Tag: brooks

Brooks Pureflow 6 Review

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, it’s 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.

Fit:

As mentioned, the Brooks Pureflow has run narrow.  The updated version 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.

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.  For some runners, this is their everyday trainer.  For others, like myself, it’s more of a speedwork shoe.

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.

In my rotation, the shoe is 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?

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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 Launch 3 were getting beat up, so I needed a new pair of shoes.  I enjoyed the Launch a lot, so I decided to introduce the Launch 4 into my rotation.

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

Fit:
The fit of the Launch 4 has a few significant updates including fewer seams and it’s wider!  I barely wore a women’s size 10 in the Launch 3, and now a size 10 in the Launch 4 feels great.

Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review

Feel:
The Launch 4 includes an entire extra strip of rubber at the bottom.  There are now 5 rows of rubber versus 4.  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?

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

Weight: 9 ounces
Drop: 10 mm

Pros:

  • Cheaper: The Launch 3 was 110, and the Launch 4 is 100
  • More forefront cushion and deeper treads

Cons:

  • I have yet to find any

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?
What is your all time favorite shoe?

Brooks Ghost 9 Shoe Review

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

The Brooks Ghost is one of the staple running shoes in the industry.  At our store, it’s 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 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.

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 8s that I worked in but I never took them to the road.

Fit:

The update from the 8 to the 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 upper 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 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 is one of my favorite of any shoe I’ve run in recently.  It has a wide, seamless upper which allows my foot comfort.

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.

The cushioning from the 8 to the 9 hasn’t changed much. If you like a soft and well-cushioned shoe, this could be a great option.  I was always a fan of working in the shoe and it feels just as great when running.

I’ve put just over 100 miles in the Ghost now including a few longer runs of 10+ miles.  I haven’t run into any issues.

brooks ghost 9 shoe review galaxy

Similar Shoes:
Asics Cumulus
Saucony Ride 9, Saucony Zealot ISO 2

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)

Questions for you:
What is your favorite “long run shoe”?  

Brooks Launch 3 Review

The Brooks Launch 3 is a lightweight trainer.  It’s a great option for anyone 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 Launch 3 as their daily trainer as well.  It’s a shoe that can pretty much do anything.

Originally I bought the 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 shoes 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

Fit: 

I like the fit of the Launch 3.  It has a wide toebox and a narrow heel.  In general, I find the shape of most Brooks Shoes to be true to size.  I wear a size 10, and a size 10 Launch 3 fits like a glove.

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

Ride: 

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

That being said, the Brooks Launch has a nice lightweight, but firm feel to it.  The front, as well as the mid foot, have been designed with more cushion. I run rather far on my toes, so the front loaded cushion is much appreciated!

After a few runs, I ultimately decided I liked them 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 them 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

Pros:

  • Light weight but cushioned
  • Price point of $100 ($110 for the limited edition color I chose)
  • Great shoe to use for racing or training

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.

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

New Shoes?

Since working at a running store the shoes I have run in have drastically changed.  I’ve taken time to experiment and slowly realized what shoes work better for me. I’ve even tried new brands!  Before a few months ago I had always done training runs in Newtons.  I thought I might always run in Newtons.  I really thought I was (hashtag) a #newtonwearerforlife

Similar to your first boyfriend (or girlfriend) when you think they are perfect for you because you don’t know anything else.  Now I am sitting here after trying several brands and I realize…I do like other things!  Newtons will always remain in my shoe rotation but I have currently added a couple of new shoes.

First, I’ve often said but I am a maximum support, heavy shoe person.  I don’t like to train in light shoes.  I’ve tried to run in sketchers, in light kinvaras, in minimilist shoes and they don’t work for me.  I find the bottoms of my feet sore and I find running less enjoyable.  Unless it’s a race, I’m probably running in heavy, high cushion shoes.

Newtons Distance and Gravity

Before donating last year.
Before donating last year.

These have always been staples in my running shoe rotation.  I probably won’t ever remove them.  They are both great shoes and both have enough support in the forefront for my running style.

The distance are a lighter weight version of the gravities.  I am often asked if I would recommend Newtons to others.  The answer is YES but you cannot just begin running in them.  You must slowly progress into them.  (A post for another day)

The first new pair of shoes I’ve fallen in love with is the Brooks Glycerin.  There is so much support and cushion in this shoe.  I’ve already put roughly 400 miles on my first pair and have not looked back.  Normally when trying new running shoes after 100 miles I’ve determined I don’t like them.  That is not the case here.  I love them.  It’s like you are running, skipping and prancing on a pillow.  I cannot sing Brooks Glyercins enough songs.  They are currently my favorite shoe and that is saying a lot for me because I’ve worn the same shoe for a solid 4 years of running prior.

brooksglyercin

The second pair I’ve started to try is the Asics Nimbus.  As far as support goes, they are another maximum support shoe.  I know a lot of people don’t like the heavy weights but I do.   I’ve run about 100 miles in these shoes.  So I guess we will see what happens in the next 100!

asicsnimbus

So there you have it.  I guess I’m onto college boyfriends in my shoe staples.  I’m not breaking up with my first love of Newtons but I have found some very solid (and possibly better for me) shoe choices in the Brooks and maybe even the asics.

(And no, no one paid me for writing this post.  These are my thoughts and personal discoveries.  I wish someone would have paid me for some of the boyfriends I dated to get to this point).

Questions for you:

Favorite training shoe?

Tell me a story about your first boyfriend or girlfriend.  (Bonus points if it brings the LOLZ)