Comparison Overview
The Brooks Caldera 8 is the latest evolution of the Caldera 7 line. We recommend the Caldera 7 for most runners.
How the Brooks Caldera 7 and Brooks Caldera 8 differ
The Brooks Caldera 7 and the Brooks Caldera 8 are both trail shoes from Brooks, which makes this a classic same-line comparison: same design language, similar fit philosophy, but meaningful changes in feel and intended use.
Where they actually differ: the Brooks Caldera 8 comes in roughly 0.4 oz lighter (11.2 oz vs 10.8 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (8mm on the Brooks Caldera 7, 6mm on the Brooks Caldera 8) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Brooks Caldera 7 rides on the taller stack (38mm/30mm vs 32mm/26mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; the Brooks Caldera 7 uses a modern super-foam (PEBA or similar), which gives a livelier, more responsive ride than traditional EVA; and the Brooks Caldera 8 is $20 cheaper at MSRP ($170 vs $150).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Brooks Caldera 7 | Brooks Caldera 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Brooks | Brooks |
| Model | Caldera 7 | Caldera 8 |
| Category | trail | daily trainer |
| Weight | 11.2 oz | 10.8 oz |
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm |
| Price | $170 | $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Brooks Caldera 7 or the Brooks Caldera 8?
- The Brooks Caldera 8 is the lighter shoe at 10.8 oz versus 11.2 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Brooks Caldera 8 is the more affordable option at $150 compared to $170.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Brooks Caldera 7 has a 8mm drop and the Brooks Caldera 8 has a 6mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Brooks Caldera 7 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Brooks Caldera 8 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.