Womens Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe - Soft, Breathable Ride

Our review of the Trace 4 neutral running shoe finds it is aimed squarely at women who want a comfortable, reliable road trainer without excess weight or fuss. The single biggest reason to consider these shoes is the updated DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which delivers a soft yet responsive underfoot feel that adapts to a range of paces. The Trace 4 keeps things simple with a breathable engineered mesh upper and a segmented crash pad that smooths heel-to-toe transitions, making it a sensible choice for daily miles and easy tempo runs.

Key Features

• DNA LOFT v2 cushioning: Provides a soft, lightweight midsole that adapts to your stride for lasting comfort on longer runs.
• Segmented crash pad: Sculpted grooves in the heel and outsole absorb impact to promote a smooth laydown and transition to toe-off.
• Engineered air mesh upper: Enhances breathability to keep feet drier and more comfortable during warm runs.
• RoadTack rubber outsole: Uses a durable, rebound-focused compound with recycled silica for consistent traction on pavement.
• Secure fit: The upper shapes to the foot for dependable lockdown without adding weight or pressure points.

Who It's For

The Trace 4 is best for women who log regular road miles and want a forgiving, comfortable shoe for everyday training, recovery runs, and moderate-paced efforts. Runners who prefer a softer ride that still offers decent responsiveness will appreciate the DNA LOFT v2 and the smoother transitions provided by the segmented crash pad.

Runners seeking maximal plushness or a highly cushioned trainer for long ultras should look elsewhere, as some users find the cushioning less plush than other models in the Brooks line. Also, those who need aggressive trail grip or a very rigid race shoe will want a different design.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, adaptable cushioning that suits many stride types.
• Breathable upper keeps feet cooler on warm runs.
• Smooth heel-to-toe transition thanks to the segmented crash pad.
• Lightweight construction with reliable outsole durability.

Cons

• Some runners report the cushioning is not as plush as other Brooks models, so it may feel firmer to those who want maximal softness.

Specifications

Model	Trace 4 (women)
Cushioning	DNA LOFT v2 soft lightweight cushioning
Upper	Engineered air mesh breathable upper
Outsole	RoadTack rubber with recycled silica
Transition tech	Segmented crash pad and sculpted grooves
Predecessor	Trace 3

Our Verdict

The Trace 4 is a strong choice for women who want a lightweight, breathable road shoe with a comfortable, adaptable ride and smooth transitions. It represents good value for everyday training and recovery runs, though those seeking the plushest cushion in the Brooks lineup may prefer a different model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, the cushioning and smooth transition make them suitable for regular long runs, though very long ultras may benefit from more maximal cushioning.

Do they run true to size?
Most customers report a reliable fit and good support, so ordering your usual running shoe size is recommended.

Is the outsole durable?
The RoadTack rubber compound is designed to be durable and offers solid rebound and traction on paved surfaces.