Customer Reviews Brooks Ariel '20

Caveat: I am not using this as a running shoe; I'm using it for walking and for dog training. It was recommended as a shoe that is appropriate for someone my size: 5'10", 200 pounds. Good cushioning (not too little; not so much that you feel like you have two mattresses strapped to your feet). Decent arch support (i.e., I can get away with not adding an arch support orthotic). My main complaint is that the uppers have essentially zero lateral stability. This means if you walk/jog on anything other than a flat road your foot will slide sideways or downhill and you don't feel stable. Minor complaint: the laces are "sticky" so it is hard to cinch it up well, especially for someone like me who has arthritic hands. This inability to get the laces well adjusted adds to the lateral instability. I'm guessing it would be a 5-star if used by a heavy-set woman doing road running; for my purposes it is a 4-star shoe.

Ariel's are the only sneakers I can wear. I only wish they came in more colors and had a pair that was waterproof.

Ariel?s are the only sneakers I can wear. I only wish they came in more colors and had a pair that was waterproof.

I have bought Brooks aerial shoes for years. This is the first time an 8.5 did not fit. It was much too snug. I had to buy a 9. Not sure why they are fitting tight since I still have my other aerials size 8.5 and they are fine. Just an fyi. Buy a half size bigger. I also wish they came out with more colors and offered the old ones for sale too. We are too limited in the choices.

I loved the Ariel 18. These shoes (Ariel 20) are horrible. I wore them for about 4 hours in my home just walking around, and now, 2 days later, my feet STILL hurt. They rubbed the outside of my right big toe, caused pain in the bottom of both feet, and the ball of my right foot. Luckily I kept my old Ariels and can wear them until I get a new pair. Sending these back and ordering the Addiction. I have the Adrenaline and Ghost but need a little more support.

One year ago (Sept. 2021) I bought the Brooks Ariel 20 in black directly from Brooks. I did not begin wearing them until December of 2021. After wearing a couple of times, I then purchased the light grey (same shoe) but from a local retailer. After wearing either shoe a few more times I noticed that they were both making a squeaking sound. Upon investigating further, I realized that it was my orthotics rubbing against the inside of the show that caused the squeaking sound. Then I noticed that the material in the inside of the shoe (at the arch) was very different from the material in the Ariel 18 (of which I had two pair). I have been buying the Brooks Ariel exclusively since 2010 and have never had a squeak previous to the Ariel 20. I still have an old pair of the Ariel 18 and the orthotics do not squeak in those shoes. I hope this material is not what will be used in the future. If so, I will have to find a different shoe. Why change something that has worked so well???

This is my sixth pair of Brooks. They never dissapoint, however the sock lining in the back of the shoe is too soft and always gets stuck and squished into the shoe. I wish they would fix this and make it sturdier. Hopefully will stay put and not get torn. These shoes keep my feet stable when I go for my daily walks. I usually buy the Addictions, but heard lots of great things about the Ariel. They need more color selection too! Overall if you're looking for support this is it.

I'm not a runner- I'm just trying to walk. I was just diagnosed with something I've never heard of. But it IS in fact, a legit diagnosis. It's "post traumatic arthritis disorder",(look it up!) and its a condition that occurs (Usually) years after an injury. It's terribly painful and there's no cure except pain management. Comfortable shoes with support is the FIRST thing you need to address it. My daughter's a nurse so recommended Brooks to me. I tried them and they work- I then bought a pair for my husband who has neuropathy and he likes them. But.. he can't wear them because they make his feet too hot, they sweat and consequently, his feet hurt. He's hoping that they'll work in the winter. It might behoove you to market to folks with PTAD- apparently there are a BUNCH of us.

I?m not a runner- I?m just trying to walk. I was just diagnosed with something I?ve never heard of. But it IS in fact, a legit diagnosis. It?s ?post traumatic arthritis disorder?,(look it up!) and its a condition that occurs (Usually) years after an injury. It?s terribly painful and there?s no cure except pain management. Comfortable shoes with support is the FIRST thing you need to address it. My daughter?s a nurse so recommended Brooks to me. I tried them and they work- I then bought a pair for my husband who has neuropathy and he likes them. But.. he can?t wear them because they make his feet too hot, they sweat and consequently, his feet hurt. He?s hoping that they?ll work in the winter. It might behoove you to market to folks with PTAD- apparently there are a BUNCH of us.

Comfortable shoe overall. However, the back of the shoe caved in so to speak such that the back of my foot is not covered fully.

I love these shoes! very stylish, gives the max support needed (recovering from an ankle fracture/sprain) and these were recommended by my Ortho Doctor. Now, in my opinion these runs a litter smaller that the Glycerin GTS 19 so I wear them without my brace, I would go up half a size for more room in the toe (I'm a 6.5) a 7 would've been perfect! But overall a great shoe!

Love the shoes but the shoe strings are way too long!! Stop making shoestrings so long, there is no need for it.

I love these shoes! very stylish, gives the max support needed (recovering from an ankle fracture/sprain) and these were recommended by my Ortho Doctor. Now, in my opinion these runs a litter smaller that the Glycerin GTS 19 so I wear them without my brace, I would go up half a size for more room in the toe (I?m a 6.5) a 7 would?ve been perfect! But overall a great shoe!

Provides the mid foot stabilization that I need. I'm not a runner, these shoes are recommended by my podiatrist and they fit my huge orthotics. They are the only shoes I wear.

I've been wearing Brooks shoes sense 2015. I had major reconstruction/surgery of my left foot because of my severe pronation. My doctor told me to purchase Brooks shoes. These shoes have the high motion control. The reason I give a 4-star rating instead of 5-star is because Ariel '20 definitely does not have the quality and support as Ariel '18. The quality is declining in the shoes.

Shoes are very comfortable. Only issue I have is that my heel in the right shoe keeps lifting up as if the shoe is too big and the support just doesn't feel the same as the left shoe. Chose the aerial 20 shoes due to having the most support and comfort. Probably sending back but I don't want to have to wait for a new pair. Really needed a good shoe.

Shoes are very comfortable. Only issue I have is that my heel in the right shoe keeps lifting up as if the shoe is too big and the support just doesn't feel the same as the left shoe. Chose the aerial 20 shoes due to having the most support and comfort. Probably sending back but I don't want to have to wait for a new pair. Really needed a good shoe.

I really love my Ariel's. I have really bad issues with my feet and they are the only shoes that feel good! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because they wear out quickly. Also, I would love to see some better colors. I love the black and turquoise, not the grey and purple or green. Maybe black and hot pink or white with navy or black. I am on my Third pair of black with turquoise! Love them!

I really love my Ariel?s. I have really bad issues with my feet and they are the only shoes that feel good! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because they wear out quickly. Also, I would love to see some better colors. I love the black and turquoise, not the grey and purple or green. Maybe black and hot pink or white with navy or black. I am on my Third pair of black with turquoise! Love them!

Is there an Ariel '22 or '23 coming soon? I would love the shoes more, if my size was available in more color options. I understand supply issues have been a problem, but for some time, wide sizes were not available at all. :0( The support is fantastic, these are shoes that get me through my 6 miles of walking each day at work.

Is there an Ariel '22 or '23 coming soon? I would love the shoes more, if my size was available in more color options. I understand supply issues have been a problem, but for some time, wide sizes were not available at all. :0( The support is fantastic, these are shoes that get me through my 6 miles of walking each day at work.

Overall, a comfortable shoe with good motion control for a very flat footed runner. The heel cup is a little more shallow then previous versions of this shoe, which took some getting used to. The shoelaces are oddly stretchy and required some relacing and retying to get the best fit.