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Thursday, June 08, 2023

Brooks Cascadia 16 : Unboxing and Quick Run

A good pair of trail shoe doesn't only perform in the trail, but also off the trail. When I first started adventure races (trail, mountain biking, skyrunning) what seems like eternity (read: 20 years), I could only afford one shoe to be used for all sports. Fast forward to today, i am now spoilt by the choices I have now even for my daily training. For the record, my last pair of Brooks Trail shoe was Cascadia 5. Between then and now, I had other brands trail shoes which given me a lot of different experience and joy, but nothing could had replaced the feel of Cascadia 5.

A month ago, I was given a pair of Cascadia 16 from my sponsor Sports Paragon (Authorized Distributor of Brooks Running in Malaysia) in conjunction with the Prime Trail Run that will take place on July 22. If you have not heard of it, it is a 10km or 18km trail race at Sungai Batangsi. Pretty solid trail experience based on the popularity of trail races that has taken place here in the past months. If you are interested to join, apply my code PTR23EEVAN5 to get 5% off the package deal or general entry fee at check out. Link in the photo below.

Register here : https://primetrail.primesports.my/

Unboxing the Cascadia16

Cascadia 16

Cascadia is known as one of the best trail running shoes around. It's reputation precedes it's name. I have worn Cascadia3, 4 and 5, and each iteration just get better. The folks in Brooks Running did what they do best with Cascadia - they kept what really work that made them top notch, and they continue to improve as foam technology improves over the year. Some reviewers of Cascadia 14 and 15 has mixed review of the last two iteration, with most complaining of less responsive midsole and that the run felt flat and unlively.

Nice colorway and profile

But things changed by the same reviewers with Cascadia16, and it is easy to know why when you read previous reviews, and hold the new iteration in your hand. I admit that when I held this in my hand, i wanted to put it on and go for a (trail) run; wife forbid me from doing so as it was already close to midnight when I got home from the Sports Paragon Spring 2024 Preview. Bonus is that I have been asked to present myself at the location of the upcoming Prime Trail Run to test the shoe out, apart from being one of the three ambassador to pose for the camera.

DNA Loft Version 2

To start with, Cascadia16 promised to be 5% softer and 20% lighter even with a 29mm and 21mm stack height which gives it a 8mm drop. It is 2mm taller than last version. It is not as bulky as it looked as putting it into perspective of running super shoes, the Cascadia16 looked normal.

What this will mean in laymen term is you get a plusher, lighter and potentially responsive shoe when compared to the previous version (Cascadia15). This new 16 comes with DNA LoftV2, which in Brooks' language simply meant "lightweight responsive cushioning". The blend of EVA foam, rubber, air and nitrogen in the right proportion gave this 16 a breathe of freshness. You can say that 16 is literally rebuilt from bottom up while keeping up with the Cascadia never fail delivery.

Boxy and big toe area. Feet gonna be happy. That darker brown area is Gore-Tex!

The upper is engineered mesh and majority of the upper is covered with TPU-film which simply meant it will continue to protect the feet no matter what you come in contact with. Adding to that, the toe protection on the upper is very visible with the area has been increased and that carries over to both sides and continue to the heel section. This is important as this shoe will come into contact with sharp stones, gravels, loose rocks, branches, mud and anything else you will encounter in a trail environment. Bonus, the upper toe box light brown as you see in the photo is actually lightweight Gore-Tex material - which meant it will keep the upper-side dry as you run through ankle high grassy area.

Loving how they ensure you know it's a serious trail shoe - all terrain and all weather

Note the side protection on the upper (instep). Gore-Tex is the darker brown material

"taller" toe rubber front with visible deep lug gives you the confidence of grip

One thing that separate a good trail shoe vs a mediocre vs a wannabe particularly in Malaysian trail condition is the outsole lug. Many shoe manufacturer design their shoes to suit their location trail type - which meant the outsole may have a tighter/closer lug design, shallow lug depth, lugs that are easily chipped off and lug design that looked more aggressive in store than in outdoor. The key to grip is how quickly or easily these lugs can be cleared off mucks and mud that gather under the sole. In Malaysian trail, it can get very tricky and technical particularly when your shoe lugs get covered with mixture of mud and silt, and never clear itself when you cross a river.

The Outsole

You can see how open, deep and well constructed the outsole is. In case you wonder about the Ballistic Rock Shield, the Cascadia has been having this "plate" inserted in the midsole to provide excellent protection while not compromising cushioning and grip. In a way, you can say that 16 (or Cascadia generally) is "plated", just not for speed (carbon or any other material designed for speed). Spot them in the outsole - they are colored orange/red and yellow in this 16.

Open, deep, solid lugs. Take note of the red and yellow lining - those are the Ballistic Rock Shield

The Rock Shield is array of flexible plate inserted that moves freely with the shoe outsole. This way, it offer superb flexibility on the already cushioned outsole. You get a very forgiving ride no matter what terrain and assured grip whenever your feet land thanks to the flexibility.

TrailTack - sticky rubber compound for excellent tractions uphill, downhill and across streams. Yellow lines show presence of ballistic rock shield

Guiding the grip is the Brooks TrailTack, which is sticky rubber compound lending excellent grip and traction all around. The lugs felt solid and in array of forward and backward chevron. Definitely will compliment the TrailTack!

US 12 comes in at 370grams. Take note of additional Heel Lock holes at the bottom of where the laces is at. Great flexibility for customised fitting

The 16 isn't actually light by today's shoe standard. I wear an US12 (i go one up for my shoe to prevent black toenails) and this came in at 370grams. Not so much of an issue as it is roughtly about 120grams heavier than my lightest shoe i have (Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 comes in at 250grams). Pretty alright for the intend and purpose of this shoe with super deep lugs

What is that red thing?

The shoelace is stretchable weave flat lace which works superbly. Lacing is easy and stay in place. Once you get to the tension needed, it pretty much stays there. Because it is stretchable, it really help in allowing micro movement very much needed in trail condition as the feet get swelled up due to wet feet or socks. It is a very nice touch and I wish more manufacturer will do this on their shoes.

There is also a neat trick on the lace tongue - that red loop you see in the photo above is meant to tuck your laces down securely. just hold the loop, pull it up, tuck the lace in, and you are done.

Insole is removeable and with perforation to ease water dispersal

Another thoughtful design - this Velcro section allow you to secure your gaiter down

The heel collar is well padded and very comfortable. The tongue is padded and gusseted as well, which help to minimize the amount of soil/sand that could enter the shoe from the top.

Gusseted tongue, padded heel cup perforated insole

Take note how the tongue curve from top view, instead of having a straight line which may cut into your ankle

If you see the photos above, you will notice that the tongue is cut in a curved angle where it sort of wrap around the top of your feet or ankle. Instead of having a straight cut which meant there will be part constantly in contact with your skin causing abrasion or hot spot, Brooks made a small change that has a big impact on overall user experience.

First Run - First Feel

Aptly, the first run on this shoe was testing it out in the trail of Sg Batangsi. The trail is fairly technical with steep climbs and fast descent, sharp turns on the downhill and mix of gravel, silt and sand. River or stream crossing which is about ankle deep with expected slippery rock surface and rough small and large sand particles on exit. I was very confidence that Cascadia16 will take on these element and re-affirm my long lost experience of a really good trail shoes.

One with the soil, again. Eh look! 20sen!

The fitting of the Cascadia 16 was superb. Heel lock was good, lacing tension was easy, toes has so much room to splay out, tongue padding felt just right, upper felt flexible but at the same time "restrictive" of extreme movement. Most impressive is additional holes for runner's lock or heel lock. Superb customisation for fitting or for gaiters attachment. This Cascadia16 is built to every trail runner's need.

the two extra hole near the top of the lace

The stack height did not bother me at 29mm-21mm. Because it is at 8mm drop, your feet is in a pretty neutral position and you do not feel like you are tipping forward. Ankle felt neutral as my other Brooks shoe. When you wear the Cascadia16 BEFORE you enter the trail, you will think that the cushioning is well, at best average; the story change when you hit the trail. The DNA Loft V2, the Ballistic plate, the lugs, the everything Cascadia 16 just come alive. No rocks, gravels, branches, soft, hard surfaces you step on felt like it will trouble the Cascadia. Hiking up steep hill on the Trailtack was no issue, running up the same steep hill in a spirited pace felt sure and the power transfer is just there. No slip on the traction felt. Needless to say, once you gained the confidence that the Cascadia outsole can literally keep you planted on the ground, your zest to run down a steep decline kicks in. Jumping over ruts and landing surely? checked.

There was a stream in the route and I went all in to test how well the shoe perform wet. It was an opportunity to see how well the shoe disperse or drain out water. A wet trail shoe is not a nice shoe to wear more so if you got them all soaked up earlier in the run/hike/race. Happy to report that the water disposal was good. Infact to say good is an understatement as you can see from the video below, it just drain out from the ballistic rock shield and it got me thinking if there is actually dispersal channel inside the insole apart from the perforated sock liner.

The Cascadia16 dries pretty fast as well. The Engineered mesh upper work as it should to keep the shoe light and as dry as it could manage - only limited by the socks I am wearing as that too, holds water that slow down the drying. Nevertheless, It dries out faster than I expected it to be - like within 30mins after leaving the stream. Impressive.

On The Road with A Trail Shoe

I said this in the start of today's write up - A good pair of trail shoe doesn't only perform in the trail, but also off the trail. After the trail run (and yes, the shoe dried up), i took it for a short run to test. While the shoe on the road definitely lacks the energy return, the cushioning and the stable ride reminds me of my Ghost14. The higher stack height on the road doesn't bother me much as I have been spoilt by the like of Hyperion series. In terms of responsiveness and "road feel", i would put it between Launch8 and Ghost14. It doesn't (really) felt heavy as a trainer if you choose to use Cascadia16 more for road than for trail.

I ran with it sockless and had no issue. No hot spots or discomfort around the feet. A good trail shoe indeed need to provide you the same performance (of comfort) because not all trails races are 100% in the trail with some portion on road or gravel where a "normal" running shoe comes into play. You can take a trail shoe onto road, but you can never take a road shoe into the trail. Cascadia16 is a good example of the shoe that does all - and this is important if you are starting to find your running niche, but limited by your budget to get a road shoe and a trail shoe, so why not have both in one package?

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is your (almost) perfect answer.

Pros

Protective, stable, reliable, won't fail you in the trail
You feel grounded, yet you know the shoe will provide very good cushioning with the DNA Loft V2
While plated (Ballistic Rock Shield), it did not hamper movement
Stable with upper that help reduce lateral movement
Great fit and lockdown, secure heel.
No noticeable hot spot, including heel bite
Grip. Loads of it. No indication of slippage under faster pace.

Cons

Heavier due to construct as a trail shoe (150grams more than Elite2)
While not a con fully, suitable for easier pace run aka not a racing shoe on road

The Cascadia16 is available in all Sports Paragon and Brooks store in Malaysia. It retail for RM550. However, you can own it by buying it online at www.brooksrunning.com.my and use my code EEVANOFF25 for 25% off. Or you can use PTR23EEVAN5 for 5% off WITH free trail race entry.

More Discount??? You Want Cheap?

As part of my sponsorship with Paragon Vests under the Team Sports Paragon, I have a few discount codes you can use to purchase your next Brooks shoes if you want. Older models at higher discount is available in www.sportsparagon.com website. Sizing can be a challenge, which explained the better discount. If you want newer and better sizing, head over to www.brooksrunning.com.my and score a few newer models.

I have the full discount codes and brands that support me in 2023. But if you are lazy to click, here they are...

Promo Code: SPEV02

URL: https://www.sportsparagon.com/

Footwear: 55%

Apparels: 50%

Sandals: 40%

Accessories: 50%

Promo Code: EEVANOFF25

URL: https://www.brooksrunning.com.my/

25% OFF of all items ( exclude sale items )

Promo Code: ZOOTEEVAN20

URL: https://www.zootsports.my/

20% OFF Zoot website Non promo items

10% OFF Zoot website Promotion items

Keep Showing Up

Brooks Hyperion Max - 500km A Long Term Review

505km in 81 runs since Feb 2023. The Hyperion Max has technically reached half life service.

This is the condition of the Max so far; While it did felt a little flatter due to mileage, foam integrity stays same without any obvious collapse, bouncy feel remain including the rocker toe off.

Some fatigue sign on the upper-foam near my small toe area, expected sole wear pattern due to my running (left side more heel compared to right, right side more midsole compared to left), some evidence of separation at the toe area between the traction pad which is not critical just glue.

Still look fresh

Forefoot minimal wear. Midfoot wearing out

Rocker sole uncompromised

Evidence that the rocker sole remains without the shoe flatting out

significant wear on the heel for my left shoe (pictured right) and significant wear on the outer right of my right shoe (pictured left)

Just put into consideration that the Max has been used 81 out of 86 days; 2xHM, many Speedwork, fartlek, and companion for easy run days. Travelled to US and Singapore with me, ran in those ground, and still very much in service.

I believe I found my long term trainer.

Get your Brooks Hyperion Max (or any Brooks) from SportsParagon.com and use SPEV02 on checkout for up to 55% discount, or use EEVANOFF25 at Brooksrunning.com.my for up to 25%.

Buy Happy. Run Happy.

#sportsparagon #brooksrunning #hyperionmax #runhappy #getfitwithsportsparagon #trainer #running #runner #swimbikerun #triathlon #keepshowingup #allweatherrunner

Brooks Hyperion Max: Unboxing and Review

Hyperion Max

The Quest For A Worthy Trainer That Ain't Complicated

Carbon plated. Carbon Infused plated. Thermoplated. Rods. Plastic Rods. Air Pockets.

Running shoes are no longer as simple as they were. It is increasingly difficult to find a decent, lightweight, no-frill, get the job done shoe. Well, Hyperion Tempo sort of fitted into this space. I have since clocked no less than 1200km on Tempo since July 2022, or thereabout 200km/month.

But this review isn't about Tempo. It is on the all newly launched in January 2023 Hyperion Max

Little does many people know, this shoe has been on the feet of a few Brooks Ambassadors since September last year. I sort of missed the boat as they do not have it in my size - in return, i was given the Hyperion Elite 2, not that I am complaining.

So when the teaser for Hyperion Max finally came out on Brooks Running Malaysia site, I received my US12 just a few days ago before I write this. And it has been a while since I update my blog with a shoe review, so here we go!

RapidRoll featuring aggressive heel bevel

Hyperion Max - You Want It

The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight (220grams for US8), highly rockered (RapidRoll for quick toe off), non-plated performance trainer and can be used for racing definitely if you do not have a racer already. It comes with Brooks full-length DNA FLASH (nitrogen-infused EVA) cushioning that is both pillow-y and provide energy return, the ride is snappy, rolling, and quick.

US 12. Sometimes 45, sometimes 46.

The top is a comfortable, sock-like fit which is 3D print making it adaptable. True to size and I do have wide feet that still fit the D-width perfectly well. The tongue is lightly padded, though not gusseted or stitched down on the side, which is ok. There is the lace loop running vertically from the top to almost the bottom of the tongue. I decided to lace-through them the first time as I wanted to show the HYPERION MAX name - and it turned out to be a good decision as the tongue stay up even when I wasn't wearing the shoe.

Brooks RapidRoll Technology - quick toe-off

The laces that came with this shoe is flat and not stretchy, which help greatly in securing the shoe and lock it down on your feet. Despite the D-width, there wasn't any issue in the toebox as it allowed for my toes to splay out and yet provide a lot of comfort. No hot spot despite running sockless, which I do 95% of the time. The heel lock was solid, no movement that may cause hot spot at the ankle/heel area, and it is also padded for comfort.

Even the tongue allowed lights from overcast sky to come through

Breathability is not an issue as I never felt hot running in them under the noon sun and hot tarmac for the past few days I've use it for easy and hard runs. You may noticed in the photo right above, there is toe-guard to keep the shape and to protest against minor bumps.

Padded heel collar, good heel lock, no slippage

Also, the 3D print upper really showed itself via many mini perforations for keeping the feet cool. The photo taken from outside doesn't show justice how breathable the shoe is actually. The 3D printing basically reduced the need for overlay and underlay, making them lighter, more flexible but at the same time, very supportive.

3D printed upper which is highly breathable. Take note of the lightly padded tongue

The outsole is from green rubber aka recycled materials. Sustainability in mind, and it is generously thick at 5mm, similar to Tempo. It however doesn't cover the sole fully and favour those that strikes mid/forefoot and light heel-striker or those with pronation biased towards the midfoot, but somehow still may land on the heel. I reckon for a trainer, this will last as far as Tempo has been serving me, close to 1200km with a good 400km to go.

Sole pad from green rubber covers 60% of the sole

Isn't Max then, just another Tempo reborn?

The heel counter, upturned

The answer is a both Yes and No. They are similar, but they are different. Same-same, but different vibe. Here are my observations (and measurements)

YES

Max stack height is a good 36mm on heel and 28mm on the forefoot, giving it a 8mm drop. As comparison, the Tempo comes in at 32-24. Both gives a 8mm drop. Compare this with the plated Elite 2 at 37-29.
So essentially, Max is the Elite2 minus the carbon plate!

36mm on heel at tallest and 28mm on forefoot at thickest

Also YES

Max is a neutral trainer, very much like Tempo. It doesn't have significant arch support for those that may need them.
However, the upper provide the sock-like secure fit just like the Tempo, which meant it gives some level of stability. What Max has over the Tempo is a wider base.

Max on left is visible wider sole vs Tempo on right

A Wider base meant upon landing, it resist a bit more outward movement towards your little toes, indirectly giving some stability. A wider mid-sole vs the upper which wrap your feet will do the same thing.

The Max heel counter or bevel is more aggressive, it may be less forgiving for heel strikers that run at a slower pace. Compared to the Tempo more "neutral" stance on the bevel and rubber (as seen on the photo above.

This then places the Max right in between the Tempo and Elite series. A Go-between. Something that will fancy those looking for more cushioning than the Tempo, but do not like to go down the path of carbon-plated for everyday training. Something more forgiving (and the Elite series is already a very very forgiving carbon plated shoes when compared to others as it is well known for it's wider sole flare and very neutral feel while providing the snap at take off) and yet able to enhance your tempo and fast workout days

249grams for US12/EU46

Likely No

Despite the wider and thicker DNA Flash and slightly more padded tongue, the Max came in (for the same US 12) just 10grams heavier than the Tempo. 10grams is two level teaspoon of sugar/salt/water.
How is this possible? New upper material. They made it better despite a "bulkier" more aggressive silhouette
Max is the refined, finetuned version of Tempo.

The Hyperion Max as teased on in October 2022. Both colors not in Malaysia, yet.

Definitely a Yes

You may noticed the insole is similar to the Hyperion Tempo and even the Launch 8. It's the same EVA insole you find in Brooks that are marketed as Speed shoes. No complains on them after going through 3 different models using the same insole. Did not wish it to be thicker, and I would say it's just nice.

Same insole as the other "speed" version of Brooks model

I was told by Brooks Malaysia that the Tempo will just be Hyperion in 2023 with introduction of Max. Currently, they are on "pre-order" basis, but you can still see/feel/hold them in Sports Paragon and Brooks stores.

Lets Run In Max

I paced the Max over a few runs; a tempo run at Zone2 effort, a Fartlek with spirited strides up to 3:20pace, three easy run average of 5:00, all for a total of about 40km to date when I publish this. First feel of the Max can be summed up as follow

Secure feel with lacing to be very spot on
Socks-like inner and zero hotspot
Heel cup perfect and I hardly noticed the thicker than usual padding vs Tempo
Doesn't feel "tall", despite taller than Tempo
Stable with minimal lateral (side to side) movement
Due to stack height, the DNA Flash felt more pronounced vs Tempo
Cushioned comfort and yet eager to go thanks to RapidRoll

Fresh from Fartlek