Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Cascadia 19 vs Hoka Speedgoat 7

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Hoka Speedgoat 7 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about trail runners who want one highly cushioned, grippy shoe for varied terrain and long miles — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Cascadia 19

4.4

$149.95as of Jun 7

The Cascadia 19 is the versatile, value all-rounder: Brooks slimmed and sharpened its long-running trail workhorse into a faster, more fun shoe that still handles varied terrain and doubles as a hiker. RunRepeat scored it 86/100, Run To The Finish rated it 90%, and reviewers praise its reliable traction, comfort, and adventure-ready durability.

Strengths

— Slimmer, faster, and more fun than recent Cascadias while staying versatile
— Reliable TrailTack Green traction across varied surfaces and weather
— Highly versatile for both running and hiking, with excellent comfort and durability

Watch-outs

— Shallower 3.8mm lugs are outclassed in deep mud
— Heavier than nimbler trail shoes at about 10.8 oz
— Less cushioning than max-stack rivals on very long rocky efforts

$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

4.7

$39.99as of Jun 7

The Speedgoat 7 is the best-overall trail shoe: Hoka's flagship pairs a new supercritical midsole with the gold-standard Vibram Megagrip outsole for a cushioned, grippy, genuinely do-everything ride. RoadTrailRun's testers scored it around 9.7/10, iRunFar named it a top pick, and Believe in the Run praised its refined, versatile feel.

Strengths

— New supercritical midsole adds noticeable pop and responsiveness, especially uphill
— Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs grips confidently in nearly any condition
— Genuinely versatile across short, long, technical, and door-to-trail running

Watch-outs

— Tall, max-cushion stack isn't for minimalist or low-to-the-ground runners
— Ride firmed up slightly versus earlier Speedgoats
— Premium $160 price

$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Brooks Cascadia 19

A more affordable, versatile all-rounder than the premium Hoka Speedgoat 7, with shallower lugs and less grip in mud than the Salomon Speedcross 6. More cushioned and structured than the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9, and a close all-around rival to the value-focused Saucony Peregrine 14.

Hoka Speedgoat 7

More cushioned and versatile than the mud-specialist Salomon Speedcross 6 and the value-focused Saucony Peregrine 14, with a grippier Vibram outsole than the Brooks Cascadia 19. Far more cushioned and higher-drop than the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brooks Cascadia 19	Hoka Speedgoat 7
Weight	10.8 oz (M)	9.7 oz (M)
Drop	6mm (7.8mm measured)	4mm
Stack height	34.8mm heel / 27.0mm forefoot	37mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Moderate (DNA Loft v3)	Max (supercritical EVA)
Outsole	TrailTack Green	Vibram Megagrip
Lug depth	3.8mm	5mm
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide

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