Brooks Caldera 8 Performance Review

The Brooks Caldera 8 utilizes the same midsole and outsole as the high-performing Brooks Caldera 7 but tweaks the upper in an attempt to improve the all-around experience. Was Brooks successful in improving its trail workhorse? Let’s find out.

What is the Brooks Caldera 8?

According to Brooks, “the Caldera 8 is ideal for the distance trail runner that needs cushioned, protective comfort while they run mile 1— or 100.” It also has “enduring comfort, plush cushion, and an adaptable ride made for long-distance runs.” 

That first part is spot on, at least since the Caldera 6. The second part is pretty accurate as well. We also need to start including “enduring comfort” in more of our reviews. [Editor’s Note: It feels so unnecessary yet so right.]

Cushion

Drew: With last year’s Caldera 7, I focused a lot on the sidewalls. And with the same midsole/outsole setup, what I said then remains valid now. The sidewalls kept my feet firmly on the shoe’s midsole platform. The Brooks Caldera 8 is the perfect trail shoe for someone that spends a lot of time running on roads, wants to run trails, but doesn’t want to twist an ankle while doing so.

I finish trail runs in the Caldera 8 without any ankle soreness from taking on the burden of my own stabilization, without any bruises on the bottom of my feet, and without any of those near ankle turns that make this former basketball player’s life flash before his eyes. 

This midsole is protective but still plush, a perfect mix for almost anyone that’s hitting the trails, whether they’re running, hiking, or doing a bit of both. This midsole assures the Brooks Caldera 8 is one of the more accessible trail shoes on the market.

But Sam pushes the pace and the difficulty on the trails a lot more than I do, so let’s find out if the Caldera 8 kept up.

Sam: Drew nailed it on the stability of the midsole. Brooks has figured out something super effective with the Caldera that keeps your foot secured down and into the shoe. Stepping into the Brooks Caldera 8 actually feels like you’re stepping down into a secure bed that, despite a high stack, somehow keeps your foot low to the ground.

Similar to the Caldera 7, the midsole takes a minute to soften up. Brooks DNA LOFT foam isn’t too mind blowing, but the nitrogen-infused midsole does provide a little pop that is unexpected when you first put on the shoe. It’s definitely not a fast midsole nor a technical one, but it’s a comfortable and confident midsole that’s great for your long, slow days.

Support

Drew: Alongside the beloved sidewalls (see above) on the Brooks Caldera 8, the wide base, solid heel counter, and efficient lockdown make sure the foot isn’t going anywhere. I wasn’t sliding around on downhills, and ninety-degree turns felt natural and secure.

The Caldera 8 is max cushion in the trail shoe world, but it’s also max support…maybe too much for some experienced trail runners. But it’s great for any beginner or road runner that only occasionally hits the trails.

Does the support ever get in the way of your epic ascents and descents, Sam?

Sam: The Brooks Caldera 8 is assuredly a stable shoe. The lockdown is great, and a comfortable heel makes for smooth uphills. I felt pretty comfortable heading uphill, although the general bulk of this shoe makes it not as nimble as the Catamount or another comparable shoe.

Not sure if this is just me, but this shoe, particularly the sidewalls, felt more stiff or rigid than the prior model. On super fast or steep descents, this made itself known by not really providing any give to the toes, which of course can be painful. However, I don’t think this shoe is really meant for that type of running, so the supportive chassis provided by the sidewalls is intended to keep the foot centered during your average effort.

Traction

Drew: With the same outsole setup as the Caldera 7, the Brooks Caldera 8’s outsole grips well in various conditions (wet, snow, mud) but also brings a solid degree of flexibility for a shoe this thick. The Caldera 8 is fairly responsive to uneven ground despite the high stack. For a larger runner like me, there’s a noticeable security when bombing down hills after long, painful climbs… Each footstep feels connected to the ground while being protected from whatever rock or root lies beneath my foot.

Sam: As Drew pointed out, flexibility is the unique factor for this outsole. The structure and design, which is split down the middle of the shoe and divided into pods, allows for the shoe to bend and flex without the hindrance of extra rubber. This adds to the overall stable nature of the shoe. It’s a unique feature for a max stack shoe. The TrailTack compound is fairly reliable, but these days it really is hard to find someone who makes an objectively bad outsole. I haven’t had any problems with the Caldera 8’s traction so far, and, for what I intend to use it on, I don’t suspect I will.

Upper

Drew: So Brooks supposedly improved the upper, and there are changes – the most noticeable being the slightly more asymmetrical lean of the laces. But in practice, the upper on the Caldera 8 feels similar to the Caldera 7.

The Caldera 8’s upper fits true-to-size, doesn’t have too many layers, is nicely breathable, and, as usual with Brooks, is very comfortable. The speed lacing system, lace garage, and slim yet protective tongue return from the Caldera 7. They work together to lock the foot down nicely without excess top-of-foot pressure. I’m not sure anything Brooks changed made a huge difference, but it’s good to know they’re always tinkering along the edges.

Sam: Most of the changes on this shoe occurred in the upper, where it looks like Brooks has slightly stripped down the materials, making for a bit less bulky experience. I think this shoe will breathe a lot better than the Caldera 8, as the upper mesh appears thinner. I love the laces on this shoe; they hold fast and don’t slip, with a lace lockdown piece along the tongue to tuck them through so nothing comes undone.

Is the Brooks Caldera 8 wide foot friendly?

Drew: Yes, there’s wiggle room throughout the upper, and the midsole provides a wide base. The lacing system is also very forgiving of many different foot types.

Sam: Yep, this will fit wider feet through the whole shoe.

Is the Brooks Caldera 8 worth $150?

Drew: Yes, given the cost of similarly targeted max-cushion trail shoes and Brooks’ reputation for durability, the Brooks Caldera 8 justifies the price point.

Sam: $150 is a great price these days for a trail shoe. If you can get 300-400 miles from this shoe, it’s well worth the cost.

How to use the Brooks Caldera 8

The Brooks Caldera 8 is best used by those who need comfort for lots of trail running or hiking miles but also want a high level of support and security alongside that plush and protective midsole. If you’ve ever heard of the running term ‘LSD’ – Long Slow Distance – that’s basically what this shoe was designed to do, and it does so well.

Brooks Caldera 8 Summary

Drew: The Brooks Caldera 8 continues the Caldera’s reputation of delivering maximum comfort and cushion to trail runners and hikers. Amazingly, there’s still some groundfeel even though it’s not close to the nimblest of trail shoes. Anyone that wants maximum stability and protection on the trails should have the Caldera 8 on their list of potential trail shoes. We have it on our list of Best Trail Running Shoes for just that reason.

Sam: I like the Brooks Caldera 8. It’s, in many ways, a simple shoe and a callback to what trail running shoes were originally designed to do when the industry first developed. Comfort, stability, protection and cushion: these are the four pinnacles of the Caldera 8 and the shoe does its damndest to deliver on them, day in, day out.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Sam Lohse (age 28, 6’0″, 170 lbs): Runs daily, sometimes morning/night doubles, with one rest day a week (typically). Hangs right around 40-50 miles a week in general unless in race-specific training. Races distances from 50K to 100 miles, almost always on the trails.

Disclosure

While Brooks did provide pairs of the Caldera 8 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.