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.

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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

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Asics Magic Speed 2 : Not A Carbon Plated Shoe Yet

 Just In: Specs of Asics Magic Speed 2:

Those of you that has read about my short review of MagicSpeed 2 in my write up may come off feeling a bit disappointed that this variation does not have a carbon plate.

So I was not that accurate. Magic Speed 2 is NOT carbon plate, but it is "carbon infused TPU plate" Which is similar to Metaspeed Edge+. I do not have any experience with these shoes and can't comment. 

The stack height is 27-34 - which makes this shoe a nice 7mm drop. I wasn't far with my 8mm prediction based on feel. The Foam is sandwiched and combination of FFBlast+ on the upper and the  Fytefoam on the lower. Lending both agility and lightness. 

So, Officially, I've NOT tried Carbon Plated as yet. Only "carbon infused TPU plate".

Now, even if this is NOT carbon plated, those TPU plates were indeed impressive. And if this is just a TPU plate, then the technology of having TPU in shoes from the time of Skechers GoMeb using Hyflex material has since evolved. 

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Asics Magic Speed 2 : Unboxing and Review

Thanks to Garmin Malaysia and Asics Malaysia, Pacers for the upcoming Garmin Run Asia Series received a pair of Asics Magic Speed 2 running shoe. What makes this a little special is that the shoe will only be launched (in US) on September 1, 2022. What makes it extra special is that by the grace of my current sponsor Brooks Malaysia, I am allowed to receive this without breaking any contract clauses. So, thank you Brooks and Asics (and of course Garmin Malaysia)!

Look Like Me. Likely Me.

Unboxing the Magic Speed 2

This is a tough one as I've never had an Asics. I've wanted to try but the price point has been high 15 years ago (those damn pretty Tri Noosa) and it remain to be high now (carbon plated shoes not withstanding). So when I was presented with a US11 Magic Speed 2 (MS2), I was excited as this was told to me by the other pacers that it is a "carbon plated" shoe. I've been very curious of these technology and seeing how everyone running are either on a pair of Nike carbon plated (and with air pods), Adidas carbon plated, even Brooks carbon plated (which I am still manifesting by the way)... this FOMO is real. 

As Real As It Gets

Initially asked for US12, but they do not have the size. I was afraid of tight toebox as my previous experience trying a pair of Asics (Tri Noosa) forces me to upsize by a full 2 size. Even my retired Adidas Supernova is a US12.5 (partly due to tight toe, and mostly due to a cheap bargain of RM150 for that pair). I know my sizing in Skechers. I know my sizing in Brooks. So, let me start by sharing that the US11 MS2 is "true to size" for my stuck-between-D-and-E-width-foot". This is the same reason why I opted for a US12 for my Hyperion Tempo as it run a bit tight on the front vs the Launch 8.

Not the lightest I have, surprisingly

To start with, the MS2 is light. But not as light as my Hyperion Tempo at 239grams (US12). That gram-grannies aside, it is still light for something that look this bulky. The stack height looked thicker than any shoes I had. Addtional foam (FFBlast+ or FlyteFoam Blast+) FFBlast is Asics foam that is light, agile and provide positive energy with every stride. So the FFBlast+ meant it is lighter, and well, more responsive. Compared to DNAFlash on the Tempo, they felt similar but due to the full length carbon plate, the MS2 felt significantly stiffer - I was not able to "bend" the shoe.

FFBlast+

Wife got a pair too. A MS2 in US8.5 women sizing at 204grams!

My wife got a pair too. Her colorway is Safety Yellow and boy (or girl), it's super bright and it makes my Safety Yellow/Green colorway looked dull. Its officially her lightest ever shoe and it is Carbon plated (obviously). So for this unboxing, you get to feast your eyes on TWO different colored Magic Speed 2.

Almost full length outsole. Heel striker may find this pair eating up fast

The Yellow pair has a green outsole. So cool

The upper material of the Magic Speed 2 is made up of two different material. When I consulted my speedy friend Nor Amin, he mentioned that Magic Speed 2 is actually classified as a daily trainer. Wait - a carbon plated daily trainer? Like it will be affordable carbon plated daily speed/tempo trainer? Now I am sitting up straight as that would meant many would be able to afford it and start experiencing a sub RM800 CF shoe. Do give Amin's IG a follow, and his review of the Magic Speed 2 is more learnt as he has the racing iteration of Metaspeed Sky and Sky+

Very breathable. The yellow colorway showed the inside better

This shoe is designed with minimal padding. It is not padded except at the collar and near the achilles. If you are looking for something cushioned and padded, this is not for your liking. 

Dual material with varying density

The insole is stuck on, and you can't remove it. Do that this into consideration if you require specialised insole for your feet need.

Stuck On Insole

The tongue of the MS2 is also not padded. However it is gusseted and it will not move/run out of place when you wear it. Do check for fit or any potential hotspot if you run sockless, in case some part of the tongue bites into your feet. Also, due to the dual-type material construction, you may want to consider ensuring your toes or feet will not develop blisters if running sockless. I believe many readers here wear socks, so not so much of an issue. 

gusseted. Take note of the collar padding

See why the wife's yellow version so much more attractive

Based on how I felt, and devoid of any technical data even on Asics website (because this shoe only launches on September 1, 2022, remember?), I would say the drop is circa 8mm. It felt right at home for me. If you noticed, the shoe has significant up-turned shape. This shoe helps transition fast and take off from the mid-to-the-toe. It has all the promises to be snappy and peppy. Now add in the CF (ok, I need to calm it down on the fact i have a CF shoe now). 

Rocker Guide  promising to rock you forward

The laces is not stretchable, which is a good thing, as it limits how the shoe may move on the upper part. Stretchy laces is hard to predict when you tie it down, as it can provide some movement and comfort when you are running long - but detrimental if you are pushing the shoe hard in your run. 

The yellow mellow fast fello from the top

In case you do not know it's a Magic Speed

Magic Speed sign more obvious on the Green version

See, Magic Speed magically disappear in yellow

There isn't much more to write about the shoe from unboxing perspective. Enjoy these photos. Consider this a first hand look of this yet to be launched shoe in Malaysia. Captions will lend some explanation.

Pronounced rocker guide

Stable looking heel

FFBlast+ with green sole in sight

45 deg view from top. Dual material upper obvious but not as obvious as my Green

Why men do not have this colorway?

Testing The Shoe

I wore the shoe twice. Once for an easy run the next day at the Garmin Run Club clinic. First feel of the shoe at motion running at 6mins pace. It felt neutral, the feet turnover quicker despite the slower pace, so had to reduce my stride length to maintain the pace of the group. I could not "feel" the carbon plate working at this pace, but I felt the foam to be soft and responsive - reminds me of my Brooks Hyperion Tempo. 

I wore socks because it's a new shoe... I do not want to dirty it with my overly sweatly feet

The data from my Stryd showed everything to be normal. Nothing unusual happening. It felt, normal. I picked up the pace somewhere towards the end, turning from pace 6:00 to near pace 4:50. I then felt the shoe pushing me to go faster, almost like asking me - what takes you so long to know what you want to do? I brushed it aside - it might be the new-shoe feel talking.

Spot the Magic Speed amidst the sea of shoes

However, my wife has other idea. She went for a quick 400m around the KJ car park. Her verdict - not sure i fast or the shoe fast. It got me super curious but I can't just go and run a 5km TT unprepared...right?

Muse In Motion

The next day, in my usual routine of run streak, i laced up and took the Magic Speed for a spin around the neighborhood. I had just completed a workout of 25mins TT three days prior, and the result was as expected around my neighborhood with elevation gain of 40m over 5km. The only "hard" section is a 500m up slope that makes up this elevation gain. I know this route like the back of my hand. 

Wife went for an earlier run and came back telling me this shoe is sick

So when i took the Magic Speed 2 out, I intend to run it as I always does - Easy zone 1/2 pace 5:15 average no frill Zone 1/2 power. Within the first 500m up the road, i realised that I was pacing at 4:30 - no. I did not do this on purpose. KM1, average was 4:30. OK, that's 20s faster. Is this a sign I should just turn this into a TT?

Yes I did.

I was running at a pace I do not usually (able) to hold at this route. sub 4:00 pace. I tell myself maybe this is a fluke. But KM2 brought in 3:59. KM3 at 3:58. KM4 3:56. KM5 3:53. I rewrote my course best timing from 21:50 to 20:18. I average out 20s faster per km. At a lesser effort (2bpm HR) and at higher power (302W), and reestablished a new CP at 301W. This Magic Speed 2 saved almost 9.4% of power in this 5km.

And I wasn't pushing. I was thinking the whole of the last 4km - Is this pace real. Yes I had time to think and that was how lesser effort I was running. RPE8 vs RPE10. Just like that.

I wrote a 15 points summary on this in my Instagram . Give me a follow for more sharing.

Bear in mind that this Magic Speed 2 is not even the top range Carbon Plated shoe. But it is my first. And this is my first ever experience running with anything this high-tech. I've been hoping I will get the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 or even the upcoming Elite 3. Unfortunately they do not have them in my US11 or US12 size. It would be super sweet to break my 5km PB of 18:50 on my sponsor brand. Until then, I may consider training up for another round of 5km and keeping the Magic Speed 2 for this purpose.

Until that happen, enjoy the Magic Speed 2 - Duo

This unit (and the other unit of my wife) is courtesy of Asic Malaysia and provided as part of being pacer for Garmin Run Asia Series taking place on September 11, 2022. I will be pacing a 3:00hours 21km and my wife will be pacing a 10km 70mins effort. I have had clearance from my sponsor to recieve this with no conflict as it is for the Garmin event. Thank you Asic, Garmin Malaysia and my fellow pacers. 

Asic Magic Speed 2 is scheduled to be launched in September 2022. Unknown date, unknown pricing. However US-based reviewers that got hold of the test shoes has indicated September 1, 2022 and priced at USD150. If indeed this is true, this may be the most sought after daily carbon-plated trainer suitable for tempo, interval and fast run - and for some (like me) likely a racing day shoe - that is until I taste a proper carbon plated racing shoe... manifest it for me!

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