Brooks Cascadia Elite: A new technical proposition for long distances
Brooks' trail footwear lineup is expanding with a new high-performance model: the Cascadia Elite. Designed to meet the demands of long and technical races, this shoe incorporates several groundbreaking technologies for the brand, aimed at optimizing propulsion and stability. This development, validated by athletes on the global circuit, positions the Cascadia Elite among the standout contenders for this year's Trail Running Awards.
Integration of propulsion and responsiveness technologies
The primary objective in developing the Cascadia Elite was to provide a shoe capable of maximizing performance across all terrain types over extended durations. To achieve this, Brooks has introduced materials characteristic of high-level competition into its trail range:
DNA Gold PEBA foam: Integrated for the first time in Brooks' trail range, this foam is designed to deliver optimized energy return and responsiveness, particularly over long distances.
Carbon plate: The shoe incorporates a Pebax SpeedVault+ Trail plate enriched with carbon. Its role is to provide maximum propulsion and a more dynamic stride, which is essential for performance on both ascents and descents.
Grip and support in extreme conditions
The Cascadia Elite was engineered as a comprehensive tool capable of ensuring traction and stability, two crucial factors on technical courses:
Advanced traction: The outsole features Vibram® Megagrip Elite rubber, renowned for its grip on varied surfaces (rocks, mud, technical trails).
Precise fit: The upper is built with a lightweight and durable "slipper" silhouette. This design aims to ensure precise and comfortable foot support over time, an essential element for preventing fatigue and ensuring stability.
(Photo - The Running Club)
Field validation and competition results
The launch of the Cascadia Elite was marked by an intensive, public testing phase.
Presented exclusively at UTMB 2025, the shoe was immediately put to the test by the Brooks athlete team. The results are a testament to its potential: from its very first season of use, the Cascadia Elite contributed to 11 gold medals and 26 additional podium finishes on the international circuit (notably the Golden Trail Series).
The launch also included activations (publicly open tests and media tests) aimed at gathering initial user feedback and demonstrating its versatility in real-world conditions.
