Have you ever dedicated weeks to training, only to have your race day derailed by unforeseen circumstances? Unfortunately, that’s the scenario I found myself in, struck down by a stomach bug just 36 hours before the start of the Mississippi 50K Trail Run.
Despite pushing myself to the limit, I could only manage to reach the 20K mark. This blog was to be a celebration of both the race and the shoe that got me through it, the Brooks Caldera 7. And though I will not be singing praises of my effort, I can discuss the shoe that helped me reach 20K and all the training miles leading up.
The Brooks Caldera 7 is a high cushioned, ultra distance trail shoe. Described by Brooks as ‘ultra-cushioned for ultra-adventure’ the Caldera 7 is designed to tackle any terrain thrown at it while providing comfort over 10s to 100s of miles in one outing.
Does the Caldera 7 live up to its moniker? After running over roots, rocks, through mud, and wading knee high creeks I believe I’ve found the answer.
SPECS
SURFACE: TRAIL
CATEGORY: CUSHIONED TRAIL
FIT: TRU TO SIZE
WHAT's NEW
- Carbon Neutral Certified
- Improved Lug Geometry
- TPEE Material Upper
- Half Ounce Drop in Weight
UPPER
The Caldera 7 features a lightweight TPEE air mesh upper. Made up of 42.1% recyclable materials, the shoe is certified carbon neutral. The ankle collar and heel are highly cushioned providing long term comfort. The upper has a secure fit thanks partially to its fully gusseted tongue. The updated upper drains well and dries quickly.
MIDSOLE
We see Brooks’s supercritical DNA LOFT v3 foam for a second time on the blog this year in the Brooks Caldera 7. The EVA foam with nitrogen injection results in a highly cushioned feel across most terrains. The raised midsole sides helps toenvelops the foot adding stability and security to your runs.
MIDSOLE
We see Brooks’s supercritical DNA LOFT v3 foam for a second time on the blog this year in the Brooks Caldera 7. The EVA foam with nitrogen injection results in a highly cushioned feel across most terrains. The raised midsole sides helps toenvelops the foot adding stability and security to your runs.
OUTSOLE
With improvement in the geometry of the 4mm lugs, the outsole brings excellent traction on smooth to semi technical terrain. The sticky TrailTak Green outsole has a split base, mimicking the hooves of a mountain goat, adding flex to the shoe on uneven terrains.
PROS
- One of more comfortable trail shoes I have worn due to the V3 foam and air mesh upper.
- After 20K on muddy, wet trails the upper drained well though I initially had doubts.
- Over roots, rocks, pinestraw, and slick clay the TrailTak outsole kept me on my feet.
- I am prone to rolled ankles and the raised sides of the midsole foam kept me stable and upright.
- As shoe prices continue to rise, at $150 you are getting a lot of shoe for the price point.
CONS
- Though wider than the previous model, the toe box feels narrow.
- There is a lot of shoe underfoot. While it helps with stability and comfort, the shoe becomes ‘blockish’ when picking up the pace.
- Currently only 2 colorways available. Brooks is known for offering their road shoes in a variety of colors so it would be nice to see in their trail line as well.
IS THIS SHOE FOR YOU?
The Brooks Caldera 7 is a go-to for anyone looking for a shoe that provides continued comfort on long runs. The specs make it a sufficient choice for an all around trail shoe. Though, those looking to podium on race day, would be better suited to the Brooks Catamount 3. I do a decent amount of hiking during my trail runs and found the Caldera worked well. Possibly could make a versatile thru hike shoe.
WRAP UP
A highly cushioned, durable trail shoe, the Brooks Caldera 7 benefits from an improved lug geometry, TPEE air mesh upper, and DNA Loft V3 midsole. Built for comfort over miles and miles of trails, those looking for a more agile race day shoe may want to look elsewhere in the Brooks lineup. The Caldera works best for easier paced efforts, long days on the trails, and even an occasional hike.
The Brooks Caldera 7 is now available to order by Run N Tri Mobile. Aaron and staff provide a premier fitting process that includes proper measurement of the length and width of your feet, arch, and leg axis. A gait analysis is performed to identify pronation or lack thereof and pressure points. In addition, an interview is conducted to determine the best type of shoe for your needs and goals.
So stop by Run N Tri Mobile so they can put you in the latest trail offering from Brooks or one of the nine other brands carried in the shop.
