Perfect, for my aching feet.
I have been wearing Brooks Adrenaline for the last 3 years. I have very flat, wide feet, bunions and I pronate. The Ariel was recommended also, as a similar fit but I was skeptical as I am a big fan of the Adrenaline. The Ariel did not disappoint. It has a nice wide toebox even with my extra wide foot. I have plenty of room for my toes and they do not feel the least bit uncomfortable, even right out of the box. There is a good arch support but not so much that it hurts my feet. I have tried inserts in other shoes and usually the arch is so high that it ends up hurting my foot. The support on the Ariel is just right. I can tell that it is providing a support for my arches but I can wear this shoe all day without any problem.I also really appreciate the guide rail system that prevents me from pronating and I feel like I am more steady on my feet. I know that they are not inexpensive, but you will be very happy with this shoe. My only suggestion is that they make more color options in the extra wide sizes.
✔ Verified Purchase
So stable and comfortable!
This is my third pair of Ariels. I got my first pair 13 years ago when I still ran regularly, after finding that so-called stability shoes were doing my chronically unstable ankles far more harm than good. I found them too bulky for running (the ultimate answer was neutrals with rigid orthotics), but they were so comfortable and supportive that they became my go-to walking shoes. When they reached the point of return, I got another pair, but didn't like them quite as much. The insoles weren't as plush, and the fit was not the same.After several sprains, falls, and other close calls when one of my ankles randomly gave out on me in the middle of a walk, the inevitable happened, and I suffered a Jones fracture that required surgery. Standing and walking for long periods of time are far more problematic than they were before, and every once in a while, I'll move my foot the wrong way and suddenly find myself in excruciating pain. After realizing that I needed something more stable than my old neutrals, I decided to revisit the Ariel. And I'm so glad I did.The design changes that made neutrals stop working for me -- namely, the replacement of hard plastic shanks with foam, foam, and more foam -- are precisely what make the Ariel work better for me now. They feel very supportive and corrective, without being obnoxious about it. They also feel lighter than they did before, and are back to being as cushiony and plush as my first pair. And while no hardcore motion control shoe will ever win a fashion contest, the last couple iterations of the Ariel aren't nearly as conspicuously orthopedic as they used to be, and I'm thankful for that too.
✔ Verified Purchase
Great walking shoe!
I have been a New Balance fan for years and was looking for an alternative to my discontinued 840V4. I happened upon a chat about this Brooks model and decided to give it a try. I have a wide foot, so I ordered the D width. They are very comfortable and do not look boxy, even with the wide width. Plus the navy with the dark pink shoelaces are quite attractive. I put them on the day I got them and have had no issues, and can walk as long as I want with no pain or blisters.
✔ Verified Purchase
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PJ Ausdenmore
May 29, 2024
Best Sneaker Ever
Best sneaker I've ever worn. These are cushioned, comfortable, and long lasting. I especially like the wide toe box. Great for people with bunions. Previous brands of sneakers rarely lasted six months. I have pairs of Brooks that are two years old and still going strong after daily walks. Highly recommend.
✔ Verified Purchase
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Peanutgallery07
August 13, 2025
Comfortable but not durable!
These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn for my high arches feet, hands down! However, I normally wear a size 6, butt my toe poked a hole through within a month. So purchased the 6.5. It works well and accommodates my orthotics. However, my big toes still poke holes through the mesh upper within a year and a half to two years! Grated my toes curl upward (a trait inherited from my dad!), but if the material was a bit sturdier, this would not be a problem! I'm not thrilled having to purchase new ones every 18 months when the only thing wrong with them is the holes in the mesh on the top of the shoe! I so with they offered this in leather or suede so that they would last! Or at least a tough Oxford fabric!That being said, I will continue to buy them because they are so comfortable and supportive of my weird problem feet!
✔ Verified Purchase
Excellent shoe!
I have stage I PTTD in my right ankle and this shoe was recommended to me for stability. I am happy to report that the pain I had been having is mostly gone. I have been wearing a brace as well - Trilok - and I think the combo of that brace and this shoe has decreased my pain from a 6/10 to a 1 to 2 out of 10. I like these shoes so much that I bought another pair to have on hand! I did buy a half size larger than what I normally wear, but I did not buy wide shoes. I have borderline wide feet, but these shoes provide an ample amount of space in the toe box so I went with regular width. And I'm glad I did. These shoes do provide great stability, but they are light and very cushion-y as well! Fantastic shoes that I highly recommend.
✔ Verified Purchase
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Susan R Banks
June 21, 2021
Great fit and support right out of the box
The Brooks Ariel 20 is the latest in the Bropks line of shoes for those of us who either overpronate or need greater support and stability in an athletic shoe. This is my 3rd pair of Ariels, and I don't see myself changing brand or style anytime soon. I'm a plus-sized person, and the Ariel gives me consistent support under my arches and around my ankles. I've worn other brands over the years, but each shoe was missing a piece of the puzzle for me. The Brooks Ariel line does it all! It's comfortable, but not squishy soft inside. You may think that walking on a bouncy, squishy insole is the way to go. Not so. Not if you want or need a long-lasting, firm-yet-resilient insole that keeps your foot stable and your arches happy with every step. The toe box is roomy. No pressure coming down on my pinky toe. Or any other toe. They stand up to a long day on your feet, whether working, exercising or, like me, spending 7 days at Disney World in May. I wore this particular pair right out of the box. No break-in time needed this round. So. Much. Comfort.If anything was going to bench me at Disney this last time, it would have been the heat, not my feet!!Buy Brooks Ariel 20. Now.
✔ Verified Purchase
