Brooks Running Shoes: Your Top Questions Answered

We ask a Brooks expert for running tips and how to pick the right running shoe.

How do you tell the difference between running shoes and walking shoes?

Running shoes and walking shoes have slightly different profile heights. That’s not to say you couldn’t “walk” in a running shoe. Our walking shoes are constructed with leather uppers, while our running shoes have a mesh upper construction. At Brooks all we do is running and walking. So if it’s forward motion, we can help.

How long do running shoes last?

Running shoes last roughly between 300-500 miles or between 4-6 months. These are rough estimates as there are several factors that contribute to the breakdown of your shoe, like how often you are running, what surface you are running on, and other factors like heat and weight.

Midsoles compress and breakdown over time. Some runners say they can tell it’s time for new shoes when they start to have aches in their knees or hips. We’d like to see you in new shoes prior to those aches.

Is it best to rotate running shoes between workouts?

Rotating shoes between workouts gives the shoe ample opportunity to dry. It’s fine to rotate shoes between workouts. We are finding that more and more people are choosing to do this.

Should I train in the lightest weight shoe possible?

You should train in the shoe that provides the correct level of support for you. Pronation is normal and almost everyone pronates to some degree. At Brooks, we build shoes that meet those needs and group them into categories, under to mild pronators are normally fitted in something from the neutral category. A person that has mild to moderate pronation might wear a shoe from our guidance or support category. Severe over pronation needs are best resolved with a shoe from our motion control category.

Pronation is not a dirty word or a bad thing, and at Brooks we don’t attempt to stop your pronation, we design shoes that reduce the speed and rate of pronation in order to help runners minimize their risk of injury due to excessive over pronation.

The weight of the shoe should really be an afterthought for training. Know that we try to make the shoe as light as possible without compromising its ability to function properly. We do make racing flats that are often as light as 5.5 ounces, even though these are typically reserved for race day, more and more athletes are incorporating “minimal” into their training regimen.

A few examples of lightweight shoes from Brooks that are available for men and women are the Brooks Racer ST that is 8.6 ounces (for a men’s size 9), the all new Green Silence which weighs in at 6.9 ounces, and the Brooks T6 Racer that is only 6.1 ounces.

What kinds of running shoes are good for running on a treadmill?

All Brooks shoes are great for the treadmill.

Are road running shoes good for trails? What is the difference between a trail running shoe and a road running shoe?

It depends on the trail, whether it’s a groomed trail, rooty, or a rocky trail that winds like a snake through mud. For groomed trails, road shoes will work fine. For the later, you need a shoe with a lugged outsole for added traction like the Brooks Adrenaline ASR. For even more off-road performance, I would recommend the low profile, rock shield-equipped Brooks Cascadia.

What shoes do long distance runners wear?

We hope they wear Brooks! We recommend a shoe that fits the correct category for your degree of pronation.

How do you prevent toe nails from turning black after long runs?
You prevent black nails long before your long run. It starts with the initial fit. Your feet swell on long runs. You should have one fingers width between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe.

What types of running shoes are good for beginners?

All Brooks shoes are great for beginners. It’s best to know what category of shoe is best for you. You’re only a beginner for a day or so, then you’re a runner. You need a shoe that works with you to help minimize the impact of running. This will keep you running and inspiring others to do the same.

What can we look forward to from Brooks in the future?

The Green Silence, a bio-friendly racing flat that weighs in at 6.5 ounces is constructed of post consumer products like recycled compact discs and soda bottles.

And Brooks introduced DNA, the first adaptive cushioning system, earlier this year in the Brooks Glycerin. DNA creates a perfect ride for every stride regardless of weight or pace. The new Brooks Beast® and Brooks Ariel® now have full Length DNA. Coming soon: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 with DNA, Brooks Cascadia 6 and Brooks Ravenna 2 with DNA in Spring 2011.

Brooks continues to pioneer the footwear industry with its green initiatives.