Brooks Ariel/Beast (2010)

February 5, 2010

In a world where running shoe companies strive for minimalism and reduced weight, the Ariel/Beast stands apart for its eternal theme: deliver a shoe with most support possible, end of discussion. When it comes to the Ariel (women's version) and the Beast (men's), it's usually a yes or no question: Do you or don't you need it? For any runner who answers “yes,” the Beast has been his salvation.

At 14oz on the men's side and 12.3oz on the women's, the Ariel/Beast does not skimp on support or cushioning. The plush first-feel and long-term durability comes courtesy of a Mogo midsole, which has replaced S-257 in last few years as Brooks' primary midsole material and boasts double-digit increases in cushioning, energy return and fatigue resistance.

The main support feature of the Ariel/Beast is Brooks' Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB), a dual-density posting system biomechanically engineered to provide progressive pronation control and offering a smoother transition from mid-stance to propulsion. So instead of a runner feeling like he’s hit a wall in the middle of his gait cycle, the Ariel/Beast gradually starts slowing the rate of pronation upon heel strike on a graduated basis—offering only as much support as needed, thereby providing a more natural foot motion.

[Editor’s note: Our capable editor-at-large for footwear Jeroen van Geelen owns Total Running, one of the more important running and triathlon retail establishments in The Netherlands.]