Brooks Divide 5 - Women's Review

With an 11 mm drop, the Brooks Divide 5 doesn't ride like the trail shoes we are used to testing. Packed with plenty of cushion, this shoe brings the comfort of a reliable road shoe to the dirt, providing enough traction for light to moderate terrain.

Performance Comparision

Foot Protection

The moderate score that the Divide earns in this metric is based on the fact that it is a shoe built for moderate trails. With a laminated-style toe cap and relatively breathable upper, the Divide offers less protection than shoes made for more technical terrain. Brooks added 7 mm of underfoot cushion, which provides notably more protection than the previous version. The thickness of the undercarriage dampens its sensitivity but bolsters its protection, making it more capable than it used to be. While not an overall protective shoe, runners seeking a familiar-feeling shoe with enough protection for moderate trails will feel right at home in the Divide.

Traction

As mentioned, the Divide is built for light to moderate trail running. While its 2.9 mm lugs are not the bitiest we've tested, I found the TrailTack outsole is surprisingly grippy. The lugs on the Divide 5 are relatively shallow, making them less ideal for navigating muddy or sticky terrain. However, I found that they provide reliable traction, keeping me steady on sandy single tracks and winding fire roads. The multidirectional lug pattern throws corners in all directions, which makes for stability when the running heats up. Still not exactly equipped for technical terrain, runners who want a crossover shoe that is suitable for roads and moderate trails will find that the Divide strikes a benevolent balance.

Stability

The high heel and moderate traction combine to make a great crossover shoe. I wouldn't say the Divide feels like a structurally stable shoe, but its heel cup and midfoot design come together to inspire confidence. The Brooks Divide 5 stands out as a trail shoe that delivers the heel-focused comfort of a road shoe without feeling unstable on uneven terrain. As a neutral shoe, it offers thick lateral heel cushioning and a secure midfoot lock, providing a surprisingly stable experience, even on varied trails. The midfoot has been subtly reconfigured to feel stronger and more technical than ever. This finesse allows runners to tweak the laces to perfectly conform to their anatomy, which is always a good way to find some baseline stability. While the high heel and moderate traction make it an excellent crossover option, the Divide 5 ultimately falls short of delivering the confidence-inspiring features required for more rugged and technical trails.

Sensitivity

As is the case for most metrics, the Divide's sensitivity score isn't wildly high, but it also isn't outrageously low. Striking a nice middle ground, the updated stack of the Divide offers about as much sensitivity as a new trail runner would want. The forefoot of the Divide stands at 25 mm off the ground, which is smack-dab in the middle when placed next to the rest of our trail shoe lineup. This height strikes a balance, offering enough forefoot trail sensation without making the shoe overly sensitive. At much taller than 25 mm, trail features start to feel like mild bumps, but at much shorter, even small rocks can cause discomfort—especially for runners who aren't used to the repetitive impact of trail running. So, while the Divide doesn't stand out for being an impressively sensitive shoe that provides all of the trail information, it does strike a kind of balance that makes it perfect for runners seeking a middle-of-the-road trail feel on a budget.

Comfort and Fit

Brooks has long been known as a purveyor of high-quality, comfortable shoes. Even at its lower-than-average price, the Divide 5 upholds this trend. With its traditional heel-to-toe differential, the Divide rides like the most typical road shoe you can think of, in a good way. The cushion is well placed in high-wear areas, providing security and comfort. The tongue is plush enough to be comfortable without feeling pillowy, and the heel cup offers a balance of comfort and sand-deflecting function. Underfoot, the Divide doesn't feel too padded, but it offers dense, resilient foam that remains comfortable mile after mile. Runners seeking an average-fitting shoe with enough cushion to be protective but not so much that it feels marshmallowy will appreciate the functional subtlety of the Divide 5.

Weight

Each women's size 6.5 Divide 5 weighs 7.85 ounces, which is nearly identical to the weight of the prior version. In my opinion, anything under 8 ounces feels pretty light on the trails, though many lighter shoes weigh less at the expense of comfort and protection elements. Because of where the Divide stands among its competitors, its weight feels just right. The Divide has a sticky and functional outsole that can inspire confidence and keep you upright on moderate trails and fire roads. This adds a bit of weight, as does the moderate amount of cushion and protective features. Overall, the Divide is an average-weighted shoe that will allow your wallet to ride a bit heavier, making it an enticing shoe option to add to your arsenal.

Should You Buy the Brooks Divide 5?

Runners on a budget will love the Brooks Divide. Available for notably less than other major trail shoes, the Divide provides a bit of everything for success on trails. Because of its accessible price point, familiar fit, and crossover prowess, we recommend the updated Divide to new trail runners. Combining the comfort of your trusty road shoe with the traction, stability, and protection of a moderate trail shoe, the Divide strikes a perfect balance—making its affordability even more appealing.

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