Brooks Shoe Owners

I have a new pair of Brooks Trance running shoes. I bought them about 6 weeks ago and they are already wearing out. The grips, or soles on the bottom are almost completely gone. I have logged about 120 miles in them, mostly walking, and I only wear them for exercise.

Now this is my first pair of Brooks. I'm normally an Asics lover, but am disappointed in spending $150 and they are wearing out already. Is this normal for Brooks? I walk on either pavement or my treadmill. None of my other cheaper shoes have worn out this fast.

I'm going to take them back, as I am not happy.

Replies

  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    My last couple pairs of shoes have not been Brooks but I have had a few pairs in the past. I never noticed them wearing out any sooner than any other brand. I thinking taking them back and see what they say is a good idea. Maybe they just weren't the right fit for how you run. Did you get them from a specialty running store? If not, maybe going to one would be a good idea so they can look at your feet and how you run and fit you for the right pair.
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I love my Brooks! I was not seriously running ( just a mile warm up before ST a few days a week), when I had my Trances. I got some Pure Cadences when I was training for my first 5K. I really like them. I feel they wear out a bit fast, but those are a lighter shoe. I'm on my second pair, I ran regularly in the last pair for about 4 months. I'm also a bit crazy as I like the extra padding because I'm very flat footed, and my knees ache easily, so if the padding feels like it's going at all, I start to want a new pair. Compounding the problem is the fact that I run incredibly heavy footed. Seriously, You'd think a herd of elephants was coming and not a 135 pound woman.

    Overall, I've been satisfied with my Brooks. I haven't found something that I feel supports my foot as well. It has helped to not squat in my running shoes or do my cross training in them, either. But, if you don't like them, and you liked the Asics, switch back. I don't think Brooks are "magic" or the best by any means. I think what is most comfortable for you and keeps you injury free is the best.
  • 1PatientBear
    1PatientBear Posts: 2,089 Member
    I love Brooks and every time they wear out, I go to the running store, try on a bunch of different brands and I always wind up back in a pair of Brooks. Currently have about 155 miles on my Ravennas and they are still holding strong. But, just because they work for me and my feet doesn't mean a thing. Take them back and find something that works better for you.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    maybe it was just that pair? I've had a pair of Brooks Beasts for over a year and just got 2 pairs of Pureflow 2's and never had issues
  • stealthSLOTH
    stealthSLOTH Posts: 695 Member
    I find that the Brooks running shoes last as long as any others,with the exception of the Brooks Green Silence and Pure Project series shoes.
  • mynameiscarrie
    mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
    I have a pair of Brooks and I love them. I also switched from Asics because they stopped producing my shoe- Gel Ariana (i LOVED those shoes...). I have one of Brooks' lighter shoes- the Pure Connect 2, and I haven't had a problem with the soles running out. That's saying a good bit because there isn't a lot of material on the bottom of the foot in the first place. So to answer your question, I don't think that's normal. :(
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    Pavement does a number on shoes, especially if you didn't get shoes that have heavier tread to live up to the pounding that pavement gives them. If you didn't get them fitted, it is possible that you picked up a shoe that is more designed for the trail runner (which is what it sounds like). Trail shoes can wear super fast on pavement.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I used to have brooks beasts, well put together, heavy as a boot, and lasted forever.

    I now have brooks pure grit and after 60 miles logged they are looking really raggedy, I'm hoping to get 100 miles out of them before I switch to Vibrams minimus, or try some newtons.

    I'm really disappointed with the lack of quality of these brooks.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I wear brooks ghost...been through a couple pair with no issue. Pretty much average around 300 miles or so before needing a new pair. My understanding in RE to the Trance is that is is made with a lot of softer materials for more cusion, etc. In my experience, you often sacrafice durability with a really cushy shoe.
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
    My "Adrenaline GTS 13" were purchased at the end of April.

    And they are wearing out faster than I expected - much faster than my previous Saucony or New Balance.

    My toes are coming out the top of them and the tread is really worn (especially for mostly being worn on the treadmill).

    I suspect that they will be done by the time they hit 6 months (about 400 miles on treadmill).

    Looking at the glass half-full - maybe this is good, because I'd probably keep wearing them as long as the tread and uppers looked ok?
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    I don't run anymore, but I had some Brooks Trance in the past when I pretended to be a runner, and mine are actually still in good shape. I've worn them for all sort of activities. My mom has some, as well, and she really likes hers. Wearing out at 120 miles of walking sounds really unusual.
  • Daisy471
    Daisy471 Posts: 409 Member
    I wore Asics for years and switched to the Brooks Ghost this spring. I'm estimating that I have about 150 miles on them now, and so far no signs of excessive wear. They seem to be lasting as well as my old Asics, which I usually replaced about 275-300 miles.
  • happycauseIride
    happycauseIride Posts: 536 Member
    Thanks, all. I think I will take them back. I bought them at Scheels and tried on several different pairs. I love them. They feel great, they have the support where I need them and the right amount of cushion. I am a beginner runner and am healing tendonitis in my shin and they really helped that a lot, too. The tread on the bottom was thick and still is in some areas, but under the ball of the foot and the toes are almost completely worn off now. So much so that I'm starting to feel slipping.

    But if I'm going to spend that much money on them I want them to last longer then 6 weeks. So back they will go. Luckily Scheels guarantees their running shoes no matter how long you have them.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    I had Brooks Pure Connects and emailed them when they were clearly falling apart at less than 200 miles on them. They replaced the, but emailed me back and told me it was a one time replacement that I shouldn't expect to get more than 200 miles on that particular shoe. That would mean every 45 days I would be needing new shoes, No thanks! I switched over to addidas Tempo's and have been very pleased.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I have a new pair of Brooks Trance running shoes. I bought them about 6 weeks ago and they are already wearing out. The grips, or soles on the bottom are almost completely gone. I have logged about 120 miles in them, mostly walking, and I only wear them for exercise.

    Now this is my first pair of Brooks. I'm normally an Asics lover, but am disappointed in spending $150 and they are wearing out already. Is this normal for Brooks? I walk on either pavement or my treadmill. None of my other cheaper shoes have worn out this fast.

    I'm going to take them back, as I am not happy.

    You have put 120 miles on them. Do you really expect the store to take them back?

    Do you drag your feet when you walk? If you've worn the sole down that quickly I have to think that you do.

    I have always worn Brooks Beasts and have had no issues with pre-mature wear. I usually get six months/3-400 miles out of each pair.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    I had Brooks Pure Connects and emailed them when they were clearly falling apart at less than 200 miles on them. They replaced the, but emailed me back and told me it was a one time replacement that I shouldn't expect to get more than 200 miles on that particular shoe. That would mean every 45 days I would be needing new shoes, No thanks! I switched over to addidas Tempo's and have been very pleased.

    to be fair though, Brooks does put a disclaimer on their PurePrjoect shoes because they are minimalist and have thinner soles on the shoes:

    "Just like our core line, we hold PureProject to the industry’s highest wear test and durability standards. Because of their lightweight construction and fewer materials, runners should generally expect shoes from the PureProject line to last approximately 250-300 miles."
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    That's NOT normal for Brooks, especially a sturdy daily trainer like the trance. I would take them back, and if the store won't replace them (and a good running store will) then I'm certain Brooks will replace them.

    A couple things to consider- not all shoes are created equal- high mileage daily trainers are meant for....high mileage. Low profile racing shoes often look really cool but they wear out fast.

    Also, some runnign shoes simply aren't made for heavier runners and if you're upwards of around 200lbs you should make sure the running store gets the appropriate shoe for your weight. BUT, as far as I know, the Brooks Trance is a sturdy shoe and I *think* it's suitable for heavier runners.

    There are high-mileage trainers for heavy runners, but they're always bulky, heavy shoes. There's always tradeoffs, if you get a lighter, cooler looking shoe and you're a heavier runner it will wear out fairly quickly.

    This is all one of the many reasons to get fitted at a good running store and tell the salesperson exactly what you're looking for so they can help you get the right shoe.

    (note: I wrote this for information only, I still think the Trance should have been fine and held up for you)
  • EatClean_WashUrNuts
    EatClean_WashUrNuts Posts: 1,590 Member
    SMH....you bought running shoes for walking? Running shoes are light and the make-up of the soles vary from manufacturer to manufacturer pending on the need, style, and surface they are intended for.

    Contact Brooks directly, as taking them back will leave you scorned with the reseller, who will have very little to offer.
  • dare2love81
    dare2love81 Posts: 928 Member
    That's NOT normal for Brooks, especially a sturdy daily trainer like the trance. I would take them back, and if the store won't replace them (and a good running store will) then I'm certain Brooks will replace them.

    A couple things to consider- not all shoes are created equal- high mileage daily trainers are meant for....high mileage. Low profile racing shoes often look really cool but they wear out fast.

    Also, some runnign shoes simply aren't made for heavier runners and if you're upwards of around 200lbs you should make sure the running store gets the appropriate shoe for your weight. BUT, as far as I know, the Brooks Trance is a sturdy shoe and I *think* it's suitable for heavier runners.

    There are high-mileage trainers for heavy runners, but they're always bulky, heavy shoes. There's always tradeoffs, if you get a lighter, cooler looking shoe and you're a heavier runner it will wear out fairly quickly.

    This is all one of the many reasons to get fitted at a good running store and tell the salesperson exactly what you're looking for so they can help you get the right shoe.

    (note: I wrote this for information only, I still think the Trance should have been fine and held up for you)

    This. I have a pair of Trance's and I've dragged them through mud, sand and trails (and regular street wear too). I've had them for over a year and I run fairly regularly - however I do switch them out for my Pure Cadance's once in awhile. But anyways, they're still holding strong and I weighed almost 220 pounds when I started running in them.

    So, OP, maybe you got a faulty pair. Take them back to the store. A buddy of mine did that and if they are a quality running store, they'll exhchange them.

    ETA: I swear by Brooks. They're the only shoe that I've ever been able to run in without problems. Granted, I know it varies for everyone, but Brooks is *usually* a very solid shoe.
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    Why would you pay that kind of money for Brooks for walking?

    I wear Brooks Launch for running on the road and Brooks Cascadia for running off road. My tread usually lasts to about 350 miles. I've never had a pair wear out that quickly.

    I'm on my 6th set of Brooks shoes (I usually keep 2 pairs to trade off; this is better for your joints and gate)
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    Thanks, all. I think I will take them back. I bought them at Scheels and tried on several different pairs. I love them. They feel great, they have the support where I need them and the right amount of cushion. I am a beginner runner and am healing tendonitis in my shin and they really helped that a lot, too. The tread on the bottom was thick and still is in some areas, but under the ball of the foot and the toes are almost completely worn off now. So much so that I'm starting to feel slipping.

    But if I'm going to spend that much money on them I want them to last longer then 6 weeks. So back they will go. Luckily Scheels guarantees their running shoes no matter how long you have them.

    That sounds like you need to be properly fitted at a running store for the right shoes. Your wear is uneven, so you are not wearing the correct shoe for your stride.
  • NualaTW
    NualaTW Posts: 205 Member
    I just started wearing Brooks last year when I finally went to the store who fitted me properly for my workout shoes. Love Them! I work out in them, hike in them and they have held up really well.

    Agree with the previous poster who said that you should get properly fitted. Made all the difference in the world for me.
  • Dlacenere
    Dlacenere Posts: 198 Member
    I have never had that issue with Brooks...used to be diehard and they lasted forever - but now my only go to for running is Mizuno Wave Riders and New Balance Minimus Zero for lifting.
  • Granville_Cocteau
    Granville_Cocteau Posts: 209 Member
    I've worn Brooks trail runners (Adrenaline ASR GTX) for over a year. With running 3-5 miles three times a week, and some walking, they last about 5 mos. before the tread stars to wear down on the outside heel. So a useful life of about 450 miles mostly on pavement.

    I wouldn't trade them for any other shoe since they are highly stable while being light, and they just flex in the right places and provide the necessary support for my flat foot.

    That being said, the average life for a running shoe I've read is anywhere from 300 to 600 miles. So your treads shouldn't be obliterated after 120 miles. But it depends on what you mean by "wear." I imagine the treads would show *some* wear after 120 miles, but if they're completely gone where your foot is landing, than that's abnormal. I'd take them to a good running store, or store where you bought them, and get an opinion from a salesperson.