Is Brooks Running the Best Green Source for Runners?

Graphic from Brooks Running, Inc.

Test Driving with Caution
Schlader tried the Trance 8 and I ran with the Glycerin 7 through some of the coldest weather in New York during February and March. I had a chance to run with the shoe in other places like Myrtle Beach, SC and Pittsburgh, PA (if you like challenging runs…do I have a course for you in Pittsburgh). We ran in rain, snow and sunshine…on streets, in parks, through dirt and across ice. The only problem was that we may not have had the correct shoe for how our foot pronates during our time on the run. Apparently, being fitted with the right shoe is a big deal…bigger than I ever thought. Both Schlader and I reported pain in our legs. My legs would actually start shaking during a run, not a good thing.

Schlader's Testimony:

When I first saw the recycled box I was pumped. I looked at it romantically like I had some new kind of technology that no one else was aware of. When I saw the shoes I was even more excited. I loved the design. The shoe was futuristic and gave the impression that if I wore this I would be a super athlete. When I put them on for the first time they had a wonderful snug feel to them, like a great running sock.

Although the shoes were quite comfortable to where when walking I found running another matter. From the first run I felt as if I was wearing sandals. I didn't like how my foot felt as if it was touching the concrete. Now to be fair, I only run outside and had no experience with these indoors on a treadmill or track. Every time I ran I felt a strain in my Achilles or shins. This was a constant struggle for me. I wanted to have shoes that made the statement “I'm Eco-Conscious and Comfortable” - unfortunately the latter wasn't to be. I ran close to 200 miles on the shoes, but feel like I need greater support from a shoe. For now, they just not for me. That may change once I’m on a shoe that addressed the way my foot rotates.

My experience was a little different. I had to get use to the extra bounce from the midsole. It was distracting at first. I thought they were great for walking around the city. Once they broke-in a bit (after I’d clocked 50 to 75 miles), I started to really love them. They are felt gloves – nice tight and warm. When I ran in 7degree weather…at night (uphill both ways ;), I only needed one pair of socks, and in warmer weather, my feet were just as comfortable. In the rain, they have no protection if you step in a puddle, but not many running shoes do. And sprinting up stairs (something I really love doing during a workout), they worked great! All in all, I would recommend them. The greenness is definitely a big plus – it’s always great to be able to practice what you preach and to point at your footwear as an example.

The Aftermath
Because of our pronation issues, Schlader and I are going to get refitted, and retry the Biomogo shoes. It was recommended to us that we use an experienced advisor to ensure better results. Typically, your biomechanics can be evaluated using a video analysis system that compares the way you run in several models of shoes, and see frame-by-frame whether the shoe is giving you the right degree of support. The service is usually done at a local sporting goods store, and for free. In the meantime, there’s a lot of products to try-out…and lots of miles to go.

Next up, I’m testing out another vegan option by Montrail – and this time, I’m getting a woman’s opinion about how they perform.

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