Have you tried past models and can tell us what you think of the changes? New to Transcend? Let us know in the comments. Transcend offers more stability than the brand’s Ravenna, while bringing in the comfort users love in Glycerin, Brooks’ premium cushioned model. Fun bicolor patterns peek through breathable holes in the forefoot; a top-notch heel counter rounds out the posterior and works synergistically with the now better-positioned GuideRails, to direct foot motion.

As much as I liked the upper material, I had to try adjusting the lacing a few times to get the fit right. They do what they are supposed to do: provide support and a lot of cush. The Transcend 7 utilizes Brooks’ unique Guiderail system, which is firmer midsole material that rises up and basically cradles the mid and rearfoot area. Think of them like bowling bumpers keeping your feet in a neutral position; nothing forceful or harsh. I’m a neutral runner, so this was appreciated. Having your gait tapped gently into place on tired legs is also appreciated. Non-running related side note: I’m a terrible bowler. Like the Ghost, it has a high drop, which may feel a bit clunky to runners used to lower-drop shoes. Even so, the plush heel cushioning softens impacts, and the thinner forefoot has good flexibility for snappy toe-offs. The air mesh upper breathes well and features lots of padding around the collar for comfy fit, and the high-coverage rubber outsole is grippy and tough enough to withstand high-mileage training routines. When running you will feel the weight which will limit the pace. On avg, I like to stay around the 8:00/mile mark. With these, I caught myself being comfortable at around 8:30/mile. I certainly didn't mind that though. When getting these, know that you will only use them for easy-paced effort.To me, the Transcend 7 feels more cushioned than the Glycerin. My theory is that the Guiderails place your foot in a way that’s easier to hit the ‘sweet spot’ of the shoe. Does science support that? Who knows. It consists of a double-layer of the same material, reinforced by the smooth synthetic fibers that pad the heel collar. The Transcend 7 had a real nice mesh upper with a plush tongue and collar. However, during the summer months when temps are in the 80s -90s, my feet were on fire!

This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy. With an engineered, seamless mesh, the upper favors the look of its neutral brother, the Glycerin 18. It looks kinda cool, especially for a shoe in a class not exactly known for looking cool Cushion shoes, as the name implies, are designed to create a soft, pillowy feel underfoot. The Glycerin 20 is the flagship shoe in this category and Brooks’ most cushioned trainer. If you like plush, maximalist shoes that provide plenty of padding for your feet, this is where to start.Together, the DNA Flash foam and SkyVault create an energetic ride, and enough responsiveness to get a good feel for the ground underfoot, which can be helpful for navigating obstacles on technical trails. The upper comes with a toe cap for protection against trail debris, and it also features drainage holes to shed water, so your feet won’t slosh around in the shoe after a creek crossing. In RW testing, the Catamount 2 won praise for its excellent grip, even in wet and wintry conditions. DNA Flash, like DNA Loft v3, is nitrogen-infused EVA foam, but it’s optimized for low weight and high energy return. It also offers some softness to absorb impacts. It’s Brooks’ lightest cushioning material, giving shoes like the Hyperion Tempo their propulsive, energetic ride. It’s the foam you want under your feet if you’re focused on speed training or racing. It isn’t the most plush shoe on the market, and its high drop may feel uncomfortable for some runners. But the Ghost does a great job of absorbing impact forces, and the footbed feels supportive—ideal for a day-to-day training shoe. Its upper is made with a breathable engineered mesh for good temperature regulation, and the shoe has a great overall fit: The midfoot is relatively wide, so it won’t constrict your feet. The padding around the collar creates a comfortable feel. Testers reported no issues with hot spots or rubbing. Overall, the Ghost 15 is an approachable, capable shoe that works well for a wide range of runners. The shoe is put together well and its heightened level of cushion and plushness will allow these to last for a long time which is good because the Transcend 7 is ideal for long distances. Excellent grip on dry and wet roads The RW Takeaway: Lace up in the responsive and generously cushioned Glycerin 19 and Glycerin GTS 19 for all kinds of runs. Their luscious feel didn’t weigh us down as we pushed the pace during training.

More props to Brooks for continuing to lighten up their shoes. Nine ounces for a women’s size 9 is a step in the right direction for their “Cushion” line. It looks and weighs almost the same as the Glycerin, and I almost like the Transcend better for the purpose it serves. Shop Brooks Transcend is Brooks’ attempt to build a shoe focused beyond the feet: to the knees, and 2019 bring us a new and improved model, now with a 10mm drop, up from 8mm in past models. Brooks has been around for over 100 years, but its story as a running company began in 1974, when the brand released its first running shoe, the Villanova. The shoe was a revelation: It was the first to use ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam padding, which was lighter and softer than other midsole materials used at the time. The Villanova set a new standard for running shoes–EVA is still widely used in running midsoles today. A 3D Fit-Print saddle over the midfoot applies stretch and structure to the stretch-bootie-lined Double Jacquard Mesh body of the shoe. Another tester, who is a self-described pavement pounder, said the shoe “had great push off and was equal to or better than my Adrenalines.”

Stability” is essentially an effort to help the foot move efficiently, which guides the knees, hips, and overall movement toward injury-free performance, and Brooks has tried various technologies past into present.

I can't attest with the light trail but I did run in some grass/dirt during my runs and the same testament of great grip was true. Not for warm days DNA Loft is formulated to provide a plush ride in “Cushion”-style designs, including Brooks’ trail shoes. It comes in two variations–DNA Loft v2, a rubber-EVA blend, and Loft v3, which is made with a nitrogen-infused rubber-EVA. In addition to its foams, Brooks has a key design feature called GuideRails for runners who need stability and support. GuideRails shoes have additional layers of firm, high-density foam on the medial and lateral sides of the midsole, which creates a bumper around your foot to keep it aligned in the shoe and counter overpronation. (When your foot rolls too far inward during your stride). The Launch 10 swaps in a revamped knit upper that creates a more secure fit around your foot—always important when going fast—and the collar is designed to pull away from your heel, so it won’t rub and cause irritation. The outsole has plenty of rubber, giving it excellent traction and durability.

I jumped right in with the shoe but they really didn't feel fluid and comfortable until after about 20 miles. They are very stiff at first but free up after some break-in time. I attempted to test a 10 in Brooks because that used to be my size—but no,” said a tester who ran in the Ghost the previous testing cycle. “It’s a bit too snug, and so a 10.5 would’ve been better. I haven’t run into this problem with other shoes recently, just Brooks, so I'm not sure what they’ve done to their sizing, but that is my main complaint.” The objective weight of Transcend makes it suitable for Clydesdales, however the propulsion design and soft-stable function make Transcend 6 work well for all runners: the ride is soft, supported, and feels light. The Adrenaline GTS 23 offers a moderate amount of support and a soft, well-cushioned midsole, which makes it a great choice for easy runs and long distance efforts. Cushioned with DNA Loft v2 foam in the midsole, the Adrenaline serves up a highly cushioned heel and firm forefoot.