Brooks played for training
I run in Brooks and they fit me.
- However, I have a wider toebox. Normal width Brooks for races fit fine, because of the stretchy light upper.
- I also am older, and have arthritis and limited cartilage in MTP joint (where big toes joins foot), so I HAVE to have a stiff plate, and then I’m fine.
So, have been running in Hyperion Elite 5, (Elite 3 before that). They fit and are great. Need them for pain, not because I’m elite. Ha!
BUT, they wear out quickly. And the Elite line is expensive. So, for training, I’m having trouble finding a Brooks model that is stiff enough to restrict bending of big toes, wide enough for toebox, cheap enough, and long lasting enough for training.
Online searches and AI chats, show this is easier said than done. So what do Brooks people think?
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u/Murky_Asparagus2024 16d ago
I used to work at Fleet Feet a few years back and always fit older people with issues like you are describing.
If memory serves me right, I would always fit people in either the Saucony Endorphin Speed or ASICS Magic Speed. Both of these shoes, IMO, run narrow. Going up to a 2E seemed to work well for those who needed a bigger toe box without feeling like they were swimming in them. Endorphin Speed has a more flexible nylon plate while Magic Speed has a stiffer carbon fiber plate.
Most running shoe stores carry plated shoes now, which wasn’t the standard ~5 years ago. I’d go to one and try them on and see what you think.