REASONS TO BUY
Stable
Affordable
Great foot protection
More breathable than prior version
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff in technical terrain
Lacks sensitivity
Feels slow at times
Brooks Divide 4 Review
For new trail runners or those looking for a great all-day trainer, this shoe offers great value without sacrificing durability or comfort
The upper on the Brooks Divide 4 is comfortable and durable, with more breathability - something we are always fans of.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
The Brooks Divide 4 distinguishes itself with an incredible price, granting access to the trail running world at a fraction of competitors' costs. If urban mixed terrains are your playground, this could be your ideal entry model. High stability, a hallmark of Brooks, persists in this updated rendition of the Divide. It remains robust, durable, and supportive, and this latest iteration has improved breathability. While less agile than others we tested, this is a great choice if you are seeking stability for ankles, knees, and hips. This is one of our favorite men's trail running shoes from our review, and it comes at a very nice price.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Brooks Divide 4 | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $100 List $99.95 at Amazon | $190 List $189.95 at Backcountry | $129.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $129.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $130 List $129.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Some more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort | A perfectly fitting, comfortable, and very protective shoe that just begs to be worn on long run days | With great responsiveness without feeling harsh, this model is our favorite for long runs that are focused and fast | The lightest zero-drop model we've tested leads to fast performance and great sensitivity for all styles of trail from buffed to technical | This versatile shoe is comfortable if you have to run roads to access trails and offers minimalists a bit more protection underfoot |
| Rating Categories | Brooks Divide 4 | Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 | HOKA Torrent 3 | Altra Superior 6 | Topo Athletic MT-4 |
| Foot Protection (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Brooks Divide 4 | Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 | HOKA Torrent 3 | Altra Superior 6 | Topo Athletic MT-4 |
| Measured Weight (per shoe, size 10.5) | 10.82 oz | 10.64 oz | 9.60 oz | 10.17 oz | 11.43 oz |
| Measured Lug Depth | 2.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | 4 mm |
| Sizes Available | 7 - 15 US | 4 - 13 US | 7 - 15 US | 7 - 15 US | 8 - 13 US |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 9 mm | 9 mm | 6 mm | 0 mm | 5 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 32 mm | 31 mm | 28 mm | 22 mm | 27 mm |
| Measured Forefoot Stack Height | 23 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 0 mm | 3 mm |
| Claimed Heel Stack Height | Not stated | 29 mm | Not stated | 21 mm | 25 mm |
| Claimed Forefoot Stack Height | Not stated | 21 mm | Not stated | 21 mm | 22 mm |
| Measured Outsole Length | 11.86 in | 12.00 in | 11.94 in | 11.88 in | 12.00 in |
| Measured Outsole Width | 4.58 in | 4.31 in | 4.47 in | 4.60 in | 4.48 in |
| Upper | Mesh | Matryx Jacquard | Mesh | Vamp mesh | Recycled mesh, TPU |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT | Energy Save PU foam with Profeel Film rock protection | EVA | Compression Molded EVA | Dual-density foam |
| Outsole | TrailTack Rubber | Salomon Contagrip MA | Rubber | MaxTrac | Vibram XS Trek EVO |
| Measured Outsole Hardness | 68 | 61 | 62 | 70 | 69 |
| Rock Plate | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Heel Tab Type | None | None | None | Finger loop | None |
| Wide Version Available | No | No | No | No | No |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
With its inherent stiffness, the Brooks Divide 4 will ensure a sense of support and ease across an array of trails and environmental conditions. While it's not suited for super technical terrain, the Divide fuses light trail running and road performance into an affordable, comforting package. Brooks has updated this model with a new upper that is stiffer and more breathable, creating increased durability and performance. Other than these minor differences, the shoe is largely unchanged from the previous version.
Performance Comparison
The Brooks Divide 4 sports the best value out of any of the trail runners we tested. Great for beginners or those looking for a solid all-day model.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Foot Protection
The stiffness and lateral rigidity in the Divide 4 offer high foot protection from trail features. This reduces ground feel but protects your feet from impacts from the occasional knock or sharp rock. During our testing, we found this shoe to excel on easy trail terrain and mixed path surfaces. Beginners who are looking to get into trail running will likely find the Divide comfortable and protective. The upper is durable, stiff, and has a substantial toe cap and heel protection.
One downside of this substantial protection is that, in technical terrain, you will have less sense of exactly how your foot is positioned. This makes sharp, quick movements and foot placements less precise and can lead to potential missteps or ankle rolls. However, if you are on the type of terrain that the Divide is made for (namely flatter, packed, and less technical), you likely won't have any complaints.
We take precision measurements of the stack height and lugs of each shoe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Traction
Traction is minimal on the Divide 4, which we prefer given its stiffness. This reduces weight, making the shoe feel more lively and helping bring back some life from the rigidity. The Brooks Cascadia 17 is largely the same shoe but features increased traction. This leads to a heavier model, which is more cumbersome. We found that the smaller tread lug design on the Divide offers a better blend of performance for most situations.
The outsole rubber on the Divide 4 offers a good blend of softness and durability. This combination works well when running on easier terrain, whether dry or rainy. But the grip suffers when on more technical terrain, and the larger stack (we measured 32mm at the heel and 23mm at the toe) translates to less traction than we'd prefer. More advanced runners will find technical terrain more than capable with this shoe. However, if you are a beginner, you may find that the lugs limit the terrain you are comfortable on.
The traction on the Brooks Divide 4 is minimal but it allows for the overall weight of the model to be reduced.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Sensitivity
The Divide doesn't prioritize sensitivity but also doesn't come across as excessively rigid either. If you aren't planning to run on much technical terrain, the lack of sensitivity shouldn't be an issue. With low sensitivity, this shoe can offer all-day comfort, reducing fatigue and creating less demand from your muscles. We were pleased with the nice blend of cushioning that allowed for some sensitivity without sacrificing the stability that makes this shoe desirable.
During long runs, this shoe would feel overbuilt at the start, but once our legs started to fatigue, we found the support and reduced sensitivity allowed us to feel fresher where other shoes would have started to beat up our legs.
A side profile of the Brooks Divide 4. When compared to the Cascadia 17, this model is slimmer, features less cushioning, and does not have additional trail adapt inserts. This allows it to shed a bit of weight.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Stability
The Divide 4 maintains its firm, supportive feel throughout prolonged usage, including extensive outings. This stability allowed for relaxation while running and eased the load during long runs, promoting proper form, enhancing efficiency, and reducing fatigue. Moderate arch support is subtly integrated, avoiding an overt or flat sensation. Some advanced users might find this supportive platform overly rigid and lacking sensitivity for technical terrain.
The higher stack height of the Divide will increase feelings of torque in the ankles on uneven terrain. This, in combination with the shoes' rigidity, once again makes this model less suitable for technical terrain. There was a noticeable strain on our ankles when we moved perpendicular to steep inclines. For city parks and green trails, we don't expect anyone to complain about the additional stability of this shoe. If you desire supportive features, this is a great option and should give you confidence in your ankles, knees, and hips.
With high stability on the Brooks Divide 4 your feet will feel like they are on a solid platform supporting your ankles, knees and hips.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Comfort and Fit
With an improved upper design that increases breathability, the Divide 4 is even more comfortable than the previous version. The extra breathability means that drying time is also faster, making this shoe even more dependable in hot conditions. The upper features substantial padding and offers a wider platform that should fit the average foot well. Due to the cushioned upper, the volume feels lessened, which offers a snug fit without feeling tight.
The midsole cushioning is not extremely plush and offers supportive cushioning for extended runs or all-day use. With 9mm of measured drop, this shoe is one of the best walking shoes we tested as well as a great running shoe. It offers good support to your heels and calves, especially when ascending or descending. Brooks has created a super comfortable series, and we are happy that it has been improved and not negatively altered from its comfort or performance.
With a higher stack and firm cushioning you can be confident your feet will be protected on a variety of terrain.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Weight
Brooks is excellent at finding the balance between price and performance. The Divide 4 has great features without being too heavy, and does it all at an impressively low price. While 10.82 ounces per shoe for a size 10.5 is far from ultralight, it's impressive considering how durable the Divide 4 is. This model has slightly more breathable fabric, but it didn't get much of a weight drop from the previous version, hovering around the same weight.
Even after many miles of running, the upper on the Divide fared well with no worrisome signs of wear and tear. There's something about this shoe that feels friendly and familiar. Its weight is pretty average, and for all-around use the durability and craftsmanship is notable. The only part of our experience that felt limiting was in regards to stiffness, but overall, we applaud the progression of design in the Divide series.
We carefully weigh each model to provide you with real-world weight as opposed to the claimed manufacturer amount. A size 10 getting weighed here.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Brooks Divide 4?
If you are a beginner trail runner or looking for a durable and affordable addition to your quiver, then this is a model to seriously consider. As mentioned, the stiffness may be a dealbreaker for more advanced runners, but if you're breaking into the world of trail running, the Divide will be a great companion on roads, gravel, and light trails — all without breaking the bank.
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you want to stay in a reasonable price bracket but would like a more lively shoe, the Hoka Torrent 3 is a clear winner. If offers better traction and a bump up in sensitivity. If you'd prefer less rudimentary stability in lieu of incredible traction, the Salomon Speedcross 6 is not to be missed.
—
Matthew Richardson
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