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Road Running Shoes • March 21, 2021

Brooks Trace Performance Review

brooks-trace-feature

What You Need To Know

  • Weighs 8.9 oz. (252 g) for a US M9 / 7.9 oz. (224 g) for a US W8
  • Simple, breathable upper
  • Well-cushioned BioMoGo midsole is ready for speedwork
  • A versatile trainer for a bargain price

TAYLOR: Brooks adds a new shoe to its line of neutral trainers in the Trace. It’s the lightest, least cushioned, and cheapest shoe of the collection, but that doesn’t mean quality is lost on this one. I gotta admit that I’m pleasantly surprised with the new Brooks Trace.

COURTNEY: The neutral trainer field is hot right now in the running world. I’ve written multiple trainer reviews now which have led to a bit of shoe self-discovery. The Brooks Trace is new to the scene this spring and certainly worth a look.

brooks-trace-medial

The Good

TAYLOR: The price point is a huge consideration for me when reviewing shoes, as I’m big on finding good value. The Trace comes in at $100, which is a very accessible price for a quality shoe. In this shoe, Brooks offers well-rounded performance in a simple package. It’s light enough (9.8 oz for a men’s 10.5) to handle short track days, durable enough for daily miles, and cushy enough for weekend long runs. 

I think of the Trace as Brooks’ version of the classic ASICS DS Trainer and it actually feels a lot like the Altra Viho. It’s pretty minimal in technology but shows up whenever you need it to. 

The Trace sports a super comfortable fit too. An engineered mesh provides a light feeling up top and is fairly breathable. The mesh has a locked-in feel that’s perfect for picking up the pace.

Underfoot, the Trace has the softest version of BioMoGo DNA that I’ve felt. It’s a refreshing feeling, as the stack is pretty minimal yet well-cushioned, and turnover feels great.

COURTNEY: The Trace reminds me a lot of the HOKA ONE ONE Hupana but with a narrower toe box. The Trace is lightweight at 7.9 oz. (women’s 8) with adequate BioMoGo DNA cushioning that feels cloudlike while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness. 

The Trace serves as an excellent candidate for daily miles, speedwork and long runs alike. A versatile shoe is always a little sweeter, not to mention the affordable price. At $100, the Trace gets bonus points for value.

The engineered mesh upper provides a true-to-size fit that’s comfortable for all-day wear.

Shop Brooks Trace – Men Shop Brooks Trace – Women brooks-trace

The Bad

TAYLOR: The 12 mm drop comes off as old school. Now, I’m someone who typically runs in 6 mm drop shoes. But to me, there’s no reason to have such a wedge of foam in the heel aside from appeasing customers who believe they need it (spoiler: they don’t). I’ve been heel striking more in the Trace than I normally do because of the weighted heel. Slim this thing down to an 8 mm drop and it’s bound to run smoother and shed some weight. 

COURTNEY: I’ve got nothing. 

Shop Brooks Trace – Men Shop Brooks Trace – Women brooks-trace-outsole

Brooks Trace Conclusion

TAYLOR: The Brooks Trace is a jack of all trades. It’s a simple shoe that gets the job done with a soft yet responsive midsole. Add in a nice fit and this shoe has a lot of potential. If you’re on a budget and need a solid daily trainer check out the Trace. 

COURTNEY: The Brooks Trace isn’t just good, it’s great. Since it’s a newer shoe I’m hoping this one will stick around and we see more evolutions of this quality budget trainer. 

You can pick up the Brooks Trace for $100 (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.

Shop Brooks Trace – Men Shop Brooks Trace – Women
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