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Three things to know:
- Exceptionally comfortable and stable, ideal for long-distance runs or beginners getting into trail running.
- Max-cushioned midsole with 38mm heel height soaks up impact on rugged terrain.
- Certified Carbon Neutral, though not waterproof and lacks grip for very technical or muddy trails.
Our rating:
Grip and traction
Cushioning and comfort
Durability and weather resistance
Weight and responsiveness
Brooks Caldera 8 Men's Trail Running Shoe Review
Compared to fellow Americans Nike, Brooks are rarely hip or at the forefront of running trainer innovation, but there are many reasons why they’re one of the world’s most popular running shoe brands.
That no-frills reliability is again in evidence in the latest and eighth version of the Caldera. They’re not the fastest, most responsive or lightest (296g, UK7) of the trail-running shoes we’ve tested this summer, but they’ll appeal to anyone looking for comfort, cushioning and support over both short and long distances.
This comfort is enhanced by the wraparound tongue, padded heel area and an irritation-free internal construction. The flat laces are also secure and at a functional length, while the heel loop helps with getting them on in the morning.
The heel height of 38mm puts it in the maximal category yet aided by a wide outsole platform, stability is impressive, and the midsole DNA Loft foam dampens the feel of rugged trails underfoot. The heel-to-toe drop is a moderate 6mm, which should offer plenty of broad appeal for heel, mid and forefoot strikers alike, but these certainly aren’t a shoe built for crushing any trail running personal bests, with Brooks themselves touting these as being best for ultra running/50k trail runs or races. That said, for me these also act as a smart introduction to trail-running shoes for beginners due to their stability, cushioning and comfort.
The 4mm lugs are affective enough for forest trails and towpaths, and mud doesn’t cling onto them, but you’ll want more aggressive traction for the most slippery or technical of trails. There’s no waterproofing here and the upper does hold onto the wet on soggy days, increasing that already relatively high 296g weight, so there are other more protective trail shoes that I’d take out for midwinter mud fests. An element of protection is offered by the toe guard on the outside of the toebox, while the dense midsole does offer some protection against rugged trails in lieu of a full rock plate.
Breathability for summer running and hiking is aided by the durable-feeling mesh upper, which also heightens the durability and protection against mid-run brambles. In terms of sustainability, Brooks make no claims about any recycled material used, but the Caldera 8 have been labelled as a Certified Carbon Neutral product.
The Caldera 8 come in a wide range of sizes (men’s UK6-14, women’s UK3-10), with sizing for me feeling accurate. In terms of colours, men only get two muted black versions and a more stylish Blue/Quince/Celestial, which admittedly has too much white for a trail-running shoe. The Black/Blackened Pearl/White design tested here isn’t too exciting but it also lends itself to casual wear, albeit they are quite bulky. Women, meanwhile, are offered the choice of four colourways, all with a black or white theme.
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