Brooks trace 2

Learn more about the Brooks trace 2 female running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Brooks trace 2

Price

230

Rating

High

Popularity

Low

The Brooks Trace 2 is designed as an entry-level everyday running shoe, sitting below more cushioned models like the Ghost and more supportive options like the Adrenaline GTS in the Brooks lineup.

Brooks
trace 2 - alloy-black-ebony

Anthony
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Summary

The Brooks Trace 2 is a versatile entry-level running shoe that offers a smooth and comfortable ride for neutral runners. It’s designed to provide an accessible option for those new to the Brooks lineup or for runners seeking an affordable choice without compromising on quality. Compared to other models in Brooks's extensive lineup, such as the Ghost or Adrenaline series, the Trace 2 focuses more on simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal daily trainer for short to mid-distance runs. While it may not feature some of the advanced technologies or specialized support systems present in higher-end models, it still provides reliable performance and cushioning, appealing to a broad range of runners who prioritize comfort and value.

Surface

road

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(18mm)

Category

ResponsiveBalancedComfort

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(no unique name given upper)

Weight

244g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

12mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal, wide

Grip

LowMediumHighMax

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Brooks trace 2 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 9 wear-tester reviews.

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

forefoot (3)
support (2)
midsole (2)
softness (1)
responsive (1)
transition (1)
responsiveness (1)
adaptability (1)
Pros
"The midsole is soft and provides a cushioned ride that is enjoyable for everyday runs."
cushioned
soft
"The Brooks Trace features soft cushioning for an enjoyable ride."
cushioning
lightweight
BioMoGo DNA
"The Brooks Trace 2 provides excellent cushioning for comfort during runs."
cushioning
support
comfort
"The Brooks Trace provides adequate cushioning and support for longer runs, ensuring comfort during training."
long distance
comfort
safety
"The shoe's BioMoGo DNA midsole offers a comfortable cushioning experience for heel strikers."
cushioning
heel strikers
midsole
"Enhanced midsole cushioning due to the upgraded DNA Loft foam contributes to a better running experience."
DNA Loft
cushioning
comfort
"The BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts well to different running styles and helps deflect impact."
cushioning
impact absorption
adaptive
"The segmented crash pads provide a smooth transition during a running stride."
smooth
flexibility
stride performance
"The cushioning provided by the BioMoGo midsole is soft yet responsive, making it suitable for different running styles."
cushioning
soft
responsive
"The cushioning adapts to individual running characteristics for personalized comfort."
cushioning
personalized
"The Brooks Trace 2 offers personalized cushioning that adapts to the runner's needs."
cushioning
comfort
personalized
Cons
"The forefoot cushioning is too thin and soft for heavier duty daily training, which may hinder performance."
cushioning
durability
"The cushioning is inadequate for forefoot strikers."
cushioning
footstrike
"The forefoot cushioning is significantly less than the heel cushioning, which impacts comfort for certain runners."
forefoot stack
cushioning
"The rear of the shoe feels slightly mushy, which may impact stability and overall comfort."
mushy
stability
"Users may need to be cautious about the cushioning."
cushioning
road
impact
"Some users might find the cushioning too soft for their preference."
cushioning
support
comfort
"The shoes might feel less adequate for runners looking for maximum impact protection."
impact
cushion
protection

breathability (4)
simplicity (1)
toe box (1)
upper (1)
upper ventilation (1)
toebox (1)
heel support (1)
fit (1)
Pros
"The Trace is described as a simple and comfortable shoe, making it suitable for everyday running."
daily trainer
easy-running
"The shoe features a wide toe box and a stable platform, which enhances overall comfort during runs."
wide fit
stable
"The engineered mesh upper provides good breathability and comfort, fitting true to size."
breathable
true to size
"The design features superior breathability for enhanced comfort during runs."
breathability
comfort
upper
"The engineered mesh upper keeps the feet dry and cool during runs."
lightweight
temperature control
dry feet
"The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool during long runs, preventing overheating."
breathable
cooling
"The engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs."
breathability
comfort
design
"The engineered mesh upper features plenty of ventilation holes for excellent airflow, adding to the shoe's breathability."
breathability
mesh
airflow
"The shoe has ample room in the toe box, contributing to comfort."
toe room
comfort
"The padded heel collar helps prevent blisters during runs."
padded collar
blister prevention
"The Trace features a comfortable and breathable upper, enhancing overall comfort."
breathable
mesh
comfortable
"The shoes provide excellent comfort right from the first wear."
comfort
quick break-in
"The shoes offer fantastic arch support, reducing pain during longer runs."
support
arch pain
"Users transitioning from other brands found the Trace 2 to be more comfortable and supportive."
transition
comfort
Cons
"Initial testing of the shoe needs careful break-in and may not be suitable for all immediately."
comfort
break_in
"Material becomes rough when wet, causing discomfort."
hot spots
wet conditions
discomfort
"The shoe is not recommended for minimalists seeking more cushioning."
minimalists
cushioning needs
"Some users experienced a break-in period before achieving comfort."
adjustment
use
comfort
"The tongue padding is thinner than previous models, reducing comfort."
tongue comfort
padding

outsole (2)
material (1)
upper (1)
breathability (1)
resilience (1)
daily mileage (1)
long-lasting (1)
quality (1)
Pros
"The shoe features a breathable mesh upper that enhances comfort and durability."
breathable
lightweight
durable
"The Brooks Trace 2 is notably durable, excelling in various durability tests."
durability
long-lasting
tests
"The outsole's hardness and strategic use of materials provide a great balance between grip and durability."
grip
durability
weight
"The shoe offers excellent durability in terms of the outsole, showing strong resistance to wear."
outsole
durability
performance
"The engineered mesh upper enhances breathability and durability."
engineered mesh
breathability
durability
"Testers noted the Trace's resilience during strenuous workouts."
strenuous workouts
resilience
"The shoe's rubber outsole offers durability for daily use, making it a reliable choice for daily miles."
daily trainer
durability
reliable
"The shoes remain intact and functional even after months of rigorous use, showcasing their durability."
durability
investment
"Brooks Trace 2 is crafted with durable materials ensuring long-lasting performance."
durability
quality
materials
Cons
"The shoe does not cater well to overpronators, showing wear on the heel."
overpronation
heel wear
"There may be concerns about durability if used beyond the recommended mileage."
durability
mileage
wear
"The toebox durability is poor, showing the material abilities to wear down quickly."
toebox
durability issue

versatility (1)
perceived weight (1)
flexibility (1)
efficiency (1)
performance enhancement (1)
lightweight (1)
weight (1)
energy return (1)
Pros
"Runners find it fun for shorter runs as well as suitable for daily training."
fun
daily training
"The shoe performed well in various conditions, making it a versatile trainer for all seasons."
seasonal
versatile
training
"The versatility of the shoes allows for use on various surfaces without needing multiple pairs."
versatile
multi-surface
"The shoe's design is versatile, making it suitable for various types of runs and daily activities."
versatile
multifunctional
"Despite being relatively heavy, the shoe runs lighter than its actual weight suggests."
lightweight
performance
"The Trace provides a good amount of flex for toe-off during runs."
toe-off
flex
performance
"The shoe's minimal technology still delivers performance when needed, akin to other well-known models."
performance
minimalist
efficiency
"Many runners report improved performance and reduced fatigue after using the shoes."
performance
fatigue reduction
"The lightweight construction allows for quick and effortless stride."
lightweight
performance
speed
Cons
"The shoe is somewhat heavy at 9.2 oz for its class, which may affect speed and agility."
weight
performance
"The shoe has a limited energy return, impacting performance."
performance
energy
"The shoe might not be ideal for rugged terrain as they are primarily road runners."
terrain
road
"The shoe is not suitable for speed-oriented runners."
not fast
everyday running
"While versatile, the Trace 2 may not perform well on very technical trails."
performance
trails
pavement

adjustability (2)
tongue (2)
striking (1)
snugness (1)
toebox (1)
laces (1)
upper (1)
width (1)
Pros
"A lace-up closure allows for an adjustable and secure fit to cater to individual preferences."
fit
adjustability
closure
"The fit is customizable due to the lacing eyelets system, allowing for a more personalized fit around the foot."
custom fit
foot support
tightening mechanism
"The shoe is particularly suitable for heel strikers, providing necessary support and cushioning."
heel strikers
support
fit
"The snug fit ensures stability and comfort during use, which is especially helpful for heel strikers."
fit
snug
comfort
"Brooks has improved the toebox width, providing more space for the toes, enhancing comfort."
toebox
comfort
fit
Cons
"The tongue is overly puffy at the top, which may affect comfort and aesthetics."
aesthetic
comfort
"The shoe does not include a gusseted tongue, which may affect fit."
fit
tongue
"The laces are too puffy, causing issues with the fit and lockdown of the shoe."
fit
lockdown
"The upper fit is imperfect and can be difficult, which may lead to discomfort during runs."
fit
comfort
"The fit may not accommodate wider feet."
narrow
fit
comfort
"The design is not suitable for runners with a forefoot striking technique."
fit
forefoot
cushioning
"The heel cuff may be overly thick for some users."
heel_cuff
design
"The lacing system may not provide enough customization for all foot shapes."
lacing_system
fit
"The 12 mm drop feels outdated and contributes to heel striking."
heel strike
outdated design
"The shoes may not provide enough support for runners with specific stability needs."
stability
neutral
support
"The shoe performs poorly for forefoot strikers, limiting its versatility."
forefoot strikers
limited use

drop (1)
transitions (1)
heel support (1)
smooth transitions (1)
support (1)
Pros
"The shoe features a 12mm drop, appealing to runners who prefer more traditional shoe designs."
traditional
heel drop
"It offers stable heel support and smooth transitions, making it a solid choice for various runs."
stability
flexibility
"The reinforced heel counter provides additional stability, ensuring better support during runs."
stability
support
injury prevention
"The segmented crash pad offers smooth transitions from heel to toe during runs."
stability
performance
support
Cons
"Lacks guide rails for additional support."
guide rails
additional support

traction (4)
Pros
"The outsole offers very good traction and durability, suitable for various terrains."
durable
all-terrain
"The rubber outsole of the Brooks Trace 2 offers excellent traction on various surfaces."
traction
outdoor
versatility
"The grip offered by the outsole is excellent, ensuring safety even in wet conditions."
grip
traction
safety
"Its HPR Plus outsole delivers reliable traction and durability, suitable for varied terrains."
traction
durability
performance
Cons

value (4)
lightness (2)
visibility (2)
design (1)
weight (1)
aesthetic (1)
affordability (1)
aesthetics (1)
Pros
"The Brooks Trace offers great value at a price point of $100."
affordable
performance
budget-friendly
"The Brooks Trace 2 provides excellent value for a budget-friendly price."
affordability
budget
value
"The Brooks Trace offers excellent value for its quality and performance."
affordable
quality
price point
"A great value at $100, making it an affordable choice for runners on a budget."
affordable
budget
"The Brooks Trace 2 has a sleek design that appeals to runners looking for style."
style
design
aesthetics
"Weighing only 8.8 oz (249g), this shoe is incredibly light, making it a great option for both runs and workouts."
lightweight
versatile
performance
"The shoe's design is aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing."
design
style
visual appeal
"The cost of the Trace makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious runners."
price
budget-friendly
"The shoe is lightweight, making it suitable for various types of runs."
lightweight
versatile
speedwork
"The shoe maintains a lightweight design despite a slight increase in weight."
lightweight
performance
"The shoes are stylish, adding a fashionable element to fitness wear."
style
fashion
Cons
"The price may be considered high relative to other options."
expensive
value
"Reflective elements are lacking for safety in low-light conditions."
safety
low-light
"The shoe lacks adequate reflective elements, which could impact visibility in low-light conditions."
reflective elements
safety
"The shoes' breathability might not be sufficient in very hot weather."
breathability
temperature
comfort
"Limited color options may disappoint those looking for variety."
appearance
variety
"The price may be higher compared to other options on the market."
cost
investment
"The upper material is of lower quality compared to previous versions."
upper quality
durability
breathability
"The shoe is slightly heavier than its predecessor, affecting its lightweight appeal."
weight gain
not as light
"The breathability of the shoe has decreased, making it unsuitable for warm weather running."
breathability
hot weather

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Model Updates

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Reviews

Read reviews about the Brooks trace 2 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

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Wear-tester reviews (9)

4.2/5

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