Brooks Ghost Trail vs Cascadia 20

Ghost Trail or Cascadia 20? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want the familiar Ghost ride for gravel and mixed surfaces? Get the Ghost Trail.

Want a stable, protective trail shoe with great grip? Get the Cascadia 20.

Get the Ghost Trail if

• It’s mostly for easy days
• You need a touch more room than the Cascadia 20 gives
• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)

Get the Cascadia 20 if

• Long runs are your thing
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)

On the run

Ghost Trail: The Ghost for gravel. The familiar Ghost ride with dependable, winter-ready grip for gravel, dirt paths and the road in between. Stable for heel strikers and flexible enough for walking and hiking.

Cascadia 20: The stable trail workhorse, now with Vibram. Stable and dependable, now with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and more cushion than earlier Cascadias. On the firm side, and still a heavy trail shoe.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Ghost Trail. Runs slightly long, so you may want a half size down. Comfortable step-in feel, but the toebox is tapered. Wide available.

Cascadia 20. True to size with a secure, snug fit that may not suit wide feet. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Ghost Trail · Shop the Cascadia 20 · Compare other running shoes