Brooks Divide 4 - Women's Review

The Divide 4 isn't fancy and doesn't top our charts, but it's a dependable workhorse at a very nice price. As long as you're not planning to get too sloppy or rugged, this familiar-feeling shoe is ready to hit the trail with you.

Performance Comparison

Foot Protection

The Divide 4 is made for light trails, and its protective elements demonstrate this intended use. It has a rock plate embedded in its platform, which provides a nice amount of underfoot protection. The toe bumper on the Divide isn't as rugged as some but isn't as mild as others, making it adequate for moderately technical trails. Much like other shoes in the Brooks trail family, the Divide offers firm cushion throughout the shoe. It may sound like an oxymoron, but “firm cushion” is absolutely a thing when it comes to trail shoes. In the case of the Divide, the cushioning feels very compact but ample enough for prime joint protection.

Since the Divide is made for light trails, it isn't our lineup's most water or debris-resistant trail shoe. Its rigid platform, aka its rock plate, and its propensity to invite sand in make the Divide a no-go for sandy trails. The upper mesh is more breathable than most shoes but less water-resistant. The Divide can deflect random splashes well but doesn't handle full puddle submersion. Brooks does make a GTX version that boasts strategically placed water protection if you think that's something you'll benefit from, but expect the price to jump up.

Traction

The grippy traction of the Divide 4 is impressive for light trails. With high-area lugs and points facing in all directions, the TrailTack rubber outsole performs well on dusty singletracks and pavement. Our testers described the traction of the Divide as “grippy” instead of “bitey.” Its shorter-profile, 3 mm lugs don't claw at the earth like other lugs but instead feel sticky and secure on damp pavement, rain-soaked bluffs, and even slippery granite. The slight softness of the lugs further adds to the Divide's ability to wear well on abrasive paved surfaces. While we don't recommend this shoe if you only intend to run roads, the Divide is still a solid shoe for a super reasonable price if your training takes you across multiple terrain types.

Sensitivity

The Divide 4 offers more sensitivity than your average trail shoe, but the heartiness of the rock plate inhibits a good deal of trail sensation. Much like its predecessor, this version of the Divide isn't the most sensitive shoe in our arsenal, but it definitely isn't the least. The platform feels a bit firm, especially in the forefoot, which prevents trail feedback from coming through clearly. Though the underfoot firmness might not suit all runners, we recommend this middling level of sensitivity to new trail runners and those who are trail-curious. The Divide provides enough that your body can adapt and create its inherent stability, but not so much that your soles will be sore for days following each trail excursion.

Stability

The toe box of the Divide 4 has slimmed down with this iteration, creating a shoe that locks onto feet even better than the previous version. This is not to say that it is narrow, but it is ever-so-slightly more svelte, which may not be appropriate for all runners. Our testers enjoyed the security and stability of this small tweak, as it made for a shoe that could be extra trustworthy on slippery downhills. The heel cup of the *Divide is plush enough to prevent slippage, further adding to stability. Since the Divide was built to feel familiar, it incorporates some arch support and a noticeable amount of lateral structure. This is a neutral shoe, but all its elements combine to create a trustworthy trail companion with balanced stability.

Comfort and Fit

Slipping on the Divide 4 is like putting on a pair of shoes you used to love but don't wear anymore. They are adequately comfortable without any frills. The hard-packed DNA LOFT is plenty cushioned but doesn't provide the plush and maximalist feel some runners might crave. The Divide 4 runs true to size but is mildly narrow. Runners with average feet will likely feel comfortable in the body, but those desiring a larger toe box or additional wiggle room might find it restrictive. The tongue is comfortably plush and prevents the laces from digging into the top of the foot when tamped down and ready for action. The Divide isn't the most universally comfortable shoe in our lineup, but its price makes it a worthy investment. There isn't anything especially remarkable about the comfort and fit, but if you want a solid trail shoe you'll hardly think about as you run, you've found one.

Weight

A women's size 6.5 weighs 7.82 ounces per shoe. This is nearly identical to the previous version of the Divide. The weight distribution allows it to feel a bit lighter underfoot than it is. The Divide sits in the middle of the pack in terms of weight, which is to be expected. It lacks some of the heavy protective features that more rugged trail shoes have, lightening its load. It does, however, contain a rock plate, which adds bulk. Overall, the weight of the Divide isn't a make-or-break feature. It won't be your best bet if you want ultralight gear for optimizing your speed, but its weight isn't heavy enough to slow you down either.

Should You Buy the Brooks Divide 4?

If you are looking for a trail shoe on a budget, the Divide is the one we recommend. It lacks some of the technical features of higher-scoring trail kicks but holds its own for the price. Rookie trail runners will enjoy the familiar fit, and experienced runners will enjoy the seamless transitions between road and trail. Even those seeking the best walking shoe for casual jaunts in the park or dog walks will appreciate this shoe, especially for the price.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?