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Customer Reviews Brooks Ariel '20

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Rating Summmary:

2,027 total reviews

Review Breakdown:

62%5Rated 5 stars out of 5

19%4Rated 4 stars out of 5

8%3Rated 3 stars out of 5

6%2Rated 2 stars out of 5

6%1Rated 1 star out of 5

Customer Fit Survey:

75%"Felt true to size"

92%"Felt true to width"

69%"Moderate arch support"

Additional Reviews

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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I have been wearing the Ariel 18 size 6 1/2 wide for two years and absolutely love them in every way. It is like they are custom made for me. I have plantar fasciitis and overpronation. I decided I liked them so much that I wanted to buy a "spare" pair. However, I was disappointed that they had been replaced by Ariel 20. I ordered the Ariel 20 anyway hoping they would be as good as the 18. The 20 shoes are nice except for two things. They are about 1/2 inch shorter than the 18 and the shoe strings are much shorter. I am going to return them for a size 7 wide, because my toes touch the end of the shoes. I can't do anything about the short shoe strings, but complain.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I was really hoping these would work! Overall great show but really uncomfortable in the heel - awkward bump of cushion material on the lateral edge. Same as Brooks Adrenaline. Also, wish it came in more colors.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
I did order a half size up and I'm glad I did. This shoe is so comfortable. I am not a runner, but on feet all day at work. Since wearing these shoes my knee do not hurt at the end of the day and my back feel better.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
The Brook’s Ariel is my go to shoe. There have been a couple times when the color combinations were just too awful to wear, Brooks really needs to make this shoe more visually appealing. This color I can live with. Best fit, support and “comfortableness” for my old feet.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I ordered the Ariel '18 and this shoe, the Ariel '20. I hate it when sizes are not consistent within the same brand of shoes. The Ariel '20 is a half to whole size smaller than the Ariel '18, which I felt was true to size. I really love the Ariel '18 but I am going to trade the Ariel '20 for a size up and hopefully it will fit.
I'd also recommend:
Hoka, Asics, Clarks, Taos
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I have arthritis and pronation. These Brooks shoes are very comfortable and keep my ankles supported. I choose to order them a half size larger than my other shoes so they fit comfortably with socks. I think they are great and worth the price.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I’ve been wearing Brooks shoes for years. They’re my everyday work shoes. I’ve been searching for months for new ones but haven’t like the colors Brooks has offered. They’ve been sooo plain. These are no exception. For comfort I was ready to wear and move on. These shoes are exceptionally supportive, the arch is great but the the toe box is just too wide for my foot. My search will have to continue.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
My previous review only referred to the new light grey shade of Ariel 2020. I think the black pair is beautiful!!!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Very supportive!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Tried a size 7 - was too small. Tried a 7.5 and it was too big. Liked the color and style and was happy with the wide width. Too bad neither size was not right lengthwise for me.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
They are a great shoe, they don't give me as much comfort as the adrenaline do. I do not use them to run in - I work in a hospital lab and am on my feet for long hours, they have great support.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Tight fit. I could not fit my orthotic.
I'd also recommend:
Brooks Ghost 15
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
My foot used to be a size 10. I know it grew, as some feet do with age. But I do think the manufacturing has changed. The last 4 pair of Brooks I had were size 11. This time, an 11 was too short, which is why I ordered an 11.5. I do wish there was more cushion at the ball of my foot, but other than that, these are much better than the other 2 brands I tried in the last few months!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
Super comfy shoe! My favorite Brooks style now. I've had a number of toe surgeries and this shoe has good support, and stability plus good cushioning. At 75 I don't run but like them for long walks with my husband. My only somewhat complaint is that I wish the back of the shoe came a up a little higher. It is a bit hard to pull on for older fingers.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
I found Ariel's about 4-5 years ago and they help greatly with my sciatica. The Cadillac of comfortable shoes. They are the most comfortable shoe ever!! However, this last pair I bought about 2 months ago (the black with blue) feel like the quality of the support went down and they squeak when I walk. I bought a size 9M which is what my last 7 pairs have been, I hope they didn't change the build quality of these great shoes, otherwise I may have to shop for an alternative :(
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
It is a great shoe but...I got them for walking and they just aren't stiff enough in the metatarsal area of my foot. I do have problems in my toes and metatarsal area. when I walked over a mile it started bothering me. Also the back of the shoe is too bendable when putting them on. I prefer the addiction walker but these were supposed to be good walking too.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These shoes are typical sneakers. While they are advertised as having the most cushion, I did not find that to be true. The cushion is the same as many other sneakers so if you want support with cushion, I wouldn't recommend them. If support is more important, then these are good sneakers.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
Love, love, love the Ariel shoe. Perfect fit and support every time. BUT, the new 20 version includes a crushable back when putting on the shoe. I need to use a shoe horn. I consider this a major inconvenience! The last few years models did not have this issue so please go back to that design for the back of the shoe. I recall earlier versions did and was so happy it was changed. Ty!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Fits perfect. Comfortable from the moment I first put them on but the make a squishy noise with every step. I’m hoping that will eventually go away. It’s a little embarrassing
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I have worn a size 8, wide for more years than I can remember and these certainly remained consistent. I've worn New Balance for many years up until I needed a new pair and was fitted at a running store and left with Brooks Adrenaline 19 a few years ago. I wanted to try the Ariels and I'm not disappointed so far. I only need to contact someone because there is an unfinished seam on the inside of the shoe at the toe. Otherwise, the comfort, fit, and support are just what I need.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
This shoe is a success for someone I know who needs extra cushioning and a truly neutral fit on the pronation-supination scale. I found out I really need a very lightweight shoe at this point in my walking exercise regimen. I do walk on pavement and I do need a truly neutral shoe. And I am more and more often needing a wide shoe, so very glad Brooks has that option. But I also need a very light shoe and one that allows my nerve damaged foot to "feel" the ground. I am also just beginning to walk again so my distance/time is not way up there. So just not for me.
I'd also recommend:
New Balance
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I wear orthotics for hallux rigidus. So, my orthotics are thicker than a regular insole - or even a non-prescription insole. I wear 1/2 to 1 size bigger than my street shoe size because I use my orthotics. I went up 1/2 size, but found this shoe to be a slightly narrow. Having only recently heard of Brooks, I decided to try the brand in addition to trying Hoka One, which I found to be significantly more padded. For my needs and particular use, the Hoka One Bondi was a better choice. You definitely have more road feel with this sneaker, which is not a bad thing if you want it. They're really nice looking.
I'd also recommend:
Hoka One, Dansko
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I've bought Brook 8W before but this style felt small,not much room for toes, going to get 8 1/2
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
Between the Ariel 16 and Ariel 18 (and the men's comparable Beast), I have purchased about 20 pair of this model over the years, all in a 10 wide. I ordered the new 20's and all of a sudden the 10 wide is too short, my first two toes feel stubbed in the shoe. Don't know if the last is different, the toe box changed, or I just got an off pair, but can't wear them. Am ordering a 10 1/2 to see if that helps... hoping it does.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at Brooks Running
These are pretty and mostly comfy as well as more substantial around the ankle. But is the toe box smaller? The shoes are rubbing red sores on my arthritic toes.
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1 found this review helpful.

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