10 Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe is designed to handle both road and light trail running, making it a solid choice for runners who want versatility. Its standout feature is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which is softer and lighter than before, providing a comfortable and smooth ride, especially when switching between pavement and trails. The TrailTack rubber outsole with aggressive lugs offers good grip on various surfaces, including wet and dry terrain, helping you stay steady on uneven paths.

The fit is secure and comfortable, with a snug midfoot feel thanks to the tongue gusset, and the lightweight, breathable mesh upper dries quickly while keeping debris out with a TPU mudguard and toecap. Durability is solid for typical trail use, although this shoe is best suited for light to moderate trails rather than very rugged, technical terrain. It is not fully waterproof but does a decent job blocking trail debris and drying quickly, so it can handle damp conditions but won’t keep your feet dry in heavy rain or deep puddles.

This shoe represents a reliable and eco-friendly choice for women seeking a dependable option for mixed road and trail running without sacrificing comfort or traction.

The Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe is designed specifically for trail runners and mountain hikers. One of its standout features is the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which provides a soft and comfortable feel over various terrains. The shoe also offers excellent traction thanks to the TrailTack Green outsole rubber, making it suitable for both wet and dry conditions. Additionally, the shoe’s stability is enhanced by the Trail Adapt System and the zonal outsole pods, which help maintain control and a stable ride on uneven surfaces.

The breathable mesh upper and the TPU mudguard add to the shoe’s durability, protecting your feet from trail debris and ensuring the shoe dries quickly after getting wet. However, while the shoe excels in cushioning, traction, and stability, it may have some drawbacks. The fit of the shoe might be an issue for some users, as it is only available in medium width, potentially limiting comfort for those with wider feet. Additionally, while the shoe is designed to block trail debris, it may not offer the same level of water resistance as some other trail running shoes.

That being said, the Cascadia 18 is a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable and stable shoe for trail running, especially in diverse conditions.

The Brooks Men's Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe is designed for runners who want a shoe that works well both on roads and light trails. It features DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which is softer and lighter than before, making each step comfortable and helping absorb impact. This cushioning also adds a bit of extra height for a smoother ride, which is great if you switch between road and trail running.

The shoe’s outsole uses TrailTack rubber with aggressive lugs that offer good grip on wet or dry surfaces, helping you stay steady on uneven terrain. The fit is inspired by road running shoes, providing a snug feel around the midfoot with a tongue gusset to keep things secure. The mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly, while a TPU mudguard and toecap help block small rocks or dirt from bothering your feet.

This shoe is best suited for light trail use rather than very rugged or muddy trails, as its features focus more on adaptability rather than heavy-duty protection or waterproofing. Durability should be solid for casual to moderate trail runners, but heavy users on harsh trails might find the shoe less protective. If you want a reliable, comfortable shoe that easily transitions from road to trail and offers good traction and cushioning, the Divide 5 is a strong choice, though serious trail runners needing maximum stability and waterproofing might consider other options.