Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Cascadia 19 vs Salomon Speedcross 6

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

Salomon Speedcross 6 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about trail runners who tackle mud, soft ground, and wet, technical terrain and want maximum grip — 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 #2 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 6

4.5

$130.04as of Jun 7

The Speedcross 6 is the mud-and-soft-ground specialist: deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs and a foot-hugging, protective upper make it the grip king on soft, loose, and wet terrain. RunRepeat scored it 89/100, and reviewers from iRunFar to Running Shoes Guru praise its reliable traction — while cautioning it is tailored to mud, not all-around running.

Strengths

— Deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs deliver outstanding grip on mud and soft ground
— Wide, self-clearing lug gaps shed mud effectively
— Secure, foot-hugging fit and protective closed upper for technical terrain

Watch-outs

— Specialist shoe — not an all-around or door-to-trail option
— Aggressive lugs feel awkward on hard-packed trail and pavement
— Lower stack and firmer ride than max-cushion rivals

$130.04 · 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.

Salomon Speedcross 6

Grippier in mud and soft ground than the all-around Hoka Speedgoat 7, Brooks Cascadia 19, and Saucony Peregrine 14, thanks to its deeper, self-clearing lugs. Lower-stacked and firmer than the max-cushion Speedgoat, and a far more aggressive, structured shoe than the zero-drop, roomy Altra Lone Peak 9.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brooks Cascadia 19	Salomon Speedcross 6
Weight	10.8 oz (M)	10.4 oz (M)
Drop	6mm (7.8mm measured)	10mm (14.1mm measured)
Stack height	34.8mm heel / 27.0mm forefoot	36.5mm heel / 22.4mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Moderate (DNA Loft v3)	Moderate (EnergyCell)
Outsole	TrailTack Green	Mud Contagrip
Lug depth	3.8mm	5.8mm
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide

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