Jenna Lyons is an athlete that does it all. Runs, bikes, skis, you name it. She just graduated from law school and still finds time to represent Runner’s Edge as a 2017-2018 RErun Ambassador while she studies for the bar exams. She recently tested the Brooks Cascadia 13 and gave us her thoughts.
I was asked to review the Brooks Cascadia 13. After running in several iterations of the Cascadia, I was excited to step into them and see how they have 
changed. It was kind of like running into your best friend from kindergarten.
As always, I have curated a video for you to watch/listen to in a different window while you read this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZSiBj4vCiY. I like to think the company was named after Brooks and Dunn…
As usual, I reviewed the shoes for (1) Functionality and Performance; (2) Comfort and Fit; and (3) Looks.
1. Functionality & Performance
The Brooks Cascadia 13 has good tread, which grips well even on gravel. I ran on the new Barmeyer loop and up Mt. Jumbo several times in them, and they performed great and were responsive running downhill. It feels stable and handles mud well. The upper is flexible and the sole is supportive.
2. Comfort & Fit
The Brooks Cascadia 13 offers more cushion than previous generations of the Cascadia. Suffice it to say, running in the Cascadia 13 feels like cascading gently down a waterfall. The arches are supportive and comfortable. The shoe is definitely a neutral trail running shoe. The only
criticism I have as far as fit goes is that the heel doesn’t come up very high and doesn’t feel as stable as other shoes do, especially when hiking/running
up steeps. Also, they run ½ size big. They are also more narrow than other shoes, and were too narrow for my feet.
3. Looks
The Cascadia 13 comes in darker colors with bright accents and laces. They look pretty cool. For running, they’re about as good as it gets as far as colors go. I wouldn’t wear them on a hot date, though.
Overall, the Cascadia 13 is like the old versions, but improved, streamlined in the upper, and with more bells and whistles. It works great on Missoula trails. The fit is great, but I’d recommend you head on down to Runner’s Edge and try them on before buying. They’re great shoes and if you liked the previous versions, you’re in for a new and refreshing treat!
