Long-Distance Voyager
Ultramarathoners are a picky lot, but ours loved the Cascadia 5. The shoe has enough forefoot flexibility and torsional (twisting) rigidity to keep foot fatigue at a minimum on insanely long runs. Thankfully, it’s also comfortable enough for casual days—one reason this is the top-selling trail runner in America. Multidirectional lugs offer great traction on loose trails and muddy surfaces alike, and evenly balanced cushioning (not excessive pillow in the heel) gives you great feel for the ground. “I could navigate downhill singletrack like I was bump-skiing,” said one tester. Minimal sidewall protection keeps the Cascadia 5 from excelling on technical terrain, but testers loved it for most everything else. 12.6 oz;
Traction: 4.8
Stability: 3.8
Speed: 3.4