Brooks Womens Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe - Soft DNA LOFT v2 Comfort

In this review of the Brooks Womens Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe the bottom line is clear: this shoe is for women seeking a soft, reliable daily road trainer that balances lightweight feel with responsive cushioning. The Trace 4 stands out because it uses DNA LOFT v2 foam for an adaptable, softer ride while keeping a breathable engineered mesh upper that locks the foot in without feeling heavy. Runners who want smooth transitions and a sensible price point will find the Trace 4 delivers sensible, everyday performance.

Key Features

• Soft cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 delivers lightweight, adaptable cushioning that reacts to individual stride for lasting comfort mile after mile.
• Smooth transitions: A segmented crash pad with sculpted heel grooves absorbs impact and promotes a consistent laydown to toe-off.
• Breathable upper: Engineered air mesh increases ventilation to help keep feet dry and comfortable on longer runs.
• Durable outsole: RoadTack Rubber combines recycled silica for a durable, lightweight compound with dependable rebound on pavement.
• Secure fit: The upper's design provides a snug, reliable hold without adding unnecessary weight or structure.

Who It's For

The Trace 4 is best for women who run regularly on roads and want a neutral trainer with a softer, more adaptive midsole feel. It suits runners who value lightweight comfort, reliable support, and breathable uppers for daily miles or recovery runs.

Runners seeking maximal plushness or a highly cushioned long-run shoe may prefer other models in the Brooks lineup, as some users report the cushioning is softer but not as plush as the brand's most cushioned trainers. Those needing pronounced motion control should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, responsive feel from DNA LOFT v2 for many stride types.
• Lightweight engineered air mesh keeps the foot cool and reduces weight.
• RoadTack Rubber outsole offers durable traction with a lively rebound.
• Segmented crash pad produces a smoother heel-to-toe transition.

Cons

• Cushioning receives mixed feedback; some runners find it less plush than other Brooks models.
• Neutral design is not suited for those requiring strong stability or motion control features.

Specifications

Model	Trace 4 (predecessor Trace 3)
Gender	Womens
Midsole cushioning	DNA LOFT v2 soft cushioning
Upper	Engineered air mesh for breathability
Outsole	RoadTack Rubber with recycled silica
Ride type	Neutral, smooth transitions via segmented crash pad

Our Verdict

The Brooks Womens Trace 4 is a strong choice for female road runners who want a lightweight, comfortable neutral trainer with a responsive, adaptive midsole and breathable fit. It offers good daily performance and value, though runners seeking maximum plush cushioning or stability features should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trace 4 good for long runs?
The shoe is suitable for moderate long runs thanks to adaptable DNA LOFT v2 cushioning and a comfortable fit, though those wanting maximum plushness may prefer a more cushioned model.

How breathable is the upper?
The engineered air mesh upper provides increased ventilation to keep feet drier and more comfortable during runs.

Does it provide stability for overpronation?
No, the Trace 4 is a neutral trainer and is not designed with motion control features for significant overpronation.