Brooks Divide 5 Multi Tester Review: Value, Comfort, Versatility 4 Comparisons

Article by John Tribbia and Jeff Valliere

Brooks Divide 5 ($110)

Execs:

Match, Versatility, Consolation :John T

Worth, consolation, match, cushioning, versatility, refined higher, traction: Jeff V

4mm extra stack peak of cushion with solely a minor 0.2 oz improve in weight as a result of new foam

Cons:

All black colorway is sizzling in the summertime solar: John

Onerous to nitpick this shoe on the worth, however a slight bump in worth is the one downside I can provide you with.Jeff:

Introduction

John: The Brooks Divide 5 marks the newest iteration for the model’s road-to-trail crossover mannequin. Constructing on the success of its predecessors, the Divide 5 boasts a refined design and upgraded cushioning.

Central to the shoe’s enchantment is the revamped DNA LOFT v2 midsole. This up to date cushioning system supplies a softer, extra responsive really feel in comparison with its predecessor, making it a cushty alternative for each highway and path operating. The Divide 5 additionally maintains the collection’ signature road-shoe impressed match, providing a wider toe field and accommodating midfoot for a cushty and acquainted expertise.

With a give attention to sustainability, Brooks has integrated recycled supplies into the outsole, demonstrating a dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Stats

Spec Weight: US males’s 9: 10.2 oz / 289 g

Prior Model Weight: 10.4 oz / 295g (US9) / ladies’s 9.3 oz / 264g (US8)

Pattern Weight: US males’s measurement 10: 10.5 oz / 297 g US

Stack Peak: males’s 24mm heel / 16mm forefoot (8mm drop spec)

Platform Width: 100mm heel / 84mm midfoot / 117mm forefoot

First Impressions, Match and Higher

John: Having examined Brooks fashions such because the Catamount and Caldera, the Divide 5 feels acquainted when it comes to consolation and match. The higher is smooth, breathable, and securely cradles the heel. The mesh materials seems adequately ventilated for many situations.

The Divide 5’s higher leans in direction of a road-running building, prioritizing consolation and adaptability over rugged path safety. This design alternative enhances its versatility for combined terrain however would possibly compromise sturdiness on extra tremendous technical trails. The toe cap provides enough shielding for gentle path obstacles.

I am desperate to discover the Divide 5’s efficiency on varied path situations and assess its long-term sturdiness.

Jeff: Having reviewed each iteration of the Divide since model 1, I’ve at all times been impressed with the standard and efficiency for the value (beginning at $100, however now raised to $110). They’ve persistently been an incredible entry degree possibility, providing nice consolation, cushioning, high quality, match and flexibility for any runner, and never simply the entry degree runner.

The higher has been revamped and improved for model 5, with a softer, extra refined really feel, but nonetheless with ample room within the forefoot for some wiggle room on longer runs, a safe heel and an much more safe midfoot. Match is true to measurement and whereas I by no means had any points with earlier variations, the brand new higher simply feels a bit safer, refined and breathable.

The heel counter is effectively structured, safe and the collar is effectively padded.

The lacing is superb, with the very nice woven laces you will see that on different increased finish Brooks fashions that actually present glorious as soon as and executed simple snugging.

The toe bumper may be very thick and substantial, simply keeping off any stubs you may give it.

Midsole & Platform

John: The Divide 5’s midsole and platform create a cushty, steady base well-suited for gentle trails and combined terrain. Prioritizing cushioning and a easy experience, the Divide 5 excels in consolation however falls in need of delivering a extremely responsive, aggressive path expertise. Its plush nature is perhaps extreme for runners looking for a firmer, extra responsive really feel.

The DNA LOFT v2 midsole provides substantial cushioning, absorbing impression and offering a forgiving experience. This makes them a powerful alternative for longer runs. Nevertheless, the emphasis on consolation comes at the price of responsiveness, making them really feel barely sluggish in comparison with extra performance-oriented path sneakers such because the Catamount.

The broad platform provides stability and a easy heel-to-toe transition. Its firmer nature contributes to a safe really feel, whereas the 8mm drop accommodates a spread of operating types. A rock plate is included which supplies enough safety in opposition to path obstacles.

Jeff V: John sums up the midsole effectively. The softer DNA LOFT v2 with an added 4mm of stack peak of cushion is a noticeable enchancment over the earlier model, making for a softer, extra plush experience that ought to please nearly all customers.

Some might discover a slight lower in stability with the added stack and softer foam, however that is minor and solely felt when pushing the shoe in technical terrain. Since that isn’t actually what this shoe is made for although as it’s not focused in direction of the quick, technical racing crowd this can go unnoticed by most. That mentioned, I discover them to be very comfy and effectively cushioned for lengthy days. They’re steady, predictable and roll alongside easily. As John talked about they’re undoubtedly not a quick shoe and are finest fitted to extra informal paces.

Outsole

John: The Divide 5’s outsole, that includes TrailTack Inexperienced rubber is a standout. From step one, I seen a superb steadiness of grip and adaptability. The lugs are of a average depth, offering stable traction on each dry and damp trails. Whereas they don’t seem to be aggressive sufficient to beat deep mud, the outsole is ok for many path situations.

One factor that shocked me was the outsole’s efficiency on pavement. The grip is surprisingly good on roads and sidewalks, making the Divide 5 a flexible alternative for many who combine highway and path operating. The rubber compound feels sticky sufficient to supply confidence on varied surfaces.

The outsole’s flexibility contributes to a easy and pure gait. There is not any stiffness or resistance to the foot’s motion. This flexibility additionally helps to soak up among the impression on uneven terrain, working in tandem with the midsole cushioning.

Sturdiness-wise, the outsole has proven good put on resistance to this point. The lugs are holding up effectively, and there is not any important signal of damage and tear even after a number of runs on combined terrain.

Jeff V: John sums up the outsole very effectively. The TrailTack Inexperienced rubber outsole supplies glorious grip on all kinds of terrain, is flexible and sturdy. The Divide 5 has primarily the identical outsole because the 4, apart from some minor adjustments to the flex grooves with the lugs and rubber the identical. The outsole of the 4 has confirmed to be very sturdy over time with minimal put on (I bought some for my daughters they usually have put many extra miles on them than I and the lugs are nonetheless fairly good), so I count on the identical right here.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

John: The Brooks Divide 5 stands out as a flexible and cozy path companion, particularly appropriate for runners transitioning from highway to path throughout their runs. Outfitted with a smooth and cushioned experience because of the DNA LOFT v2 midsole, the shoe supplies ample consolation on varied terrains. Its road-shoe-inspired match ensures a well-known really feel, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of runners.

Whereas the Divide 5 excels in cushioning and luxury, contemplating particular person operating model and path preferences is essential. Runners looking for a extremely responsive and aggressive path expertise would possibly discover the shoe’s plush nature to be extreme. Nevertheless, for these prioritizing consolation, versatility, and a smoother experience, the Divide 5 presents itself as a compelling possibility.

In the end, the Divide 5’s strengths reside in its comfy and accessible traits. It provides a dependable efficiency for runners looking for to discover the outside with out compromising consolation, making it a reliable alternative for a variety of operating lovers.

John’s Rating: 8.7/10

Experience: 9 (nice shoe for number of paces on the sleek trails and highway)

Match: 9

Worth: 9 (nice worth level for a stable throughout shoe)

Model: 8

Traction: 8.5 (current improve that performs effectively on quite a lot of surfaces)

Rock Safety: 8.5

😊😊😊😊

Jeff V: John sums up the Divide 5 effectively and I agree together with his evaluation. The DNA Loft v2 is a pleasant improve over the earlier mannequin, including softer cushioning and 4 extra mm of it making for a smooth and nice experience, with ample safety, consolation and traction. These looking for increased efficiency ought to have a look at the Catamount, or to the Cascadia if in search of extra rugged path efficiency, or the Caldera for all out maximal cushioning. That mentioned the Divide 5 performs exceptionally effectively as an throughout, versatile shoe for extra informal operating, coaching or mountain climbing. To not point out, at simply $110, the shoe is an actual cut price and the path shoe that I purchase for my daughters as a result of it’s such a worth.

Jeff V’s Rating: 9.3/10

Experience: 9

Match: 9.5

Worth: 10 (exhausting to beat the worth right here)

Model: 9

Traction: 9

Rock Safety: 9

😊😊😊😊

4 Comparisons

Index to all RTR opinions: HERE

Brooks Divide 4 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: In contrast all through. The 5 has a barely refined higher that belies the $110 worth level and now options the softer DNA Loft v2 foam that can also be lighter and there’s 4 extra mm of it. The outsole is sort of the identical.

Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Evaluate)

John: The Divide 5 leans in direction of consolation and flexibility. It provides a plusher experience with the DNA LOFT v2 midsole, making it a fantastic alternative for runners transitioning from highway to path or these looking for a cushioned and forgiving expertise. The Divide 5 is best fitted to gentle to average trails. However, the Catamount is a extra aggressive path runner. It provides a firmer experience with higher traction and safety for tackling more durable terrain. The Catamount is designed for runners who prioritize efficiency and need a shoe that may deal with extra technical trails.

Jeff V: Agreed with John on all factors.

Brooks Caldera 7 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: The Caldera has extra stack and weighs somewhat extra, however total feels extra efficiency oriented than the Divide. The Caldera is a bigger shoe and never significantly nimble, however they might be one in every of my high picks for an extremely run with the Divide will not be fairly a fast rolling or pretty much as good in technical terrain.

John: General, each the Divide 5 and Caldera are versatile sneakers that may be comfy for quite a lot of operating situations. Nevertheless, the Divide 5 is particularly designed for each highway and light-weight trails, whereas the Caldera could also be higher fitted to extra technical trails or runners who want a wider fittingshoe.

Brooks Cascadia 18 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: The Cascadia is heavier and likewise not a quick shoe per se, however is a lot better fitted to rugged, technical terrain with higher foothold, higher traction and higher total safety.

Tester Profiles

John Tribbia (5′ 6″, 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/path runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Toes, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Regardless that he competes much less steadily lately, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover John having fun with the day by day grind of operating on any floor, although his favourite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has received races akin to America’s Uphill, Imogene Go Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Sequence; and he is held a number of FKTs on a number of iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. For those who comply with him on Strava, you will discover he runs at various paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile earlier than the break of daybreak virtually each day.

Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited all the 14ers within the state, many 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and past, plus, he has summited his native Inexperienced Mountain over 2,100 instances up to now 20 years. He will be discovered on mountain trails day by day, irrespective of the climate, season, situations or whether or not there’s daylight or not. On the aspect he likes to ski (all types) bike and hike, usually together with his household, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado house for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.

Purchasing at our companions for the Divide 5 is far appreciated and helps assist RoadTrailRun

BROOKS RUNNING

Males’s and Ladies’s SHOP HERE

REI

Samples have been supplied at no cost for overview functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.

Feedback and Questions Welcome Under! Please tell us mileage, paces, race distances, and present most popular sneakers

RoadTrailRun Official Retailer Customized Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats