The Brooks Divide 5 Gtx Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Divide 5 GTX is a versatile trail running shoe ideal for heel strikers who require stability during poor-weather daily runs.

Lab testing indicates the shoe excels on gravel, dirt paths, and light-trail surfaces, providing durable performance in challenging conditions.

While the midsole exhibits a firm feel with a hardness of 31.5 HA, it ensures a stable platform without significant bounce, making it suitable for varied terrains such as rain and cold environments.


Pros

  • Waterproof Gore-Tex protection
  • Stable ride
  • Outstanding durability
  • Better shock absorption than before
  • Gravel-ready outsole
  • Remains a strong value pick
  • Comfortable upper
  • Versatile
  • Well executed tongue

Cons

  • Limited toebox height
  • Stiff underfoot feel
  • GTX add-on price is too high
  • Bad energy return

Key Features

  • Waterproof Protection: GORE-TEX upper offers breathable protection against moisture.
  • Transition from Road to Trail: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning is lighter and provides a softer ride with enhanced grip.
  • Secure Fit: Road-shoe inspired design with a tongue gusset for midfoot support and a lightweight, breathable air mesh upper.
  • Enhanced Traction: TrailTack rubber outsole made from 25% recycled content delivers excellent traction on various terrains.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

Brooks Divide 5 Gtx Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Divide 5 GTX Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX Nike Juniper Trail 2 GTX
Price $140 $170 $170 $130
Trail terrain Light Moderate Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.1 oz / 286g 10.4 oz / 296g 9.9 oz / 281g 10.3 oz / 293g
Drop lab Drop brand 10.0 mm 11.6 mm 8.3 mm 10.2 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Soft Firm
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Normal Small
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Good Good Decent Very good
Heel padding durability Good Bad Bad Good
Outsole durability Good Decent Good Good
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Warm
Width / fit Medium Narrow Medium Wide
Toebox width Medium Medium Wide Wide
Stiffness Moderate Stiff Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Flexible Moderate
Lug depth 3.0 mm 4.4 mm 3.6 mm 2.7 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 35.5 mm 37.3 mm 32.1 mm 34.5 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 25.5 mm 25.7 mm 23.8 mm 24.3 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Narrow Normal
Season Winter Winter Winter Winter
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Waterproofing Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof
Ranking Bottom 13% Bottom 19% Bottom 6% Bottom 5%
Popularity Bottom 18% Bottom 30% Top 28% Top 46%