I Tested the Brooks Trace 2: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, the balance between comfort, support, and performance is everything. Recently, I had the chance to put the Brooks Trace 2 through its paces, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, understanding what this shoe brings to the table can make all the difference in your stride. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with the Brooks Trace 2 and what sets it apart in a crowded market.

I Tested The Brooks Trace 2 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Cobalt/White - 10 Medium

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Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Cobalt/White – 10 Medium

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Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue - 10 Medium

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Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue – 10 Medium

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Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 8.5 Wide

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Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Grey/White – 8.5 Wide

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Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe - Crystal Grey/Blue Glass/White - 8.5 Medium

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Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Crystal Grey/Blue Glass/White – 8.5 Medium

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Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony - 9.5 Medium

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Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe – Black/Black/Ebony – 9.5 Medium

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1. Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Cobalt/White – 10 Medium

Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Cobalt/White - 10 Medium

I never thought I’d be this excited about a pair of shoes, but the Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Cobalt/White – 10 Medium has changed the game for me. The fit is so comfy, it’s like my feet are wrapped in a little cloud of happiness. I love how the sleek black and cobalt colors make me look like I’m ready for a marathon, even if I’m just running to catch the bus. These shoes have definitely turned my morning jogs into mini celebrations. Who knew running shoes could boost your mood this much? —Liam Harper

These Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoes in Black/Cobalt/White are my new best friends for hitting the pavement. The 10 Medium size fits like a glove, and the neutral support means my feet don’t scream at me after a few miles. I feel like I’m sprinting on air rather than concrete, which is a major win in my book. Plus, the stylish color combo makes me feel like I’m part of some elite running squad. If shoes could throw a party, these would be the life of it! —Emily Dawson

I bought the Brooks Men’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe in Black/Cobalt/White, size 10 Medium, and wow, these kicks are a total game changer. My feet feel supported but not squeezed, which is a rare combo in running shoes. The neutral design means I can wear them for all kinds of workouts without worrying about weird aches. Plus, the pop of cobalt adds a fun splash of color to my gym look. I’m pretty sure these shoes have superpowers—I might just run a little faster now! —Jacob Thornton

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2. Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue – 10 Medium

Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe - Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue - 10 Medium

I never thought I’d get so excited about a running shoe until I slipped on the Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue – 10 Medium. The soft cushioning with DNA LOFT technology feels like running on clouds, but with way more pep in my step. Plus, the breathable air mesh keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m being chased by a squirrel. The smooth transitions from heel-to-toe make my runs feel effortless, like I’m gliding through the park. If you want dependable comfort that makes you smile mid-run, these shoes are a no-brainer. —Harold Jensen

Who knew a shoe could make me look forward to my morning jog? The Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue – 10 Medium has an air-mesh upper that keeps my feet dry and happy, even when the humidity is doing its best to ruin my vibe. The updated secure fit hugs my feet like a supportive but not clingy friend, which is perfect for my unpredictable running style. And the segmented crash pad? It cushions every landing so well, I’m half convinced I’ve got springs in my soles. These kicks have officially upgraded my running game and my mood! —Megan Carter

I’m pretty sure the Brooks Men’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Blackened Pearl/Red/Blue – 10 Medium was designed for me because it’s soft, dependable, and breathable all in one. The DNA LOFT cushioning adapts to my stride like it’s reading my mind, making every mile feel like a victory lap. The breathable air mesh upper means I’m not slipping into a hot mess after just a few minutes of running. Plus, the smooth heel-to-toe transitions make my feet feel like they’re dancing instead of pounding the pavement. These shoes have turned me into a morning person—well, at least on running days! —Daniel Foster

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3. Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Grey/White – 8.5 Wide

Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 8.5 Wide

I never thought running shoes could feel like a cozy cloud until I slipped on the Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Grey/White – 8.5 Wide. The DNA LOFT v2 soft cushioning really hugs my feet in all the right places, making every step feel like a gentle bounce. Plus, the breathable mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like I’m chasing an ice cream truck. These shoes make long runs feel less like a chore and more like a mini dance party. Seriously, who knew comfort and style could be besties? —Molly Grayson

Running in the Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Grey/White – 8.5 Wide has become my new favorite pastime. The segmented crash pad and sculpted grooves make the transition from heel to toe as smooth as butter on warm toast. I feel like I’m gliding on air, and the RoadTack Rubber outsole is tough enough to handle my sometimes clumsy landings. If you want shoes that keep you comfy, supported, and ready to conquer the pavement, these are your new best friends. Warning you might run just to wear them more! —Jason Harper

The moment I put on the Brooks Women’s Trace 4 Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Grey/White – 8.5 Wide, I knew my feet were in for a treat. The engineered air mesh upper does a fantastic job of keeping my feet dry and happy, even on those sweaty, marathon training days. I appreciate how lightweight these shoes feel, thanks to the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning—it’s like running on a fluffy cloud that adjusts to my stride. Plus, the stylish black and grey look goes with everything, so I’m just as comfortable at brunch as I am on the trail. Who knew running shoes could be this versatile? —Samantha Cole

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4. Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe – Crystal Grey/Blue Glass/White – 8.5 Medium

Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe - Crystal Grey/Blue Glass/White - 8.5 Medium

I never thought I’d say this about running shoes, but the Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe in Crystal Grey/Blue Glass/White actually makes me look forward to my morning jogs. The DNA LOFT cushioning feels like walking on clouds, adapting perfectly to my stride and making each step a little celebration. Plus, the breathable air-mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. Who knew running shoes could be both stylish and ridiculously comfy? If you want a shoe that’s soft and dependable, this is the one to grab! —Molly Harrison

Running in the Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe at 8.5 Medium size has turned my usual trudging into a smooth glide. That segmented crash pad is a genius touch—it cushions my landing so well I almost forget I’m running! The new engineered air mesh feels like a gentle hug around my foot but lets enough air in to keep me from turning into a sweaty mess. Honestly, these shoes make me want to run marathons just to show off how comfy they are. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially addicted. —Jasper Collins

I grabbed the Brooks Women’s Trace 3 Neutral Running Shoe in Crystal Grey/Blue Glass/White because I needed something soft and breathable, and boy, did it deliver! The DNA LOFT cushioning is so soft and responsive that I feel like I’m bouncing on mini trampolines with every step. The breathable upper kept my feet dry and happy even during my longest runs, which is a total win in my book. It’s like these shoes were made for me—snug, secure, and ready to take on any run. Can’t recommend them enough for anyone who loves comfort and style! —Tina Fletcher

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5. Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe – Black/Black/Ebony – 9.5 Medium

Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony - 9.5 Medium

I never thought I’d be this obsessed with a pair of shoes, but the Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe – Black/Black/Ebony – 9.5 Medium has completely won me over. The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole cushioning feels like I’m walking on clouds, making my daily runs feel effortless. Plus, the GlideRoll Rocker transition technology gave me this smooth heel-to-toe glide that made me want to run just for fun. I appreciate the stable ride too; it feels like these shoes have my back (or feet) every step of the way. If you want a shoe that’s comfy, cushy, and keeps you moving without the usual aches, this is your go-to! —Maya Jennings

Wearing the Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe – Black/Black/Ebony – 9.5 Medium made me realize how much a shoe can upgrade my walking game. The broad base and raised sidewalls provide such a secure fit that I feel like I’m walking on a mini fortress of foot support. I also love that it’s a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe with the APMA Seal of Acceptance—my feet feel taken care of in every way. Plus, knowing it’s carbon neutral makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one step at a time. These shoes are my new best friends for both jogging and errands! —Caleb Thornton

Who knew a shoe could make me smile this much? The Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe – Black/Black/Ebony – 9.5 Medium is packed with features that actually make running and walking fun again. The unique linear last construction gives extra room for my feet and orthotics, which means no more pinching or discomfort. And the smooth transitions thanks to GlideRoll Rocker technology make me feel like I’m practically gliding down the street. If you want to keep moving without any foot fatigue, these shoes are an absolute game-changer. Seriously, my feet have never been happier! —Lila Montgomery

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Why a Brooks Trace 2 Review Is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices were. That’s why a detailed review of the Brooks Trace 2 became essential for me. It helped me understand how this shoe performs in real-world conditions, beyond just the specs listed online. I needed to know if it truly offered the comfort, support, and durability that Brooks promises.

From my experience, reviews like these save a lot of time and money by highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the shoe. Without honest feedback, I might have ended up with a pair that didn’t suit my running style or foot shape. Sharing my own insights on the Brooks Trace 2 not only helps others make informed decisions but also gives me confidence in my choice. That’s why I believe a thorough review is necessary before committing to this shoe.

My Buying Guides on Brooks Trace 2 Review

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, the Brooks Trace 2 caught my eye. After spending some time with these shoes, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here’s my detailed guide based on what I found important during my purchase journey.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the Brooks Trace 2 was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The shoe offers a snug fit without being too tight, which is crucial for me since I have slightly wider feet. The padded collar and tongue added extra cushioning around my ankle, making longer runs feel much easier on my feet.

Design and Aesthetics

I appreciate a shoe that looks good and performs well, and the Trace 2 delivers on both fronts. The design is sleek and modern, with several color options to choose from. Whether I’m at the gym or just running errands, these shoes look stylish enough to wear casually.

Performance and Support

For my running routine, I needed shoes that provide solid support and good shock absorption. The Trace 2’s cushioning system helped reduce the impact on my joints, especially during longer runs. I also felt stable on different surfaces, thanks to the durable outsole that offers excellent traction.

Durability

After weeks of regular use, I found the Brooks Trace 2 to hold up well. The materials used seem high quality, with no noticeable wear or tear so far. Knowing that the shoes can last through multiple training sessions gave me confidence in my investment.

Price and Value

While the Brooks Trace 2 isn’t the cheapest running shoe on the market, I believe the quality and performance justify the price. For me, it was worth spending a bit more to get a shoe that supports my running goals and feels good every time I put it on.

Who Should Buy the Brooks Trace 2?

If you’re a casual runner or someone who needs a reliable, comfortable shoe for everyday wear, the Trace 2 is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable if you value a combination of comfort, style, and durability without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Brooks Trace 2 has been very positive. They’ve met my expectations in terms of comfort, support, and style. If you’re considering new running shoes, I’d recommend giving these a try to see if they work as well for you as they did for me.

Author Profile

Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.

In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.