Customer Reviews Brooks Beast '20

An update to my first review: My first review was written after a hour of walking around in my brand new Brooks Beast 20s on house carpet only (in case I had to return them for a refund). Today, I've worn them for the entire day, on hardwood floors, tiled floors, and for a few short runs around the block on concrete sidewalks. And I have changed my mind about them. Yes, their soles are not quite as stiff (some might say rigid) as those on the Brooks 18 and previous model Beasts. But they are still more firm and supportive than almost any running (not walking) shoe I've ever worn. The sole bottoms are as wide as the 18s, providing a nice stable platform. The rear heel counters are far less stiff and confining than those on the 18, providing good support but sparing me any of the achilles heel and ankle twinges I occasionally experience with the 18s. The breathable pliable engineered mesh over the top middle and toe box areas provides even more room for the foot and toes than on the 18s, something I'll be able to appreciate late on a hot summer day when my feet sometimes begin to swell a bit. My wife says they look much better than the 18s, which she thought were too thick in the sole and clunky looking. Fact is that the 20's sole is the same thickness as that on the 18s. But Brooks has built and engineered them, together with their large inside guiderails, to look far less beefy and far more sleek and stylish, like a slightly thicker-soled GTS 20. To longtime devotees of the Brooks Beast who are larger and on the heavier side (with over-pronation) than my 6'2" 180 pound frame, the Beast 18s might still be the definitely preferable shoe. I can only say that, for myself, giving the Beast 20 a good workout and a second chance proved to me just how comfortable and enjoyable they are.

I’m actually quite fond of the Brooks Beast 18. I think it’s probably the best Beast yet, with its enlarged toe box, comfortable and very breathable engineered mesh, and well reinforced heel counter. The rather thick sole (an apparently growing trend with shoe makers like Hoka and others, who take it to more extremes) provides the perfect levels of stability and movement control, even for users who don’t suffer from severe over-pronation. I was curious to find out how the slightly lighter new Brooks 20 compared. Like the 18, its engineered mesh upper is comfortable and even a bit mor spacious. The heel counter is toned down but still adequate. So far so good. Buts it’s the new guide-rails, popular on so many other new Brooks shoes, that fail as a replacement for the more grounded and stable sole support system of earlier Beasts, including the 18. The 20 and it’s guide rails Just doesn’t provide anything close to the stability and sure-footedness as its 18 predecessor for my large 6’2” frame. i’m now quite happy that I purchased quite a few 18s in my size.