Customer Reviews Brooks Ariel '20

Love Brooks AND Ariel - but '20 definitely runs smaller than Ariel 18.

These seemed to have a lower toe box than previous Ariels but my biggest concern is that Brooks seems to be cheaping out on us, which is not okay in a shoe in this price range. Last year's Ariel had a cuff that did not wear well. Compared to previous years, the Ariel '20 has much less plastic reinforcement and embellishment in the forefoot. Maybe this is an attempt to make the shoe lighter but I can already tell it is not going to hold up as well. Having the forefoot be all mesh takes away some of the structure of the shoe. Most people who choose this shoe have foot issues so I hope they will be careful when making changes.

I had to return them. I had foot surgery & am struggling to find a pair of shoes . After getting out of my surgical boot-the pandemic was in full swing. No stores open to try shoes. These are correctly sized as XX WIDE. The shoes didn’t fit properly & were quite “bubbly” if that makes sense! Love Zappos-they are amazing:-)

I normally wear a size 9 1/2, my toes were bumping against the tip. Otherwise, felt very good, excellent cushioning for painful heels, will try the half size larger.

I really wanted this shoe to work - it was highly rated. It didn’t provide the arch support I need - even with super feet. Brooks is a great brand. I am searching for another shoe bc I wore New Balance 860 v8 and v9 for years. However, the New Balance 860 v10 has many issues - thin collar on the heel being the biggest for me - it’s like NB cheapened the overall shoe to thicken the sole. NB 860 v10 is not for long runs. I really wish the Brooks Ariel had worked out. The search for a new shoe continues. Zappos is the best!

Didn’t fit

I have problem feet. Wish Zappos offered better search capabilities for wide toe box, cushiony arch support, etc. , and include sizing in reviews. I ordered these in a wide but next extra wide. Of course the extra wide is not available in my size. I hoped these would be a keeper as several of the New Balance I've tried won't work but these are going back too --- toes are too squished to be comfortable and especially for all day wear in the garden.

I love Brooks shoes as they are the few I can get wide enough to house my orthotics but it seems the quality is beginning to lack. I bought this pair 6 months ago, do not wear during the day, 5 days a week (I have to wear business appropriate shoes in my office) and already there is a hole in the top of the toe of the shoe. The material itself has ripped, nothing I did to tear it. This isn't the 1st time a pair of shoes I've gotten has fallen apart well before they should. Very disappointing.

I've worn Ariels for many years. These started breaking down after 3 1/2 months. The toe box never felt quite right, with a rub on my big toes. I just chalked it up to lack of quality control since they also came in an unmarked box.

I have quite a few pairs of Brooks and these weren’t comfortable at all. Sad to be returning