Stepping into the Brooks Caldera 7 trail runners, the vibrant lemon color and sturdy build catch your eye. But here’s the twist – they’re not as heavy as they look, and the stable ride holds a surprise.
Priced at $150, these shoes promise more than meets the eye. Are they just another trail shoe, or is there something unexpected waiting to be discovered? Time to lace up and find out.
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Looks:
I tend to lean towards flashier shoes when hitting the trails; there’s something about neons and bright colors that makes me feel faster than I actually am. The lemon colorway in the Brooks Caldera 7 perfectly aligns with my preference. However, I also appreciate the men’s sand colorway, which is a bit more muted with browns and yellows blending seamlessly.
What adds a unique touch to the style is the visual of grey mountains on the outside of the midsole, creating a look that is bound to catch attention.
The women’s version takes a different approach, featuring neon yellow at the front of the foot and adding pink accents to the mostly white and black shoe.
Fit and Feel:
At first glance, it’s evident that these shoes aren’t designed for a nimble and ultralight experience; they exude a robust and rugged build. Despite their bulky appearance and what might seem like a heavy ride, the actual feel defies expectations.
While I loosely describe them as bulky and heavy, it’s noteworthy that these shoes weigh in at just 10.6 ounces. The visual impression might lead one to anticipate a couple of ounces more in weight, but the surprising aspect is that they ride light.
The overall ride of these shoes is notably stable, and it does have a more blocky construction compared to some other options out there. If you lean towards a more nimble, agile, and lighter trail shoe, this may not be the perfect fit for you. However, I wouldn’t let that deter you from giving this shoe a try. In all honesty, my expectations were pleasantly surpassed.
Upper:
The revamped upper of these shoes is an environmentally conscious choice, constructed with over 40% recycled materials—a commendable addition. Brooks proudly labels it as part of their first carbon-neutral trail running line. The TPEE dual-layered upper brings added flexibility and breathability to the mix. Thanks to the innovative materials and construction, foot security is excellent.
Straight out of the box, I laced up these shoes for a 10-mile run and found no need for adjustments along the way. The snug and secure feel, coupled with effective lacing, kept everything in place without any discomfort. The upper’s breathability has proven effective in keeping debris at bay, although I haven’t yet tested its overall performance in warm summer trail excursions.
Despite not being explicitly labeled as a “wide” shoe, the base footprint offers plenty of room for the feet to spread out comfortably, adding to the overall positive experience of wearing these trail running shoes.
Midsole:
The midsole of these shoes offers a remarkably cushioned and comfortable feel. It’s not common for me to grab a trail shoe straight out of the box, go for a 10-mile run, and feel genuinely good about it, but these shoes managed to deliver exactly that experience. Credit goes to the impressive DNA Loft v3 foam, a feature found in various Brooks shoes, including the Glycerin 21 we will be reviewing soon. The cushioning is top-of-the-line and easily accessible.
While I didn’t run in the previous version – the Caldera 6 – it’s mentioned that Brooks reduced the overall stack in the 7’s from previous versions. Despite this, I found the 7’s to offer excellent stability, even in challenging conditions. In my initial runs, I half-expected to roll my ankle on hidden roots or rocks covered by snow, but to my surprise, I kept going without any issues. If these shoes could handle the winter conditions I put them through, I have confidence that they can handle a variety of terrains and challenges.
Outsole:
No complaints about the outsole here; it impresses with a 4mm chevron lug depth that provides ample traction. The grip is particularly commendable, holding up admirably even in challenging conditions like snow and mud.
Brooks introduces their new Trailtack green composition for the outsole, and it not only performs well but also adds a visually appealing touch to the overall design. The combination of the lug depth and the innovative Trailtack composition contributes to a reliable and effective outsole that can confidently tackle various terrains and weather conditions.
Initial Impressions:
Embarking on my first run with these shoes took me through a 10-mile trail adventure in Willamette Mission State Park, right after a winter storm. Despite the park’s minimal elevation gain, the trails presented a fair amount of muck and snow. Anticipating a slower, more meticulous traverse through the elements, I was pleasantly surprised.
What started as an initially planned 5-mile run turned into a 10-mile excursion because my feet felt fantastic, and my pace turned out to be surprisingly nimble. The shoes not only handled the challenging terrain well but also contributed to a positive and comfortable running experience, exceeding my expectations for the trail conditions.
I found myself waiting for my legs to tire from the constant lift of the bulkier profile, but surprisingly, it just didn’t happen. While I don’t consider myself the most proficient trail runner, unlike our experienced Drew, I can attest to the positive impact on my legs during runs with minimal elevation gain. Although I can’t fully speak to how these shoes would fare on runs with significant elevation changes, my experiences on trails with moderate challenges this winter have been promising.
Overall:
The construction of these shoes is robust, giving off a durable and long-lasting vibe. It seems like the kind of shoe that can endure long distances without fail. It carries a beastly build, yet the stability it provides gives the impression that it could go all day. The consistent and stable ride appears to contribute to lessening fatigue, making it a reliable companion for extended periods of running.
Considering the myriad of quality features, it’s impressive that this running shoe comes with a $150 price tag. While it may not fall into the “budget” category, trail shoes often tend to be a substantial investment for runners. In comparison to other trail shoes on the market, even those with a higher price point, this one holds its own and offers excellent value for the features it brings to the table. It’s a compelling option that stands up well against competitors, even those with a heftier price tag.
Brooks Caldera 7 $150
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Thank you to Brooks for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
