The Brooks Divide 3 ($100) has been marketed as having the “really feel of a highway shoe mixed with the options of a path shoe,” making this mannequin an awesome selection for road-to-trail operating. Just like the Brooks Cascadia — see our Brooks Cascadia 16 overview for extra — the Divide can be usually described as a “good shoe for brand spanking new path runners,” I might argue that newbies and veterans alike may benefit from the consolation and flexibility of this day by day coach.

Upon receipt, the Divide 3 not solely turned my road-to-trail shoe, but in addition my “simply” highway shoe, my airport shoe, my errand shoe, and extra. Whereas I loved the road-to-trail adaptability of the earlier model, I don’t recall opting to put on them all over the place. Maybe the consolation and elegance I’ve particularly loved within the Divide 3 is a results of the brand new DNA LOFT cushioning and an all-new air mesh higher. Priced at simply $100, they really feel of remarkably top quality for such a aggressive worth level. Over 200 miles in, they proceed to supply a wonderfully secure and really comfy journey.

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The Brooks Divide 3. All photographs: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Brooks Divide 3 Higher

The all-new air mesh higher within the Brooks Divide 3 gives much more breathability than earlier fashions — in addition to tons of consolation accompanying that breathable mesh. A few of my extra burly path sneakers have powerful, weather- and rock-proof supplies on the higher that pinch or trigger a blister on the highest of my foot after they crease. Alternately, the Divide 3 has required no break-in interval. Brooks retains issues easy with an old-school lacing type.

Below the laces, the bootie-style gusseted tongue makes for simple entry and likewise minimizes the necessity to tug/alter/reposition. A few of my extra trail-specific sneakers sport that “in lieu of a gaiter,” sock-like collar across the ankle that retains particles out. Whereas the Divide 3 lacks this factor, maybe that’s a part of its attraction, to those that are interested in the road-shoe look and really feel.

The TPU mudguard gives safety towards no matter you may kick up, surrounding the air mesh that has had the sturdiness to maintain a whole lot of miles, but the permeability to take care of satisfactory breathability. In step with their predecessor, the Divide 3 is true to dimension (I run in a girls’s 9) and whereas sufficiently comfortable for my slender midfoot, stays roomy sufficient within the forefoot to be bunion-friendly.

A lateral view of the Brooks Divide 3.

Brooks Divide 3 Midsole

Having traditionally run in sneakers with comparatively vital drop, the Brooks Divide 3 is true in my wheelhouse with a full stack peak of 31 millimeters on the heel and 23 millimeters within the forefoot, leading to a 8-millimeter drop. Earlier fashions of the Divide housed a rock plate, which appeared to obtain combined critiques. Some felt the rock plate restricted the flex of the shoe. I appreciated the added safety within the earlier mannequin whereas overcoming a young spot on the underside of my foot. The Divide 3 has no rock plate, however I can’t say I’ve missed it! Maybe the substantial sufficient stack helps defend the toes from rocks and roots, or maybe the replace in cushioning helps make floor modifications and small stones much less noticeable.

New to the Divide 3 is the incorporation of 100% DNA LOFT, Brooks’s softest midsole cushioning. DNA LOFT is made up of a mix of EVA foam, rubber, and air. The result’s cushioning that absorbs affect whereas offering a super-soft journey. Earlier fashions of the Divide — and Cascadia — featured Brooks’s barely extra responsive BioMoGo DNA. Just like the Divide, DNA LOFT cushioning was additionally an improve to the Cascadia 16, so if you happen to’ve run within the newest mannequin of the Cascadias (or Brooks’s Glycerin 19 highway shoe), you will have already skilled the all-around softer really feel of DNA LOFT.

A medial view of the Brooks Divide 3.

Brooks Divide 3 Outsole

The TrailTack outsole on the Brooks Divide 3 has low-profile lugs which are clean on highway and carry out nicely on “mild path.” I’ve discovered the TrailTack to supply adequate traction on mildly moist path. Nonetheless, when confronted with heavier rain and dust, you’ll get the complete slip-and-slide expertise except choosing sneakers with a extra aggressive tread. I can also’t declare to really feel as assured cruising down tight switchbacks within the Divide 3 as I’m in my extra grippy path sneakers.

Nonetheless, Brooks makes no guarantees with the Divide 3 in the case of mud, snow, ice, and particularly tight turns, moderately advertising the shoe as good for runners who frequent metropolis parks or neighborhood paths. Just like the Cascadias, I’ve handled the Divide 3 as a commuter automotive, reliably and affordably logging the miles and performing nicely from highway to much less technical path in my temperate and comparatively dry local weather.

By way of put on and tear, I might take into account the Divide 3 to have loads of life left after 200 miles. There are just a few lugs which have been shaved down from heel hanging, with the overwhelming majority fairly intact. New to the outsole of the Divide is the Segmented Crash Pad. In the event you have a look at the underside of the Divide 3, you’ll discover curved flex grooves that primarily phase the outsole, enhancing the flexibleness of the shoe and yielding a smoother journey.

The Brooks Divide 3 outsole.

Brooks Divide 3 General Impressions

I’m assured the Brooks Divide 3 will likely be a crowd pleaser for brand spanking new and seasoned path runners alike. Their versatility on highway and path, potential to get soiled with out trying trashed, comfy match, resilience but breathability, and remarkably aggressive worth level have received me over. They’re a superb addition to my shoe rotation.

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Name for Feedback

• Are you operating within the Brooks Divide 3? If that’s the case, what do you suppose?
• Have you ever additionally run in earlier variations of the Brooks Divide? If that’s the case, what do you consider the updates on this third model, particularly the brand new higher and midsole?

[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]

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A high view of the Brooks Divide 3.