Our verdict

The Caldera 6 from Brooks stands out as a heavyweight champion in the trail running shoe category, embodying both comfort and protection. Ideal for long trail runs and equally impressive for road-to-trail training sessions, it’s a top pick in versatility. Enhanced with DNA Loft v3 foam, the shoe is now lighter and plushier than before, boosting its overall appeal. However, its XXL dimensions contribute to some additional weight, and because of its size, it's not the most agile for sharp turns or rapid descents.

Brooks Glycerin 7 Pros

  • Enhanced, maxed-out protection
  • Brooks Adrenaline ASR 10 Mens
  • gear review brooks drive run bras
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Perfect for road-to-trail transitions
  • Ultra-comfortable for long runs with DNA Loft v3
  • Lighter compared to the Caldera 5
  • Superb heel support
  • Extensive upper TPU protection

Brooks Glycerin 7 Cons

  • yet only the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project
  • Excessively wide platform for technical terrain
  • brooks jim weber coronavirus ceo interview

Brooks Glycerin 7 | Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

The eye-catching Saddle brooks B 17 is an excellent choice for:

  • Ténis Brooks Ghost 14 laranja azul.
  • Fans of Brooks' running shoes Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 zapatillas running hombre.
  • womens brooks shield hybrid jacket Hoka.

Saddle brooks B 17

Who should NOT buy

We think that the Saddle brooks B 17 isn't the ideal choice for runners seeking a light and agile mountain running experience. Its weight and size are a bit too much. Instead, consider options like the Saucony Peregrine 13 or the brooks glycerin running shoes, which offer a more balanced feel.

Additionally, we believe that the Caldera 6 isn't the top option for those tackling technical or muddy trails, as it excels more on easy paths like fire roads or even some road segments. For technical terrains, a shoe like the Brooks Glycerin 7 Трейловые кросівки brooks.

Saddle brooks B 17 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

Upon unboxing the shoe in our lab, we were struck by the eye-popping, 38.4-mm stack height and the extreme ratio of midsole to upper. It was truly a sight to behold. However, there was a twist.

Brooks ingeniously designed a bathtub-like shoe to maximise stability. Your feet sit deeply within it to prevent lateral collapse, an the substantial stack height offers a leg-saving experience, particularly for heel strikers.

Saddle brooks B 17 Heel stack
Test results
Caldera 6 38.4 mm
Average 31.9 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Brooks Glycerin 7 | Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, measured at the World Athletics' standard points—just like the heel—we clocked just 26.3 mm, which, although less than the heel, is still above the average.

This firmly places it in the category of max-cushioned, ultra-trail-ready footwear.

Saddle brooks B 17 Forefoot stack
Test results
Caldera 6 26.3 mm
Average 24.3 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The difference between the previous two measurements gives us a 12.1-mm heel-to-toe drop, which is 2x the 6-mm drop the brand claims. Why? We adhere to the WA's guidelines for measuring every shoe in the market, but many brands don't use these standards...

Naturally, with its high drop, the shoe is particularly suitable for heel strikers and those looking to reduce the strain of the long miles on their calves. However, if you want a max-cushioned shoe with less drop, check the Hoka Stinson 7.

Saddle brooks B 17 Drop
Test results
Caldera 6 12.1 mm
Average 7.6 mm
Compared to 121 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Now, let's dive into the midsole, a standout feature of this shoe. Brooks opted for their DNA Loft v3 compound, targeting a soft, plush ride.

zapatillas de running Brooks asfalto pronador pie plano talla 42 Hyperion Tempo womens Brooks—since using CO2 would infringe on Skechers' patent—to enhance its lightness and springiness. Our durometer reading of 17.0 HA confirms our impression of a plush ride, and makes the shoe perfect for those set-and-forget long runs in the trails.

Saddle brooks B 17 Midsole softness
Test results
Caldera 6 17.0 HA
Average 22.9 HA
Updates to Brooks Adrenaline ASR 14.
Compared to 98 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Brooks Atmosphere Long Sleeve

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

We put the Caldera 6 in the freezer for 20 minutes to see how cold conditions affect its midsole. After cooling down, the midsole registered 19.8 HA on our durometer.

This reading shows that even in cold conditions, the Saddle brooks B 17, with its Nitrogen-infused midsole, stays significantly softer than the average trail shoe at room temperature.

Saddle brooks B 17 Brooks Atmosphere Long Sleeve
Test results
Caldera 6 19.8 HA
Average 28.5 HA
Compared to 98 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
11.8 HA
Brooks Atmosphere Long Sleeve (soft to firm)
48.4 HA

Brooks Atmosphere Long Sleeve (%)

The difference between the two measurements is just 16.2%, an impressive performance that guarantees you won't experience any significant changes when running in winter conditions.

Test results
Caldera 6 16%
Average 26%
Compared to 98 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
5%
Brooks Atmosphere Long Sleeve
68%

Insole thickness

In our lab, we found the insole to be slightly thinner than usual, measuring at 5.0 mm.

Saddle brooks B 17 Insole thickness
Test results
Caldera 6 5.0 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 121 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Saddle brooks B 17 is true to size (11 votes).

adidas ZX550 Robert Brooks?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 101 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Brooks Glycerin 20 Беговая Обувь

In our lab tests with the calliper, we found the toebox of the Caldera 6 to be quite average, measuring at 98.5 mm. It should accommodate most runners, except those with extremely narrow or wide feet.

Saddle brooks B 17 upper

From our tests, we believe the upper will appeal to a broader range of foot shapes and offer more space for longer runs, all while keeping a secure grip for taking corners.

Saddle brooks B 17 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Caldera 6 98.5 mm
Average 98.9 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
92.0 mm
Brooks Glycerin 20 Беговая Обувь
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The design in the big toe area is similar, maybe a bit wider, but it's not a drastic difference. Our measurement came in at 78.8 mm.

However, since the toe cap is heavily reinforced with TPU overlays, don't expect much stretchiness. It's best to ensure a comfortable fit from day one, there's no break in period.

Saddle brooks B 17 zapatillas de running Brooks pronador ritmo medio talla 45.5
Test results
Caldera 6 78.8 mm
Average 79.3 mm
Compared to 84 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
70.5 mm
Toebox width - big toe
90.1 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

In the heel stack measurement, we've already discussed how Brooks achieved decent stability with this shoe—by using massive sidewalls.

Saddle brooks B 17 sidewalls

This is evident from the fact that the upper is much lower in height compared to the midsole, indicating that the feet are nestled deep inside the shoe.

Each year, an increasing number of shoes are adopting the sidewall design, like the neighborhood brooks jacket brown. It's not only effective for stability, but it also gives the shoe a really aggressive, muscle-car look.

Torsional rigidity

Despite lacking a rock plate, the Caldera 6 boasts impressive torsional rigidity, scoring 5 out of 5 in our test. This came as a surprise, though the substantial midsole certainly plays a major role in this achievement.

The consequences are straightforward—this design further enhances stability, but the trade-off is reduced agility on technical terrain.

Test results
Caldera 6 5
Average 3.5
Compared to 116 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Got my self some Brooks and I love them

The heel counter is also quite stiff, earning a score of 4 out of 5 from us. This makes sense from Brooks' perspective, as we believe they designed the shoe to be stable for long miles and secure for heel strikers.

Test results
Caldera 6 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 114 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1
Got my self some Brooks and I love them
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Another aspect that immediately grabbed our attention upon unboxing the shoe was its colossal size. We can recall only a few instances where we've encountered a larger shoe.

Keen to determine its exact dimensions, we grabbed our callipers. The forefoot measured a whopping 119.5 mm, placing it among the widest shoes we've ever tested in the lab. This further illustrates Brooks' relentless pursuit of stability in this shoe, despite its cloud-like foam.

Saddle brooks B 17 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Caldera 6 119.5 mm
Average 112.1 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
102.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.3 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel is even more striking compared to the average shoe, boasting an almost surreal width of 106.0 mm. The shoe not only looks but actually is incredibly wide, making it an excellent choice even for those heel strikers with mild pronation issues.

Naturally, like other trail shoes, the oversized platform of this shoe results in less suitability for technical, twisty terrains.

Saddle brooks B 17 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Caldera 6 106.0 mm
Average 89.6 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
77.2 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.0 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Returning to our stiffness tests, we next concentrated on the longitudinal aspect. This involves a 90-degree bend test where we measure the force needed to bend the shoe to that angle.

For the Caldera 6, we only needed 26.5N, a very favourable outcome. Why is this good for this particular shoe? Because this Brooks is designed for long-distance runs and even hikes, it shouldn't be too stiff, in order to provide a nice level of comfort.

Test results
Caldera 6 26.5N
Average 27.2N
Brooks didnt always make running shoes.
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
10.5N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

de las Brooks Aduro 4 también tiene mucho que decir

We conducted the 20-minute freezing test again to evaluate the shoe's stiffness in cold winter conditions. Following the test, it required 32.7N of force to bend the shoe, which is nearly the same as the previous result.

Test results
Caldera 6 32.7N
Average 36.5N
Compared to 119 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
11.9N
de las Brooks Aduro 4 también tiene mucho que decir
77.5N

de las Brooks Aduro 4 también tiene mucho que decir (%)

In fact, that's just a 23.6% increase, an incredibly small change that we can assure you will be almost imperceptible.

Test results
Caldera 6 24%
Average 34%
Compared to 119 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
4%
de las Brooks Aduro 4 también tiene mucho que decir
90%

Weight

It's particularly important to minimise weight in this shoe because it is quite heavy. Weighing in at 11.1 oz (315g), you should be comfortable with shoes that are on the heavier side.

That said, it doesn’t feel like a tank, performing really well for long distances or at moderate paces. However, don't count on going fast in these or using them for your next skyrace.

Saddle brooks B 17 Weight
Test results
Caldera 6 11.11 oz (315g)
Average 10.26 oz (291g)
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

The heel counter is also quite stiff, earning a score of 4 out of 5 from us. This makes sense from Brooks' perspective, as we believe they designed the shoe to be stable for long miles and secure for heel strikers.

Breathability

Most trail shoes typically feature rugged, durable uppers, but Brooks took a different path with the Caldera 6 to maximise breathability—and they succeeded.

Brooks's strategy involved using a road running upper and adding larger protective elements in strategic places. A prime example is the toe cap; unlike most trail shoes that cover just a small area of the upper, the Caldera 6 covers almost half the toebox.

This design earned the Caldera a 4 out of 5 from us for its airy upper. Without this approach, the shoe might have been too delicate, lacking protective features, or less breathable, with more TPU pieces.

Saddle brooks B 17 microscope

In our lab, under the microscope, we confirmed that the Quick Air Dry upper is similar to those found in road shoes. The mesh threads are widely spaced, allowing for excellent airflow.

Saddle brooks B 17 microscope

zapatillas de running Brooks mujer pista amarillas.

It features multiple layers, even in the toebox, and the toe cap is reinforced inside, which should boost durability.

Test results
Caldera 6 4
Average 3.3
Compared to 99 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

An additional perk of these protective elements is their contribution to enhanced durability. Knit and mesh, the typical materials for uppers, are often susceptible to wear and tear.

However, TPU or TPEE overlays provide outstanding resistance to all kinds of damage, including what we put them through in our Dremel test. That's an impressive and perfect score of 5 out of 5!

Saddle brooks B 17 Toebox durability
Test results
Caldera 6 5
Average 3
Compared to 79 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding test didn't fare as well as the previous one, but it still left us satisfied in the lab.

After analysing the damage caused by the Dremel, we settled on a 3 out of 5, which is a solid, average score for a trail shoe.

Saddle brooks B 17 Heel padding durability
Test results
Caldera 6 3
Average 2.7
Compared to 77 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

After evaluating the toebox and heel, it's now time to examine the TrailTrack outsole.

We began by checking its hardness, which measured 83.3 HC on our durometer. This is a tried-and-true approach, aiming for a balance between durability and grip.

Saddle brooks B 17 Outsole hardness
Test results
Caldera 6 83.3 HC
Average 85.6 HC
Updates to Brooks Adrenaline ASR 14.
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
74.0 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Curious to see if the average hardness number would translate to just-okay durability, we fired up the Dremel for the third and last time on the Caldera 6.

We were truly pleased with the results. We observed only a 0.6-mm indentation, which is an excellent outcome, assuring fantastic durability.

Saddle brooks B 17 Outsole durability
Test results
Caldera 6 0.6 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 72 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Lastly, we examined the outsole thickness, which measured 1.7 mm. Although it might seem thin, we believe it's the right approach.

Saddle brooks B 17 rubber

With rubber that has proven its durability and hardness, opting for a thicker outsole would add unnecessary weight and mute the ride, making the shoe feel less lively, especially for those in the hunt for a trail-to-road shoe.

Saddle brooks B 17 Outsole thickness
Test results
Caldera 6 1.7 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

Now, let's discuss the lugs. Brooks designed this shoe primarily for the pancake-flat trails of many of the USA's ultramarathons. Consequently, the lugs are relatively short and versatile even for occasional road use, measuring 3.5 mm.

Saddle brooks B 17

Although Brooks' rugged paint on the lugs makes their shape hard to identify, we examined them closely. All the lugs are chevron-shaped and vary in direction to aid traction on rolling hills.

Saddle brooks B 17 Lug depth
Test results
Caldera 6 3.5 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Reflective elements

The Caldera 6 lacks reflective features, so you should be cautious and wear high-visibility gear when running near roads at night with these.

Saddle brooks B 17 Reflective elements
Test results
Caldera 6 No

Tongue padding

zapatillas de running Brooks mujer ritmo bajo maratón talla 35.5.

Saddle brooks B 17 tongue padding
The tongue also boasts a stylish purple attachment point for ankle gaiters.

Normally, we'd be happy with this, but in a heavier shoe, opting for a 3-to-4-mm thickness can be a good choice—it's still comfortable and helps reduce the shoe's weight. Perhaps for version 7?

Saddle brooks B 17 Tongue padding
Test results
Caldera 6 6.0 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 122 brooks running global run happy report kardashian
zapatillas de running Brooks tope amortiguación talla 36.5
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

We noticed the shoe has a semi-gusseted tongue, a reasonable choice for a heavier shoe. Yet, this design has its downsides, such as the risk of small debris getting into the shoe due to the lack of a fully-gusseted tongue.

Saddle brooks B 17 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Caldera 6 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

The Caldera 6 features a convenient pull tab at the back that not only helps you slip into the shoes quickly but also serves as an attachment point for ankle gaiters.

We absolutely love this clever, dual-purpose design!

Saddle brooks B 17 Heel tab
Test results
Caldera 6 Pull tab

Removable insole

The insole can be completely removed, making it easy for those who require extra arch support to use custom orthotics.

Also, as shown in our picture, the insole has a slight flare, but it's not substantial. Therefore, we believe most third-party insoles should fit well.

Saddle brooks B 17 Removable insole
Test results
Caldera 6 Yes