Spoiler: They’re worth the price tag.

As a longtime runner, I’ve been a Brooks running shoe fan for a minute and tried many versions. Because most of my running is on sidewalks, I started running in the Brooks Ghost Max about a year ago—and they are my favorites by far. But I live in Northwestern Vermont, so for winter running I needed a shoe with more traction on ice, snow and slush. I also wanted a shoe that would keep my feet dry when I run in the snow.

Enter the Cascadia 19 GTX—a trail running shoe that’s waterproof and has a super grippy sole. I’ve been running in them since late November. Here’s my honest review.

Cascadia 19 GTX

$180 at Brooks Running

I found these shoes to be comfortable and roomy, especially in the toe box, which makes them a good choice for people with wide feet or those who need some extra space around their toes. The traction is incredible—it’s equivalent to putting snow tires on your car. The waterproof uppers keep my feet dry. The tongue sits very snug to my foot and is designed in a way with the laces so that even if I step in a puddle, I will stay dry.

I also really appreciate their versatility: I can wear them hiking on wet, slippery ground or walking in the rain. Despite their ruggedness, they’re lightweight. And I love the design of them, whereas when I put on hiking boots, I often feel frumpy.

These shoes do have a few drawbacks. One is that they lack insulation, so you need to wear them with warm socks. They also don’t really have any cushioning to speak of. I wanted to wear them for winter running on variable surfaces, but because they aren’t as cushiony as I need, I only wear them when I’m running in the snow. They’re also expensive, which is to be expected with any Gore-Tex shoe. That being said, the versatility of the Cascadia 19 GTX trail shoe means I can use it beyond winter running.

Shop More Brooks Shoes on Sale Before It’s Too Late

Catamount 4

$170 $120 at Brooks Running

Glycerin GTS 22

$165 $115 at Brooks Running

Launch 11

$120 $100 at Brooks Running

Glycerin 22

$165 $125 at Brooks Running

Glycerin StealthFit 22

$165 $115 at Brooks Running

At the time of publishing, the price started at $180.

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