Brooks trace 3

Learn more about the Brooks trace 3 male running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Brooks trace 3

Price

$230

Rating

Poor

Popularity

Low

The Brooks Trace 3 is an entry-level road running shoe, positioned as a more affordable and basic model compared to higher-tier offerings like the Ghost or the Adrenaline GTS within the Brooks lineup.

Brooks
Brooks trace
5 colorways

Colorway: GREY/BLACK/EBONY

Widths available: normal, wide

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Summary

The Brooks Trace 3 is a versatile entry-level running shoe designed to offer a smooth and comfortable ride for runners seeking a reliable everyday trainer. It fits into Brooks's lineup as an ideal choice for runners new to the sport or those requiring a straightforward running experience without the advanced technology featured in higher-end models. Compared to Brooks's more premium options like the Ghost or Adrenaline, the Trace 3 prioritizes essential cushioning and support while keeping the design minimalistic and cost-effective. It features responsive foam for underfoot comfort and engineered mesh for breathability, making it suitable for a variety of running distances and training sessions.

Surface

road

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(23mm)

Category

ResponsiveBalancedComfort

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(single-piece engineered air mesh upper)

Weight

255g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

22mm0mm14mm

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 3 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 8 wear-tester reviews.

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

heel (2)
forefoot (2)
material (1)
adaptability (1)
landing (1)
firmness (1)
cushioning (1)
foam (1)
Pros
"The foam has been upgraded to DNA Loft, improving comfort and cushion."
foam upgrade
DNA Loft
"The heel cushion provides a good level of comfort for heel strikers."
heel comfort
"The Trace 3 offers decent heel cushioning."
cushioning
heel
"The Brooks Women’s Trace 3 provides excellent cushioning that adapts to the runner's style."
cushioning
impact absorption
joint health
"The shoe has a well-cushioned heel that enhances landing comfort."
comfort
impact absorption
Cons
"The shoe may not be ideal for those needing maximum cushioning."
cushioning
support
comfort
"The shoes may lack adequate cushioning for long runs."
lightweight
support
"The forefoot cushioning in the Brooks Trace 3 is very limited, resulting in discomfort."
limited cushioning
firm foam
transitions
"Forefoot cushioning is lacking, leading to a flat feel during faster efforts."
forefoot
cushioning
"The foam used in the shoes is disappointing and does not provide a good running experience."
poor foam
midsole design
uncomfortable
"While the heel is well cushioned, the overall cushioning doesn't provide a plush experience due to the lower stack height."
cushioning
ground feel

upper (2)
breathability (1)
weight (1)
support (1)
Pros
"The shoes feature a highly breathable mesh upper for excellent airflow."
mesh upper
airflow
temperature control
"Engineered air mesh contributes to a stylish appearance and keeps the feet dry and comfortable."
breathable
dry
comfortable
"The shoes are incredibly lightweight, making runs feel effortless."
lightweight
effortless
daily runs
"The shoes provide excellent arch support which enhances comfort during use."
arch support
break-in
comfortable
"The upper material provides a comfortable fit for runners."
breathable
cushioning
Cons
"The upper material of the shoe has been downgraded, affecting its quality."
upper material
breathability
comfort
"The overall weight of the shoe could be perceived as slightly heavier by some runners."
weight
comfort
durability
"The upper materials feel rough and do not breathe well in hot weather, impacting overall comfort."
rough materials
lack of breathability
comfort issues
"The upper material feels adequately comfortable but lacks a premium feel compared to more expensive models."
upper
comfort
value

overall (1)
traction (1)
construction (1)
toebox (1)
material (1)
Pros
"The Brooks Trace 3 exhibits fantastic durability in its construction."
durable materials
"Durability of the outsole enhances the shoe's lifespan and performance on varying surfaces."
outsole durability
traction
long-lasting
"The shoes are constructed durably, providing reliable support and comfort for daily activities."
durable
reliable
daily use
Cons
"The durability of the toebox is rated poorly after testing, indicating potential issues."
durability
toebox
testing
"The rubber material used in the outsole may wear out faster than expected."
traction
outsole
durability
"The durability may be questionable for serious runners on tough terrain."
reliable
construction

versatility (1)
multi-use (1)
running style (1)
high-impact (1)
transitions (1)
responsiveness (1)
Pros
"The overall design makes the shoe versatile for various types of runs and activities."
multi-purpose
"Versatility allows the shoe to be used for various athletic activities beyond running."
versatility
cross-training
adaptability
Cons
"The shoe is not suitable for forefoot strikers, limiting its audience."
forefoot strikers
performance
audience limitation
"Performance on high-impact surfaces is not clearly addressed."
everyday
performance
"Transitions while running can feel segmented and choppy due to the shoe's design."
choppy transitions
design issues
running experience
"The shoe lacks significant energy return, making it feel less responsive during runs."
energy return
performance
responsiveness

toebox (1)
accuracy (1)
weight (1)
snugness (1)
shape (1)
toe box (1)
Pros
"The toebox is designed to be more spacious, accommodating wider feet."
spacious
toe room
"Fit is true to size and provides a snug, comfortable experience."
true to size
heel counter
comfort
Cons
"There is a slight increase in weight compared to the previous version of the shoe."
weight gain
version comparison
fit
"Some users may find the fit to be snug rather than roomy."
fit
comfort
adjustment
"The fit may not be suitable for all foot shapes."
breathability
fit
"The toe box shape is tapered in an unusual way which may not suit all runners' foot shapes."
unusual shape
fit issues
foot shape

gait support (1)
lateral (1)
general (1)
features (1)
stability (1)
Pros
"The segmented crash pad contributes to enhanced stability during runs."
stability
gait
smooth transition
"The lateral walls provide decent stability for neutral runners."
neutral
support
Cons
"The lack of specialized stability features may be limiting for some runners."
stability
pronation
support
"The shoe lacks standout stability features, which could be a concern for some runners."
lack of stability
neutral trainer
stability concerns
"The stability is only moderate, which may not suffice for all runners depending on their needs."
moderate
stability

traction (1)
outsole (1)
Pros
"The shoe has above-average traction for various surfaces."
traction
surface
rubber
outsole
"The traction on the shoe performs well even in damp conditions."
confidence
performance
"The Trace 3 is constructed with a nearly full-coverage rubber outsole."
rubber
durability
Cons
"The shoe might not perform optimally on extremely variable terrain."
traction
outdoor
versatility

weight (2)
value (2)
seasonal (1)
style (1)
summary (1)
price (1)
lightweight (1)
heaviness (1)
Pros
"The Brooks Trace 3 remains lightweight despite advancements in design."
lightweight
"The shoes maintain a reasonable weight for a daily trainer."
average
daily trainer
"The shoe is well-suited for winter conditions."
winter running
"With a price of $100, the shoe offers excellent value for runners."
affordable
"The shoe is budget-friendly, offering a good value for everyday running."
affordable
good price
"The shoes feature vibrant color options, combining style with functionality."
vibrant colors
style
personality
"Overall, the shoes offer a winning combination of lightweight comfort, great support, and stylish options."
winning combination
lightweight
stylish
"The price point makes it an affordable option for users."
affordable
value
"The Trace 3 is lightweight, making it a versatile shoe."
versatile
easy to wear
Cons
"The shoes are heavier than average for a daily trainer, which could affect comfort over long runs."
heavy shoe
increased weight
performance impact
"Overall recommendation leaned towards not recommending the shoe for running due to multiple drawbacks."
not recommended
multiple drawbacks
walking better
"The shoe has a simple design that may not appeal to all types of runners."
simple
design
versatility

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Model Updates

The Brooks Trace 3 running shoes feature an updated midsole that offers superior cushioning and a more responsive ride compared to its predecessor. Additionally, they come with a redesigned upper that provides better breathability and a more comfortable, secure fit.

Older Models

Newer Models

Reviews

Read reviews about the Brooks trace 3 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

...

Wear-tester reviews (8)

3.4/5

Prices

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