Looking at new shoes now that winter has lifted down south, and read the Trisports.com review of the Brooks ST5. Tom seems to say that there is a lot of stability in this shoe, but most places have it listed as performance neutral.
I can’t wear neutral because I’m a mild overpronating mid foot striker., but I hate full on stability (6’3 180). The “performance stability” category is just about perfect. I have a pair of the KSwiss Kwicky Blade Lights on order as I loved the Blade Run, but had to wear an insole because it was too neutral. Currently I’m running in a DS Trainer and I like the amount of stability and weight, but it is the first shoe I’ve ever had that I can’t wear barefoot, so I’m still on the hunt.
Should the Brooks ST5 be on my shopping list?
(I’ll also say I love the color, it would be a good follow up to my Noosa Tri 6s)
I’m extremely surprised “most places” list it as a performance neutral shoe. It’s definitely a supported racing flat. Not many of those out there. Tom is certainly right. I’ve worn the ST4 for the 70.3 distance for a couple of years, great shoe. I’m also a DS user. I’ve been in 5-6 pairs of 15s in the past year to year and a half.
It sort of sounds like you’re contemplating using this as an everyday trainer, however. It’s definitely not as cushioned in the forefoot area like the DS 15’s were. If you like the Noosa’s, which I think is one of the toughest forefoots I’ve used (and also one of the least responsive shoes I’ve tried on) then the ST5 would be worth considering.
Yeah, the stiffness of the Noosa’s took a little getting used to, but I ran a half in them after about 2 weeks and it has never really bothered me. So I guess I’m much more sensitive to the stability aspects of a shoe rather than the cushioning.
And yes, I don’t really have race vs. training shoe. I just usually have two shoes in the rotation, and on race day, the dry ones get the nod.
I might give the ST5 and the Musha a try. Thanks for the comments.
I’ve been a big fan of the ST4. I picked up a pair of the ST5s when I was in Tucson. It’s an excellent shoe and will most likely become my HIM/IM shoe of choice. I generally wear a neutral shoe but I’ve found a little stability is fine for racing. I don’t typically wear my ST4/ST5 everyday but I have consistently used them for intervals and tempo runs.
There is not a lot of cushioning in the shoe but there is enough for me, 145lbs - 5’9". I highly recommend this shoe for racing and speedwork but would advice against using it as a daily training shoe unles you are staying short distance.
I got a pair of of the musha 2’s and really like them. I’ve been wearing super feet blue insoles recently (Adidas Boston 2’s and these) since I’ve got an arch issue I’m getting over and have been really happy with them. I know nothing about how stability is built into a shoe, but the musha’s seemed to have more flex in the medial post vs the boston 2’s which are considered more neutral.
I train in the Brooks Launch and will race most other stuff in the ST5 may get the T7s for short course but $$ adds up… For the longer stuff a little added support and with the ST’s its just a little, helps. Whether we like it or not, our biomechanics does change in a race, especially that back half of the run…so a little can he helpful. I train in a neutral shoe (launch)
Honestly, with this “middle category” of shoes showing up that are lighter and “faster” I think it is important to try them on. When I get a bunch of lightweight shoes to test I often think, “Hmmm… I’m not the right guy to be testing this shoe. We need a 140 pound lad for these light shoes.” I’m 170+.
One thing I’ve noticed is the performance of shoes in this category is all over the map. Some really solid offerings are out there for average to average + runners (me) and there are some shoes that I’ve reviewed that didn’t work for me- the K-Swiss velcro shoe was a flop for me but the lace up shoe is excellent.
Point being- try a pair and do a little test run in them. See what you think. I have a lot of faith in Brooks as an authentic running brand and I do think these shoes live up to that running “cred”. As for whether of not they will work for you- give 'em a try. You may very well like them. I did. I’d race in 'em.