Ready to run in my Brooks Transcend 7.
The first thing I noticed when I slipped on the Brooks Transcend 7 was the cushioning. Oh my goodness, they felt comfy! The second thing that stood out to me was how easily I was able to tighten the laces. No trying to squeeze my finger under each individual section to tighten them one eyelet at a time. I just pulled on the ends of the laces and the entire shoe lace tightened up with ease. How awesome is that?
I am used to running in more minimalist-type shoes, so I was a little nervous about the Brooks Transcend 7. However, at 9.5 ounces, they are a fairly light shoe. They also have a mostly flat arch, so your feet can sit in them pretty naturally. They are supportive without being overly so. I didn’t feel like my feet were being held hostage in the shoes. Overall, the cushioning is what I really noticed. As I was running I thought, So this is why Brooks’ tagline is ‘Run Happy’. The cushioning really does provide a bit of happiness to your feet while you run. In addition to the cushioning under your feet, there is also some padding around the top and sides of the heel and underneath the tongue. While it added to the comfort, I did have an issue with the padding on the underside of the tongue getting a little wadded up on the left shoe and pinching the top of my foot a bit. I tried adjusting the tongue and then lacing my shoes differently, but I still had that issue with the left tongue. I’m not sure if it was the shoe or my foot, as my left foot is slightly smaller than my right. Regardless, it didn’t hamper my runs. The sole of the shoe is firmer than I am used to, so that was my biggest adjustment. It didn’t make the shoe feel firm at all, it just didn’t bend as much as I prefer. But, it seems that the firmness of the sole is where a lot of the support comes from. So, if you are looking for support with the comfort of cushioning, these are the shoes you need!
Brooks Transcend 6 – currently in stores
If you are familiar with the Brooks Transcend, you will notice a few tweaks from the Transcend 6 to the 7. One difference is the weight. While the women’s Transcend 6 weighed in at 10.2 ounces, the 7 has dropped to just 9.5 ounces. The Transcend 7 still has the GuideRails for support, but they are now made with the same BioGoMo DNA midsole material as the rest of the midsole. The GuideRails are designed to keep you moving forward without excess movement, with the intent of protecting the knees.
Overall, the Transcend 7 is an extremely comfortable shoe. In fact, for some reason I had the thought that they would be good Disneyland shoes. You know, if you needed to be on your feet for hours of walking and standing in line it seems like your feet would feel as happy as your kids are at Disneyland. If you are looking for a quality shoe that will allow you to “Run Happy”, I’d say the Transcend 7 lives up to the Brooks motto.
Company: Brooks
- Brooks Transcend 7, $160
Launch Date:
- February 1, 2020
- Weight: 9.5 oz – Women’s, 10.7 oz – Men’s
- Stack: 27/17
- Drop: 10mm
Running: put one foot in front of the other and then repeat! At Brooks, we’re passionate about our daily run.
Running is primal; we were all born to run. It is the most inclusive sport the world has ever known. We think about our first toddling steps as a kids – free, joyous, fun. Years later we live for that feeling, and on a great day, running still delivers it.
We are fortunate, because since 2001, we’ve been able to focus exclusively on the pursuit we love more than any other. We challenge ourselves to make the best running gear in the world because we want to run in it, too.
Our brand aspires to reflect the truth in running. Technology is only valid when it helps you run. Customization is only worthwhile if it improves function before form. Narratives are only useful when they connect with you and inspire you.
The proof is in the run, not marketing speak. When we deliver on our promises, you have a better run.
Let’s celebrate together the transformative power of the run. And let’s shine a spotlight on those who inspire us not just to run, but to be better people as a result.
Run Happy!
