Perfect Shoes for Flat Feet (new '03 model update)
Written: Apr 02 '01 (Updated Aug 26 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent support, good for flat-footed and heavier runners, good motion control
Cons: Price, weight
The Bottom Line: Recommended for anybody look for a durable motion control shoe. Especially good for bigger runners and folks with flat feet.
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| jdstevenson's Full Review: Brooks Beast |
--2003 update--
Yet another update, this time for 2003 model. I'm still happy with this shoe, and I'm 20 pounds lighter than back when I bought the 2000 model. Marathon time has gone from 5:30 to 4:15 (let's hear it for the benefits of running!) This will probably be my last update since I'm much lighter and probably need to move to a different shoe once I complete my current marathon training (NYC 03).
Not a huge change in design from 01/02 models. Main change is significantly better ventilation in the tongue and a simpler, cleaner look in my opinion. Comfort wise, every bit as good as previous models, with no pain after long runs. Just remember to get new ones every 450 miles or so. Less if you carry more weight. Your knees will thank you for staying in well maintained shoes. Track that mileage.
As a flat footed runner, I do recommend Spenco liners, even though the liners included by Brooks are high quality... They just tend to blister my feet more at high distance. That's been my experience with all three models. I also recommend Thorlo light running socks -- best I've found for serious runners, and a good combination with these shoes.
Over the 3 years of doing this, a couple of other recommendations to bigger runners, or people watching joints -- glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and fish oil supplements will help if you get joint pain. Between the shoes and the supplements, I've never felt any more problems with knees, no matter what mileage I'm doing.
Happy running!
--2001 update--
Just wanted to add a couple of lines here about how the shoe was redesigned. Aside from the obvious cosmetic changes in the 2001 model (less 'arrows', more 'flames' is the best way to sum it up), the shoe feels basically the same as the 2000 model I review below. The new model might be slightly lighter -- but not significantly. Airflow and breathability in the new model are better. The lacing is different on the new model; it feels more snug than my old pair and the laces seem to expand at the middle seam a bit wider; which I'm not sure I like. But the overall fit is good and I haven't noticed much difference between the new and old model on long runs. So if you liked the old Beasts, you'll probably like the new ones. The primary features haven't changed.
----2000 model review----
Last year, I watched a friend run the Boston Marathon and got inspired to start running. The problem was, I hated running. From the time I was a kid, I can remember my feet and back starting to ache after a few minutes of the pounding. I was born with flat feet, and the arch support built into most shoes forced an uncomfortable ridge into the soles of my feet.
A friend talked me in to going into a real runner's store -- not one of those mall shops with clueless clerks. A helpful sales person put me on a treadmill and watched the way I ran. He also measured my foot. He went into the back and returned with a pair of Brooks Beast shoes. Nine months later, I had run my first marathon in Dallas.
3 things helped me make it through all the training and eventually completing the marathon:
-Being inspired by watching the Boston marathon.. Not so much from seeing my athletic friend get across the finish line as seeing the huge range of people who run. People who look like your grandparents are out there. And the crowd cheers for everyone -- not just the leader. It's a remarkable, uplifting sport.
-The shoes. If I hadn't come across a great pair like these, I might never have kept running. They got me across the finish line and were ready for more. They felt great on my feet all the way.
-Gallaway training -- learning how you can make good time while still letting your body recover through timed walkbreaks. If you are a new runner, I highly recommend checking it out.
A word of caution: if you are a big runner, like me (190 pounds); be sure to replace your shoes if they start to wear out. When shoes wear out is a topic of great debate. My advice: look for signs of wear and pay attention to your body. If you start to feel pain in your knees or ankles, try some newer shoes. The Beast is built to be highly durable. But they don't last forever, as I learned when my knees started to act up after 7 months of training. Switching to a new pair eliminated the problem.
I'm on my 3rd pair now, and would recommend them to anyone. They are a bit heavier than other shoes, but if you're in that odd combination of bigger/flat footed/pronator, this is the only shoe to go with.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jdstevenson
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Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
A self employed technology consultant who lives in Dallas with two very demanding cats.
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