Brooks Trace

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Brooks Trace: Review

β€œA lightweight, breathable shoe for everyday road running.”

Overview


The Brooks Trace is a versatile running shoe designed to provide comfort and support for a wide range of runners. Part of the Brooks Trace family, this model is particularly suited for neutral runners who engage in daily running on road surfaces.

Key Features:

  • Comfort: Features BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole, enhancing shock absorption and providing a cushioned ride.
  • Lightweight: Weighs 261g for men and 224g for women, making it one of the lighter options available.
  • Breathability: Constructed with a mesh upper that ensures ventilation, keeping the feet cool during long runs.

The Brooks Trace is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and breathability for their regular training sessions. Its lightweight design offers a fluid and dynamic stride, suitable for both new and seasoned runners.

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 Trace


The Brooks Trace has garnered attention as a budget-friendly, high-performing shoe suitable for daily training. It excels in providing a comfortable ride thanks to its BioMoGo DNA midsole, which offers effective shock absorption and a cushioned feel. The shoe's lightweight nature and breathable mesh upper contribute to its overall appeal, making it a favorite among neutral runners. However, it does have limitations, particularly in energy return, which might not satisfy runners looking for a more responsive shoe. Overall, the Brooks Trace offers great value for money, making it a solid choice for both new and experienced runners seeking a reliable daily trainer.

Updates to Brooks Trace


For those interested in the latest model, consider checking out the Brooks Trace 2, which offers updated features and designs.

Comparable Shoes


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The ASICS Novablast 3 is known for its high energy return, contrasting with the Brooks Trace, which focuses more on comfort and cushioning. While the Brooks Trace is ideal for daily training and long runs, the ASICS Novablast 3 might be better for runners seeking a more responsive and bouncy ride.

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The adidas Adizero SL is a suitable alternative for forefoot strikers, offering a lower heel-to-toe drop compared to the Brooks Trace. It provides a different type of support and cushioning, tailored to those who prefer a different strike type during their runs.

5 Brooks Trace Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Excellent value for money, providing high-quality features at a budget-friendly price.
Superior breathability due to its well-ventilated mesh upper.
Lightweight design enhances comfort and ease of movement during runs.

2 Cons

Limited energy return, which may not satisfy runners looking for a more responsive shoe.
Not ideal for forefoot strikers due to its 12mm heel-to-toe drop.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Brooks Trace is designed with a technical mesh that enhances its breathability. This feature is crucial for long-distance runners as it ensures a continuous flow of air, keeping the feet cool and dry. The mesh is also flexible, accommodating different foot shapes and providing a comfortable fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Brooks Trace is equipped with BioMoGo DNA foam, a material known for its environmentally friendly attributes and ability to provide adaptive cushioning. This technology adjusts to the specific impact and pace of a runner, offering a personalized ride that supports both high and low impact strides.

Outsole

The outsole of the Brooks Trace uses Segmented Crash Pad technology, designed to enhance grip and traction on road surfaces. This feature allows for smoother transitions and safer running in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for everyday training.

Comfort

Comfort in the Brooks Trace is primarily achieved through its BioMoGo DNA midsole, which provides a plush, cushioned feel underfoot. This is complemented by the soft mesh upper, which wraps the foot in breathable comfort, making long runs more enjoyable.

Breathability

Breathability is a standout feature of the Brooks Trace, thanks to its mesh upper. This design allows for excellent airflow, reducing heat buildup inside the shoe during runs. This is particularly beneficial for runners who train in warmer climates or for extended periods.

Who should buy the Brooks Trace?


The Brooks Trace is ideal for runners who need a reliable, everyday trainer that combines comfort, lightness, and breathability. It's particularly suited for those with neutral pronation and who prefer running on road terrains. This shoe is also a great option for runners participating in events like 10k races or half marathons, where comfort and endurance are key.

Who should not buy the Brooks Trace?


Runners who require a shoe with high energy return or those who are forefoot strikers might not find the Brooks Trace suitable. Its 12mm heel-to-toe drop is designed more for heel or midfoot strikers. Those looking for a shoe to support more intense speedwork or competitive racing might consider alternatives like the Brooks Ghost 15 or other models designed for faster paces.

Brooks Trace: What's it good for?


The Brooks Trace is excellent for daily road running and long-distance events. Its comfortable midsole and breathable upper make it ideal for extended training sessions. The shoe's design also makes it suitable for gym workouts, providing the versatility needed for a variety of fitness activities.

3 Brooks Trace FAQs


What makes the Brooks Trace suitable for daily running?

The Brooks Trace is designed with a focus on comfort and durability, featuring a BioMoGo DNA midsole for cushioning and a breathable mesh upper. These features make it ideal for regular, daily use on road terrains.

Is the Brooks Trace good for runners with neutral pronation?

Yes, the Brooks Trace is specifically designed for runners with neutral pronation. It provides the necessary support and cushioning without altering the natural stride of the runner.

Can the Brooks Trace be used for gym training?

Absolutely, the Brooks Trace's versatile design and durable outsole make it suitable for a variety of activities, including gym training. Its cushioning and fit provide the necessary support for indoor workouts.

Brooks Trace alternatives

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Brooks Trace
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released
Released
Mar 2021
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Weight
Weight
M: 261 g
W: 224 g
M: 281 g
W: 232 g
M: 298 g
W: 258 g
283 g
312 g
M: 218 g
W: 181 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
12 mm
14 mm
12 mm
10 mm
19 mm
18 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
12 mm
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
24 mm
24 mm
22 mm
20 mm
29 mm
28 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily running
Daily runningDaily runningDaily runningDaily runningDaily runningSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Brooks
adidasadidasadidasadidasNike
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Lightweight
Techs
Techs
adidas Alphabounce
adidas UltraboostNike Flyknit
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
0

Brooks Trace characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2002)
TerrainRoad (+1326)
UsagesDaily running (+1102)
BrandBrooks (+93)
Support TypeNeutral (+1563)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1543)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1067)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1490)
FitMedium toe box (+826)
MaterialsMesh (+908)Reflective (+165)
Events10k (+706)Half marathon (+706)Marathon (+706)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Yellow, Blue / Orange, Grey, Navy Blue
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Mar 2021
Measurements
Weight
M: 261 g
W: 224 g
Heel to toe drop
12 mm
Heel
24 mm
Forefoot
12 mm

Evolution of the Brooks Trace product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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July 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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