Brooks Caldera

Review Score
81%
๐Ÿ… Highly Rated
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Brooks Caldera: Review

โ€œA trail shoe that offers a cushioned and stable ride for long-distance runners.โ€

Overview


The Brooks Caldera is a trail running shoe designed to provide a responsive and cushioned experience for long-distance runners. This shoe stands out for its ample cushioning, which is thicker in the forefoot than any other Brooks trail shoe, offering enhanced protection and comfort over rugged terrain.

Key Features:

  • Cushioning: Features BioMoGo DNA midsole, providing a plush yet responsive ride.
  • Stability: Designed with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot) for stability on uneven surfaces.
  • Traction: Outfitted with a sticky rubber outsole and multidirectional lugs (cleats on the bottom of the shoe) for grip on various terrains.
  • Protection: Constructed with a double mesh upper and structured overlays for durability and protection.

The Brooks Caldera is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize cushioning and stability for ultra-distance events. Its traction and protection features make it suitable for challenging off-road conditions.

With an average review score of 81%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Brooks Caldera


The Brooks Caldera has been well-received as a trail shoe that offers a balance of cushioning, stability, and traction. It is praised for its protective features and responsive midsole, making it suitable for high mileage training and racing. The shoe's BioMoGo DNA midsole provides a firm yet comfortable ride, and the sticky rubber outsole with shallow lugs delivers reliable grip across various terrains. While the shoe's higher volume fit may not suit everyone, its generous toe box is appreciated for allowing foot swell during ultra-distances. The Caldera's durability, particularly in the outsole, may be a concern for some, but overall, it is considered a versatile and lightweight option for trail runners seeking a cushioned and stable shoe. The Brooks Caldera is recommended for those looking to upgrade from heavier trail shoes without sacrificing comfort or protection.

Comparable Shoes


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The ASICS GT 2000 11 is a road running shoe that provides stability for overpronators (runners who experience excessive inward rolling of the foot). Compared to the Brooks Caldera, the GT 2000 11 is more suited for paved surfaces and runners who need additional arch support. Trail runners would benefit more from the Caldera's off-road features.

5 Brooks Caldera Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The Brooks Caldera offers excellent cushioning-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for long-distance trail running.
The shoe provides great stability, thanks to its 4mm heel-to-toe drop and wider outsole.
Runners appreciate the Caldera's decent grip across a variety of terrain and conditions.

2 Cons

Some runners may find the higher volume fit of the Brooks Caldera to be troublesome, especially on technical terrain.
The durability of the outsole's lugs may be a concern for runners who frequently tackle steep descents or highly technical trails.

In Depth


Upper

The Brooks Caldera's upper is crafted from a double mesh material that offers flexibility, breathability, and a layer of durable protection. The structured overlays provide additional durability without compromising the shoe's flexibility. A wider tongue and gusseted design help keep debris out, while the stretch woven laces ensure a secure fit. This combination results in an upper that is protective yet comfortable for long runs on the trail.

Midsole

The midsole of the Brooks Caldera features the BioMoGo DNA cushioning, which is plush and responsive. With a thickness of 25mm at the heel and 21mm at the forefoot, the shoe offers substantial cushioning without the need for a rock plate. This design choice contributes to the shoe's light weight and flexibility, making it a good option for runners who prefer a cushioned ride without excessive rigidity.

Outsole

The outsole of the Brooks Caldera is composed of sticky rubber with shallow lugs that perform well on a variety of terrains. The multidirectional lug pattern enhances traction, particularly on rocky or loose surfaces. While the outsole provides good grip in wet conditions, its durability on steep descents and the longevity of the lugs may be points to consider for runners who frequent highly technical trails.

Size/fit

The Brooks Caldera offers a medium width fit with a roomy toe box, which can be beneficial for runners with wider feet or those who experience foot swelling during long runs. However, runners with narrower feet may find the fit to be too generous, leading to some foot movement on technical terrain. The secure lacing system helps to mitigate this issue to some extent.

Comfort

Runners have found the Brooks Caldera to be comfortable for long distances, thanks to its cushioned midsole and flexible upper. The shoe's design allows for natural foot movement and provides ample protection without feeling overly stiff. The comfort level is further enhanced by the shoe's light weight and responsive cushioning.

Cushioning

The Brooks Caldera's cushioning is a standout feature, with the BioMoGo DNA midsole offering a plush yet responsive feel. This cushioning is especially appreciated by runners tackling ultra distances, as it provides sustained comfort and protection without compromising the shoe's overall performance.

Breathability

The double mesh upper of the Brooks Caldera ensures that the shoe remains well ventilated, making it a suitable choice for runners who value breathability. This feature is important for maintaining comfort during long runs in various weather conditions.

Stability

With a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, the Brooks Caldera provides stability on uneven trail surfaces. The wider outsole also contributes to the shoe's stable feel, giving runners confidence on challenging terrain.

Who should buy the Brooks Caldera?


The Brooks Caldera is well-suited for trail runners who seek a shoe with ample cushioning and stability for long-distance events. It's a solid choice for those participating in ultra marathons or runners who prefer a cushioned ride on off-road paths. The roomy toe box makes it ideal for runners with wider feet or those who experience foot swelling over extended periods.

Who should not buy the Brooks Caldera?


Runners with narrower feet or those who prefer a snug fit may not find the Brooks Caldera to be the best match due to its higher volume fit. Additionally, those who prioritize a very durable outsole for extremely technical descents might want to consider other options. For those seeking a more road-oriented shoe, the Caldera may not provide the optimal experience.

Brooks Caldera: What's it good for?


The Brooks Caldera is excellent for trail runners who need a shoe that can handle long distances with ease. It's good for ultra marathons and other long-distance trail events where cushioning and stability are key. The shoe's grip and protection make it well-suited for varied terrain, from rocky paths to muddy trails.

4 Brooks Caldera FAQs


Is the Brooks Caldera suitable for ultra marathons?

Yes, the Brooks Caldera is designed with features like ample cushioning and a roomy toe box that make it suitable for ultra marathons and long-distance trail running.

How does the Brooks Caldera's cushioning compare to other Brooks trail shoes?

The Brooks Caldera offers thicker cushioning in the forefoot than any other Brooks trail shoe, providing enhanced comfort and protection for long runs on rugged terrain.

What type of terrain is the Brooks Caldera best suited for?

The Brooks Caldera is best suited for trail running, with a sticky rubber outsole and multidirectional lugs that provide traction on a variety of terrains, including rocky and loose surfaces.

Does the Brooks Caldera have a rock plate?

No, the Brooks Caldera does not include a rock plate (a protective insert between the midsole and outsole that shields the foot from sharp objects). Instead, it relies on its thick BioMoGo DNA midsole to provide protection from trail hazards.

Brooks Caldera alternatives

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Brooks Caldera
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Brooks Caldera
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priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Dec 2016
Feb 2020Jun 2019Jan 2020
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Expert Review Score
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productAthletes
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Jan MargaritClare Gallagher
Weight
Weight
M: 281 g
W: 255 g
326 g
M: 241 g
W: 213 g
M: 221 g
W: 176 g
M: 459 g
W: 391 g
M: 215 g
W: 181 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
21 mm
18 mm
15 mm
16 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
6 mm
4 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
25 mm
24 mm
19 mm
20 mm
Brand
Brand
Brooks
New BalanceMerrellLa SportivaMerrellXero Shoes
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Low drop
LightweightLightweightLow dropLow dropLightweightLow dropZero drop
Breathable
Breathable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rock plate
Rock plate
Techs
Techs
Vibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan โ“‹Vegan โ“‹
0

Brooks Caldera: what the experts say (1 review)

Brooks Caldera: 3 Expert video reviews

Brooks Caldera characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainTrail (+533)
BrandBrooks (+94)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLow drop (+277)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)
Events10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Ultra marathon (+136)
ColorwaysChateau Grey / White Sand, Lemon Chrome / Black / Springbud, Lunar Rock / Lemon Chrome / Black, White Sand / Chateau Gray / Yellow
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Dec 2016
Measurements
Weight
M: 281 g
W: 255 g
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
Heel
25 mm
Forefoot
21 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. Heโ€™s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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