7 minute read
The Brooks Trace 3 is a running shoe designed to offer a smooth and comfortable stride for daily training. This model is part of the Brooks Trace family, known for its value-oriented design and versatility. The Trace 3 features an upgraded DNA Loft foam for better cushioning and a more spacious toe box for added comfort.
Key Features:
The Brooks Trace 3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort for daily running. Its durable outsole and improved foam make it suitable for various types of runs, from short jogs to longer distances.
With an average review score of 79%, it's rated just below the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.
The Brooks Trace 3 continues to offer excellent value for money, maintaining its budget-friendly price while incorporating significant upgrades. The new DNA Loft foam provides better cushioning and energy return, making it a great option for heel strikers. However, the shoe has become slightly heavier and less breathable compared to its predecessor. The engineered mesh upper, while durable, does not offer the same level of ventilation, which could be a drawback for runners in warmer climates. Despite these minor issues, the Trace 3 excels in durability, particularly in the heel padding and outsole. The shoe's high heel-to-toe drop and improved heel counter make it ideal for beginners and those with a heel-striking technique. Overall, the Brooks Trace 3 is a reliable and versatile option for daily running, offering substantial improvements over its previous versions. It is a solid choice for runners seeking a budget-friendly, durable, and comfortable running shoe.
The Brooks Trace 3 features several updates from its predecessor, the Trace 2. The most significant upgrade is the switch to DNA Loft foam, which provides better cushioning and energy return. The toe box has been made more spacious, addressing one of the major downsides of the previous model. However, the upper is less breathable, which could be a drawback for some runners. Despite these changes, the shoe maintains its budget-friendly price and overall value.
The Nike Winflo 10 is a good alternative for runners who need better ventilation. While the Brooks Trace 3 excels in cushioning and durability, the Winflo 10 offers superior breathability, making it more suitable for summer workouts. Both shoes are budget-friendly, but the Winflo 10 is better for those who prioritize ventilation.
The Saucony Axon 3 is another wallet-friendly option that caters to forefoot and midfoot strikers. Unlike the Brooks Trace 3, which is designed for heel strikers, the Axon 3 features a less steep drop, providing a more suitable ride for those with different striking patterns. Both shoes offer good cushioning and durability, but the Axon 3 is better for those who do not heel strike.
The upper of the Brooks Trace 3 is made from engineered mesh, which offers a balance of breathability and durability. While the ventilation is not as effective as in the previous model, the upper still provides adequate airflow for most conditions. The shoe features a more spacious toe box, making it comfortable for a wider range of foot shapes. The upper also includes TPU overlays (thermoplastic polyurethane overlays) for added support, particularly beneficial for neutral runners.
The midsole of the Brooks Trace 3 features the upgraded DNA Loft foam, which provides superior cushioning and energy return compared to the previous BioMoGo DNA foam. This makes the shoe more comfortable for longer runs and daily training. The midsole is designed to adapt to the runner's stride, weight, and pace, offering a balanced and responsive ride.
The outsole of the Brooks Trace 3 is designed for durability, featuring extensive rubber coverage and multiple cutouts for enhanced flexibility. The rubber's hardness suggests a focus on durability over grip, making it suitable for various terrains. The outsole thickness is slightly reduced from the previous version, but it still offers excellent durability and traction.
The Brooks Trace 3 offers a more spacious toe box compared to its predecessor, making it suitable for runners with wider feet. The shoe is available in multiple widths, including 2E (Wide) in select regions, enhancing its versatility. The fit is generally true to size, with a moderate taper in the toe box for a comfortable fit.
Comfort is a key feature of the Brooks Trace 3, thanks to its upgraded DNA Loft foam and spacious toe box. The shoe also features substantial padding around the heel, providing additional comfort for heel strikers. The tongue is slightly thinner than in the previous model, but it still offers adequate padding for a comfortable fit.
The Brooks Trace 3 excels in cushioning, primarily due to the DNA Loft foam in the midsole. This foam provides a balanced and responsive ride, making it suitable for various types of runs. The shoe's high heel-to-toe drop further enhances its cushioning, particularly for heel strikers.
While the engineered mesh upper of the Brooks Trace 3 offers some breathability, it is not as effective as in the previous model. The upper features numerous ventilation holes, but a layer of fabric beneath these holes hinders airflow. This makes the shoe more suitable for cooler climates, as it may cause overheating in warmer conditions.
The Brooks Trace 3 offers adequate stability, primarily through TPU overlays in the upper. However, it lacks significant midsole sidewalls or other robust stability features, making it more suitable for neutral runners. The shoe's high heel-to-toe drop and improved heel counter provide additional support for heel strikers.
Durability is a strong point for the Brooks Trace 3, particularly in the heel padding and outsole. The engineered mesh upper, while less breathable, is designed to withstand wear and tear. The outsole features extensive rubber coverage, providing excellent durability for various terrains.
The grip of the Brooks Trace 3 is adequate but not exceptional. The outsole's rubber hardness suggests a focus on durability over grip, making it suitable for various terrains but not ideal for slippery conditions. The multiple cutouts in the outsole enhance flexibility, contributing to a balanced ride.
The Brooks Trace 3 offers excellent flexibility, thanks to its multiple outsole cutouts. These cutouts enhance the shoe's longitudinal flexibility, making it suitable for various activities, from running to walking. The shoe's flexibility is slightly reduced in colder conditions, but it still performs reasonably well.
The Brooks Trace 3 is ideal for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort for daily running. It is particularly suitable for heel strikers looking for a budget-friendly option with a durable outsole. Beginners will find this shoe reliable for various types of runs and daily activities. The shoe's spacious toe box and availability in multiple widths make it a versatile choice for a wide range of foot shapes.
Runners who frequently tackle summer workouts may find the Brooks Trace 3 less suitable due to its reduced breathability. Those with forefoot or midfoot striking patterns might also want to consider other options, as the shoe is primarily designed for heel strikers. For better ventilation and a more suitable ride for forefoot strikers, the Nike Winflo 10 and Saucony Axon 3 are recommended alternatives.
The Brooks Trace 3 is good for daily running and everyday training. Its upgraded DNA Loft foam provides excellent cushioning, making it suitable for longer runs. The shoe's durability and versatility make it a reliable choice for various types of runs, from short jogs to longer distances. Its high heel-to-toe drop and improved heel counter make it particularly beneficial for heel strikers.
Yes, the Brooks Trace 3 is designed for daily running and everyday training. Its DNA Loft foam provides excellent cushioning, making it comfortable for various types of runs.
The Brooks Trace 3 has a less breathable upper compared to its predecessor, making it less suitable for warm weather. Runners who frequently tackle summer workouts might find it less comfortable due to reduced ventilation.
Yes, the Brooks Trace 3 is ideal for heel strikers. It features a high heel-to-toe drop and improved heel counter, providing excellent support and cushioning for heel striking.
Yes, the Brooks Trace 3 features a removable insole, making it easy to insert custom orthotics or alternate footbeds.
The Brooks Trace 3 excels in cushioning and durability, while the Nike Winflo 10 offers superior breathability. Both are budget-friendly options, but the Winflo 10 is better for runners who prioritize ventilation.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
released | Released | Jun 2024 | Apr 2024 | |||
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Scoreβ β | β β | β β | β β | β β | β β |
Weight | WeightM: 255 g W: 227 g | M: 266 g W: 241 g | M: 283 g W: 261 g | M: 286 g W: 249 g | ||
Forefoot | Forefoot22 mm | 22 mm | 25 mm | 27 mm | ||
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop12 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | |
Heel | Heel34 mm | 37 mm | 32 mm | 35 mm | 37 mm | |
Brand | BrandBrooks | Nike | Nike | Nike | Nike | Saucony |
Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Heel strike | Heel strike | Heel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortable | Comfortable | Comfortable | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | |
Breathable | Breathable | |||||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable | Sustainable | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2049) |
Terrain | Road (+1362) |
Usages | Daily running (+1132) |
Brand | Brooks (+94) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1603) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1578) |
Strike Type | Heel strike (+1097) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1525) |
Shoe Type | Comfortable (+239) |
Fit | Medium toe box (+854) |
Features | Orthotic friendly (+455)Removable insole (+438) |
Materials | Mesh (+942) |
Events | 10k (+711)5K and 10K (+135)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Obstacle course racing (+168) |
Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable (+175) |
Colorways | Black, Black / Blue / Pink Glo, Blackened Pearl / Red / Blue, Blackened Pearl / Skylight / Iris, Blue / Nasturtium / Sunburst, Blue / Orange, Blue / Peacoat / Yellow, Crystal Grey / Blue Glass / White, Grey / Black / Ebony, Iris / Red Orange / Sulphur |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Model | 3 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 255 g W: 227 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 12 mm | |
Heel | 34 mm | |
Forefoot | 22 mm |