Brooks caldera 8

Learn more about the Brooks caldera 8 male running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Brooks caldera 8

Price

$300

Rating

-

Popularity

Less Popular

The Brooks Caldera 8 is a cushioned and supportive trail running shoe designed for rugged terrain, sitting as a mid-tier option in the Brooks lineup, offering a balance between the lightweight, less cushioned models and the more robust, heavily cushioned models.

Brooks
Brooks caldera
3 colorways

Colorway: CMA MOONLIGHT AURORA BLK/EBONY

Widths available: normal

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Summary

The Brooks Caldera 8 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for those who seek stability and enhanced cushioning on rugged terrains. Known for its superior energy return and responsiveness, the Caldera 8 is equipped with innovative features like the nitrogen-infused DNA AMP midsole, providing optimal performance during long trail runs. Compared to other models in Brooks's lineup, such as the Brooks Cascadia series which emphasizes support and protection with a rock plate, or the Brooks Catamount, which focuses on speed and lightweight performance for trail racing, the Caldera 8 stands out for its combination of plush cushioning and durable traction. This makes it an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize comfort over technical trail agility, or those who want a shoe that can perform well on both rugged surfaces and smoother trails.

Surface

trail

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(36mm)

Category

ResponsiveBalancedComfort

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(air mesh with breathable TPEE in the top layer upper)

Weight

309g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

6mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(medium density, 4mm lugs)

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Brooks caldera 8 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 14 wear-tester reviews.

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

foam (4)
comfort (3)
softness (2)
extra cushion (1)
smooth ride (1)
stack (1)
material (1)
balance (1)
Pros
"The nitrogen injected DNA Loft foam offers a balance between comfort and stability."
foam
stability
"The Brooks Caldera 7 offers exceptional cushioning for long distance running."
cushioning
long distance
comfort
"The midsole is soft and offers significant protection to the foot, making it suitable for long distances."
comfort
protection
long distance
"The DNA Loft foam provides a good balance of comfort and responsiveness."
DNA Loft
comfort
firmness
"The nitrogen infused DNA Loft V3 foam provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption."
cushioning
shock absorption
"The shoe maintains the effective midsole with nitrogen-infused foam for cushioning and support."
cushioning
support
"The DNA loft foam provides excellent cushioning, making it comfortable for long runs."
DNA Loft
cushioning
long runs
"Enhanced cushion in the Catamount 4 allows for a more comfortable ride."
comfort
cushioning
"The Cascadia 19 boasts an enhanced midsole for a soft and smooth ride."
comfort
cushioning
midsole
"The Caldera 7 features a higher amount of cushioning than the Cascadia 18, providing a softer feel."
cushioning
softness
comfort
"The DNA Loft nitrogen infused cushioning in the Caldera 7 creates a cloud-like feel when running."
DNA Loft
soft cushioning
sink
"The Cascadia 18 offers a balanced cushioning experience suitable for various terrains."
balanced
terrain versatility
"The Caldera 7 provides maximum cushioning for comfort during long runs."
cushioning
comfort
long distances
"The Catamount 3 features a responsive cushioning that enhances spring back during runs."
performance
energy return
uptempo runs
"The Cascadia 18 offers balanced cushioning suitable for a variety of distances and terrains."
versatility
stability
trail running
"The midsole foam offers both softness and responsiveness, providing a balanced ride."
midsole
responsiveness
balance
Cons
"Lack of softer cushioning might not be suitable for those looking for more comfort during long runs."
cushioning
comfort
long runs
"The Caldera 7's increased cushioning may feel overly soft, which can affect stability for some runners."
cushioning
stability
cloud-like
"The shoe lacks significant midsole updates, which may not meet the expectations of runners looking for new innovations."
midsole
innovation
runner expectations
"The new shoe may not offer enough cushion for some runners."
cushion
extra
"The cushioning in the Caldera 7 results in less energy return compared to other models."
Caldera 7
cushioning
energy return
"The Catamount 3 has less cushioning, which may not be suitable for longer runs."
Catamount 3
cushioning
long runs
"Some runners may prefer a more responsive shoe over the highly cushioned ones offered."
cushioned
racing

breathability (6)
protection (2)
initial feel (1)
versatility (1)
durability (1)
initial (1)
irritation (1)
rigidity (1)
Pros
"Breathability is enhanced by the hydrophobic TP mesh upper."
TP mesh
breathable
summer running
"The updated upper is more breathable than previous models, enhancing comfort."
breathable
comfort
upper
"The Caldera features durable, breathable materials for enhanced protection and comfort."
durability
material
protection
"All three shoes feature engineered mesh, contributing to breathability and comfort."
mesh
lightweight
lockdown
"The shoes are highly breathable, enhancing comfort during runs."
breathability
comfort
"The shoe's upper is breathable, making it suitable for different weather conditions."
breathable
weather
comfort
"The Caldera 8 is lightweight and comfortable straight out of the box."
lightweight
comfortable
"The Divide 5 is an affordable and versatile trail shoe, ideal for new trail runners."
value
entry-level
comfort
"The new upper material in the Caldera 7 is both durable and comfortable, improving the overall experience."
material
comfort
durability
Cons
"The shoe felt slightly stiff at first which may affect initial comfort."
stiffness
initial comfort
"A slight hot spot was experienced on the arch during the first run."
hot spot
arch
"Despite improvements, the toe protection on the Caldera 7 is insufficient for heavy rock impacts."
toe protection
rock impact
comfort
"The shoes lack adequate toe protection, especially for the big toe."
toe box
protection
comfort
"The Caldera 7 has rigid components that may affect flexibility."
Caldera 7
rigidity
flexibility
"La parte superior de la zapatilla tiene una sensación plástica que podría no ser adecuada para todos los corredores."
upper
feel
durability

materials (1)
wear resistance (1)
sustainability (1)
lightweight (1)
ruggedness (1)
material (1)
weight (1)
construction (1)
Pros
"The upper is made of durable, quick-drying materials that enhance breathability."
breathable
quick-drying
"There are no signs of premature wear after extensive testing on rough terrain."
durability
wear resistance
"The outsole features a Trailtech Green rubber compound with recycled materials, focusing on sustainability while ensuring performance."
outsole
recycled_materials
"The shoe maintains its lightweight structure despite enhancements."
lightweight
value
"The new materials in the Caldera 8 enhance durability for rugged trail conditions."
durability
rugged
protection
"The upper construction has been modified for durability, enhancing the shoe's lifespan."
upper
durability
longevity
Cons
"The shoe feels heavy despite not appearing so when held."
weight
heaviness
"The recycled materials used may raise concerns regarding long-term durability and performance of the outsole."
recycled materials
durability
performance
"Durability concerns may arise with the shoe's materials over long distances."
durability
concerns
"The updated upper design of the Catamount may come at the cost of durability compared to earlier models."
durability
upper
"No se observan cambios significativos en la mediasuela en comparación con el modelo anterior, lo que podría desilusionar a algunos consumidores."
media sole
upgrade
consumer expectation

weight (4)
smoothness (2)
terrain (2)
ground feel (1)
propulsion (1)
innovation (1)
versatility (1)
value (1)
Pros
"The shoe's lightness does not sacrifice the sensation of being grounded and stable when running."
balance
weight
"The Brooks Caldera 8 offers a smooth ride with a flatter profile underfoot."
smooth
flat profile
riding experience
"The Catamount 3 offers a well-cushioned and versatile option for various terrains and road-to-trail transitions."
versatility
cushioning
road-to-trail
"The Catamount 4 incorporates a new plate design for improved propulsion and speed."
speed
responsiveness
innovation
"The new manufacturing processes have improved shoe performance across various runner profiles."
testing
improvement
"The Cascadia 18 is recognized as a popular allrounder shoe well-suited for multiple terrains."
allrounder
terrain handling
"The Divide has always been recognized for its great value in the entry-level pricing segment."
affordability
quality
entry-level
"The shoe is designed as a cruiser for long runs without worrying about pace."
long run
cruising
comfortable
Cons
"The shoe is perceived as heavy, which might hinder performance for faster-paced runs."
heavy
performance
speed
"The shoe's weight might still be a concern for speed-focused runners."
weight
performance
"The weight of the Caldera 7 makes it unsuitable for shorter, faster runs."
weight
up tempo
short runs
"The shoes could be heavier than some runners prefer."
cushioning
durability
"They may not be the best choice for very technical, high frequency rocky sections."
technical
rocky
"La zapatilla no es adecuada para terrenos muy técnicos o difíciles, lo que limita su versatilidad."
technical
trail
limitation
"The shoe lacks versatility, particularly for speed work or race day."
speed work
race day
performance issue
"El corredor élite que busca ganar puede no encontrar la suficiente dinámica en este modelo de zapatilla."
elite
competition
dynamic

width (3)
narrowness (3)
stability (2)
foot security (1)
room (1)
structure (1)
flexibility (1)
design (1)
Pros
"The shoe provides good foot security with no slippage during runs."
lockdown
slippage
"The shoe offers a secure fit with ample width for comfort."
secure fit
adjustable laces
wide shoe
"The Caldera 7 accommodates wider feet better than the Cascadia 18, which is beneficial for some runners."
wide fit
comfort
"The toe box offers ample room and flexibility, increasing comfort during long runs."
toe box
flexibility
long runs
"The upper design of the Caldera 8 has been improved for better structure and lockdown."
upper
lockdown
breathability
"Innovation in the Cascadia 19 allows for a more flexible and responsive midsole."
flexibility
comfort
innovation
"Both shoes have a gusseted tongue that helps keep debris out and provides a secure fit."
gusseted tongue
secure fit
"The Caldera 7 is designed with ample width, accommodating runners with foot issues."
comfort
foot issues
accommodation
"The gusseted tongues on the shoes prevent lateral movement, enhancing fit stability."
gusseted tongue
fit
stability
"The shoe's wide fit provides excellent stability, especially during exhausting runs."
wide fit
stability
long runs
"The fit of the shoes is true to size, with extra room for foot swelling during runs."
true to size
fit
"The upper of the shoe includes a gusseted tongue which aids in fit and comfort."
gusseted tongue
fit
comfort
"The shoe is suitable for various types of runners, accommodating different body weights comfortably."
runner types
weight
comfort
Cons
"Initial fit appears too high in the instep but adjusts when running."
instep
initial fit
"The shoe may feel wider than necessary for lighter runners who could prefer a quicker feel."
width
speed
stability
"The narrower fit of the Cascadia 18 may not accommodate those with wider feet."
fit
narrow
width issues
"La zapatilla puede resultar demasiado ancha para algunos corredores, afectando la sensación de ajuste."
fit
narrow
comfort
"While the upper has been improved for breathability, there may be concerns about its ability to keep out dirt and sand effectively."
upper
breathability
dirt protection
"Some runners may find the fit is not as customizable as they prefer."
fit
lack
"The narrow toe box in the Catamount 3 may not accommodate wider feet comfortably."
Catamount 3
fit
narrow toe box
"The forefoot fit changes may make the shoe feel a little narrower or different."
fit
perception
comfort
"The shoe may not suit those with narrow feet due to excess material."
narrow feet
excess material
"The shoes might feel constricting on top for runners with wider toes."
width
toe space
"The addition of a gator attachment on the front could lead to stiffness in the forefoot."
stiffness
flexibility
fit
"The overlays might be excessive and could cause discomfort for some users."
overlays
fit issue

heel offset (1)
platform (1)
traction (1)
protection (1)
width (1)
heel (1)
wide platform (1)
confidence (1)
Pros
"The shoe offers an excellent heel offset which matches the reviewer’s preference."
heel height
preference
"The shoe features a wide rearfoot platform, enhancing stability."
wide platform
rearfoot stability
"The Cascadia 19 is praised for its stability and grip on various terrains, enhancing runner confidence."
stability
grip
all-terrain
"The rock plate in the Cascadia 18 enhances stability and protects against rocks."
rock plate
stability
protection
"The Cascadia 18 features a broad base underneath the sole, increasing stability and support."
broad base
ground contact
support
"Caldera 7 has sidewalls and a stiff heel counter that provide additional stability during runs."
sidewalls
heel counter
stability
"These shoes provide a good level of stability despite being highly cushioned."
stability
platform
"The Cascadia shoe has undergone significant advancements to enhance confidence on rugged terrains."
rugged
testing
advancements
"The Caldera 7 is designed for stability and flexibility on technical terrains, addressing previous limitations."
technical
stability
control
"The shoe has a good heel counter, providing stability and a secure fit."
stability
secure fit
"The shoe is stable due to its wide base, suitable for those concerned about ankle stability."
stability
wide base
ankle support
Cons
"The shoe's flat profile may not appeal to those accustomed to more pronounced rockers."
profile
rocker
shoes
"The shoe may lack information on stability improvements compared to previous models."
stability
improvement
"The Caldera 7 sacrifices stability for extra cushioning, which might not be suitable for all terrain types."
Caldera 7
stability
cushioning
"The Catamount 3 lacks stability due to its design and lower lug depth."
Catamount 3
stability
performance
"The shoes may not provide sufficient support for runners with over-pronation issues."
neutral
over-pronation

traction (2)
performance (1)
adaptability (1)
versatility (1)
Pros
"The aggressive lug pattern of the outsole provides good traction on muddy trails."
lug pattern
mud
traction
"The shoe provides good traction with its 4mm lugs on various terrains."
4mm lugs
solid traction
multi-terrain
"The aggressive tread pattern offers excellent traction on varying terrain."
tread pattern
traction
stability
"The Catamount 4 has a 3.5 mm lug depth providing excellent grip on various surfaces."
grip
traction
"The Cascadia 18 has a rugged outsole that provides excellent grip on technical terrain."
multi-directional
wet rocks
technical terrain
"The outsole traction of the Caldera 7 is compared favorably to other high-performance materials."
outsole
grip
traction
"The shoes performed exceptionally well on loose and rocky terrain with no slipping."
grip
performance
"The Catamount Ail shoe is specifically designed for short-distance racing, providing excellent grip."
short-distance
grip
flexibility
"The outsole design has been improved, making it more versatile and suitable for various terrains."
traction
outsole
multi-terrain
Cons
"The Caldera 7 lacks the grip needed for technical terrains when compared to the Cascadia 18."
grip
technical
terrain
"The shoe may not provide enough traction for all trail conditions despite being marketed as a trail shoe."
traction
grip issue

weight (3)
overall recommendation (1)
water_repellent (1)
sustainability (1)
design (1)
aesthetics (1)
mud retention (1)
color (1)
Pros
"The Brooks Caldera 8 feels lighter than its actual weight, enhancing the runner's experience."
lightweight
sensation
"The combination of features makes the Caldera 8 a good choice for both new and seasoned trail runners."
versatility
recommendation
"A water-repellent feature has been added to the shoe's upper to maintain a lightweight feel in wet conditions."
water_repellent
lightweight
"Both shoes use a TrailTack green outsole made from recycled material, showcasing eco-friendliness."
recycled material
eco-friendly
"Brooks Trail has made significant improvements in its shoe lineup with exciting new designs."
overhaul
design
improvement
"The shoe features an impressive color combination that stands out and looks attractive."
color
design
Cons
"The deep flex grooves on the midsole can trap mud."
mud
flex grooves
"The shoe's white color gets dirty easily after muddy runs."
white
dirty
"There's a concern about the trap potential of stones in the flex grooves."
stone trap
flex grooves
"The stiffer flex throughout most of the foot could affect the natural gait of some runners."
flex
gait
toe off
"The overall weight of the shoe may be a downside for some runners who prefer a lighter option."
weight
runner preference
"The weight of the Caldera 7 has been reduced but was previously considered high."
heaviness
smoothing
performance
"The weight of the shoe may deter some runners looking for lighter options."
heaviness
weight
"The shoe's price point may be seen as high for trail runners on a budget."
price
budget
trail running
"The Caldera 7 is heavy, which might slow down performance."
Caldera 7
weight
performance
"The pricing of the Catamount is relatively higher compared to other models."
pricing
value

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Model Updates

The Brooks Caldera 8 features updates such as a new last and upper construction that enhance the fit and support, offering better comfort and stability for uneven terrain. Also, the midsole includes additional BioMoGo DNA cushioning for improved durability and adaptability on long runs.

Older Models

Newer Models

Reviews

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Reviews on Fittir (-)

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Wear-tester reviews (14)

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