Choosing the right running shoes for you is very important for getting the best results. Comfort comes first, second and third with this cushioned shoe from Brooks, and while it won’t win many plaudits from those seeking maximum speed from their footwear, it’s so nice to pull on that you might just forget about PB hunting for a while. The plush collar on the shoe sets the tone for what’s to come when you slip your foot in, as it wraps the ankle in what feels like a duvet’s worth of padding. The midsole contains Brooks’s DNA Loft cushioning, which provides an ultra-soft feel to every step, and the breathable upper stretches to wrap around the foot.
The adiZero Boston can work very well for runners looking for an introductory minimalist shoe – lighter than average, but with a fairly normal heel-toe drop. Some reviewers claimed the shoe is narrower than average (especially in the toebox) so if you have wider feet it may not work out for you. My feet are about average width and I didn’t experience any discomfort putting hundreds of miles on them. The shape of every shoe varies, especially between manufacturers, so it can be helpful to experiment with those that fit your foot best. I’m usually most comfortable in Adidas and ASICS but sometimes struggle to find Saucony’s and Nike’s that are comfortable.
The Brooks Launch 6 is not the fastest, lightest or most cushioned shoe out there. However, it is a brilliant Goldilocks shoe, offering a balance of speed, weight and cushioning that makes it a reliable pick for all kinds of training and racing. On top of that, it’s renowned for its durability, which should be extended even further in this sixth edition thanks to some extra foam under the forefoot. It also costs less than 100. A lot of runners will balk at the idea of spending 100+ apiece on two or three pairs of shoes for the perfect set-up for different training runs and races. The good news is you don’t have to; a pair of Brooks Launch gets the job done every time you pull them on.
Brooks is known for its exceptionally comfortable running shoes, especially on the more stable end of the spectrum. The Glycerin 16s are a notable standout here, so we’d be remiss not to mention it, even though there’s no award, per se. Like the lighter PureFlow 7, it uses a good deal of padding in the collar, except there’s even more in this shoe. On top of that, it uses a thick, highly padded tongue to envelop the top of the foot in excellent cushioning too. The sock liner it uses is somehow even silkier and comfortable than its speedy cousin. For landing comfort, it’s one of the best scorers, using a thick slab of DNA Loft cushioning. It’s worth keeping in mind that these are heavier shoes meant to stabilize your gait, so they’re a bit more restrictive than other models. They’re also a bit clunky for that reason. Despite their mass, they tend to break down sooner than is ideal, but that can be expected from shoes with lots of stabilizing features and cushioning. Those who are looking for a protective shoe that will keep their gait straight and feet enveloped in pillowy goodness will get the most out of these running shoes.
Even after a lot of races and workouts, the Hyper Speeds are still kicking. Once in awhile I’ll even wear them casually (hey, I’m a running nerd). I credit the sole, which isn’t too stiff or too hard. If you’ve ever owned a pair of Saucony Kinvaras, you know that the soft sole deteriorates quickly. I only got about 250 miles on them before they were retired. For those looking for the most minimalist racing shoe on the market, look elsewhere. The Hyper Speed 4 has a substantially raised sole for a racing shoe and weighing in at 6.6 ounces it’s definitely not the lightest. Read more info at https://info4runners.com/asics-gel-venture-6/.