Brooks Divide 3
Buy Brooks Divide 3 at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Brooks Divide 3 is a trail running shoe designed to offer a comfortable transition from road to trail. This shoe is known for its versatility and affordability.
Key Features:
- Adaptability: The Brooks Divide 3 excels in its ability to handle both road and light trail conditions, making it an ideal choice for runners who enjoy mixed-terrain runs.
- Comfort: With a DNA LOFT midsole, the shoe provides a smooth ride and comfortable cushioning, suitable for a range of distances.
- Protection: Adequate foot protection and a TrailTack rubber outsole ensure runners can confidently navigate over rocks and roots commonly found on trails.
- Value: Priced affordably, the Divide 3 offers features often found in more expensive shoes, making it accessible for those new to trail running.
The Brooks Divide 3 is an ideal choice for neutral runners who prioritize comfort and adaptability for their daily running. Its protective features offer peace of mind on trails, while the shoe's value makes it suitable for those looking to explore off-road running without a significant investment. Part of the Brooks Divide family, it continues the line's tradition of delivering reliable performance.
With an average review score of 78%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Brooks Divide 3
The Brooks Divide 3 has established itself as a reliable choice for runners seeking a shoe that can handle both trails and roads. Its comfortable fit, combined with the DNA LOFT cushioning, provides a smooth and enjoyable running experience. While it may not be the most aggressive in terms of traction, it offers enough grip for light to moderate trails, making it a solid option for those new to trail running or runners who don't frequently encounter technical terrain. The shoe's adaptability is a standout feature, allowing for seamless transitions between different surfaces. Overall, the Brooks Divide 3 is a commendable option for runners looking for a versatile, comfortable, and budget-friendly trail shoe.
Updates to Brooks Divide 3
The Brooks Divide 3 has seen updates from its predecessor, the Brooks Divide 2, with a focus on enhancing comfort and adaptability. The midsole now features DNA LOFT cushioning for smoother transitions and improved flexibility. The upper has been redesigned with a new mesh that balances the requirements of both road and trail running, offering a breathable and protective experience.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Torrent 3 is often compared to the Brooks Divide 3 due to its similar target audience of trail runners looking for a versatile shoe. The Torrent 3 offers better traction and a bit more protection, making it a slightly superior choice for more technical trails, albeit at a higher price point.
Another shoe commonly compared to the Brooks Divide 3 is the Salomon Pulsar Trail. This model provides additional cushioning and stronger traction, which may appeal to runners tackling more challenging terrain. However, the Pulsar Trail comes with a higher price tag, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious runners.
For those seeking a more robust trail shoe, the Brooks Cascadia 16 is a worthy alternative to the Divide 3. It offers enhanced stability and protection for rougher terrain, making it a better fit for runners who prioritize these features over the Divide 3's versatility and affordability.
7 Brooks Divide 3 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Brooks Divide 3 features an upper designed to balance the needs of both road and trail runners. The breathable mesh material ensures a comfortable and well-ventilated experience, while protective elements provide the necessary durability for off-road challenges. The fit is accommodating, with a broad toe box that allows for natural foot movement, making it suitable for runners with a variety of foot shapes.
Midsole
The midsole of the Brooks Divide 3 is equipped with DNA LOFT cushioning, offering a plush yet responsive ride. This cushioning system adapts to the runner's stride, providing a personalized feel underfoot. The midsole's design contributes to the shoe's overall stability, making it a reliable choice for long runs on varied terrain.
Outsole
Equipped with a TrailTack rubber outsole, the Brooks Divide 3 delivers dependable traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The multidirectional lugs are designed to grip light trails effectively, though they may fall short on very technical or muddy terrain. This outsole composition strikes a balance between trail readiness and road comfort.
Size/fit
The Brooks Divide 3 is reported to run slightly narrow, but it generally offers a familiar and comfortable fit akin to a standard road running shoe. This makes it an appealing option for runners transitioning from road to trail running, as well as those who prefer a snugger fit.
Comfort
Comfort is a key strength of the Brooks Divide 3, with its DNA LOFT cushioning providing a soft and protective ride. The upper's breathable mesh and the shoe's overall construction contribute to a comfortable experience, suitable for both short jaunts and longer excursions on the trails.
Cushioning
The cushioning of the Brooks Divide 3 is characterized by the DNA LOFT midsole, which offers a balance of softness and responsiveness. This cushioning is ideal for runners looking for a comfortable shoe that can handle a variety of distances, from a quick 10K to a full marathon.
Breathability
The Brooks Divide 3's upper is constructed with a breathable mesh that facilitates air circulation, keeping the feet cool during runs. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who value well-ventilated shoes for warmer conditions or longer distances.
Stability
Stability in the Brooks Divide 3 is achieved through a combination of midsole design and outsole construction. The shoe's neutral support and moderate arch cater to a wide range of runners, providing a stable platform for those who do not require additional corrective features.
Durability
The Brooks Divide 3 is built to withstand the demands of both road and trail running. The robust materials used in the upper and the resilient TrailTack rubber outsole contribute to the shoe's longevity, making it a durable option for regular use.
Grip
The grip of the Brooks Divide 3 is sufficient for light to moderate trails, thanks to its TrailTack rubber outsole. While it may not be the most aggressive in terms of lug depth, the multidirectional lugs provide reliable traction on a variety of surfaces.
Who should buy the Brooks Divide 3?
The Brooks Divide 3 is well-suited for runners who are venturing into trail running for the first time or those who frequently run on mixed terrain. It's an excellent choice for individuals seeking a shoe that provides a comfortable and familiar fit, akin to traditional road running shoes, while still offering the necessary protection and traction for off-road adventures.
Who should not buy the Brooks Divide 3?
Runners who specialize in highly technical trails or those who require a shoe with aggressive traction for muddy and slippery conditions may find the Brooks Divide 3 lacking. Additionally, runners with a preference for a very lightweight or highly responsive shoe might consider other options that cater more specifically to those needs.
Brooks Divide 3: What's it good for?
The Brooks Divide 3 is particularly good for daily running on mixed terrain, offering a comfortable and stable ride. It's also suitable for long-distance runs, thanks to its cushioning and protective features. The shoe's versatility makes it a strong candidate for runners who split their time between road and light trail environments.
4 Brooks Divide 3 FAQs
Is the Brooks Divide 3 suitable for both road and trail running?
Yes, the Brooks Divide 3 is designed to be versatile, handling both road and light trail conditions effectively. Its adaptability makes it a great option for runners who enjoy mixed-terrain runs.
What type of cushioning does the Brooks Divide 3 offer?
The Brooks Divide 3 features DNA LOFT cushioning in the midsole, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride, suitable for a variety of distances.
How does the Brooks Divide 3 perform on technical trails?
While the Brooks Divide 3 offers adequate traction for light to moderate trails, it may not be the best choice for very technical or muddy trails due to its less aggressive lug design.
What updates have been made from the Brooks Divide 2 to the Divide 3?
The Brooks Divide 3 has been updated with DNA LOFT cushioning for improved comfort and flexibility. The upper has also been redesigned with a new mesh that enhances breathability and protection.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedSep 2022 | Nov 2024 | ||||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | Weight286 g | M: 306 g W: 275 g | M: 295 g W: 258 g | M: 303 g W: 247 g | M: 295 g W: 261 g | M: 301 g W: 252 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot22 mm | 22 mm | 25 mm | 27 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel30 mm | 32 mm | 25 mm | 27 mm | 36 mm | 37 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail | Trail |
| Brand | BrandBrooks | Nike | Altra | Altra | ASICS | Nike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | Comfortable | Low dropZero drop | Low dropZero drop | ComfortableMaximalist | Comfortable |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | OrthoLite | ASICS GelOrthoLite | Gore-Tex | |
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Waterproof | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Sep 2022
- Feb 2021
- Jan 2020
