Shoe Review: Brooks Divide 3

1. The heel, however, has a surprisingly snug fit, preventing heel lift but avoiding pinching on the sides. The heel counter is set to be fairly neutral but I it found to be more supportive than other neutral door-to-trail shoes.
2. The mid-foot, whilst slightly wider, does have some contoured fit from a thick tongue and secure laces as you scramble and roll over loose terrain.
3. Coming to the forefoot, the shoe has a relatively low volume whilst widening out just enough to allow you a generous splay through foot planting, allowing a holistic and hybrid fit to the foot like a road trainer.The shape of the forefoot is slightly asymmetric, based on the Brooks past Pure Project. Developed from the hype of the barefoot shoes and running community, this shape more accurately follows the anatomical geometry of the foot for a more representative feel.

   A breathable upper around the forefoot gives appropriate ventilation while the TPU mudguard protects the foot from unwanted debris. This model does not come with GORE-TEX® (see the Divide 4 GTX if GORE-TEX is a must), yet the upper is thick enough to avoid the unpleasantries of allowing a puddle to soak into the shoes. If slightly wet socks are the only downfall of these shoes, so be it!

4. The familiar soft DNA Loft midsoles cushions foot landing for a smooth transition and ensures flexibility when on road but sturdy enough for the slight rough trail terrain.

Performance:

Brooks has been a best-selling brand in road trainers at Profeet consistently over the years and, without a doubt, these trail shoes are maintaining their reputation. Designed as an excellent entry-level trail shoe, the Brooks Divide 3 is perfect for light training and medium distances.

With good traction and a flexible sole, this shoe can also be used as a light walking trail shoe. An 8mm heel-to-toe drop may sound excessive but with the low heel-stack and high stability levels, it proves a durable and reliable shoes at a friendly price. This shoe is guaranteed to give you an easy ride to help you unlock a new running achievement.

Other alternatives

If, however, you find the Brooks Divide 3 too thick on the upper material check out the Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra trial shoe which I find has a similar sole stability support but is slightly more neutral around the heel counter and a thinner upper with more ventilation.

Or, for a trail shoe that feels flexible and have the lugs for traction but may find itself on the road for the majority of the run, check out the Sauconey Ride 15 TR.

Alternatively, if you have tried and loved the Brooks Divide 3 and now finding yourself committing to more trial running, look at the Brooks Cascadia 17 as your next pair to step up your game and achieve the next goal.