Cascadia Substitues?

[Coffee]

I have been using Cascadia 7 and 8 trail runners for all of my trips since early 2013 and have been pleased with the performance of the shoes in all but icy conditions. Each pair has lasted at least 500 miles for me and, with the exception of an eyelet breaking on a *new* pair of Cascadia 8 (which Brooks replaced under warranty), the shoes have proven durable.

I was planning to use either Cascadia 8s (if I can still find any of sale in size 12), or Cascadia 9 or 10s for my upcoming PCT thru hike. However, there is some chatter on Facebook about the 9s wearing out much more quickly than the 8s due to a change in design near the toe that results in holes, sometimes after as little as 250 miles. Not to jump to any conclusions but at $120/each, I'm not thrilled about the idea of possibly going through $1,000+ of footwear on the PCT.

I only have one extended hike, longer than an overnighter, coming up before the PCT which will be around 80 miles (Foothills trail thru hike in SC/NC). That isn't going to be enough to confirm/deny the Cascadia 9 durability issue but it might be enough to dry run another brand. So I'm thinking I'll try another brand for the foothills trail. I'd like something that is quite similar to the Cascadia but the more durable the better. Any ideas?

[Malto]

Try LaSportiva wildcats. They fit similarly for me as the Cascadias. Both are relatively wide in the toe. It's funny, I just saw similiar comment on the 9s in another forum.

[handlebar]

My Cascadias 9's made 600 miles---most of it on the AZT. Replaced due to tread worn out and cushioning gone. Upper was still in good shape.

[Coffee]

I'm going to try out a few alternatives at REI today including the LaSportiva Widcats if they have them. Kind of nervous about switching to something other than cascadias.

[1azarus]

I saw cascadia 8s in size 12 at Amazon site...

[Coffee]

THANKS!!! I just ordered the last size 12 and for under $100 which is a pretty good deal. I'm good to go now from Campo probably to KM. From there I'm switching to Asolo boots for the Sierras and I'll figure out what trail runners to go with after that when I get to Tahoe.

[1azarus]

THANKS!!! I just ordered the last size 12 and for under $100 which is a pretty good deal. I'm good to go now from Campo probably to KM. From there I'm switching to Asolo boots for the Sierras and I'll figure out what trail runners to go with after that when I get to Tahoe.

i feel like such a good little camper! probably the best advice i've ever given, at least on this site! my day is made. i'm pretty sure you should bring me along as a small show of your appreciation. when do we leave?

[Coffee]

i feel like such a good little camper! probably the best advice i've ever given, at least on this site! my day is made. i'm pretty sure you should bring me along as a small show of your appreciation. when do we leave?

April 20 from Campo. Come and join the hundreds of others probably leaving around that time!

[Bobby]

I'm going to try out a few alternatives at REI today including the LaSportiva Widcats if they have them. Kind of nervous about switching to something other than cascadias.

what about these bad boys - basically new - NB 621 All Terain High Top H2O resistant trail runners


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