Details
Brand
Brooks
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Transcend 4
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• New tri-layered mesh upper• Soft Carbon Rubber Outsole (more aggressive treads)• Flex Grooves help with flexibility• Heel crash pad• Super BioMoGo DNA Cushioning (25% more cushion than regular BioMoGo)• Guide Rails help with overpronation (firmer material)• Removable insole• Rounded heel promotes natural footstrike
Upper
The Brooks Transcend 2 upper has been revamped. The upper in this model of the Transcend is features three layers. Closest to the foot is a softer mesh that ensures comfort. The topmost layer is a very thin screen-like mesh which enhances breathability. The middle layer helps keep the upper structurally sound. The upper fits snugly around the foot and provides support.;The lacing straps are increased to five in this version of the shoe, increasing the amount of control one has over the fit of the shoe. The majority of runners found the upper offered a supportive and secure fit. The toe box is slightly roomier in this version of the Transcend and the pointy shape has been greatly toned down. The interior of the shoe features a comfortable insole made of regular BioMoGo. The insole can be removed to fit a custom orthotic. Runners can also wear the Transcend sockless since the interior is nearly seamless.
Midsole
The Brooks Transcend 2 features a hefty amount of cushioning in its midsole, just like the first version of the shoe. The midsole material is firmer than before so the cushioning is slightly less soft in this iteration. The single layer of Super BioMoGo DNA materia l continues to offer supremely comfortable cushioning. The material is meant to adapt the cushioning required with each footfall. The material also offers up 25% more cushioning than regular BioMoGo DNA. Most runners found the cushioning underfoot very comfortable and not overly soft. The rigidness of the midsole cushioning ensures runners have a supportive base in the Transcend 2.
Outsole
The Brooks Transcend 2’s outsole looks fairly similar. The sole is made of soft carbon rubber. The rubber runs the length of the sole. The wide outsole provides full-ground contact which helps with stability and traction. The tread underfoot has been made slightly more aggressive to help improve traction. The rubber remains sticky to aid in gripping the pavement. The grippy sole offers good traction in normal road running conditions. The Flex Grooves featured in the shoe’s outsole provide some flexibility for the runner. There is also a crash pad in the heel of the shoe.
Breathability
The Brooks Transcend 2’s new tri-layer mesh upper offers great breathability. The thin top layer of mesh helps ensure the runner’s foot is well ventilated. The mesh overlays are made of a soft material, so ventilation is not compromised. The larger toe box helps to ensure proper ventilation and is a big improvement over the last version. The shoe fits snugly and securely without feeling restrictive.
Comfort
The Brooks Transcend 2’s biggest draw is how comfortable it is. Runners loved the ample cushioning and felt it was a great option for long runs. The cushion felt fresh throughout long runs. The insole of the shoe is removable, but if kept it in provides another layer of comfort for the runner. The fit issues have been greatly reduced in the second version of the Transcend. The roomier toe box has helped to increase comfort. The higher heel collar helps to wrap the ankle comfortably in the shoe. Although the midsole cushion is firmer, the shoe is still very comfortable.
Style
The Brooks Transcend 2 remains a trendy looking shoe. The model is offered in a variety of bright, fun colors. The fresh design features a large reflective Brooks logo. It’s definitely a shoe that begs attention but the aesthetic is slightly sleeker and more refined than the previous version. The numerous overlays featured on the shoe’s upper provide support but also offer up visual interest.;The shoe still looks fairly hefty at first glance and, although it’s lighter than it looks, some runners will find the maximalist design takes some getting used to. The reflective bits on the shoe have changed places. The majority of reflective material can be found at the back of the shoe. But a visually interesting square-shaped reflective component is also found in the forefoot. The small reflective patches in the front of the shoe almost look like headlights on a car.
Durability
The Brooks Transcend 2 is a well-made shoe. The durable rubber outsole is meant to last for miles and miles. The tri-layer mesh upper is constructed with durability in mind, and the cushioning is meant to support runners who are planning to run long distances. This shoe is a great option for someone looking to start their marathon training season. Virtually zero runners commented negatively on the durability of the shoe. At its price point, the Transcend 2 is clearly a higher end shoe and should be able to take on a decent amount of pounding.
Protection
The soft carbon material used in the construction of the Brooks Transcend 2’s outsole keeps the sole from wearing down. The full contact sole is meant to keep runners moving forward with ease. The Transcend 2’s midsole also provides some degree of protection. The maximal cushioning helps to protect the runner’s body from the impact forces resulting with each step forward. Runners will also get protection from overheating thanks to the breathable mesh upper. Reflective material is featured in the shoe’s upper (in the front and back) helps keep runners visible on darker early morning or evening runs.
Responsiveness
The Brooks Transcend 2 offers fairly decent responsiveness thanks to the adequate energy return provided by the Super DNA BioMoGo cushioning in the midsole. The Transcend 2 is not the most responsive shoe in the Brooks lineup. The Pureflow line certainly offers better options in terms of responsiveness Still, the Transcend’s rubber outsole and cushioned midsole do provide some energy return. The ground feel of the Transcend 2 still leaves something to be desired. Brooks has failed to improve this shortcoming in their update to the Transcend. There remains little, if any, ability to feel the ground beneath. Most runners commented that they found it difficult to even notice what kind of surface they were running on.
Support
The Brooks Transcend 2 is an adequately supportive shoe. The shoe’s mesh upper fits snugly around the foot keeping runners from wobbling around on their training runs.;Runners can customize the fit of the upper by way of the laces. The Guide Rails in the Transcend 2 are made of firmer material and help to eliminate potential overpronation. The firmer midsole material provides a supportive base and the full contact outsole keeps runners moving forward efficiently and securely. Runners will not feel unstable in the Transcend 2. The rigid construction of the shoe helps to make this a reality.
Terrain
The Brooks Transcend 2’s soft carbon rubber outsole is durable and provides enough traction so that runners don’t have to worry about slipping and falling. The Transcend 2 is certainly not a trail shoe, but the treads have been made more aggressive in this version of the shoe. Runners will have an easier time gripping the pavement in wet and rainy weather. The shoe is still not suitable for technical trails, though. The Transcend 2 offers decent traction on pavement, but in poorer weather conditions runners should take caution. The sticky rubber underfoot will not perform very well in icy conditions. If you’ll be training during cold winter months, you should think about purchasing crampons to help with traction.
Price
The Brooks Transcend 2 has a price tag of over $150 for both the men’s and women’s versions. The shoe is well cushioned and offers ample support. It’s a great choice for runners needing a long distance trainer. The hefty price may not be suitable for someone running low-mileage or for most newbie runners. The shoe is built to last so it’s a good investment for someone looking to train for a long distance race. If you’re injury prone and looking for a dedicated marathon trainer, the Transcend 2 is a decent option.
Drop
The Brooks Transcend 2 features the same 8mm drop. This is a pretty average height drop. Most wearers did not find issues with the heel to toe drop. They commented that the drop promoted a forefoot or midfoot strike. The curved heel also helps to promote a more natural foot movement.
Stability
As mentioned previously, the Brooks Transcend 2 has been called a stability shoe before. But it lacks the traditional medial post seen in most stability shoes. The firm cushioning underfoot provides some support. The rigid Guide Rails in the Transcend 2 are the primary vehicle for stability. They act to block runners from overpronating but they don’t offer enough support for heavy overpronators. There’s also virtually no arch support in the Transcend 2. Most of the support comes from a snug fit and proper lockdown of the upper.
Flexibility
The Brooks Transcend 2 features Flex Grooves in its outsole which helps to increase the shoe’s flexibility. Despite this, the shoe remains fairly rigid. This version of the Transcend is even more inflexible because of its firmer midsole cushioning. The rounded heel does make up for the lack of flexibility by promoting a natural rolling motion and footstrike. The mesh upper does provide a bit of give and flexibility to ensure a secure fit.
Traction
The Brooks Transcend 2 features soft carbon rubber in its outsole which allows for good traction on dry pavement. The sticky outsole is grippy enough to keep runners secure and stable when moving forward. Runners looking to enjoy runs in rainy, wet and potentially icy weather will have an easier time in this update to the Transcend. The tread underfoot is more aggressive and not as flat. Still, it would be advisable to add spikes or crampons to the shoe during winter months since the Transcend 2 is not made to handle slippery surfaces. The shoe is also not great on technical trails. Still, runners will feel secure and solid when running on pavement.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Transcend 2 is a highly cushioned neutral road shoe that offers support and stability for runners who need it. The firm and adaptable midsole cushioning works with the runner to provide adequate shock absorption and energy return on the run. This sleek-looking shoe is a good option for distance training or for those who are recovering from injury. The shoe’s construction promotes a natural footstrike, although ground feel could still be much improved. Still, the Transcend 2 offers a great deal of protection underfoot which seems like a fair tradeoff. The updated Transcend 2 remains a good investment in a durable package. It’s a shoe that can definitely go the distance.
