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Rochester High School Athletics
Pros and cons according to our running expert Offers combination of being lightweight yet very stable Comfortable after initial break-in period Can handle roads to trails Traction is lacking Takes a little longer than other shoes to break in
Not built for speed Our verdict The Brooks Caldera 4 offers a significant upgrade from its third-generation predecessor. But there is still a lot to like. The new Caldera is lightweight, stable comfortable, though it is stiff and takes longer than its peers to break in. onemix running shoes men Introduction Brooks Caldera 4
I was interested in testing the fourth edition of the Brooks Caldera (10 ounces for a men’s size 9; 8.9 ounces for women’s size 8).
After all it had been a while since I tested the Caldera 2, a shoe that I praised for its “strong balance of speed and durability on natural trails, roads, paved trails, fire roads and most other surfaces.”
Cushioning Type The Caldera 4 is more responsive than plush:... Read more ResponsivePlush Cushioning Amount The Caldera 4 is maximally cushioned Little cushioningHighly cushioned Flexibility The Caldera 4 is quite rigid and does not... Read more RigidFlexible
Stability The Caldera 4 has some inherent stability and... Read more Not particularly stableVery stable Impressions Brooks Caldera 4 Brooks Caldera 4 - Toe
Brooks Caldera 4 – Toe Most of that remains true even as Brooks made changes to this version of the Caldera. First, it handles the same types of terrain pretty much the same way. For those who are able to run on roads or sidewalks to trailheads, the Calderas would be a suitable option. But I would not recommend them for much more than moderately technical trails.
The lugs are on the small side and the gripping is lacking. I put quite a few miles on the Calderas on wet or muddy trails. Even on moderately slippery surfaces, the Caldera did not measure up to others in terms of grip. That said, the shoe does work really well for a midweek trainer when a runner just wants to put in some easy trail miles. Among the most significant changes is the new engineered mesh upper. The Caldera 3 had minimal overlays while the new version is quite the opposite as Brooks seems to have emphasized the overlays.
Additionally, Brooks expanded the toe box, rivaling the space runners will find common in Altras and Topos. The Caldera 4 has a 4mm drop so runners like me who a zero drop shoe does not work well for could take comfort in the larger toe box. Protection Brooks Caldera 4 onemix running shoes Brooks Caldera 4 - Top
Brooks Caldera 4 – Top The Caldera uses Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA EVA for its midsole material. Even though Brooks added stack height to this version, the shoe itself did not sacrifice any flexibility, which is good because it didn’t have much to begin with.
The fourth edition boosts protection well over previous models. The improvements include significant protection against rocks, roots and other trail debris. I could not identify a time when such an obstacle created an issue with either of my feet.
If only the traction was suitable for technical trails Brooks would have a solid option for trail runners who seek challenging terrain. Rockplate The Caldera 4 does not have a rock plate. Not presentSolid protection Lugs
The Caldera 4 does not always provide... Read more Lack TractionProvide Traction Water resistance The Caldera 4 provides a decent protection... Read more PoorWater Resistant Durability Brooks Caldera 4 Brooks Caldera 4 - Medial Side
Brooks Caldera 4 – Medial Side As mentioned, the mesh upper secures the foot and appears to be durably constructed, while the heel is snug. The Caldera 4 handles water crossings well and dries fairly quickly.
Brooks also completely changed the Caldera 4’s outsole, now with only three different pieces of rubber. Additionally, the new Caldera uses fewer but larger lugs. These are probably best for keeping the shoes durable but your running experience may not be as pleasing.
For the outsole, Brooks uses its sticky TrailTack rubber. This is what allows the shoes to be used for a combination of paved and trail terrain without damaging the shoe.
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