Brooks Caldera 8 Introduction
The Brooks Caldera 8 is Brooks most cushioning path operating shoe designed for lengthy distance path runners and extremely marathoners on diverse terrain. The Caldera has probably the most cushioning within the Brooks path operating lineup – it’s heavier than the extra aggressive and performance-oriented Catamount and barely lighter than the all-terrain, flagship Cascadia.
At $150, the Caldera 8 is priced equally to its rivals the Hoka Speedgoat 6 at $155, Asics Gel Trabuco 13 at $140, and Saucony Xodus Extremely 3 at $160. The Caldera 8 is much less technically-equipped and speed-focused and extra cushioned and secure than the Speedgoat 6 and Gel Trabuco 13. It’s extra much like the Xodus Extremely 3, which can be designed for longer distance operating; nevertheless, the Xodus Extremely 3 is barely lighter weight at 10.1 oz. in comparison with 10.6 oz. for the Mens’ variations of every.
Whereas there isn’t notable new tech on the Caldera 8, it retains plush DNA LOFT V3 midsole foam and the raised sidewalls and widened base that had been signature (and useful) within the Caldera 7.
Brooks Caldera 8 Impressions
The Caldera 8 carried out persistently from my first run in them as a dependable and comfy path runner over diverse distances (typically examined on 3-8-mile runs). I primarily examined these on snowy roads, hard-packed dust, and a few extra technical single-track throughout spring circumstances. The Caldera 8 is finest suited to lengthy, gradual efforts and may deal with a variety of terrain varieties.
Whereas they don’t seem to be superb for speedwork or shorter races, which I’d contemplate a half marathon or much less, they might be advantageous the place endurance is vital, like a path marathon or extremely distances the place you’re in your ft a lot of the day.
The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, which was utilized in each the Caldera 7 and eight, have enhanced cushioning and impression absorption useful for lengthy distances. The nitrogen fuel creates a extra constant and bigger cell construction inside the foam leading to a noticeably softer and extra plush underfoot trip.
The first updates from the Caldera 7 had been within the higher. The fast dry mesh and extra sturdy supplies improve safety and forestall put on with minimal sacrifices to breathability. The match has additionally been enhanced primarily based on consumer suggestions to make sure lockdown within the midfoot and heel whereas sustaining an ample toe field. Brooks additionally added extra padding to the Caldera 8’s perforated tongue to boost consolation and breathability. Different updates embody the addition of a heel tab for gaiter attachment. Like its predecessor, the Caldera 8 is licensed CarbonNeutral® however boasts elevated recycled supplies within the higher.
The 6mm heel to toe drop on the Caldera 8 is right for the kind of lengthy path operating these footwear are meant for. Whereas the drop offers some assist on a downhill, the mid-drop offers higher floor really feel and flexibility for quite a lot of operating kinds and terrain.
Brooks Caldera 8 Safety
The protecting options of the Caldera 8 are distinctive. The raised sidewalls and widened base place you above the weather. There is no such thing as a rock plate within the midsole, however the midsole itself is agency sufficient to stop penetration and impression from underfoot hazards like rocks and roots. A inflexible, bolstered toe cap offers additional safety from impression.
The higher is fabricated from engineered mesh with Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer (TPEE) overlay supplies that repel water and defend towards abrasion but keep breathability. The footwear have gaiter attachment factors on the tongue and heel if additional safety from particles is desired.
Brooks Caldera 8 Sturdiness
After over 50 miles within the Caldera 8, they’ve demonstrated good sturdiness with little put on. There’s minimal abrasive put on on the higher and fray on the heel cup, however the integrity of the shoe shouldn’t be compromised. The outsole lugs aren’t worn down in any respect. The Caldera 8 is sturdy for a lot of miles and could be a strong selection for lengthy efforts, like an extremely distance path marathon.
Brooks Caldera 8 Responsiveness & pace
Whereas the Caldera 8 shouldn’t be as heavy because it appears for a max cushioning path operating shoe, it’s not the only option for speedwork or a race the place pace is required. The huge base outsole has no rocker and felt sluggish at occasions. In extremely technical terrain with uneven rocks and roots or slender operating paths, the outsole may be cumbersome. It feels prefer it takes extra effort to hit and keep quicker speeds and my tempo was slower than different footwear.
The 4mm lugs supplied respectable traction to boost reliability in slippery or steep terrain with out accumulating an excessive amount of particles in muddy circumstances.
The midsole vitality return is much less noticeable to me in comparison with rivals. The plushness makes these a fantastic shoe for lengthy efforts, however it sacrifices responsiveness. I’d reserve these for longer, slower efforts and wouldn’t put on these for a quick course.
Brooks Caldera 8 Consolation and match
I sized up half a dimension within the Caldera 8, and the match was straightforward to optimize. I may regulate the laces for wonderful lockdown within the midfoot and heel, and the toe field was ample sufficient to accommodate toe splay over longer distances or all-day. Regardless of a large base and maximal cushioning, these didn’t really feel like thick boots when making an attempt to run.
The higher was breathable throughout hotter days, total the footwear dried rapidly when moist.
Brooks Caldera 8 Conclusions
The Brooks Caldera 8 is an opulent and trusty path runner constructed to go the space over variable terrain. Whereas there isn’t an excessive amount of distinction between the 8 and its predecessor, the modifications to the match, higher supplies, and small particulars just like the gaiter attachment addition are enhancements.
Whether or not your run or race contains tarmac, snow, mud, laborious packed single monitor, and a few technical terrain, the trip is “easy and adaptable.” The Caldera 8 can take you the space as long as you thoughts their pace restrict – they’re so secure that they could be somewhat bit too secure (and the compromise is pace).
Whilst you could possibly open up your stride a bit on straightforward terrain, I wouldn’t use these for a quicker race. In case you prioritize very good safety, sturdiness, and luxury over longer efforts or mileage – whether or not you’ll be jogging or climbing – it is a shoe to contemplate.
