Stride with Pride: Brooks 2024 Run Proud Collection

If there is one thing I think we can all mostly agree upon, it is that freedom in running is what drives us. Regardless of what we have going on in our lives at the current moment, a few miles on the road or trails can be mentally and emotionally freeing – at least for many of us. But there is still work to be done on this front until all runners – regardless of race, gender, or identity.

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Each year since at least 2021, Brooks has partnered to create limited-edition designs with the goal to explore the intersection of identity and running through limited-edition product featuring custom art. This year, Brooks has partnered with renowned Queer artist and illustrator Adam Dalton Blake to design this year’s Brooks Run Proud Collection.

Here’s a little bit more about the inspiration behind the collection:

We all run, walk, and strut together, each at our different pace and seemingly in our own little worlds. This shoe and sock design showcases how all of us can independently come together to make one harmonious, bold and layered identity. Let’s be colorful and proud year-round.

Pink is a color I absolutely adore. My wardrobe has a surprisingly amount of the hue in it, from head to ankle, and now, my feet can partake in the vibrant celebration too. These shoes not only boast striking hues but also showcase impeccable artwork and design. Yet, beyond aesthetics, it’s the powerful imagery and sentiments embedded within the shoe that truly resonate with me. They inspire me to champion support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, especially while running, fostering solidarity and inclusivity with every stride.

Trace 3

The Trace 3 is probably one of the simpler running shoes that Brooks has in their line. It still has very solid qualities obviously – from the cushion to the breathable upper to the nice fit, but overall, its relatively simple. There’s not a lot of bells and whistles for this daily trainer.

That’s not to say that it isn’t a well-made shoe. I found it super comfortable and lighter than I expected. My foot felt snug against the upper and overall the fit was really solid overall. It felt cushioned enough, though you will find other ultra plush cushion elsewhere.

This is the kind of shoe that you can just pick up and put on and not think too much about it. It is made with almost 50% recycled materials in the beautiful upper and overall 6.5+ plastic bottles are diverted from landfills in its construction. Thus, these shoes make you feel good on multiple fronts.

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The Run Proud Collection stands out for numerous compelling reasons, making it an exceptional choice worth exploring. We highly encourage giving it a look!