Brooks Caldera 8 – Baden-Powell Test Edition
A “steady Eddie” trail shoe — consistent, reliable, and contemplative. The Brooks Caldera 8 debuted January 2025, designed for long, steady mountain miles.
Performance Notes:- Trailrunning shoes with consistent, balanced feel from start to finish.
- Cushioning: firmer and less plush than our go-to staple, New Balance More Trail V3.
- Uphill: lacks the rocker “roll” of Mafate 5; climbs feel more methodical. 13 minutes slower than Mafate 5 (1:58 vs. 1:45).
- Downhill: surprisingly efficient — only 3 minutes slower than Mafate on Baden-Powell descent (1:21 vs. 1:18). Stability allowed steady rhythm without punishing knees/calves.
Mindset Effect:- Shoes fostered a contemplative state on ascent, versus Mafate’s “take care of business” drive.
- If you believe in the Extended Mind principle — gear not only shifts physiology, but mindset.
Type of Hiker:- Intermediate → Advanced hikers who want reliability and stability over flash.
- Great for those managing soreness or seeking steady pacing for endurance days.
Best Trail Match:- Long grinders like San Gorgonio (Vivian Creek), Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse, Charleston Peak South Loop.
- Excels where endurance rhythm matters more than explosive climbs.
- Consider wearing from trailhead to Trail Camp for Mount Whitney, then switching to Mafate 5 (if you pack a full load). Or wear until the final last mile of Mount Langley, then switch to Mafate 5.
TrailGenic Insight:- “Caldera doesn’t wow you, it stays with you — mile after mile, steady as the climb itself.”
