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Tag Archives: brooks

Brooks Ghost 10 Shoe Review

July 19, 2017 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 7 Comments

Brooks Ghost 10 Shoe Review

In the Spring, I ran in the Brooks Ghost 9, and it was one of my favorite shoes of 2017.  I ended up running the entire 300-400 miles, and it was replaced in my rotation with other models including the Glycerin 14 and Launch 4.

To be honest, the Brooks Ghost 10 was one of my most anticipated updated shoes!  Brooks is not paying to me review their shoes.

Working in the running store, I can tell you the Brooks Ghost is one of the most consistent shoes on the market. If you like the 1…you’ll probably like the 2 and the 5 and the Brooks Ghost 10. I like the Brooks Ghost 9, and I also like the Brooks Ghost 10. The Brooks Ghost is often given the Runners World Shoe of the year.

Most of the update from the 9 to the Brooks Ghost 10 is in the midsole.  The Brooks Ghost 10 introduces a new two-piece midsole design.  It makes it more fluid for running and able to accommodate many different foot strikes evenly (IE: whether you run heel to toe, on your toes on somewhere in the middle).

The updated Brooks Ghost 10 also has less seems with minimal stitching and overlays. The 3d fit print overlays make for less rubbing for those with wider feet.  If you have bunions or a wider forefront, you’ll probably appreciate this update on the Brooks Ghost 10 as well.

Brooks Ghost 10 Fit:

The Brooks Ghost 10 has a narrow heel and wide toe box, which is the ideal shape for many people’s feet.  It hugs the arches appropriately and for the most part, fits true to size.  It’s been hard finding shoes that do fit true to size recently, plus everyone’s foot shape is slightly different (including your left and right foot).

Finding a shoe that accommodates both feet can be a challenge.  The Ghost has plenty of space.  I wore a regular size 10 in the Brooks Ghost 9 and wear a regular size 10 in the Brooks Ghost 10.

Brooks Ghost 10 Ride:

With the included new two-piece and fluid midsole of the Brooks Ghost 10, the shoe is much more responsive to where you need the cushion.  For many people, they benefit from a much softer heel.  For myself, I benefit from a much softer and well-cushioned forefront.

How can the shoe be so adaptive to so many foot types? Brooks uses a unique Cushion Material called “BioMoGo DNA foam.”  It’s essential, like memory foam.  It molds to your feet and cushions you where you need it. Out of any brand, the cushioning is the most adaptable to your stride.   It’s soft, lightweight and well-cushioned. The plush transition zone and segmented crash pad make for a great roll through the gait.

I’ve run speed workouts but also long runs in the Brooks Ghost 10.  Ideally, I like to do my easy runs and long runs in the Brooks ghost 10though.  Since I’m not running a lot, I do the majority of it in the Brooks Ghost 10 right now.

Brooks Ghost 10 Conclusion:

In summary, I like the Brooks Ghost 10 and think it’s a great shoe.  The updates from the Ghost 9 to the Brooks Ghost 10 have only enhanced the fit.

Current Rotation:
Brooks Ghost 10 (any run)
Brooks Glycerin 15 
Hoka Bondi 5

Other Shoe Related Posts:
Should You Wear Running Shoes Outside of Running?
How Alternating Shoes Can Benefit Your Running:
Five Secrets about Buying Running Shoes
How to Find the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes
How to Get the Most Shopping at a Running Specialty Store

Question for you:

What is your favorite running shoe?  Has it changed through the years? 

Have you tried the Brooks ghost 10? 

 

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Brooks Pureflow 6 Review

June 14, 2017 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 7 Comments

This Spring there have been a lot of updated shoes I’ve wanted to try.  Since I took a big portion off, I have a lot of catching up to do!  I haven’t necessarily found a shoe I’m “married” too, but I have found most of the shoes I’ve tried are good updates.  I work at a local running store, but I’m not paid by any company.  All thoughts are my own.

One shoe I’ve wanted to try for a long time has been the Brooks Pureflow.  Unfortunately, I have a wide foot, and it never felt comfortable.  I also don’t train every day in flat, minimalist shoes.   For me, the Brooks Pureflow 6 is more of a speedwork shoe.

The Pureflow was one of the last shoes I tried before taking a running break.  I was using it as a speedwork shoe.  During my running break, I rotated it into a casual shoe, and it was just as comfortable.  The shoe has almost reached the end of its life, and I’ve probably logged equally speedwork and walking miles. The 6 is the latest version of the Pureflow.

Pureflow 6 Fit:

As mentioned, the Brooks Pureflow has run narrow.  The Brooks Pureflow 6 has become wider and accommodating.  Like many Brooks shoes, the upper is now seamless, so even if you have a bunion or wider forefront, your foot will probably still fit into the shoe.  I usually wear a size 10 in running shoes, and size 10 fits well. I appreciate the wider tow box.

Brooks Pureflow 6 Feel:

The Brooks Pureflow is part of the Brooks “Pure” series which includes the stable Pure Cadence as well as trail Puregrit. The focus of the Pure line is low profile and minimal design.  It is in the natural running category and is light weight. For some runners, this is their everyday trainer.  For others, like myself, it’s more of a speedwork shoe or faster longer run. If you have high arches, the Brooks Pureflow 6 hugs the arches well. It doesn’t have arch support but it hugs many feet well.

To me, it feels like a typical speed work shoe.  It has a little more cushion than the Saucony Type A and a little less than the Brooks Ghost. In my opinion, it would be an ideal half marathon to marathon racing shoe for someone looking for a little less shoe but not a racing flat.

Pros:

  • Less than most trainers ($100)
  • Wider than previous models and can accommodate more foot types

Cons:

  • Less shoe means less durability.
  • While the toe box is wider, it’s still narrow.

In my rotation, the Brooks Pureflow 6 replacing the Launch 4.  I didn’t hate the Launch and would buy it again, but I wanted to try something different.

My Current Running Shoe Rotation:
Saucony Freedom ISO (long runs, daily runs)
Brooks Glycerin 15 (daily runs)
Hoka Bondi 5 (recovery runs)
Saucony Type A (races)
Asics Nimbus 19 (cross training)

Questions for you:
Do you prefer more cushion or less?
What is your current favorite pair of running shoes? Have you tried the Brooks Pureflow 6? 

Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review

March 15, 2017 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 7 Comments
Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review

Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review:

The Brooks Launch 4 has quickly become a staple in my running rotation.  A month ago, my second pair of Brooks Launch 3 was getting beat up, so I needed a new pair of shoes.  I enjoyed the Brooks Launch a lot, so I decided to introduce the Brooks Launch 4 into my rotation.  Whether you are a completely neutral runner or need a stability shoe, the Brooks Launch can fit somehow into your training.

Brooks is not paying me to review their shoes and I purchased the shoe myself.  All thoughts are my own!

Brooks Launch 4 Fit:
The fit of the Brooks Launch 4 has a few significant updates including fewer seams and the toe box is wider!  I barely wore a women’s size 10 in the Brooks Launch 3, and now a size 10 in the Brooks Launch 4 feels great. The upper of Launch 4  now uses 3d fit print which removes weight.

Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review

Brooks Launch 4 Feel:
The Brooks Launch 4 includes an entire extra strip of rubber at the bottom.  There are now 5 rows of blown rubber versus 4. The blown rubber and carbon rubber make for a smooth transition from heel to toe. The flex grooves allow for a responsive ride.  Plus as far as running shoes go, the Brooks Launch 4 can better be used as a daily trainer. The previous versions lacked cushioned but with the addition of the Biomogo DNA Midsole cushioning, it responds better to daily training versus racing. This means it’s more responsive to different forms of running.Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review

The extra strip of rubber helps forefront cushioning as well as a smoother roll from the toe off.  What does this mean?

Brooks Launch 4 feels like a smoother, less clunky shoe from the 3 (not that it ever felt clunky).

Brooks Launch 4 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9 ounces
Drop: 10 mm

Brooks Launch 4 Pros:

  • Cheaper: The Brooks Launch 3 was 110, and the Launch 4 is 100
  • More forefront cushion and deeper treads in the Brooks Launch 4
  • A much more cushioned shoe than previous versions of the Launch

Brooks Launch 4 Cons:

  • No widths available in the Brooks Launch

Current Shoe Rotation:
Saucony Freedom ISO (Long Runs, daily runs)
Brooks Ghost 9 (Long runs, daily runs)
Brooks Launch 4 (daily runs, tempos)
Saucony Type A (workouts)

Question for you:
What shoe are you currently running in? Have you run in the Brooks Launch 4? 
What is your all time favorite shoe?

Brooks Ghost 9 Shoe Review

December 6, 2016 By in Gear Review, Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , 14 Comments
Brooks Ghost 9 Shoe Review

Brooks Ghost 9 Galaxy Shoe Review

I haven’t had a shoe impress me during my first run like the Brooks Ghost 9 in a while.  I am shocked of how much I like the Brooks Ghost 9.

The Brooks Ghost is one of the staple running shoes in the industry.  At our store, the Brooks Ghost is one of the most popular neutral shoes. Brooks is also a great company to work with too. For no real reason, I haven’t run in a lot of their shoes.  I’ve tried on almost every model, but the only model of Brooks I’ve put significant mileage in is the Brooks Launch 3 (for speed workouts).

The Brooks Ghost 9 came out in June.  Recently, I fell in love with the new Brooks Ghost 9 Galaxy color and decided it was the perfect time to give Brooks another shot. I was due to rotate another high mileage trainer, so that worked out well.  The Galaxy color is just another limited edition of the Brooks Ghost 9. It’s the same Brooks Ghost, but a different color.

brooks ghost 9 shoe review galaxy

Even the shoelaces are decorated

The Brooks Ghost 9 has enough cushion for high mileage but is also light enough for speed workouts and races.  It’s a little more cushion and softer than the Launch.

As mentioned, I haven’t run much in any previous model of Brooks Ghosts.  I had a pair of Brooks Ghosts 7 as well as Brooks Ghost 8s that I worked in, but I never took them to the road.

Brooks Ghost 9 Fit:

The update from the 8 to the Brooks Ghost 9 is significant.  They have widened the toebox.  I wore a size 10 in the Ghost 7s, 10 wide in the 8s and I’m back to a regular 10 in the 9s.  Wider feet or those with bunions can appreciate the engineered mesh upper of the Brooks Ghost 9 is now seamless, so there is no rubbing or bleeding (something that happened to me personally a lot with the Asics Nimbus).

The wider toebox in the Brooks Ghost 9 is something I’m personally thankful for.  Your feet need to spread out while running.  If there isn’t enough room, you are much more susceptible to foot issues.

In summary, the fit of the Brooks Ghost 9 is one of my favorite of any shoe I’ve run in recently.  It has a wide, seamless upper which allows my foot comfort.

Brooks Ghost 9 Ride:

The Brooks Ghost 9 is one of the softer shoes on the market. As a company, Brooks uses a material called “BioMoGo DNA,” which essentially molds to your foot like memory foam. Together with the crash pad, it allows for a smooth ride.

The cushioning from the 8 to the Brooks Ghost 9 hasn’t changed much. If you like a soft and well-cushioned shoe, this could be a great option. The plush interior and refined designed allows the Brooks Ghost 9 to feel more premium when you aren’t running too. I was always a fan of working in the shoe and it feels just as great when running.  Compared to the 8, the Brooks Ghost 9 running shoe feels lighter on your feet when you run.  Getting to the true meaning of a “Ghost” and not knowing it’s there.

I’ve put just over 100 miles in the Brooks Ghost 9 now, including a few longer runs of 10+ miles. The Omega Flex Grooves in the Brooks Ghost 9 allow for plenty of traction on rainy or icy days. I haven’t run into any issues.

brooks ghost 9 shoe review galaxy

My Current Shoe Rotation:
Brooks Ghost 9 (Easy runs, long runs…replaced the Saucony Zealot ISO 2)
Saucony Triumph ISO 2 (easy runs, long runs)
Nike LunarGlide 8 (Shorter runs)
Saucony Type A (speedwork)

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:
What is your favorite “long run shoe”?  Have you tried the Brooks Ghost 9 Running Shoe? 

Brooks Launch 3 Review

August 31, 2016 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 20 Comments

Brooks Launch 3 Shoe Review

The Brooks Launch 3 is a lightweight trainer.  The Brooks Launch 3 is an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a fast and responsive trainer that can be used for anything from racing a 5k to a marathon.  I know a lot of runners who prefer the Brooks Launch 3 as their daily trainer as well.  It’s a shoe that can pretty much do anything.

Initially I bought the Brooks Launch 3 based on the Olympic color pattern.  Even though I was injured at the time, I loved the limited edition color and didn’t want to miss out.  I wasn’t alone, and the Brooks Launch 3 sold-out in-store pretty quickly.  I didn’t know if I would end up running in them, but I knew they could be an option too.

Brooks Launch 3 Review

Brooks Launch Fit: 

I like the fit of the Brooks Launch 3.  Like the Brooks Ghost 10, the Brooks Launch 3 has a wide toe box and a narrow heel.  In general, I find the shape of most Brooks Shoes to be true to size.  The midfoot is shaped to match to hug most arches. Plus, like most Brooks shoes, the top is now a completely seamless and mesh upper. I wear a size 10, and a size 10 Launch 3 fits like a glove.

To add: I didn’t run in the Brooks Launch or the Brooks Launch 2, but I tried them on at work a few times.  The Brooks Launch 3 was redesigned to be seamless, which is great for anyone with a super-wide food (like me).

Brooks Ride: 

At first glance, the Brooks Launch 3 wouldn’t be a shoe I would pick out for myself to run in.  It’s lightweight, and I typically like more cushion.

That being said, the Brooks Launch 3 has an excellent lightweight, but firm feel to it. I like to think it has an extra springy push wand amazing energy return with the rubber in the forefront.

The front, as well as the midfoot, have been designed with more cushion. I run rather far on my toes, so the front-loaded cushion in the Brooks Launch 3 is much appreciated!  Plus, many shoes lack rubber in the forefront, and the Brooks Launch 3 forefront gives you extra rubber. The fast heel to toe transition and energy return in the midfoot and the rubber in the forefoot, make the Brooks Launch 3 great for speed work. The Brooks Launch 3 uses a DNA midsole cushioning, which dynamically adapts to your foot and gait.  The Brooks Launch 3 is shaped for a fast heel to toe transitions and added speed for amazing energy.

After a few runs, I ultimately decided I liked the Brooks Launch 3 and will keep them in my rotation.  I’m debating buying a second pair to keep the “Olympic pair” for special occasions…(Like what if an Olympian wants to go to a diner or something?)

For my personal use, I plan to run in the Brooks Launch 3 as a workout shoe or a “faster feeling shoe.”  I don’t plan to do long runs or high mileage in them.

Similar models: Saucony Kinvara, Saucony Ride, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost

My Current Rotation:
Asics Cumulus 18
Hoka Clifton 3
Saucony Triumph
Brooks Launch

Brooks Launch 3 Pros:

  • The Brooks Launch 3 is lightweight but cushioned
  • Price point of $100 ($110 for the limited edition color I chose)
  • Great shoe to use for racing or training

Brooks Launch 3 Cons: 

  • Less cushion than a traditional trainer
  • Less durable than a traditional trainer. If you’re using these for a marathon shoe, you might want to invest in a couple of pairs.

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you: 
Do you wear Brooks? Have you tried the Launch 3? 
What is your favorite running shoe? 

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