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For over a decade, the Brooks Cascadia series has been a staple in the trail running and hiking community, with each newer version targeted to meet the needs of people who love being active in the great outdoors. The Cascadia 17 is the latest addition to this lineup, continuing Brooks' legacy of creating amazing trail shoes.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Cascadia 17
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Key Features of the Brooks Cascadia 17
1. Rugged Traction:
Brooks' TrailTack rubber outsole allows for a great grip on different surfaces.
From loose gravel, muddy trails, inclines, declines, or slippery, smooth rock, the Cascadia 17 keeps you moving forward and confident in every step.
2. Responsive Cushioning:
Brooks' BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your stride and weight, giving the wearer a personalized experience that lowers impact and increases energy return, keeping you moving for longer, and taking longer for your feet to get fatigued.
The added Pivot Post system also helps in remaining stable and balanced on uneven ground.
3. Durable Upper Construction:
The 3D printed mudguard protects your feet from debris
The combination of air mesh and strategic overlays makes sure that there is a balance between ventilation and structure, keeping your feet comfortable and cool.
4. Enhanced Fit and Comfort:
The tongue of the Cascadia 17 makes it much hard for small rocks, gravel, sand, and other debris to enter the shoe while out on the trail
The padded collar around your ankle lowers the risk of blisters and discomfort during extended wear.
5. Carbon fiber rockplate:
This is a feature built into the sole of the Cascadia 17. This rockplate helps to protect your feet from sharp, rocky, objects.
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What foot type is best for the Brooks Cascadia 17?
The Brooks Cascadia 17 I would say is probably bet for those with a normal to low arch, or even a flat foot. The heel drop in this shoes is only 8 mm which doesn't put as much weight on the ball of your foot, unlike other mainstream shoes. For those with a high arch or cavus foot, I would recommend trying these on at your local running store to see if they would be a good fit for you. If you wear orthotics while running, definitely bring these along to be fitted as well.
Is the Brooks Cascadia 17 good for people with bunions, hammertoes, or other toe deformities?
The Brooks Cascadia 17, due to it also being offered in a wide, makes this shoe a good choice to accommodate foot issues like bunions and hammertoes.
My experience with the Brooks Cascadia 17, as a foot doctor
My first pair of Brooks Cascadia were purchased in Fall 2020. I'd just moved to the great state of Arizona and begun hiking again. Any who has visited, or lives in Phoenix knows that the hiking trails here vary from mild inclines with gravel and dirt to the steepest inclines, which a lot of scrambling involved, jagged rocks, and a several hundred-foot drop to either side of you. The Brooks Cascadia has experienced many of these hikes with me, and have truly kept me stable and secure.
I've even brought these shoes on many trips to Sedona for popular hikes like Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge. Cathedral Rock especially has so many different terrains in one hike, and the Brooks Cascadia 17 held up well for all of them.
One of the reasons I purchased the Brooks Cascadia 17 was due to its carbon fiber rock plate. This was my first shoe with this feature. For trails that are particularly rocky and jagged, the rock plate helps to absorb the shock of walking on these objects, which helps with foot pain, and just making a hike a more comfortable experience. One thing I will say about the rock plate is that due it being present in the shoe, this removes some of the ground feel, and flexibility in the toe box. If this is something important to you, then I would say skip the Brooks Cascadia 17. If you don't mind a more rigid toebox, or losing some of that connection with the ground beneath you, then the Cascadia will be right up your alley. The rock plate would be great for someone with hallux limits or arthritis in any of the joints at the ball of their foot, because this rock plate limits motion at this joints.
For me, the Cascadia remains in my closet, but I chose to wear these shoes on hikes that I know there will be sharp, jagged rocks,
My Final Thoughts on the Brooks Cascadia 17
The Brooks Cascadia 17 is more than a shoe; it's an invitation to explore the great outdoors with confidence. Its impressive traction, comfortable cushioning, and durable construction combine to create a trail running shoe that is both reliable and exhilarating. As you lace up the Cascadia 17 and head out onto the trail, you'll find yourself embracing the challenges, conquering the unknown, and unleashing your true trail potential. So, gear up and get ready to forge new paths with the Brooks Cascadia 17. Your trail adventure awaits.
Women's Brooks Cascadia 17
Men's Brooks Cascadia 17
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