Sneakers - Brooks Beast 20, alternatives?

[Wannaretireearly]

A very specific question, hope someone has experience:

I like my brooks beast 20 shoes. Provide amazing comfort and were recommended by the podiatrist.

However, for the price, they are quite fragile
Already have a hole in less than a year.

I don’t mind paying the $ but would like the shoes to last a year or two?

For those who have used this particular shoe, have you found any good alternatives?

Thanks.

[jebmke]

I've found the best way to get a good fitting shoe is to go to a running store; the one I use has been good at interpreting what my unique requirements are and providing 2-3 good options to try on.

[pizzy]

Brooks have a life expectancy of 300 to 500 miles.

Which for many people is less than a year.

How about you?

[bob60014]

.....
However, for the price, they are quite fragile
Already have a hole in less than a year.
I don’t mind paying the $ but would like the shoes to last a year or two?
.....

For shoes, time owned means nothing. How many miles (approx) are you putting on them? I walk 5-7 miles, 4-5 times a week and my shoes last 400-500 miles or about 6-7 months before they start to breakdown and my feet start barking!

[runner3081]

This is so dependent on your running style. Even the most durable of shoes don't last me more than 3-months, or about 260 miles (I run with 2 pairs and alternate days). That is because I supinate heavily and blow through the outside edge of the outer soles.

I usually check out these sites:
https://www.runningshoesguru.com/
https://runrepeat.com/
https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/s ... ning-shoes

[the_wiki]

Running shoes are made for cushion, not long wear. They are designed for about 400 miles of use, maybe 500 if you are lightweight. That’s only a few months for frequent runners, and a year for running/walking a few miles a few times a week or for daily casual wear.

So basically you are getting the expected wear.

That said, there are a lot of nice running shoes. I like Saucony Triumph. Sometimes you can find last year’s version on clearance for half price.

[Wannaretireearly]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Honestly, seems wasteful to pay $160 for shoes that last less than a year . But I love the comfort of the shoe, so I dunno.

I’m guessing if I do switch, it would be to a different brand. I’ve heard Hoka can also be fragile. What about something like ASICS which I think brought out similar shoes made for comfort with the huge base/sole?

[Wannaretireearly]

This is so dependent on your running style. Even the most durable of shoes don't last me more than 3-months, or about 260 miles (I run with 2 pairs and alternate days). That is because I supinate heavily and blow through the outside edge of the outer soles.

I usually check out these sites:
https://www.runningshoesguru.com/
https://runrepeat.com/
https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/s ... ning-shoes

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the links above, will check out. Cheers.

[Cash is King]

You have had those shoes a long time because the latest is the Beast 20. You received good feedback already, but you may try Brooks Ghost 15.

I have ran three half marathons this year with the Brooks Ghost 15, but as you know with running shoes, it's not one brand fits all.

You definitely have gotten your money's worth out of the Beast 16.

[Wannaretireearly]

You have had those shoes a long time because the latest is the Beast 20. You received good feedback already, but you may try Brooks Ghost 15.

I have ran three half marathons this year with the Brooks Ghost 15, but as you know with running shoes, it's not one brand fits all.

You definitely have gotten your money's worth out of the Beast 16.

Grr, I had it wrong in my OP. Have the Beast 20s. Sorry, just fixed this. I’ll check out the ghosts.

[Cash is King]

You have had those shoes a long time because the latest is the Beast 20. You received good feedback already, but you may try Brooks Ghost 15.

I have ran three half marathons this year with the Brooks Ghost 15, but as you know with running shoes, it's not one brand fits all.

You definitely have gotten your money's worth out of the Beast 16.

Grr, I had it wrong in my OP. Have the Beast 20s. Sorry, just fixed this. I’ll check out the ghosts.

[pizzy]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Honestly, seems wasteful to pay $160 for shoes that last less than a year . But I love the comfort of the shoe, so I dunno.

I’m guessing if I do switch, it would be to a different brand. I’ve heard Hoka can also be fragile. What about something like ASICS which I think brought out similar shoes made for comfort with the huge base/sole?

Again, using “time” is 100% the wrong metric for these types of shoes. Change your frame of reference and then reevaluate the cost.

[jebmke]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Honestly, seems wasteful to pay $160 for shoes that last less than a year . But I love the comfort of the shoe, so I dunno.

I’m guessing if I do switch, it would be to a different brand. I’ve heard Hoka can also be fragile. What about something like ASICS which I think brought out similar shoes made for comfort with the huge base/sole?

Again, using “time” is 100% the wrong metric for these types of shoes. Change your frame of reference and then reevaluate the cost.

when it comes to my feet, cost is almost never a consideration. Given how much time I spend on my feet, I always go for fit and comfort. Every time I have compromised, I have regretted it.

[Lalamimi]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

[Wannaretireearly]

Thanks all. Just saw the beast 20s are on sale. With discounts down to $115. Just clicked order, so we’ll see how long this second pair lasts

A thought, what is the best way to ‘fix/patch’ a hole at the big toe? Trashing the old shoes will break my heart

[Cash is King]

Check and see if your local running store recycles old shoes. Good way to dispose of your old shoes.

[Wannaretireearly]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Thanks. I’m done seeing the podiatrist (it was helpful, once).
Yes, toenail could be the issue. Also hard/rough feet in general.

The doc told me hmm you have very special feet. Something like I have a mix between flat feet and high arches (or just something odd lol).

The beast 20 are great shoes. I’ll stick with them for now, just ordered a pair on sale .

[rjbraun]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

I think OP has already received good feedback, but another consideration may be "rotating" through a couple of pairs of shoes to improve their life. Not suggesting that will help to extend the lifetime mileage of a shoe, but it will give them a chance to breathe / dry out between wears (in the event OP wears them day-in, day-out or if they get wet on a rainy day, etc.)

Finally, sometimes one can get a prior year's model of the shoe on sale or even get the current model on some seasonal sale. Just have to keep one's eye out for the promotions (and decide whether it's worth one's time to do so).

All that being said, it's worth spending the money on quality, well-fitting shoes. The possible damage to one's feet, knees, hips, etc. is much costlier than the price to replace shoes that are past their usable life.

[pizzy]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Honestly, seems wasteful to pay $160 for shoes that last less than a year . But I love the comfort of the shoe, so I dunno.

I’m guessing if I do switch, it would be to a different brand. I’ve heard Hoka can also be fragile. What about something like ASICS which I think brought out similar shoes made for comfort with the huge base/sole?

Again, using “time” is 100% the wrong metric for these types of shoes. Change your frame of reference and then reevaluate the cost.

when it comes to my feet, cost is almost never a consideration. Given how much time I spend on my feet, I always go for fit and comfort. Every time I have compromised, I have regretted it.

Shoes, tires, mattress…

[Wannaretireearly]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

I think OP has already received good feedback, but another consideration may be "rotating" through a couple of pairs of shoes to improve their life. Not suggesting that will help to extend the lifetime mileage of a shoe, but it will give them a chance to breathe / dry out between wears (in the event OP wears them day-in, day-out or if they get wet on a rainy day, etc.)

Finally, sometimes one can get a prior year's model of the shoe on sale or even get the current model on some seasonal sale. Just have to keep one's eye out for the promotions (and decide whether it's worth one's time to do so).

All that being said, it's worth spending the money on quality, well-fitting shoes. The possible damage to one's feet, knees, hips, etc. is much costlier than the price to replace shoes that are past their usable life.

Great points thanks. Shoes fit well. Maybe it’s just my big toe, lol.

[jebmke]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

[Wannaretireearly]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

Hmm. Worth exploring. Thx

[jebmke]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

Hmm. Worth exploring. Thx

Two other things I learned. One, for "street" shoe I wear 1/2 size smaller since I am usually walking about slowly and not very far. Two, over the years, my feet have gotten longer. I think this is common -- one result is that a shoe that used to fit me great no longer does.

[rjbraun]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

I think OP has already received good feedback, but another consideration may be "rotating" through a couple of pairs of shoes to improve their life. Not suggesting that will help to extend the lifetime mileage of a shoe, but it will give them a chance to breathe / dry out between wears (in the event OP wears them day-in, day-out or if they get wet on a rainy day, etc.)

Finally, sometimes one can get a prior year's model of the shoe on sale or even get the current model on some seasonal sale. Just have to keep one's eye out for the promotions (and decide whether it's worth one's time to do so).

All that being said, it's worth spending the money on quality, well-fitting shoes. The possible damage to one's feet, knees, hips, etc. is much costlier than the price to replace shoes that are past their usable life.

Great points thanks. Shoes fit well. Maybe it’s just my big toe, lol.

Maybe "sharp" toe nails, lol!

https://www.fixingyourfeet.com/sharp-toenails/

Seriously, I learned of the book Fixing Your Feet from legendary Boglehead livesoft. While I didn't read the entire book, I did get lots of useful information, such as shoe lacing tricks (which, admittedly, can be readily found from other sources too).

[TnGuy]

Beast GTS 23

I just picked up a pair to replace my last set of Beast 20s. So far, I'm enjoying them. They are more lightweight, too.


David

[rjbraun]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

Hmm. Worth exploring. Thx

Two other things I learned. One, for "street" shoe I wear 1/2 size smaller since I am usually walking about slowly and not very far. Two, over the years, my feet have gotten longer. I think this is common -- one result is that a shoe that used to fit me great no longer does.

+1. I definitely learned (the hard way) to size up when buying shoes for active wear (e.g., running, hiking, etc.) It makes sense that when one may be moving forward or going downhill, your foot will need more space in the front of the shoe to accommodate some sliding forward. I have even started going up 1 whole size. While it seemed (pyschologically) like a big change, in reality it didn't feel that way when I was actually wearing the shoe. Also, as a salesperson pointed out (but that I haven't necessarily checked independently) the difference between a 1/2 size and whole size larger isn't really that dramatic in length (obviously, it varies by brand). That said, my foot volume isn't so great, so if a shoe is already a little on the capacious side, going up in size might be enough to make the shoe feel too big overall, at that point. (In that case, I might consider a different brand or style.) YMMV.

Haha, yeah, in my case, it's not just that my foot may be longer over time but it's also that it has spread laterally too (middle age spread .. larger volume, in general)

ETA: I go up one size in part because I need the width in one shoe (for a bunion on that foot). But I have a relatively narrow heel. That was where I found it helpful recently to visit a running store. The salesperson knew which brand (Saucony) tended to be relatively narrow in the heel (at least for the particular model I was looking at). The shoe reviews I happened to read after my visit confirmed this aspect of that particular shoe too.

[stan1]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

Yes try 1/2 size larger even if you have worn current size for many years and are in disbelief that you might need a larger size. In my experience podiatrists don't always recommend getting a shoe that is 1/2 size larger, it's not good for business to do so. Maybe I've just had bad luck with podiatrists.

[Wannaretireearly]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

Hmm. Worth exploring. Thx

Two other things I learned. One, for "street" shoe I wear 1/2 size smaller since I am usually walking about slowly and not very far. Two, over the years, my feet have gotten longer. I think this is common -- one result is that a shoe that used to fit me great no longer does.

Thanks.

[Wannaretireearly]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

I think OP has already received good feedback, but another consideration may be "rotating" through a couple of pairs of shoes to improve their life. Not suggesting that will help to extend the lifetime mileage of a shoe, but it will give them a chance to breathe / dry out between wears (in the event OP wears them day-in, day-out or if they get wet on a rainy day, etc.)

Finally, sometimes one can get a prior year's model of the shoe on sale or even get the current model on some seasonal sale. Just have to keep one's eye out for the promotions (and decide whether it's worth one's time to do so).

All that being said, it's worth spending the money on quality, well-fitting shoes. The possible damage to one's feet, knees, hips, etc. is much costlier than the price to replace shoes that are past their usable life.

Great points thanks. Shoes fit well. Maybe it’s just my big toe, lol.

Maybe "sharp" toe nails, lol!

https://www.fixingyourfeet.com/sharp-toenails/

Seriously, I learned of the book Fixing Your Feet from legendary Boglehead livesoft. While I didn't read the entire book, I did get lots of useful information, such as shoe lacing tricks (which, admittedly, can be readily found from other sources too).

Filing my nails! I knew I’d learn something here Thx!

[Wannaretireearly]

Beast GTS 23

I just picked up a pair to replace my last set of Beast 20s. So far, I'm enjoying them. They are more lightweight, too.


David

Nice! This explains why I just got a pair of 20s on sale. Lol.
These will be next mon my list. Unfortunately, sooner rather than later it seems

[Wannaretireearly]

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

Running store always brings me a shoe that feels a little long when standing around in the store. Once they get into use, the foot swells a bit and the extra room pays off there as well as providing just a bit of space for the foot to surge forward in the shoe. For a long time before I saw a podiatrist I consistently bought shoes that were too small.

Yes try 1/2 size larger even if you have worn current size for many years and are in disbelief that you might need a larger size. In my experience podiatrists don't always recommend getting a shoe that is 1/2 size larger, it's not good for business to do so. Maybe I've just had bad luck with podiatrists.

Got it. Learning, and will try this!

[Wanderingwheelz]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

I think OP has already received good feedback, but another consideration may be "rotating" through a couple of pairs of shoes to improve their life. Not suggesting that will help to extend the lifetime mileage of a shoe, but it will give them a chance to breathe / dry out between wears (in the event OP wears them day-in, day-out or if they get wet on a rainy day, etc.)

Finally, sometimes one can get a prior year's model of the shoe on sale or even get the current model on some seasonal sale. Just have to keep one's eye out for the promotions (and decide whether it's worth one's time to do so).

All that being said, it's worth spending the money on quality, well-fitting shoes. The possible damage to one's feet, knees, hips, etc. is much costlier than the price to replace shoes that are past their usable life.

Great points thanks. Shoes fit well. Maybe it’s just my big toe, lol.

The fabric on a running shoe toe will wear better if you are diligent about keeping your toenail trimmed. Also, most trail runners have substantially more protection over the big toe than road running shoes. Take a looks the Brooks Cascadia for reference, specifically the overlay over the front of the show fabric. Some trail runners are more road runner than trail, which is what you want to be looking for if you’re walking mostly on hard surfaces.

[Wannaretireearly]

Thanks all. Frustration is the top of the shoe wearing out (near my big toe). Not much of a runner, but a walker. I guess it would add up to 10-15 miles a week * 40-50 weeks so I’m at 4-500 miles.

Sounds like you might need to see a podiatrist. Maybe its the curve in your big toe that is causing the wear and tear? Or even a toenail?? I've had hammer toe surgery, plantar fascitis, etc., so am more aware of my feet. I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes.

Sounds like the "toe box" may be too small / tight for OP's foot, if they are wearing through the fabric. May want to consider sizing up to see if that helps.

I think OP has already received good feedback, but another consideration may be "rotating" through a couple of pairs of shoes to improve their life. Not suggesting that will help to extend the lifetime mileage of a shoe, but it will give them a chance to breathe / dry out between wears (in the event OP wears them day-in, day-out or if they get wet on a rainy day, etc.)

Finally, sometimes one can get a prior year's model of the shoe on sale or even get the current model on some seasonal sale. Just have to keep one's eye out for the promotions (and decide whether it's worth one's time to do so).

All that being said, it's worth spending the money on quality, well-fitting shoes. The possible damage to one's feet, knees, hips, etc. is much costlier than the price to replace shoes that are past their usable life.

Great points thanks. Shoes fit well. Maybe it’s just my big toe, lol.

The fabric on a running shoe toe will wear better if you are diligent about keeping your toenail trimmed. Also, most trail runners have substantially more protection over the big toe than road running shoes. Take a looks the Brooks Cascadia for reference, specifically the overlay over the front of the show fabric. Some trail runners are more road runner than trail, which is what you want to be looking for if you’re walking mostly on hard surfaces.

Thanks. I’m so used to the beast sole (really thick) I’m reluctant to move. Perhaps I need to compare with other shoes like the Cascadia, as you mention!

[JDave]

I used to buy Brooks Beast. I now buy Hoka One One and haven't looked back. The Hoka sole is even thicker than the Brooks.

[rockstar]

If you want to get 2 years out of a shoe, I would go with hiking boots.

I'm finding across the aboard a decline in shoe quality. I used to like Altra, but they're not made as well. I'm trying HOKA, but they're not holding up well. My expectation is to get 6 months out of a pair with a lot of hiking.

Shoes are made worse post the pandemic.

[srt7]

You have had those shoes a long time because the latest is the Beast 20. You received good feedback already, but you may try Brooks Ghost 15.

I have ran three half marathons this year with the Brooks Ghost 15, but as you know with running shoes, it's not one brand fits all.

You definitely have gotten your money's worth out of the Beast 16.

Another happy user of the Brooks Ghost series. I highly recommend trying them.

[carolinaman]

I've found the best way to get a good fitting shoe is to go to a running store; the one I use has been good at interpreting what my unique requirements are and providing 2-3 good options to try on.

+1. A good running store or shoe specialty store will recommend options based upon the shape of your feet and what you use shoes for. I do a lot of walking and they tell me the shoe support, which usually breaks down first, is good for about 500 miles, assuming you are using a quality shoe. The soles and rest of shoes looks fine, but the support breakdown becomes obvious to me.

Make sure you use someone who has good experience and expertise with fitting shoes.

[greg24]

I'm a long time wearer of Brooks Ghost and Brooks Cascadia.

They put the shoes on their web site on sale with some regularity throughout the year, so check occasionally and buy when they're on sale. I usually have a couple pairs of new Brooks in the closet waiting to be worn.

[bloom2708]

One idea is to watch eBay for new but returned Brooks shoes in your size.

I'm not saying to buy used shoes, but I search for shoes that are customer returns, they look new and show no wear but are maybe $70-$80 instead of $150 or $160.

Beast and Addiction GTS are the supportive and cushioned shoes for heavier runners.

[jebmke]

I've found the best way to get a good fitting shoe is to go to a running store; the one I use has been good at interpreting what my unique requirements are and providing 2-3 good options to try on.

+1. A good running store or shoe specialty store will recommend options based upon the shape of your feet and what you use shoes for. I do a lot of walking and they tell me the shoe support, which usually breaks down first, is good for about 500 miles, assuming you are using a quality shoe. The soles and rest of shoes looks fine, but the support breakdown becomes obvious to me.

Make sure you use someone who has good experience and expertise with fitting shoes.

This is what they tell me as well. 400-600 miles. I can tell when the support breaks down. Then I "promote" the shoe to very light use - like around the house or casual yardwork. Then they get promoted to the trash.

[Rex66]

Depending on sales, in January to March the old version goes on sale

I’d go to slickdeals.net and create a notification for brooks beast

Buy 2-3 pairs when they go on end of year sale. Occasionally they don’t have much “extra” and there aren’t many sales.

[bloom2708]

I've found the best way to get a good fitting shoe is to go to a running store; the one I use has been good at interpreting what my unique requirements are and providing 2-3 good options to try on.

+1. A good running store or shoe specialty store will recommend options based upon the shape of your feet and what you use shoes for. I do a lot of walking and they tell me the shoe support, which usually breaks down first, is good for about 500 miles, assuming you are using a quality shoe. The soles and rest of shoes looks fine, but the support breakdown becomes obvious to me.

Make sure you use someone who has good experience and expertise with fitting shoes.

This is what they tell me as well. 400-600 miles. I can tell when the support breaks down. Then I "promote" the shoe to very light use - like around the house or casual yardwork. Then they get promoted to the trash.

The shoe lifecycle:

1. Running/walking only
2. Casual use
3. Mowing
4. Trash

If you pick good colors, the transition from 1 to 2 is better. I've had some bold/ugly color running shoes. They don't make great casual shoes. They might go right to Mowing shoe status (or thrift store) after done running/walking.