It used to be that you had to venture down into red rock canyons or scale rugged mountain paths to catch a glimpse of a trail shoe. Runners had their holy grails, but those outside the scene weren’t dialed in to the feted footwear of off-road athletes. Along came gorpcore, an aesthetic embrace of all things outdoorsy, circa 2017 — ushering in the long-awaited marriage between performance apparel and everyday style. The floodgates were open for chunky midsoles, brightly hued uppers, and unconventional silhouettes to take over OOTDs and dominate Pinterest boards.
A driving force in turning trail shoes into a street-style moment? Brooks’ reimagined Cascadia 1. In an era when sneakers appear on the sidewalks of every fashion capital, the standouts have to excel at form and function. Brooks, an American footwear titan that’s been in the game since 1914, has mastered both. Its OG Cascadia 1 first hit the trail in 2004, developed in collaboration with legendary ultra-runner Scott Jurek. The same year, Jurek solidified his icon status as he used the Cascadia to set records and secure victories — like a course record and his sixth consecutive Western States 100-mile win — proving Brooks was not only keeping the pace, but setting it.
With the 2025 revamp, the all-terrain authorities elevated the (literal) all-time trailblazer with a protective rock shield and upgraded foam, so it can tackle urban playgrounds with the same precision it brings to uncharted paths and scenic detours. From a style point of view, it offers a rebellious look founded on cross-generational ‘00s appeal you just can’t get from the modern hype machine.
Unofficial ‘queen of gorpcore’ Sabrina Bloedorn demonstrates how the energizing yellow/black/moonbeam colorway distinguishes the Cascadia 1 from the crowd, making it easily identifiable on trails and train platforms alike. Her all-black ensemble brings drama by mixing textures and incorporating oversized silhouettes, but it’s the sunny sneakers that take the ‘fit to the next level.
DJ and producer Sango, who’s Seattle-based like Brooks, also leans into the classic black-and-yellow combo. The owner of streetwear brand Be Patient Grow Daily pairs the lightning-hued Cascadia 1 with his label’s midnight sweats for an effortless Y2K moment.
Down in Atlanta, meanwhile, cultural architect K.O. proves you don’t have to stop at one bold color; the trendsetter embodies Brooks’ spirit of going the extra mile by contrasting the teched-out yellow kicks with a bright blue jacket. It’s unexpected and undeniably eye-catching, an ensemble you’d see on the street and instantly want to recreate.
Christian Yuen, founder of calisthenics brand ENERGY, uses the same vibrant colorway to complement a park-ready OOTD. “Honestly, it feels good to finally rock a new silhouette that doesn’t look like everything else that's out right now,” Yuen tells Highsnobiety of Brooks’ latest.
Singer-songwriter Tiona Deniece agrees that the Cascadia is one of one. The Atlanta-based multi-hyphenate (by way of Buffalo, NY) applauds the versatility of the more neutral moonbeam/black/camellia colorway in particular. “I’m able to wear this neutral colorway with various fits and each one is going to be a hit,” she explains.
Even veteran sneakerheads — like Chicago culture correspondent and curator Ticara Devone, self-professed owner of over 200 pairs — are stepping into a new realm of creativity thanks to the functional fashion possibilities unlocked by performance shoes. Devone channels old-school cool with electric yellow Cascadia 1s and red track pants, an essential street-style uniform. She notes that Brooks’ gorpcore-approved footwear has everyday appeal, captivating those who’ve never hit a trail but know a good design when they see it.
Boasting a legacy of empowering trailblazers for more than 20 years, the adventurous kicks have already established themselves as top-notch performance shoes worthy of ultra-running’s best. Medaling in style? That’s just a victory lap.
Head to brooksrunning.com for more.
