Brooks trace 2

Learn more about the Brooks trace 2 male 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.

4 colorways

Colorway: ALLOY/BLACK/EBONY

Widths available: normal

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)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(no unique name given upper)

Weight

244g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

12mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal, wide

Grip

LowMediumHighMax

Suitability

___% Match

Based on your running profile and intended use, this shoe is a ___% match. Click the dropdowns in each section to learn more.

Based on your running style and needs

▼

Want to know if the Brooks trace 2 is right for you?

Our shoe finder is personalised to your needs, and has been used by thousands of runners across the globe.

Get a personalised recommendation

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.

Summary: The Brooks Trace 2 running shoe is widely recognized for its exceptional comfort, support, and durability, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced runners. Priced affordably at $100, it serves as a versatile daily trainer, although some users may find it narrow and less suitable for forefoot strikers..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Soft

The main points to note are that the cushioning is frequently praised for its comfort and adaptability, while concerns arise about the forefoot cushioning being too thin and soft, which affects performance for some users.

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

comfort
Breathability: More breathable

The main points to note are that the shoe's comfort is frequently highlighted due to its breathable mesh upper and wide toe box, while some users mention needing a break-in period and experiencing discomfort when the material gets wet.

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

durability

The pros of the shoe, particularly its durability and resilience, are highlighted frequently, while the cons mainly focus on specific wear issues and limitations in certain conditions.

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

performance
Distance suited: Short (<10km)
Rocker: Average

The most common feedback highlights that the shoe is versatile and suitable for various runs, but it is also noted to be somewhat heavy, which may affect speed and agility.

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

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

The main points to note are that the shoe offers a customizable fit and stability, but it has issues with comfort due to a puffy tongue and laces, and it may not suit wider feet or forefoot strikers.

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

stability
Stability level: Average

The pros of the shoe, such as stable heel support and smooth transitions, appear frequently, indicating they are significant benefits, while the con about lacking guide rails is a notable drawback.

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

grip

Please send the cons so I can complete the review.

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

other

The main points to note are that both the value for money and lightweight design are frequently mentioned as pros, while the price being considered high and the lack of reflective elements are common 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

Model Updates

Older Models

Newer Models

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 (-)

...

Wear-tester reviews (9)

4.2/5

Prices

Find the best price for the Brooks trace 2 from across the internet with our partnered shoe retailers*.

Only null

We couldn't find any stock with our partners. Try searching google instead.

*When you click through to the retailer, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Its a great way to support us and keep this site free.

Similar Shoes

Most similar

Cheaper

More cushioned

Lighter

More responsive

Softer Cushion

Same brand

Different brand

Less cushioned

More expensive

New

Find out if the Brooks trace 2 is right for you.

Get a personalised running shoe recommendation based on your preferences and needs (free).

Get a recommendation

Brooks trace 2

Brooks trace 2

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 trace 2 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

Older Models

Newer Models

...

4.2/5

Similar Shoes

Find out if the Brooks trace 2 is right for you.