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10.4 oz. (294 g) for a US M9,
9.3 oz. (263 g) for a US W7.5
Stack height unavailable (8 mm drop)
Budget-friendly road-to-trail runs
DNA Loft midsole, Road-inspired mesh upper, Trail Tack rubber outsole
$100
SETH: Other than a couple of 5k demo shoe runs with Fleet Feet, running in Brooks Trail shoes isn’t something I get to do much. I’d never seen the Brooks Divide before I received a pair in the mail, and I was shocked when I saw the price tag. A Benjamin for a trail shoe sounds like a steal, but do they perform well? Let’s find out.
SETH: The first time I slipped the Divide 4 on my feet, I wasn’t surprised that the fit was on point. I feel like if anything stands out about Brooks, it’s that their shoes fit very well. The heel counter has soft padding around it while having a nice secure hold that is not too narrow or wide. The tongue has just the right amount of padding, so when I tighten up the laces on the top of my foot, it feels comfy and snug while not being too tight or rough. The toe box also isn’t too wide or too narrow, my toes had just the right amount of space. A very nice lockdown, indeed.
To break in the Brooks Divide 4, I took them for an easy three-mile spin at San Gabriel Park, a nice local spot with some single-track trail that isn’t too technical. During the entire run, nothing really popped out to me. The shoe felt very stable and worked fine. As I continued running in this shoe, nothing really changed. The cushion wasn’t soft or bouncy, but the lockdown was great, and I really had no issues. Up to 10-mile runs, I was a happy camper.
Since this shoe has a firmer midsole, I do think it can handle a lot of mileage. I ran about 50 miles in it, and it’s still in A-plus condition. I’d estimate running a minimum of 350 miles before you need to trash this one — or at least relegate it to lawn-mowing duty. The lugs on the outsole of these kicks are quite grippy. Unless it’s too technical, I believe you’ll be able to take on almost all terrain in the Divide 4 without worrying about slipping or not having enough tread.
On top of all of this, the Divide 4 is only $100. If you’re shopping on a budget, this should certainly be on your radar.
SETH: The cushion in this shoe isn’t soft or bouncy. I really wish it was softer so I could run longer distances in it, but it feels like a Brooks Ghost 15 with lugs added and a lower drop.
Also, I know this shoe is advertised as a hybrid road-to-trail option, but I really didn’t enjoy running on any hard surfaces in it. You can do it, and it doesn’t feel horrible, but there are a lot of other hybrid shoes I think would feel much better on the knees, feet, and hips. I honestly would stick to the trails in this shoe.
SETH: The Brooks Divide 4 is pretty much the Brooks Ghost of the trails — nothing special, but not bad, and somehow cheaper than a Brooks Launch. If you’re searching for a pair of trail shoes that won’t break down quickly for a lower price, I’d definitely keep the Divide 4 on your radar.
Personally, I’d certainly be willing to pay more for a higher quality trail shoe with more cushioning, such as the Brooks Caldera 6, New Balance More Trail v3, or Asics Trabuco Max 2. If I was pinching pennies and needed something cheap that would work, The Brooks Divide 4 would certainly get it done.
You can pick up the Brooks Divide 4 for $100 (seriously, just $100) directly from Brooks using the buttons below.
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Seth Epley is an ultramarathoner and avid outdoorsman. After graduating high school, Seth struggled with drinking and was ultimately unhappy with the way he was living. Running became a remedy, and 3 years later he ran his first 200-mile race and has maintained a 100% sober lifestyle. In addition to running, he enjoys archery, videography, photography, and all things outdoors.
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