Brooks Running Shoes Review

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
My Doctor Suggested Brooks Shoes!
By Melinda Jo Stanley
Because I have arch problems with my feet, my doctor suggested I purchase Brooks Women's Synergy 2 Walking Shoes. I love these shoes and my legs and back are enjoying good posture once again. My feet no longer hurt!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
Not as advertised
By Independent Thinker
After much research, I chose this shoe to help relieve my plantar fasciitis. It advertise "a Heel and Forefoot Hydroflow ST for ultimate cushion, Full-length S-257 midsole, and Diagonal Rollbar(DRB) for pronation support."I ordered my regular size 81/2 wide. The shoe is an all leather upper, and I expected to have to break it in. However, it wore a blister on my right heel the very first day. The right shoe doesn't allow my right foot to go all the way down into the shoe due to the narrow stitching running across the instep. This causes the shoe to ride up and down slightly on my heel. There is NO way an orthotic would fit in this shoe unless you ordered it at least a size and half larger than you wear.the "cushioning" is comparable to an other shoe. There is nothing that is noticeably different from other shoes I've had Walmart. It does nothing for my plantar fasciitis, which is the reason I bought this shoe. If anything, it aggravates it! My feet begin to tingle and hurt within 30 minutes of putting them on.Unfortunately, I am stuck with this shoe for now because I can't afford to pay another $110 for something else. I hope that by continuing to wear them the leather will stretch and they will become more comfortable over time. I have had them a week and there is some improvement,but they are still uncomfortable. I'm going to try to stretch the leather and see if that helps.I would not recommend for anyone with plantar fasciitis. It is over priced, is uncomfortable, and has no more cushion in the sole than an average shoe, and the size is untrue.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Classic shoe style, wonderful for walking
By Kira Gale
I have bought two pairs of this shoe. I also bought the beige and black shoes made by Brooks for walking, but I don't like them as much. They are all comfortable, and excellent for walking, but this fits and is the classic style for walking. The others are bulkier looking. I have two pairs of old walking shoes that I use for garden work, 20-30 year old Rockports, and 10 year old Mephistos. They both have the angled stitch line starting at the bottom of the lace ups. That is what I look for. This was not uncommon years ago, when we still walked and didn't just wear odd looking athletic shoes. I wish this style came in more colors. This is a true, classic, old fashioned real shoe.

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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
Favorite running shoes ever
By R. Oremland
I am a 40something year old mom who normally runs 3 to 10 miles/day depending on the day and the time I have. I am an average build - not too thin and not overweight. I have a super high arch and these are the most comfortable running shoes I've ever owned... the feeling is like running on jello but more stable, great arch, no blisters with thin socks. the heel is low so if you are not used to minimalist shoes, you may want to build up to a longer distance slowly. I currently alternate between these shoes and mizuno wave rider 15.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful.
The answer for sore heels
By G. Brainard
OMG am I a happy camper. I am 47 year old mom and preschool teacher. I Jazzercise 4 times per week and walk 3-5 miles twice per week, plus some Y visits thrown in. I am on my feet and moving ALL day long. My heels and feet have been very sore from so much activity and not the right shoes (even though I have a rack full of pairs to rotate between in my collection). The lady at REI talked with me extensively while I was buying a pair of Danskos for workand she suggested these for my feet and problem. The second I laced them and stood up, walked around the store I was in love. I hugged the gal and told her Thank you SO much and I am not taking these off. I was like a little kid when I left, wearing my new shoes up to pay for them. Told everyone I have met since about my new shoes. While walking to my car, I almost told the people parked next to me that I thought I was walking on cotton balls and felt like (again like a little child) that perhaps I could run faster with these babies on. I wore them until I went to bed. The proverbial cat's meow. Buy them. Not cheap, but boy are they worth it. You won't regret it.*** The other review was right though. They are not real roomy in the toe box. I wear an 8 in everything and an 8 fit perfectly in these. I am 5'4 and weigh 120 lbs....now being carried on clouds. If someone had wide feet, or needed a roomy shoe, these probably would not work for them. They are light weight and cushiony and comfortable. I will buy a pair for my teenage son.Woo Hoo! Looking to get another pair for rotation.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful.
LOVE love love these!
By yogurt11
I was recovering from shin splints and a tibial stress fracture and needed new shoes. I needed a neutral shoe with cushioning and when I first looked at the Pure Flow I was worried that there wouldn't be enough support/cushion. But I've been using them for a few weeks now and they are exactly what I wanted and needed. The cushioning is great! I had a problem with heel striking instead of a midfoot strike which was hard on my knees and shins but the Pure Flow really corrected that and I've been increasing my distance and running pain free! I'm going to order another pair ASAP!

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26 of 27 people found the following review helpful.
Best Running Shoes I have ever worn!
By Lisa Roa
I have been wearing these for over 3 months. I thought I was getting tendonitis before I got these and never ran without pain. About two weeks after I got these, I was running pain free and still can't believe the difference. I won't even consider running without these shoes. I have a foot that's not quite wide enough for an actual wide sized shoe, but is pretty wide due to bunions. These fit perfectly as long as I wear thin socks. I wear a half size larger in these than in other shoes. If I ever hear they are going to stop making these, I'm going to buy 25 pairs and put them in my attic. Seriously.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful.
Best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
By Sherby
As a dental assistant I am on my feet most of the day. Lately I have been in a lot of pain and have recently been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. Went shopping for new shoes for work and just happened to try on a pair of the Pure Cadence because they were "cute". Was I surprised at how great they felt on my poor feet. It was like walking on a cloud. Bought them and wore them to work the next day. They hurt for the first couple of hours but then they were fine. I work ten hour days and my feet have never been this comfortable. I am almost pain free now. I will be buying another pair of these today in a different color. LOVE THESE SHOES !!!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful.
Pain no more!
By Bee Anka
So I had gone to try on a pair of Brooks shoes to get a size on a different pair I thought were cool looking, but once I put these on, I swore I would never take them off. I had had surgery on both feet about 2 months ago for heel spur removal and plantar fasciitis and have had a rough recovery.My job as a surgical tech involves standing and walking all day and each day since I've been back, I have been in excruciating pain. The first day I wore these, my feet seemed to be a little more sore than normal, but I figured that all shoes have a breaking in period. Day two, I was off and running, literally. I don't even notice my feet the whole time I'm at work now. I know it's not just the healing progress I'm making, because they still hurt when I put my regular shoes on after work.These shoes have so greatly improved my quality of life at work that I'm on here to buy a second pair for everyday use. These shoes are amazing! Light weight, well cushioned, great arch support, fun colors. I normally wear a 9.5 in women's athletic shoes, but I needed a 10 in these. If you have a standing job, and can get away with flashy shoes, I would recommend these over and over. Your feet are the most important part of your body if you hold said job, so treat them well!

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21 of 24 people found the following review helpful.
Powergrid 9
By ken
I have run in Saucony shoes for years, starting with the triumph 3 shoes all the way up to the triumph 7. Unfortunately the triumph 7 introduced a new, slightly porky mid sole connecting the forefoot and heel with a relatively stiff chunk of rubber. I tried a pair, but returned them after a few short, but painful heel-striking runs. I stocked up on Triumph 6's, ordering as many as I could, hoping to weather the storm until the next shoe. Unfortunately I run a fair bit so shoes only last a few months before they reach the 400 mile retirement point. With the triumph 8, things were improved, but not perfect, the shoe still felt like it had a slightly heavy awkward heel. Nearly out of triumph 6 shoes, I found myself shopping for other neutral + shoes. After trying nearly every brand, I found some good, workable shoes but nothing that rode or fit as well as the triumph 6 shoes.As soon as I saw the triumph 9 show up as available online I eagerly purchased a pair; the specs are impressive, nearly an ounce lighter than the triumph 8's, with new features such as 8mm offsets and an ibr+ rubber compounds.The smell of new shoes wafting out of the familiar red and brown box I pulled the new triumph 9's out. They look like an entirely new shoe. Gone is the characteristic Progrid "window" on the bottom; instead in its place is a simplistic Powergrid logo. Most importantly the awkward mid sole material that was added in the triumph 7 and 8 has been dramatically changed. First impression on fit is that the toe box is pretty big (actually just average compared to other brands). Gone are the round laces, instead the triumph 9 has flat laces. Shoe flexibility is good - much better than previous triumphs. Overall the shoe feels light, and somewhat minimalistic. Fabric padding in the heel is much less prominent than in previous triumphs, but seems to be strategically placed.After the first 15-mile run I was reminded why I like the triumph line of shoes so much, they provide an excellent, balanced, and plush ride that has great upper shoe support. The triumph 9 has the traditional arch lock / support that is characteristic of the triumph line. Gone is the heavy hoofed heel of previous triumphs; in its place is a plush, balanced, cloud like ride. Given the new lighter weight materials it will be interesting to see how they hold up as the miles add up.Update: After about 2 weeks running in these (about 150 miles) it is apparent that after some longer 20+ mile runs they are not for me. I have unfortunately started to feel it in my knees. I had to stop running in these shoes. These do still feel ok on shorter runs, they just don't work for me for the long distances.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
The same but different...
By Jeff Whitmire
I've been wearing the Saucony Triumph running shoes since I bought my first pair of Triumph 4's. This version has the same roomy toe box and large ankle opening that I like from the previous models with the advantage of a less pronounced heel to toe drop. At over 220 lbs. I was afraid I'd miss the extra cushioning in the heel, but my ongoing efforts to land more mid-foot instead of on my heel have been rewarded with this shoe. Less rubber between the heel and the ground has promoted a better stride for me since the thickest part of the sole isn't hitting the ground as quickly as it did in the previous versions of this shoe.Very well ventilated and easy to unlace after a run.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful.
Best Running Shoe I've owned
By KillerWhale
Best running shoe I have owned. I started with the Triumph 6 and loved them, moved on to Triumph 7 when they came out and hated them (very uncomfortable). With my experience with the 7, I was hesitant to go back to Triumph, and skipped the 8, but others' reviews on the 9 convinced me to give them a try: This shoe combines great cushioning with great stability (though it is not a stability shoe). I highly recommend.

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful.
I simply cant live without these shoes
By N. Bushwell
I cannot live without these shoes. The first time I tried them on, they were like heaven strapped to your feet. I know these shoes say that they are pure connect 2 but the bottom is the same as the previeous model. The most changes that have been made are on the upper. The upper is all in one piece and there isn't any opportunities for the tongue to slip under. They have amazing arch support and they are cushiony yet you can feel the trounce. This allows for less stress on your joints, and they help strengthen your feet. I prefer them over the very popular Nike frees. The flexibility is exceptional. The nav band keeps your feet in place without squishing your feet. The toe split doesnt affect anything, but I like that. I initially thought that the toe split would be a hazard, but it doesn't affect the comfort. I LOVE THESE SHOES!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
Was a Generation 1 PureConnect Fan, Gen 2 are AWESOME!
By Heidi
When they changed my favorite running shoes the original PureConnects, I was in a PANIC. Searched everywhere for some of the old ones with no luck, so ordered these. Turns out the new model is just as great, if not better. Actually has a little more arch support (as a flat footed runner, I like this a lot!) but they are still light as a feather. (5.9 ounces) I LOVE brooks running shoes, they are always great right out of the box and require no break in time at all. I have a hard time with running shoes and my toes falling asleep. The new model did not disappoint me on my 8 mile run this morning, so comfortable! LOVE these shoes! ♥ I will run my 4th half marathon in these this Saturday! Yay! I was SO worried! These are just as great as Gen 1! :)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
great shoe
By Ed J
I like the minimalist approach brooks has going on with the Pure series. More rounded sole allows for good ankle motion. My wife loves these!

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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful.
Excellent shoe if you're a large runner
By Roadrunner
I'm a triathlete and I've been having issues with pain on the top of both feet during impact. I'm a pretty big boy at 6'4/215lbs but I've never had issues like this before. I've been training for a 70.3 and upped my running quite a bit and the pain began as I increased my weekly mileage. A friend, who's about the same size, suggested I go down to the New Balance store and get fitted for some more "heavy duty" running shoes so I gave that a try. They fitted me with a pair of 1080v2's which at the time, felt great. After putting about 30 miles on them I realized that they were not as good as advertised. I decided to try one more pair of shoes before heading to the Dr. so I went down to a running specific shoe store in town where I was able to test several brands on the treadmill (they filmed my foot strike during the test). After trying 5 different shoes, I ended up with a pair of Brooks Glycerin 10's. My feet were still hurting but I decided to walk my dog for a few miles in them and try a few strides to see how they felt on pavement. The felt great so, the next day I went for a short 4 mile run to test the waters and I was amazed at the difference. The day before I had to stop less than half a mile in to my run because of the pain but, I was easily able to run 4 miles without any issues in the new shoes.I'm a natural heel striker (and I also run more on the outside of my feet) and the impact on the NB 1080v2's felt like a two stage impact i.e heel/forefoot but, with the Brooks, the impact feels more natural - instead of a two stage impact, it feels like my foot rolls softly from heel to toe in one sweeping motion.Shoe fit will differ between individuals so I'm sure your mileage may vary. But if you're a big guy and are having issues finding a good running shoe, I'd suggest giving these a try. They made a huge difference for me.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
Great Neutral stride running shoe
By Russ Stringer
I own Glycerin 8's, 9's, 10's and love the improvements in each model change. I am a larger runner (But getting smaller) training for a 1/2 marathon and I cannot say enough good things about this shoe. They tend to run a bit smaller, so go to a local running store and 1. Get the correct shoe style for you (Control/Neutral/Support) 2. The Correct size for you. The Army spent 30 years trying to make me a runner and failed. It took getting the right equipment to make the experience rewarding enough to make me love the run.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
good shoes
By Michael
I purchased these shoes to get back into running and cross training. These shoes were recommended for a neutral style runner. The shoes have great support and really work well, yes they are expensive but they are worth the money. I would recommend getting new insoles that is the only draw back of the shoes.

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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
By far the best money I've ever spent on a running shoe!
By Tammy L. McClain
I love love love this shoe!! I can't say enough about it! I used to be a diehard Asics girl but after my last pair literally fell apart after 3 months (and it was one of their more expensive pairs)and the pair of Asics I bought to replace those I just really didn't care for, so I decided maybe it was time to try another brand. I tried these after reading the review in Runner's World magazine and though I was leery about ordering a pair of shoes without even trying them on, I figured with Amazon's return policy I had nothing to lose. As soon as I tried these one I was in love. They are so light...much lighter than my last pair of Asics and the toe bed is so breathable...it's like having air conditioners in your shoes. I recently ran in a 5K in the rain with these and they were wonderful...I accidentally ran into a puddle and they did not become waterlogged or sloshy...they are by far the best running shoe I have owned to date. I am considering buying a back up pair I love them that much! This will definitely not be my last pair of Mizunos!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful.
Love these running shoes.. super comfy
By Kjb0976
These are my favorite running shoes. They provide the support (slightly pronate) and cushioning. I used to love Asics.. until I found these! I have a wider foot and these fit perfectly, unlike Nike/Reebok, which are too narrow for me.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
Love, love, love!
By Anita Weis
I have been an Asics running shoe fan ever since I was in high school-some 20 years ago. I had read from other runners their love of this shoe and after I purchased them and wore them right out of the box on my first 10 mile run-I am a convert. They are super comfortable and light-I almost felt as if I did not have anything on at all. I am not 100% they are true to size yet, they run slightly big but not enough to warrant purchasing a smaller size. I was nervous about the color, but now that I have them-they are really great! Excellent running shoe-I will definitely buy Mizuno's again.