Brooks divide 4

Learn more about the Brooks divide 4 female running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Brooks divide 4

Price

$230

Rating

High

Popularity

Less Popular

The Brooks Divide 4 is a versatile trail shoe, positioned as an entry-level model in the Brooks lineup, offering a balance of comfort and traction for runners exploring off-road terrains.

2 colorways

Colorway: OYSTER/BLACKENED PEARL/VIOLET

Widths available: normal

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Summary

The Brooks Divide 4 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for runners transitioning from road to trail surfaces. It offers a balanced fit and is equipped with lightweight BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning that adapts to each runner's stride. The Divide 4 features a rock plate and durable outsole for added protection and grip on rugged terrain. In Brooks's lineup, the Divide 4 is positioned as an entry-level trail shoe, providing comfort and functionality for runners who are new to trail running. It complements its siblings like the Cascadia and Catamount, which are designed for more technical trails and advanced trail runners. Compared to Brooks's road shoes like the Ghost or Adrenaline, the Divide 4 offers enhanced durability and traction suited for off-road adventures.

Surface

trail

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(26mm)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(engineered mesh upper)

Weight

295g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

8mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(medium density, 2.7mm lugs)

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Brooks divide 4 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 13 wear-tester reviews.

Summary: The Brooks Divide 4 is a budget-friendly and versatile trail running shoe that excels in comfort and stability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual runners. While it performs well on light trails and offers good value, it may lack the durability and advanced features needed for more technical terrains or longer distances..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Firm

The main points to note are that the shoe's cushioning is frequently praised for providing significant foot protection and ample comfort, but it is also often criticized for being harsh on flat surfaces and lacking plushness.

midsole (4)

protection (2)

firmness (2)

softness (2)

support (1)

breathability (1)

responsiveness (1)

foam (1)

Pros

"Brooks has provided significant foot protection, shielding against impacts from rough terrain."

foot protection

impact resistance

"The Brooks Divide 4 provides excellent impact protection for runners."

impact

protection

cushioning

"The midsole cushioning is supportive, making it suitable for long, extended runs."

midsole

cushioning

long runs

"The knit upper provides ventilation and keeps feet relatively dry during use."

ventilation

breathability

temperature control

"The BioMoGo DNA midsole material offers a responsive and adaptive feel to individual runners' mechanics."

midsole

DNA technology

adaptability

"The DNA Loft midsole offers a consistent level of cushioning while being stable on uneven terrain."

DNA Loft

cushioning

stability

"The shoe features ample cushioning for comfort on the trails."

cushioning

softness

comfort

"The Brooks Divide 4 offers ample cushioning for both road and trail running."

cushioning

versatile

"The midsole technology provides a cushioned ride that helps protect against debris impact."

cushioning

comfort

bioMoGo DNA

"The DNA Loft foam provides substantial cushioning for an enjoyable run."

cushioning

responsiveness

Cons

"The forefoot landing feels harsh, particularly on flat surfaces."

cushion

forefoot

landing

harsh

"The shoe may not be ideal for those looking for plush cushioning."

cushioning

trail

comfort

"The cushioning lacks energy return and feels slow at higher speeds."

lack of bounce

energy return

slow feel

"The midsole stiffness does not increase significantly in cold conditions, limiting adaptability."

cold weather

midsole performance

"The cushion in the shoe is not soft or bouncy, making long runs less comfortable."

cushioning

comfort

long distance

"The cushioning is firmer than desired on the road."

cushioning

road

comfort

"The cushioning could be improved for better comfort during runs."

cushioning

comfort

support

comfort
Breathability: More breathable

The most common points about the shoe's comfort are that it has excellent breathability and a comfortable fit, but it can feel stiff and may compromise comfort over long distances.

fit (4)

long-term (2)

breathability (1)

accommodation (1)

flexibility (1)

ride (1)

weight (1)

versatility (1)

Pros

"The shoe has updated breathability, enhancing its comfort in warm conditions."

breathability

comfort

hot weather

"The updated mesh upper improves breathability and comfort, adding to the overall experience of the shoe."

breathable

comfortable

"The enhanced upper design contributes to better breathability and protection during runs."

breathability

protection

"The fit is comfortable and accommodates wide feet without tightness."

comfort

wide

fit

"The shoe features a breathable and flexible upper that provides a comfortable fit."

breathable

flexible

comfortable

"The shoes provide a soft and snug step-in feel."

step-in comfort

cozy

snug

"The Divide offers a comfortable fit, particularly with its roomy toe box."

toe box

comfortable

spacious

"The Brooks Divide offers a comfortable ride suitable for unique foot contours, including bunions."

comfort

fit

bunion-friendly

"Comfort is a notable feature with the materials being flexible and providing a good fit."

material

comfy

fit

"Runners appreciate the soft yet snappy ride of the Divide 4 on various surfaces."

soft

snappy

multi-surface

"The shoe is lightweight, making it easy to run in."

lightweight

versatility

"The shoe is recognized for its comfort on both trails and roads."

trail

road

"The shoe features a padded heel cup that provides good grip and comfort."

comfort

heel grip

"The cushioned tongue adds to overall comfort without being too bulky."

comfort

tongue padding

"It features a comfortable upper with no imperfections, which enhances the overall running experience."

comfortable

upper quality

Cons

"The Divide 4 is described as stiff, impacting comfort on more demanding trails."

stiffness

comfort

technical

"The overall comfort may feel compromised with long-term use due to the shoe's structure."

comfort

overbuilt

long-term

"The shoe is lightweight, but the review doesn't elaborate on long-term comfort during extended running sessions."

lightweight

design

comfort

"The shoe doesn't include a gaiter-style collar, which could impact debris protection."

gaiter

debris

comfort

"The forefoot rockplate is too stiff, diminishing comfort."

stiffness

comfort

"The shoe still feels stiff even after extensive wear."

stiffness

break-in period

"The Divide is described as a needlessly stiff road shoe when used on asphalt."

stiffness

road use

"The shoe may irritate longer distances due to the snug fit."

long runs

comfort

irritation

"Interior comfort is described as average and not exceptional."

comfort

interior

"The shoe lacks long-wearing comfort compared to some competitors."

long-wearing

comfort

"The shoe's midsole flex reduces smoothness on tarmac compared to dedicated road shoes."

midsole

flexibility

tarmac

"The waterproof version may cause feet to sweat during warm conditions."

Gore-Tex

sweating

warm conditions

durability

The main concerns about the shoe's durability include issues with the toebox, heel padding, and outsole, which all show signs of wear and may lead to a shorter lifespan.

upper (2)

longevity (1)

resilience (1)

breathability (1)

condition (1)

mileage (1)

toebox (1)

heel pad (1)

Pros

"The solid construction and durability of the shoe make it a reliable choice for various terrains."

durable

long-lasting

craftsmanship

"The Divide maintains a resilient outsole with minimal wear after significant mileage."

outsole

wear resistance

"It has a durable construction that withstands the rigors of trail running, despite being entry-level."

durable

breathable

"The Divide 4 has good durability, maintaining its condition after extensive use."

durability

long-lasting

"The shoe can handle a lot of mileage before needing to be replaced."

high mileage

longevity

Cons

"There are overall durability issues with the shoe, affecting its long-term use."

durability

issues

long-term

"The toebox durability is not robust, shown by the wear and tear during testing."

durability

toebox

weak

"The heel padding demonstrates poor durability, likely leading to reduced lifespan."

heel padding

durability

poor

"The outsole is softer and less durable than average, which could lead to quicker wear and instability."

outsole

softness

durability

"The upper lacks durability compared to more robust models."

durability

reinforcement

"The upper, while breathable, is described as barely trail worthy."

breathability

trail suitability

"The durability of the lugs can be a concern with a limited lifespan on road surfaces."

wear

trail

road

"The sole may wear out quicker on asphalt compared to trail surfaces."

sole

asphalt

performance

"The overall durability on rugged trails is not discussed; the focus is primarily on road performance."

trails

performance

"The weight of the shoe is not lightweight and is somewhat bulky."

bulky

heavier than expected

"The upper material feels less durable than higher-end models."

durable

upper

price point

performance
Distance suited: Medium (10-20km)
Rocker: Less rocker

The main concerns about the shoe are that it feels slow and less agile, lacks responsiveness, and has average flexibility, which were mentioned frequently.

ride (2)

versatility (2)

flexibility (2)

hybrid (1)

activity (1)

drop (1)

protection (1)

balance (1)

Pros

"Runners experience a smooth ride while wearing the Divide 4."

smooth

ride

comfort

"The Brooks Divide 4 provides a smooth ride for road and trail running."

smooth

hybrid

"The Divide 4 works well as a hybrid shoe for trail and road."

hybrid

versatile

performance

"It is suitable for both running and hiking activities."

hiking

versatile

functionality

"The shoe has a good heel-toe drop of 8mm, providing a comfortable transition from road to trail."

heel-toe drop

road to trail transition

"The lightweight rockplate offers good protection on rough and root-strewn trails."

rockplate

trail

performance

"The shoe maintains its performance capabilities, offering a great balance between comfort and speed."

performance

comfort

budget

"The Divide 4 is lightweight, making it nimble for various running conditions."

lightweight

nimble

performance

"It performs well on multiple terrains, making it highly versatile."

trail

road

"It demonstrates versatility across various trail types, though it excels on milder terrain."

mild terrain

technical trails

versatile

"The midsole provides flexibility to accommodate uneven surfaces, enhancing off-road performance."

flexibility

trail performance

"The shoe's firmer midsole is responsive and improves running efficiency, especially uphill."

responsiveness

uphill running

"The lightweight design of the shoe makes it feel agile and not cumbersome during runs."

lightweight

agility

"The lightweight rock plate combined with the midsole enhances glide over difficult terrain."

lightweight

glide

performance

Cons

"Some runners may feel the shoe is slow and less agile during runs."

slow

performance

agility

"The midsole lacks responsiveness and feels dull during runs."

midsole

dull

performance

"There may be a perception of limited flex due to the rockplate when running on roads."

rockplate

road

flex

"The shoe exhibits only average flexibility and agility."

flexibility

agility

performance

"Lacks a dynamic ride, leading to a less engaging experience while running."

performance

dynamics

ride

"The shoe does not provide a specialized niche, resulting in a lack of standout performance for fast or max cushioning."

performance

niche

midsole

"The shoe feels clunky during initial heel transitions on road surfaces."

road use

transition

clunky

"The shoe does not perform well on technical or aggressive trail terrain."

technical

aggressive

trail

"The shoe feels a bit dull overall, lacking excitement."

lack of excitement

uninspiring ride

"While marketed as a hybrid road-to-trail shoe, the performance on hard surfaces is lacking and uncomfortable."

hybrid

performance

comfort

"The shoe's design prioritizes road performance, impacting its trail capability."

road shoe

trail capability

performance

fit
True to size: True to size
Toebox width: Wider
Heel width: Average
Orthotic friendly: No

The main points to note are that many users appreciate the secure fit and comfort of the Divide 4, but some find it too snug, especially those with wider feet.

lockdown (2)

security (2)

width (2)

ease (1)

roominess (1)

snugness (1)

drop (1)

support (1)

Pros

"The Divide 4 has secure lockdown, ensuring the foot stays in place during activity."

secure

lockdown

fit

"The shoes fit very well with a comfortable lockdown."

secure fit

comfortable

adjustable

toe box

"The laces slide smoothly through the eyelets, enhancing the user experience during adjustments."

lace system

adjustability

"It has a wide forefoot and secure midfoot lacing system, enhancing the overall fit."

forefoot

secure

stable

"The upper design provides a secure fit for enhanced stability, especially on uneven terrains."

upper fit

stability

forefoot

"The Brooks Divide 4 offers a more secure fit while providing ample toe box room."

secure

toe room

fit adjustment

"Overall volume and snug fit help keep the foot secure during runs."

secure fit

snug

foot retention

"The shoe offers a comfortable 8mm drop, making it suitable for various runners."

adaptable

comfort

"The heel counter has soft padding that offers a secure hold without being too tight."

heel counter

padding

secure hold

"The tongue is well-padded, providing comfort while securing the laces."

tongue

comfort

snug fit

"The fit is similar to other Brooks road shoes, providing a familiar experience for existing users."

fit

road shoes

"The shoe fits true to size and provides extra room in the toe box, catering to runners transitioning to trail running."

true to size

toe box

Cons

"The shoe may not be suitable for runners with wider feet due to a more secure, snug forefoot fit."

fit

forefoot

width

"The upper fit can be tight for wider-footed runners, necessitating sizing up."

tight fit

sizing up needed

"The fit is slightly short due to the lower volume upper."

fit

toe box

snug

"The midfoot fit is snug which can be uncomfortable for some runners."

fit

midfoot

secure

"The upper fits looser compared to other models."

upper

fit

looseness

"The shoe lacks a lace pouch which could improve fit and functionality."

lace pouch

control

fit

stability
Stability level: More stable

The main points to note are that the shoe's stability is frequently praised, but some users find it too rigid, especially on uneven terrain.

underfoot (2)

rigidity (2)

support (1)

rock protection (1)

consistency (1)

protection (1)

toe box (1)

ankle strain (1)

Pros

"The Brooks Divide 4 offers great stability, making it ideal for beginners and those who require support during runs."

stability

ankle support

beginner friendly

"The shoe feels stable underfoot, providing confidence during runs."

stability

confidence

secure

"The shoe maintains stability underfoot, which is advantageous for varied terrains."

stability

support

"The shoe performs well due to its good flexibility and rock protection, which ensures a pleasant experience on various terrains."

flexibility

terrain handling

protection

"The shoe is stable during runs, providing a consistent experience."

stable

consistent performance

"The shoe has solid underfoot protection with a rock plate."

rock plate

underfoot protection

sidewall protection

"The straighter big toe line enhances foot function and stability during runs."

stability

toe function

Cons

"There is a noticeable strain on the ankles due to the shoe's rigidity in uneven terrain."

ankle

torque

stability

"Advanced runners may find the stability features to feel overly rigid."

stability

rigidity

advanced

"The rearfoot heel counter can be problematic for some runners due to its rigidity."

heel counter

sensitivity

"The shoe lacks a rock plate, which may be a concern for some users."

rock plate

stability

grip

The main points to note are that the shoe has good grip on various surfaces, which is mentioned frequently, while it struggles with traction on muddy and technical terrains, which is also a common concern.

traction (4)

lug depth (2)

outsole (1)

tread (1)

terrain (1)

mud (1)

wet conditions (1)

Pros

"The outsole provides good grip, helping with traction on various surfaces."

grip

outsole

traction

"The TrailTack outsole provides sufficient traction and performs well on various terrain types."

outsole

trail performance

multi-terrain

"The Divide's sticky TrailTack outsole provides good traction on a variety of surfaces, even when wet."

sticky

outsole

traction

"The outsole's grip and traction are effective for a range of conditions, enhancing performance on trails."

outsole

trail performance

multi-terrain

"It offers good traction on most surfaces, making it versatile for different terrains."

versatility

traction

"The outsole provides reliable grip on various terrains, ensuring safe runs."

outsole

grip

traction

"The rubber outsole offers good traction on dry terrain."

outsole

traction

dry terrain

"The shoe has good grip for mixed terrain, making it suitable for trail use."

grip

mixed terrain

"The shoe performs well for light trails and offers good grip on various surfaces, including wet roads."

traction

wet road

light trails

"The outsole's TrailTack design offers excellent grip for most environments, enhancing trail performance."

TrailTack

grip

outsole

Cons

"The shoe's stack height decreases its grip effectiveness on technical surfaces."

traction

stack height

grip

"The Divide 4 is not designed for technical or muddy trails, limiting its functionality for certain conditions."

trail

technical

grip

"The shoe lacks adequate traction on aggressive rocky trails due to its design and lugs."

heavy trails

lack of traction

"The traction is insufficient on mud or in wet conditions, especially on hills."

poor grip

wet conditions

hills

"The lug depth is insufficient for more aggressive trail running, limiting its use in rougher terrains."

lug depth

trail

grip

"The traction on soft ground is inadequate due to the lack of lug depth."

traction

soft ground

lugs

"The shoe lacks an aggressive tread, which may not be suitable for muddy or snowy conditions."

traction

muddy

snowy

"The shoe may not be suitable for technical or muddy terrain, which could limit usage."

limited terrain

not for technical trails

muddy conditions

"Performance can be limited in sloppy mud conditions, making it unsuitable for wet trails."

mud

wet conditions

"Limited grip on wet, muddy conditions due to the shoe's design."

lack of grip

muddy

wet surfaces

other

The main points to note are that affordability is a significant advantage mentioned frequently, while the shoe's weight and lack of sensitivity are common drawbacks.

pricing (2)

weight (2)

value (1)

price (1)

versatility (1)

quality (1)

sustainability (1)

variability (1)

Pros

"This model is exceptionally affordable, providing excellent value for entry-level trail runners."

affordability

entry-level

best buy

"The Brooks Divide 4 is a budget-friendly shoe that provides value for new runners."

budget

value

accessibility

"The Brooks Divide 4 is well-priced, presenting great value for its features."

budget

affordability

"Despite being budget-friendly, the shoe performs adequately for its price."

budget-friendly

performance-to-cost

"The Brooks Divide offers outstanding value for its price point."

affordability

entry-level

cost-effective

"The Brooks Divide 4 is affordably priced, making it a good value option."

affordable

value

"The Divide offers an excellent entry-level price for trail runners."

affordable

entry-level

"The Divide 4 is affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of runners."

affordability

value

"The Divide 4 offers great versatility across various terrains and uses for its price."

value

multi-use

budget

"The quality of materials used in the shoe exceeds expectations for the price point, providing good value for money."

value

material quality

build

"The shoe incorporates a significant amount of recycled materials, highlighting its eco-friendliness."

recycled materials

eco-friendly

"The shoe is available in breathable mesh and waterproof Gore-Tex versions, catering to different running conditions."

breathability

waterproof

"The Brooks Divide 4 offers an affordable entry-level option for new trail runners."

entry-level

affordability

trail running

"The Brooks Divide is a budget-friendly entry-level trail shoe that is suitable for various trail conditions."

budget

trail

performance

"The shoe is lightweight, making it a great option for beginners."

lightweight

beginner

trail

"The shoe's design is simple yet effective, avoiding unnecessary frills while retaining quality."

simple

functional

quality

Cons

"The shoe lacks sensitivity, making it less responsive on technical terrain."

sensitivity

terrain

technical

"The shoe lacks reflective elements, raising safety concerns for night running."

reflective

safety

night running

"The weight of the shoe is perceived as relatively heavy, affecting running efficiency."

weight

running efficiency

"The weight of the shoe is relatively heavy compared to other options."

heavy

weight

"The price may be attractive, but it raises the question about the potential compromise on quality materials."

price

materials

quality

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Model Updates

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Reviews

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Wear-tester reviews (13)

4.1/5

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Brooks divide 4

Brooks divide 4

Surface

Cushioning

Category

Breathability

Weight

Heel-to-Toe Drop

Support

Width options

Grip

Suitability

Based on your running style and needs

Want to know if the Brooks divide 4 is right for you?

Pros & Cons

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion

Pros

Cons

comfort

Pros

Cons

durability

Pros

Cons

performance

Pros

Cons

fit

Pros

Cons

stability

Pros

Cons

grip

Pros

Cons

other

Pros

Cons

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Older Models

Newer Models

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4.1/5

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