulling away from the shoes. The brooks insole is still very comfortable and my feet feel great after a 20 mile day.
Overall Score: 8/10
Grip
Lug lose!! |
Overall Score: 10/10
Comfort
The Brooks Cascadia 8's comfort is the best I've experienced straight out of the box. The shoe has no break-in period and the insole feels amazing. I can only compare it to a street runner in comfort. The shoe simply just feels good on your feet. This is my go to shoe for long or multi-day hikes and my feet never hurt at the end of the day while setting up camp. As for blisters, I've never got one while wearing the Cascadia 8. Its the first shoe, both hiking and running, that's never produced a blister at some point. I can't stress enough how comfortable these shoes are.
Overall Score: 9/10
Long Distance Performance
For long distance hikes, thru hikes, and multi-day hikes I've never came across a shoe better then the Cascadia 8. The shoes street runner comfort combined with it's great grip and excellent ventilation lets you eat up the trail miles while never noticing your feet are beating away at the earth beneath you. The shoe's great ventilation allows it to dry very quickly when it becomes wet. Combine this with merino wool socks and your feet will be dry in a mile of hiking. Also the shoe laces are on the short side which I love. This prevents the laces from dangling low and catching on branches pulling them untied. I had this problem with my old hikers, the Vasque Juxt, but not with the Cascadia 8. This might not sound like a big deal, but when I get into a good hiking rhythm there's nothing I hate more then breaking it every 3 miles to tie my shoes.
Overall Score: 10/10
Overall Summary
The Brooks Cascadia 8 is a true long hike shoe. It will carry you securely and comfortably to whatever destination is on your radar. Although the deep lug tread might make it a bit awkward for aroundthe town use, on the trail it is king.
PROS: Very durable. "Suction cup" like grip. Excellent ventilation. Street runner comfort in a hiker. One of the best shoes for long distance hiking. Light weight.
CONS: Lugs can and probably will break off the tread. Not to great for around the town use.
Overall Score: 9.5/10