Brooks Caldera 8

The Brooks Caldera 8 is a cushioned trail running shoe with DNA Loft v2, TrailTack rubber, and rock plate protection designed for rugged and long-distance trail runs.

Brooks·Shoes

5 video reviews

€150

Pricier than 47% of shoes · category average €152

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Key specs

Weight: 312 g
Drop: 6 mm
Heel Stack: 38.5 mm
Forefoot Stack: 32.5 mm

Best for: Technical trail running, long distance trail runs, mountain races

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Strengths

Cushioning

Weak points

Lightness

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
Lightness
312 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Brooks Caldera 8

Essentials

€150

2025

312 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

rugged trails, mountainous terrain, dirt paths

Technical trail running, long distance trail runs, mountain races

Cushioning

6 mm

38.5 mm

32.5 mm

DNA Loft v2 cushioning for plush but responsive ride

Plush, responsive cushioning for long runs

Grip & protection

TrailTack Green Rubber with high-traction lugs

Ballistic Rock Shield underfoot for rock and debris protection

Aggressive lugs for technical grip on varied surfaces

Upper & fit

Breathable engineered mesh with reinforced overlays

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On the terrain

How Brooks Caldera 8 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Brooks Caldera 8							53

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Brooks Caldera 872

Cushioning37/40
Lightness10/35
Smooth roll25/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 5 video reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Is the Brooks Caldera 8 a good investment for trail running in 2026?

At $150, the Brooks Caldera 8 represents solid value for 2026, especially for trail running enthusiasts.

When was the Brooks Caldera 8 released?

The Brooks Caldera 8 was released in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Brooks Caldera 8?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka

$150Score 93+15

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (93 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 38.5 mm heel stack)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+12

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+8

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 78)
A lighter option (26 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Popular Comparisons

Compare the Brooks Caldera 8 with other top trail running shoes from leading brands, including Brooks for the ultimate trail running experience.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Strengths

Cushioning

Weak points

Lightness

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
Lightness
312 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%

Pick a ground

Average

Brooks Caldera 8

Brooks Caldera 8

Spec profile