Tag: brooks

Brooks Hyperion Elite Shoe Review
Gear Review, Running

Brooks Hyperion Elite Shoe Review

Hollie

Brooks Hyperion Elite Shoe Review:

I had high hopes for the Brooks Hyperion Elite. As you can tell by the first line, the hopes weren’t exactly met. Shocking, because Brooks rarely doesn’t bring their A-game.  It isn’t that I think the Brooks Hyperion Elite is a bad shoe, but I don’t know if I believe it’s a $250 shoe. Especially when the most similar shoes to the Brooks Hyperion Elite are racing flats which generally cost around $100.

Brooks Hyperion Elite Shoe Review

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Brooks Launch 7 Shoe Review
Gear Review, Running

Brooks Launch 7 Shoe Review

Hollie

It’s funny, I don’t try the Brooks Launch every year, and typically I only try it for limited-edition versions. I always like the Fourth of July Color and this year is no different. The Brooks Launch 7 is available in several different colors but I am a creature of habit and purchased the Brooks Launch 7 in the Fourth of July color.

Brooks Launch 7 Shoe Review

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Gear Review, Running

Brooks Ghost 10 Shoe Review

Hollie

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? 

 

Gear Review, Running

Brooks Pureflow 6 Review

Hollie

2017 Brooks Pureflow 6 Shoe Review

This Spring there have been a lot of updated shoes I’ve wanted to try.  Since I took a big portion off from running, 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 in 2017 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.

2017 Brooks 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.

2017 Brooks Pureflow 6 Feel:

The 2017 Brooks Pureflow is part of the Brooks “Pure” series which includes the stable Brooks 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.

2017 Brooks Pureflow 6 Pros:

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

2017 Brooks Pureflow 6 Cons:

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

In my rotation, the 2017 Brooks Pureflow 6 replacing the Launch 4.  I didn’t hate the Brooks 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)

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 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
Gear Review, Running

Brooks Launch 4 Shoe Review

Hollie

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?