Review: BROOKS Transcend 4 Women's A stellar masterpiece from the Land of Freedom
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
It has been three months since the release of my previous comparison of running shoes for long distances, "Which running shoes are strong for long distances and long hours?" During this time, a triathlete writer who doesn't rush and does his own pace has taken his time and spent accumulating tests. From now on, we will deliver actual reviews of each shoe. This time, we chose Brooks' "ultra next-generation" cushion and support model, which ranked second in second place, just below the number one Asics in the comparison. Nagasaki Prefecture has been using the international triathlon for a long distance held in the Goto Islands.
Swim 3.8km → bike 180km, worn feet, and last full 42.195km. So, how did these shoes respond? Please take a look.
table of contents
Detailed review
Item name
Brooks Transcend 4 Women's
side
Outsole
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| weight | Actual measurement: 273g (25.0cm per foot) |
| Upper fabric | Synthetic fibers. Uses a "guide rail" that combines two different hardness materials |
| Outsole | The outerwear is a synthetic sole. "Super DNA" increases cushioning by 25% |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★☆☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ |
| Stability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
This is amazing
Surprising at the comfort of the latest cushioning system, "Super DNA"!
Is this the effect of super DNA? The feeling of joy keeps changing and you can always feel fresh every time you run.
The force that started kicking was transmitted directly to the ground, and my body moved forward smoothly. At some point, I gently push it out...
The world's first cushioning system "Super DNA"
Quoted from the Brooks website
Looking at the soles, it appears that they only work in the tear-shaped part, but the entire midsole has built-in DNA functions.
First, please pay attention to the part that hits the center of the heel of the sole. The tear-shaped part marked with Super DNA is made of a special rubber material. If you press it with your finger, you will see that it will be pushed back.
This is a unique system called "Brooks DNA." This has increased its cushioning properties by 25% and is reborn as a "super DNA." I don't know about the last model, but I can understand this benefit even when I'm on the run. There are few articles on Brooks' domestic reviews, so if you look at comparisons from the old and new websites, you can see that the cushion function has clearly been improved and you can run more easily! "There are many praises.
The cushioning function flexibly responds to the speed you run, and it rebounds softly with light jogs, and it rebounds strongly when you increase your pace. In other words, it is a great thing that changes constantly according to the pace you run, and even responds to differences in body shape and weight. This flexibility is definitely the name that is worthy of being called Super DNA.
In my current triathlon race, I ran in the first half without increasing the pace too much, and I ran as much as possible, and thanks to being able to preserve my strength, I successfully achieved a pleasant strategy in the second half of the race, using the accumulated strength to increase my pace. Some shoes were tired as the cushions sink in when you run slowly, but these shoes were perfect for protecting your feet according to your running style.
Not bad weight
Because of its high cushioning function, it is not an extremely lightweight shoe, but it still weighs 273g, which is not quite a bad thing. The entry-level model, which runs in the 6-minute kilometer ranges from approximately 270 to 320g, is mainly made from approximately 270 to 320g, so it is probably quite light for runners who continue to run for long periods of time.
Grip power is no problem
The grip strength was a little bit slippery when I first got used to wearing it during the test run after three months of accumulated grip, and I only got used to it once, but I had no experience with it. I think it just happened to be a bad timing. The yellow part around the arch of the outsole is labeled BLOWN RUBBER, but this is a lighter and softer material than the typical rubber sole of the past, and this is thought to have a higher cushioning function, and in road racing, it is not a problem as it is usually less likely to run on dirt roads for long periods of time.
Comfortable and open feel
About the heel cup, upper material and toe area, which are important parts of comfort and fit.
The heel cup is not too hard or too soft, just right. The platic material, which looks streamlined, has been skillfully held at key points to reduce the overall tightness, and personally I like it because it's very relaxed and comfortable to wear.
The upper material is made of synthetic mesh and is 3D-FIT. There is no tightness around the toe, and the toes have a moderate sense of openness.
This is not good
It's a bit bothering me until I get used to it! ? A bite on the bello tan part
It's not that it hurts and is difficult, but the yellow part of the bello tongue was a little stiff, and it felt a little uncomfortable until I got used to it. This is a shame that the overall comfort was full of openness and was even more noticeable. Once you get used to wearing them, there's no need to consider them a problem, but it may be a concern for people with high insteps or sensitive skin.
Additionally, a function called Guide Rails was supposed to lead to natural movements without forcing the foot, preventing overpronation, but even when diagnosed using a computer or filming a video, he was unable to adequately follow his strong right foot. While running, there is no pain that could lead to a breakdown, but is it combined with the fact that only my right foot is tilted inward, and the tongue rubbing against it? As I wear it for a long time, I have experienced some wear on the upper fabric.
The monthly mileage with this shoe for three months is about 200km, but for some reason, the wear level of the right foot is severe. However, if you use forced shoes that will cure your strong habits, you won't be able to run for long periods of time. In a sense, these shoes wear out but do not cause pain in the feet.
Summary: I want to use it in these situations!
The kick response is quick, the running is fun and the changes are fun! Shoes that make you think so. These shoes will move forward with force if you kick your feet with force, and if you kick them gently, they will respond gently, and you will want to play with them forever. It doesn't have the stiffness or weight to protect the comfort of the shoes, so you'll want to wear them casually every day, even when you're on a regular basis! It makes me think that, and I imagine Brooks will be able to run with the changes in the road and fatigue level during the endurance race. These are reliable shoes that will respond properly to TPOs.
