As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
5 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes
With such a prominent brand called Brooks, running is sure to be a breeze. Brooks Trail running shoes are comfortable, durable, and easy to wear. Each product is specifically designed to serve its purpose.
If you plan on trail running, you will want to find a shoe that is designed for just that. Trail-running shoes are different as they provide you with a much better grip. They also improve the traction that assists you in moving effortlessly over gravel, dirt, mud, rock slabs and roots, and anything else you come across on the trail.
Not sure which Brooks Trail running shoes are best? How about taking a quick look at these expert reviews to help narrow down your choices? When you’re done, and you want to learn more about other luxury shoe brands for men, you may also want to check this out.
5 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes
1. Brooks Caldera 3
These Brooks Caldera 3 running shoes are best for a trail runner during regular training, slow training runs, and distances that are 50 miles and greater. They are the ideal choice for dirt trails, paved trails, grassy areas and muddy areas.
Quick Overview:
- Grip: Provides good traction on most surfaces and terrains
- Cushioning: Offers great cushion and comfort
- Flexibility: A good amount of flexibility
- Stability: Stable on different terrain
- Rock Plate: No, does not have a rock plate
- Water-Resistance: Provides decent water protection from puddles and splashes
Pros:
- Perfect transition from road to trail
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- Extremely Comfortable
Cons:
- Not that reliable on rocky and slippery terrain due to shorter lugs
- Upper does not provide a lot of protection
The Brooks Caldera 3 running shoes allow for solid traction on the road as well as on less rugged terrain including dirt, snow, rocks and grass. This lightweight trail running shoe provides great protection and ample cushioning so you can run comfortably for miles.
2. Brooks PureGrit 7
These Brooks PureGrit 7 running shoes are great for regular training as well as long and slow training runs. Need to do some speed work on flat surfaces? These shoes have you covered in that aspect as well. These running shoes perform well on dirt trails, paved trails, and grassy areas along more moderate trails.
Quick Overview:
- Grip: Does not provide adequate traction on wet and slippery areas
- Cushioning: Offers little cushioning
- Flexibility: They can be extremely flexible
- Stability: Offers decent stability
- Rock Plate: No. Does not have a rock plate
- Water-Resistance: Provides great water protection
Pros:
- Fast show that comes with acceleration
- Handles moderate trails efficiently
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not great for technical trails
- Not ideal for those who want their toes to spread out as toe box is tight
Expert’s Review:
The Brooks PureGrit 7 is your best bet if you want to go fast on trails even while shifting to and from paved surfaces.
3. Brooks Caldera 2
These Brooks Caldera 2 running shoes can efficiently handle all light to medium technical trails. They are the perfect combination of comfort and functionality and have the right amount of cushion and acceleration. They are also lightweight, so they won’t become a burden when trying to run long distances.
Quick Overview:
- Grip: Provides adequate traction on wet and slippery areas
- Cushioning: Offers great cushion
- Flexibility: They offer a lot in the way of flexibility
- Stability: Offers good stability
- Rock Plate: No, they do not have a rock plate
- Water-Resistance: Provides adequate water protection
Pros:
- Highly comfortable
- Lightweight
- Great cushioning
Cons:
- Small lugs
- Does not come with a rock plate
- Not the perfect trail racing shoe
Expert’s Overview:
The Brooks Caldera 2 running shoes highlight cushion, grip, flexibility, and stability. If you’re inclined to head to speed trails and need durability on natural trails, paved trails, fire roads on any other similar surfaces, this is going to be a great pick.
4. Brooks Caldera 4
The Brooks Caldera 4 running shoes are best for regular training and trail-running. They are lightweight and can ensure a more constant stride over long-distance runs.
Quick Overview:
- Grip: Lacks traction. They do not provide the needed traction for wet and slippery areas
- Cushioning: highly cushioned and provide great comfort
- Flexibility: Can be rigid and not flexible
- Stability: Comes with average stability
- Rock Plate: No, they do not have a rock plate
- Water-Resistance: Decent water protection from puddles and splashes
Pros:
- Offers a perfect combination of being stable and lightweight
- Provides comfort after an initial break-in period
- Best in handling roads to trails
Cons:
- Lacks traction
- Not ideal for speed
- Takes a bit longer than other shoes to break-in
Expert’s Review:
Though they offer a significant upgrade, the Brooks Caldera 4 running shoes still have many similarities to the models before them. They are stable, comfortable, and lightweight. However, they can also be stiff and can take longer to break in than other shoes. These Brooks running shoes are good for everyday trainers who indulge in easy runs and trails. Also, they are a good option for road-to-trail runs.
5. Brooks PureGrit 8
The Brooks PureGrit 8 running shoes are best for speed work on flat areas. They are also considered a good option for dirt trails, paved trails, and other more moderate trails.
Quick Overview:
- Grip: Provides average traction on most types of surface and terrains
- Cushioning: They offer little cushioning
- Flexibility: They are extremely flexible
- Stability: Doesn’t offer much in the way of stability
- Rock Plate: Yes, they have a rock plate, but it does not fully protect from sharp rocks
- Water-Resistance: Provides decent water protection from puddles and splashes
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Best for flat and less technical trails
Cons:
- Stability is a concern due to the thin heel cup
- Toe box runs long and wide
Expert’s Review:
Brooks PureGrit 8 running shoes are known for being lighter as well as faster. Unfortunately, the latest version of these shoes comes with stability issues. Overall, many consider them a below-average option for trail runs.
Happy Trailing
Adventures like running and hiking definitely require a great pair of shoes. And if you are a hardcore runner, then you might also want to find a way to show that passion off to the world. A great way is to get inked. Check out these 40 running tattoos for men.
Brooks believes in their ‘run happy’ motto and also believe that no shoe is necessarily right or wrong for you. Every runner has his own preferences and running experience, and each person will require something different when it comes to the best running shoes.
So, as you look for the best Brooks Trail running shoes, you need to figure out your preferences. What is the purpose? Do you need the shoes for training, moderate trail-running or technical trail-running?
You then need to figure out the terrain, arch type, and level of support that you’d like to have. Consider the distance that you’d normally run. You can further check the specifications, aesthetics and reviews to help you pick the right Brooks running shoes.
We also have an informative Forsake Trail boots review here in case you’re looking for seam-sealed waterproof footwear for longer treks and hikes.
