Customer Reviews Brooks Ariel®

This is my third pair of Ariels in a row, and once again they are without compare. After reading reviews about the changes to this shoe--and the color--I actually ordered a pair of Mizunos too, just for comparison. I put those on first and was instantly dissatisfied with the arch support. The Mizuno insole didn't offer much in that department, so I went right to the Brooks box. First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the color. I was expecting a green that could be seen from space. It's not. It's more like a very happy sea foam. I can accept that. Then I put them on and was instantly satisfied. Since I have PF in one foot, it's quite an accomplishment for me to find a sneaker that is stable, not too heavy, has good arch support, and doesn't look like I stole it from my grandma! I'll be keeping these shoes, like usual.

I am a 'hard-to-fit,' with a high arch, plantar fascitis, with small wide feet. I had nearly given up on trying to find a pair of athletic shoes to simply walk. To relieve my ongoing plantar fascitis symptoms, my podiatrist recommended custom fitted (soft) foot inserts. Feet change with shoes and I needed a comfortable athletic shoe with a better than good arch support, as well. I found the 'cadillac' of shoes Brooks Ariel women, at the same store that previously fitted me for foot inserts, solving my multi-foot problems including losing the foot inserts. Just one bug--the price. I was introduced to Zappos by a co-worker and never looked back. I am now a Zappos VIP customer. Suggestions. I would like to see a larger toe box and more color selections. I need a back-up pair NOW and PURPLE is the choice for me. Thanks for the opportunity to review!

This shoe is a lifesaver! Honestly. Two years ago I developed posterior tibial tendon disease (PTTD)/tear/arthritis in my left foot. I had never had foot pain before in my life. Having this caused every step to be extremely painful. After cases/orthotics/surgery the pain was somewhat improved - I could live with the pain but then the same thing began in my right foot, progressing to surgery. Post op it was very depressing as walking was still very painful. My tendon had been stabilized but every step all day hurt a lot! Sometimes worse than others. This shoe was recommended to me because of the motion control and stability. I have been them for two weeks and for the first time in two years I can walk again without very aggravating pain. As each day goes by my foot pain lessens. I am so impressed with these shoes. I've already had two others try them with the same outcome. The foot bed is the most comfortable I've ever had. I am not wearing my orthotics - I don't have to - they have made that much of a difference. I actually believe I am going to be able to start walking for exercise soon - and I had almost given up hope. Try these shoes - I think you will be very pleased!

Brooks Ariel is the perfect anti rolling heeled shoe on the market. Having chronic ankle instability is not an issue with the Ariel. Was recommended by my foot Dr.

WALKING ON PILLOWS. This shoe is terrific! It supports my 248 pounds well (cushioning)--which also suggests it's a great shoe for high impact running, like cross country. True to fit. I ordered an 11-D which fits beautifully. Toe is slightly tapered so your feet don't look like boats but still accommodates toe room to wiggle. Seems to help my slight pronation. Design is visually nice while the silver trim is also reflective. I compared this shoe with other Brooks of the same price range and decided on this one mainly for the type of tread on the sole and the reinforcement of the trim on the heel, thanks to Zappos' viewing options. Once I got them on, the arch is good. I have pretty flat feet and these are comfortable without being over-arched. I'll order this same shoe for next year!

This is my 5th pair of Brooks Ariel shoes. Obviously my feet are happy wearing them. I am currently taking rehab for a pulled tendon on my right ankle. These are the only shoes that give me the support and comfort I need. I do wear orthotics and they fit comfortably in my Ariels.

My regular shoe size is 9.5B or 10B. Previous running shoe was Asics (which seem to run small-both length and width)11D. The Brooks has roomy toe box so there was no need for a wide and after running in them, I realize a 10.5 would have been better. The 11's feel a little like clown shoes.

I love these shoes. I have problem feet including one swollen foot and plantar fasciitis. These shoes felt comfortable from the start and I have never had a problem with them since. They easily adapted to my orthotics and I barely notice I have shoes on my feet. I know what people say about the room in the back of the shoe, at the heel, but for some reason this just makes the shoe more comfortable for me. I am thrilled and would recommend that anyone with problem feet at least give this shoe a try. I'm glad I did!

I love these shoes. I have had foot/ankle surgery (peroneus longus tendon repair) and my doctor recommended these after surgery. I will not wear any other shoes now - these are so comfortable and supportive!

I love these shoes. My feet are very happy! I originally ordered an 8 1/2 wide, but exchanged them for a little more room moving up to a 9 1/2 wide. Customer service was a real pleasure to work with. Now after having worn these shoes for several months I am so happy I found them online.

I love the Ariel shoes. Wish they came in colors like red, pink, purple... too many blue's and greens. I am a loyal Ariel buyer. These shoes are so comfortable right when you put them on. Nice and airy for the summer heat. Great arch support. I first came across Ariel at a high end shoe store and once I knew what I wanted I started buying at Zappos because they are cheaper than the shoe store. Great shoe! Also wish they would make a off road color instead of the white... dusty in New Mexico!

I have a tough time finding shoes that fit and are comfortable. These I am glad to say fit the bill. I have a neuroma in one of my feet, and I have purchased many pairs of shoes, these are the first that I wore right out of the box with complete comfort. I am just so excited to get back out and walk again.

After being on my feet for 7 hours at work I came home to find my Zappos order. I tried these Brooks on and had them on for 4 hours. I've not ever bought a shoe which felt so comfortable immediately! I love the 'toe box' width, heel support is wonderful, & overall believe these are the most comfortable tennis shoes I've ever purchased.

My last pair of Brooks Ariel lasted almost 3 years! Sneakers are super important to me as I had a non-union fracture of my ankle 10 years ago and have flat feet and bunions and, as a nurse, I'm on my feet long hours, so excellent sneakers are a must. Thanks to Zappos outstanding customer service I was able to check out the competitors- Asics, Muzino, Saucony and New Balance, just to make sure that the Ariel still provided the best arch support in a lightweight, super comfortable sneaker. Yes, Brooks Ariel still tops the list for arch support and comfort, with the exception of Asics Gel Kinsei, which has truly outstanding arch support and flexibility, but only comes in odd colors and the mesh on the toe box did not look like it would hold up. Now for the cons on this years Ariel: construction wise the silver reinforcing trim on the toe box hits just at my bunion, I compensated by getting a wide instead of a medium width. Now for the cosmetic cons: The shoe currently only comes in "angel blue/shadow", which I would really call "swimming pool green", not really attractive, for such a popular shoe it would be nice to offer more neutral colors, like like navy or charcoal, especially since other reviewers said they used this shoe for work. Lastly the tie is a white color, which really sticks out, since the rest of the show is light grey and metallic silver, for a shoe at this price it would be reasonable to have matching shoe laces. The cons prompted me to look at other sneakers, so I hope that the next Ariels address these issues.

This shoe is wonderful! If you have a wide foot in the front due to bunions, over-pronate, and have a normal to narrow heel, this shoe is the one. Also, I have hammertoe on one foot and the soft top of this shoe is perfect for that (which can be a challenge). I used to be able to wear New Balance and whether my feet are more demanding or New Balance has changed its sizing, those are no longer wide or deep enough in the toebox. If you have that problem, try Ariel! I use them for walking, but they are so secure feeling and I have just lost twenty pounds, so I may try running again!

I've always worn Trance so was hesitant to change styles. The Ariel has much more cushioning and the arch support is superior to Trance. Ariel does run a bit large. Also, got the Addiction 10 shoe but it has a small fit and the tongue has too much padding so the insole is snug. Ariel is my wear every day shoe now.

This is my fourth or fifth version of this shoe, so I really like it. Last year's version felt a little small, so ordered a half size bigger - it wasn't necessary. But, I can wear my Thorlo socks now.

I have found the Brooks Ariel shoe very comfortable, and at the end of the day I am glad to have these shoes. I have had both hip replacements and the stability of these shoes allows me to function normally and with excellent balance.

Be careful! If you purchase these shoes, it will ruin it for any other shoe. They are very comfortable. It's the only shoe I wear now. Great stability and arch support!

Love these shoes! I have flat feet and these shoes offer great support. Wonderful! And as always Zappos is great!

Absolutely awesome. I am a severe overpronater and have always bought Saucony Progrid Guide. No longer! I just pray that they keep making this shoe and that they do not end up skimping on the way it is made. Love it! Would buy ten right now if I could!

I love these shoes! They did take several runs to break in and the ultra thick tongue took me a few days to get used to, but overall I love them! They are very springy and have a lot of support for running. I definitely recommend these shoes!

I've been wearing the Brooks Ariel for about 5 years. They are by far the best running shoe on the planet. The cushioning is supreme. I tried the Brooks Addiction but the cushioning is not even close to the Ariel. Better to spend the extra money for a superior shoe. When I wear out the shoes, I keep the insoles to use in other shoes for extra support and cushioning.

A very nice looking shoe. the toe is way to narrow for my foot. Way too small so I must return them without even wearing them in the house.

Very comfortable. I tried 2 other brands before finding this one that can truly accomodate to my wide feet. No break-in is needed and all my toes have room to breathe. This is a very nice pair of walking shoes, but not very supportive for jogging.