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Scott Jurek

Cascadia 5: Interview with Scott Jurek, Ultra Runner
12/10/2009 | catherine.vaughan

The Cascadia 5 for Men and Women is now officially available. Special thanks to Brooks-sponsored ultra runner Scott Jurek for his insight into the design process and insider’s view on this award-winning trail shoe’s updates.

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What is your role in the design process at Brooks?

I work closely with the Brooks footwear design team on all steps of the design process from planning, reviewing sketches and early shoe samples, wear testing, and relaying feedback from the field (i.e. retailers and customers). The footwear team is very interested in new ideas and receptive in designing shoes that provide optimum function and performance. I feel fortunate to be a part of this team process

How is designing a trail shoe different from designing a road shoe?

In designing a trail shoe it is important to take into account all the surfaces and environments that a trail user encounters. In addition, the biomechanics that the foot and ankle encounter running on these surfaces is critical so that the trail shoe provides normal movement and function while assuring stability and performance in a varied trail environment.

Trails offer more obstacles and uneven surfaces than roads. How does the Cascadia 5 help keep a runner stable while staying flexible and light?
The low profile design of the midsole and outsole, base of support through footprint surface area, and the independently stabilizing Pivot Posts in the Cascadia 5 create a very stable trail shoe. The spacing in the one-piece outsole lug design, minimized outsole thickness, flexible Ballistic Rock Shield, and light BioMoGo midsole all contribute to a flexible and light ride.

What updates do you think people will notice the most in the Cascadia 5?

Cascadia 5 users can expect the same ride and feel in previous versions of the Cascadia, as we kept the same award winning midsole and outsole. The Cascadia 5 update story is in the upper where we improved the midfoot wrap to create a better connection between the foot and the midsole-outsole complex. This will make for greater stability and a feeling that the shoe is a part of the foot. Cascadia 5 users will notice greater stability where it matters most: downhills and technical trail sections.

Are there any features people won’t notice at first but you’d like to call out?

A lot of runners ask about waterproof uppers, and an often missed feature of the Cascadia 5 is its ability to drain water and dry quickly. Because trail users often encounter above-ankle deep water (creek crossings) or water enters above the collar (because of puddles), waterproof shoes are not a solution to the problem. It is inevitable that trail shoes will get water inside them. And if you are in a hot dry environment, moisture from sweat and heat retention are the issues. It’s not a matter IF the feet will get wet, it’s WHEN. We designed the Cascadia 5 upper with hydrophobic microfibers and meshes that allow optimal water escape, maximum breathability, and quick dry time.

Most importantly, the Cascadia 5 is not only performance driven, it is making strides towards being “lighter” on the earth. The HPR green rubber outsole and BioMoGo midsole are key components that are “lighter” on the earth during production and post consumer. I feel it is important that our gear we use to enjoy the trail is produced with the least impact so we and our future generations can enjoy it as much as we do. I am excited that Brooks is taking strides towards this goal.

What makes you Run Happy, Scott?

Running a ribbon of single track trail on a ridgeline as the sun is rising or setting…Happy Trails!

Filed in Brooks Athletes, Footwear, Green, Scott Jurek, Sustainability, running shoes

15 Responses to “Cascadia 5: Interview with Scott Jurek, Ultra Runner”

pbunyar Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
The Cascadia seems like a great shoe. So, why isn’t it made in a narrow width, like a B?
farra karsen Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 4:17 am
I was fortunate to weartest the 5’s, and the new feel of the upper is what i noticed most - and loved! It definitely feels better on the downhills and more wrapped around the foot. Over 300 miles on them, and still going!
EnduranceBuzz.com » Brooks Cascadia 5 – Insight From Scott Jurek Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 7:03 am
[...] Brooks Cascadia 5 Interview with Scott Jurek [...]
Clynton Taylor Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Thanks for the interview with Scott, and for your answers, Scott. Learning more about what happened behind the scenes to create this shoe helps. Knowing Scott was involved also helps, to be honest.

Question: How much does one of the shoes weigh (Mens size 9 or 10)? It seems to have a lot of extra support around the heel which would add weight.

Thanks,

Clynton
Running Quest
james Says:
December 13th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I thought my yellow cascadia 4`s were new now there is a 5! Looking forward to trying them out.
catherine.vaughan Says:
December 14th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Clynton, the men’s weight is 12 oz, which is actually .2 oz off the previous version of the shoe.

The pictures make it look built up in the heel, but the Cascadia is actually has a lower profile similar to our Racer ST 4. This gives more stability for trail running.

pbunyar, no plans yet to make the Cascadia in widths but as the shoe gains momentum that would be a possibility.
uberVU - social comments Says:
December 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am
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Tim Says:
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I recently switched from the Brooks ASR’s to the Cascadia 5. For some reason I had to go a half size larger in the Cascadia. I like the Cascadia’s but the jury is still out, because my ASr’s work really well for me.
Cheryl Says:
January 14th, 2010 at 9:48 am
It looks like the smallest women’s size you make is a 6. What shoes do you reccomend for those of us that take a size 5? Or do you think you might make a size 5 someday?
catherine.vaughan Says:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Hi, Cheryl. No plans right now to release the Cascadia in a 5. Our other trail shoe, the Adrenaline ASR 6, comes in a 5. It also offers support for pronation. If you prefer a neutral shoe, the Defyance 3 comes in your size and would be a good one to take a look at.
Stephanee Says:
February 1st, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Any chance Brooks is working on a lighter weight version? Cascadia is more shoe that I need but I love the brand ethos and it is a super quality, durable shoe. Over 500 mies and looks, feels almost new. Unfortunately, I switched to a diff brand w/ a lighter trail shoe (< 8 oz) but want to come back to Brooks.
Catherine Says:
February 14th, 2010 at 8:16 am
I love the Cascadia 4 and will purchase the 5. Does Brooks have a road shoe with a similar fit?
catherine.vaughan Says:
February 16th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
There’s no direct road version, but we usually suggest the Defyance 3 as a good option. It’s our most stable neutral shoe with a nice open toe box and a secure midfoot wrap. Other than that, any of our neutral shoes would be good to take a look at.
Bigcog Says:
March 1st, 2010 at 7:36 am
How does the fit of these compare with the Infiniti? I take size uk 10 in the Infiniti, length and width is just right.
James Says:
March 9th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Loved the 3`s still in the 4`s and just order a pair of 5`s. Would love to hear the reason/thoughts behind the little piece over the toes that points back towards the foot, it was there on the 3`s but was gone on the 4`s (i was glad about that!) and it looks like it is back on the 5`s. Very small point i know but it seemed to push into the top of my toes in certain circumstances. Is it just for looks or does it serve as extra protection? Cheers