HOKA Torrent 5 vs Brooks Cascadia 20
Torrent 5 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 a nimble, grippy trail shoe for everyday runs? Get the Torrent 5.
Want a stable, protective trail shoe with great grip? Get the Cascadia 20.
Get the Torrent 5 if
- It’s mostly for easy days
- You need a touch more room than the Cascadia 20 gives
- You like a less rigid forefoot
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.1 oz
Get the Cascadia 20 if
- You want more foam underfoot (3mm more at the heel)
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
- You need a wide width
On the run
Torrent 5: The nimble, everyday trail shoe. Nimble and grippy, with more cushion than earlier Torrents for a more protective ride. 5mm high-abrasion lugs.
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.
The Torrent 5 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Torrent 3 lab test (RunRepeat) and Running Warehouse’s description of the 5.
Specs side by side
| Torrent 5 | Cascadia 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $140 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 35 / 30mm* | 38 / 32mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 6mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.7 oz | 10.8 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.1 oz | 9.7 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Trails, Easy days, Long runs | Trails, Walking & all-day wear, Long runs |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 350–450 miles |
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
Torrent 5. True to size, with a more durable, protective upper.
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 Torrent 5 · Shop the Cascadia 20 · Compare other running shoes