Customer Reviews Brooks Ariel '20

These are supposed to be designed for overpronaters, but they actually make it worse—the foot bed is tilted outward. The midsole is very stiff, and the shoes are heavy, too. I’ve already worn them three times, hoping they’d break in a bit, but I don’t think they’re going to work. :(

The padded collar around the ankle is TOO BIG and very PAINFUL! It felt like a hard round tube pressing under my ankle and around the back of my heel where the achilles tendon is. Too much pressure! So huge, thick and uncomfortable that I couldn't wear the shoes. It didn't feel like cushioning at all to me, just a hard and painful lump. Very disappointing, I really wanted to like these.

I have had several pairs of Brooks. They are always comfortable and provide great support. Currently, I wear mine just for everyday wear, walks in the neighborhood, etc. Not running. The past couple of pairs I've had, including these, got holes in them within a couple of months. Pretty disappointing for such expensive shoes :(. They are still wearable, but they get worn out so quickly. I want to buy more Brooks, but it seems like the quality just isn't there.

The shoes are very comfortable. However, it is the 2nd pair that I have worn, and both have shown the tendency to to tear/shred at the inside toe box area, even with the wide width. The latest pair was only purchased a few months ago. Will not order this style again.

They fit perfectly like most of the Brooks shoes I've worn for decades. They look good. However, after a few days, I found that I had unexpected heel pain. The shoe's balance seemed to make me strike my heel harder than usual. I will try heel pads but will most likely not wear these shoes much. I have the same model in a different color, Black, and they are fine. I've worn them for months. Very disappointing.

Too tight all around.

Pretty shoe but the width was extremely tight for being wide width.

I have been wearing Brooks Ariel for years. I have foot issues like many people and wear hard orthotics in my Brooks, so I order a 10 wide. Got these shoes,not anticipating a problem, and destroyed the packaging. Unfortunately, these shoes fit nothing like my other Brooks. The shoe is shorter and the toe box is much narrower. My toes are cramped in these shoes and I will never be able to wear a winter sock. I am hoping that this is just this one pair that has different sizing. I will order another pair and hope that the fit is like it has been for the past several years and the new pair is just an aberration. If not, I'll send them back. Not sure if I will try a larger size or another brand.

I think Brooks changed the style of the Ariel. I have been wearing Brooks Ariel since 2003 and this is the first pair that did not fit well. The toe box seems shorter and the changed in the heel pad adds bulk and makes it difficult to wear comfortably. I am heartbroken as I have a bad knee and the stabilization of the Ariel has been significant in allowing me mobility; however with the changes in the toe box and in the heel, they are really uncomfortable. I can not recommend these shoes.

This was the third pair of Brooks I have purchased in approximately two months. The first Brooks shoe I purchased was too small, even though it was my regular shoe size. The second pair was one half size larger, and was again too narrow for my foot. The third Brooks I purchased was a size nine and a wide width. I wore them three times and although they were a wide width, hurt my feet so much, that I have now made an appointment to see my podiatrist. I have returned them. I have again ordered a Brooks Ariel size nine and an extra wide width. We will see how these shoes fit. If these donot work out, I will reorder a New Balance shoe, which is what I have always worn. I wanted a lighter shoe than New Balance, which the Brook Ariel shoe is, but if this shoe doesn't work out, will return them, and reorder my old stand by New Balance.

The shoes felt really great at first. A lot of cushion. But the cushion wore down and after a few walks I found the shoes starting to hurt my feet, knees and lower back.

Two sizes too narrow and at least 1 size too short. Very tight shoes even in XX Wide.

I have been wearing these shoes for years so I know the comfort and fit. Upon opening the box I immediately noted that these shoes had been worn and were not new. I was not going to pay $150 + for used shoes. Clearly inspector who boxed shoes did not care or thought I would not notice. This was not something that would not go unnoticed. I have attached picture of exactly how shoes were when I opened box. The return was easy and I was immediately credited my payment. Was offered a partial refund if I kept the shoes, not interested in "worn" shoes especially athletic shoes.