There’s a certain kind of reverence reserved for gear that performs. It’s not flashy. It’s not chasing trends. It simply shows up—day in, day out—and does exactly what it’s meant to do. For runners, that’s long been the appeal of Brooks. Walk into any no-nonsense running store, the kind vetted by thousands of collective run miles, and you'll find Brooks quietly dominating the shelves. Unshaken by hype cycles, the brand has built its name on reliability, comfort, and technical precision. If sneakers had an "ultimate dad shoe" archetype, Brooks would be the blueprint: unassuming, durable, and entirely unbothered by anything other than the next mile.
Founded in 1914 in Philadelphia, Brooks has spent over a century perfecting the art of running footwear. What began as a small manufacturer of athletic shoes quickly evolved into a powerhouse brand within the running community. Known for its commitment to creating shoes that prioritize performance, Brooks has become synonymous with reliability, making it a top choice for serious runners and casual enthusiasts alike. Their reputation for producing shoes that last, while offering the support and cushioning needed to go the distance, has made them a staple in both road running and trail running circles.
Among its most iconic models is the Cascadia 1, which first debuted in 2001 as the brand’s pioneering trail shoe. Designed for rugged terrains, the Cascadia 1 quickly garnered attention for its combination of durability and comfort, becoming a beloved option for trail runners who demanded performance under extreme conditions. Its solid construction, innovative cushioning, and rugged outsole made it a shoe that could endure whatever the trail threw at it, from sharp rocks, dusty trails, and muddy paths.
Now, that same commitment to performance reemerges with a fresh creative lens in Berlin. Celebrating the relaunch of this trail icon, the Cascadia 1, Brooks landed at the HS Store in Berlin to bring its rugged spirit into a new terrain. The Cascadia’s reissue marks a return to the brand’s roots while embracing the modern cultural landscape of design and innovation.
Dubbed “From the Trail to Berlin,” the event brings the raw landscapes, rock formations, and wind-worn terrain that inspired the Cascadia 1 into the heart of the city. Stone-inspired plinths and earth-toned installations mimic the very environments that the Cascadia was designed to conquer, creating a tangible connection between product and place. Natural textures mimic the crust of trail systems, and layered materials reference the multi-surface endurance the Cascadia 1 was engineered to withstand.
While the setting drew from the calm and stoic beauty of the natural world, the event itself was boisterous with thumping electronic music and buzzing guests. DJs Nas Tea and Highsnobiety’s own Eren kept the crowd grooving with a steady stream of beats throughout the evening. Guests explored the space, enjoyed curated drinks, and connected over the return of a trail icon, all while experiencing the Cascadia 1 up close.
And what better way to celebrate a relaunch than with a giveaway? Attendees had the chance to win a pair of the newly reissued Cascadia 1, each receiving a custom stone-textured token upon entry, three of whom were crowned as lucky winners.
For Brooks, this goes beyond mere reinvention and instead confidently leans into reintroduction. As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Cascadia 1 is a shoe that’s as solid as the rock it was built to traverse. From technical roots to a creative reawakening in Berlin, this relaunch is a declaration that reliability is always in style.
It’s taken over NYC and now Berlin. Click here to see where the Cascadia 1 is headed next.
