Trail Running
I first noticed these shoes because they're so bright and flashy. I immediately loved the look of these shoes but it took me a little longer to love running in them. I wear a 7-7.5 in street shoes and buy all my running shoes in an 8.5 because I like to have room in the toe box. The fit has always been great in the toes but the heel feels a little loose. I didn't want to go down in size and loose the room in the front but it felt a little slippery at my heel when I was first wearing them though. After running in them a few times though I've stopped noticing any sliding around. I really like wearing these shoes because I don't even notice them when I run (which is ideal for me). I also like the reinforced toe since I've done plenty of damage to my toes on some trails. Great traction and very comfortable. Figure out the right fit and these shoes are awesome.
Clara W at
REI on
06/06/2013
Great shoe for neutral arch
I have been looking diligently for a trail shoe that has arch support for high arches, fits comfortable in the heel and has good cushion. My search continues. Salomon would be perfect for me if their sizing was different- an 8.5 only fits if I don't hike (slide around in my shoe) and the 9 is too big.
The cascadia is a great shoe. Version 8 has a slightly wider toe box than 7 (Although a bunion on one foot makes this still slightly uncomfortable for me.) The cushioning in this shoe is fabulous-very comfy. There really isn't much arch support which is fine if you have a neutral arch. I'm still going to keep them. Last week I wore them on a 9 mile hike and my feet and shins didn't hurt until about mile 7.
Bottom line- if you have a neutral arch, average width feet and want a trail shoe with great cushion- this is your shoe!
MM2013 at
REI on
04/04/2013
Best running shoes I own
I LOVE these shoes! They a incredibly light and run a little small (FYI) so I would recommend going a 1/2 size up. Even running a tad small, I still find the shoes to fit great with a thin sock. If you like to wear thick socks...you would need to go another 1/2 size larger. I wear these shoes with thin, generic dept. store socks and feel that there is plenty of cushion in them. Bonus for saving $$.
My ankles naturally indent/pronate inwards and I feel very supported by the shoes. Also with wearing the generic, thin socks, I never get blisters and the shoes feel very comfortable yet snug on my feet. I run trails with rocks, sand, mud, tree roots, etc. and I haven't ever felt like I couldn't handle the terrain with this pair. They are my "go-to shoes" for trail running and now look forward to getting the Brooks Adrenalins for road and trail.
Valerie Ram Rattan at
REI on
07/07/2013
First time trail runner
I'm a road runner who just signed up for her first trail run and the Cascadia 8 is the only trail shoe I've tried. I've been off-road before but I notice a definite difference running in these shoes than in my previous road shoes. They provide great traction! Every now and then I still have to add in some road time and the Cascadia has held up okay--they certainly don't have the cushion that I'm used to but the impact really isn't that uncomfortable. I think this is a solid choice for someone who might have to mix up the runs a little and doesn't have the budget to buy two separate pairs at one time. Also, I have fairly troublesome bunions and find that the cut of the shoe provides enough room in the toebox that I can run comfortably. Nothing is getting squeezed and my heel still gets the snug fit it needs to avoid blisters.
J Snobes at
REI on
11/11/2013
Great Trail Shoes!
I just picked up a pair of these and took them out on a 9.5 mile road/trail run. i like them so much better than my New Balance WT610s. (The NB shoes fell terrible on the road. Plus rocks were felt through them.) These felt fine on the roads and really great on the trails. The rock plate in the sole was good for blocking out the rocks.
It was pretty wet & mucky on Mt. Talbert, they stuck to the trail. Didn't slip on the wet rocks either.
The wide toe box is nice, too. I have a bunion on my left foot and they felt fine. The only reason I indicated they felt too wide, was not because I thought they were too wide (they were perfect for me). Just wanted to indicate that they are wider than B width.
Love these shoes!
GrannyFranny at
REI on
01/01/2014
A winner for outdoor adventures
This is my second pair of Cascadias and I am in love with them. The first pair are still going strong, I just wanted a second. These shoes are comfortable, durable and have served me well through a wide variety of adventures. As soon as this pair of shoes arrived I took them on a quick trail run and then went on an adventure tourism vacation to the Berkshire Mountains in Connecticut. They gave great traction through some intense hikes on a variety of terrain ranging from pavement to dirt paths to steep and uneven rock paths. I used them during a repelling activity and a beginner-intermediate level rock climb as well. They are cute enough for everyday wear and rugged enough to take on whatever the great outdoors throws at you.
OutdoorsyBlonde at
REI on
07/07/2013
Great Stylish Shoes
I use these shoes for hiking, running, dog walking, biking to class, and work! Even after hours in them my feet feel great, I've never once been sore from wearing them. My favorite thing about them is the narrow diameter mesh, it allows little dust and dirt to travel though it so my toes never get very dirty out on the Arizona trails. Also, they are fairly water resistant, keeping my toes dry from accidental puddle mishaps.
One thing that is not so great is that the fabric near the lace holes is very weak and wears away quickly. This isn't really a problem, but makes the shoes look older than they are.
twrekis at
REI on
01/01/2014
Best shoes ever!!
I am only writing this to make sure that this shoe gets its proper dues. I can't believe that another reviewer said that they were poorly made. Untrue!! These shoes are the best I've tried and I've tried just about every brand out there. They are comfortable right away - have plenty of toe space and both heel are arch are well supported. I've had these shoes for about four months now and wear them all the time - for hiking, running and school. Plus the color is gorgeous! My husband just bought his first pair of Brooks yesterday and he's just as sold on the fit and comfort. Really - try them!
teamsteen at
REI on
03/03/2013
Great Shoe!
My local REI did not have my size so I tried the women's on and they fit perfectly. I was so impressed with them that I purchased a second pair just for walking. Brooks should make the turquoise color for men, as I have gotten so many favorable comments from both men and women.
Katlinbr at
REI on
08/08/2013
Awesome shoes
I have struggled to get comfortable shoes like these for about 10 years; these are great and I would buy another pair without blinking. True to size and felt great from the first moment. No break-in period needed. Awesome colors too and I LOVE THEM!
Cedar Rock at
REI on
04/04/2013