By Paul Freary
For many years, the Brooks Beast has been synonymous with maximum levels of control. The shoe receives a more aesthetic update, as well as tweaks to the cushioning, to enhance the overall feel and comfort level.
It is worth noting that this, the Beast GTS 26, is an update to the Beast GTS 24. For some reason, the brand skipped version 25! This may have been to bring the shoe in line with the year, or perhaps because the GTS 24 had been around for a few years, they felt the 26 marked a significant update to the model.
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Another point of note is that the women’s version of the shoe is known as the Ariel GTS 26. The reason for this being more obvious in that Brooks felt Ariel was a more feminine name for a woman’s shoe than Beast!
Stats
Brooks | Beast GTS 26 |
|---|---|
Best for | Heavier runners with flat feet or those requiring a comfortable shoe for everyday use. |
Support | Maximum level support |
Cushion | Mid/High-stack cushioned |
Stack Height | 38mm heel 26mm forefoot |
Drop | 12mm |
Weight | Men’s 354g / 12.5oz |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
Design
DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused foam
The midsole cushioning is the brand’s DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused foam, the same as that used in the Adrenaline GTS and Ghost. It isn’t the brand’s most premium material (that remains the DNA Tuned version of the foam), but here, it does a good job of providing cushioning and remaining very stable and durable.
GTS – GuideRail Support System
The familiar GuideRail system is present again in the Beast, but isn’t as obvious as, say, the Glycerin GTS 23. The extended midsole foam rails here are co-moulded with the main midsole (like the Adrenaline GTS 25) and cup the whole of the rearfoot. It’s an effective interpretation of the system and seats the foot deeper within the shoe for more stability.
RoadTack rubber outsole
A durable and reliable traction is provided by the rubber, which extends across the whole of the sole of the shoe, also making the shoe very durable.
Beast GTS 26
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Fit
The new Beast gets a fresh, new look, upper in keeping with other models in the brand’s range. The shoe sits neatly in the Brooks range now with an engineered mesh upper and colour options matching other popular models such as the Ghost and Adrenaline.
There’s lots of padding in the ankle collar and Achilles area, as well as a plush tongue.
The Beast is available in widths D (regular), 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide) for men and the Ariel in widths B (regular), D (wide) and 2E (extra-wide) for women.
Overall, the fit is generous and a little deeper in volume than many shoes. Should you wish to wear custom orthotics with the Beast, removing the thick, soft sock liner makes the shoe perfect for an orthotic to sit neatly inside.
Available in widths up to extra-wide, it is a hard-wearing and highly supportive shoe for heavier runners, especially those with flat feet, as well as those who simply want a durable and comfortable supportive footwear alternative to heavier, ‘work-type’ footwear.
Performance
First impressions of the new Beast GTS 26 are excellent. From the moment you pick the shoe up, it feels more premium and less clunky than the previous model.
Step inside, and the new engineered mesh upper has a little more padding and welcomes the foot, offering a plusher fit and feel.
Whilst the DNA Loft v3, nitrogen-infused midsole is the same as the previous generation model, it feels a touch softer. The shoe is now almost max-stack at 38mm. Some of the plushness of the cushioning comes from the removable sockliner/insole.
Here, it’s a significantly higher quality version than many shoes, not the simple lightweight foam. This thick sockliner adds cushioning, but also, when removed, adds more depth and volume to the shoe to accommodate custom orthotics.
On the move, there’s no denying the Beast is a very stable shoe. Its wide base, GuideRails and straighter last all contribute to reducing excessive pronation and keeping the foot in a neutral position.
It is also once again clear that the shoe is ideally suited to the heavier runner or those requiring the most stable of footwear. Nowadays, with the advances in midsole cushioning, most shoes are highly cushioned and very lightweight. The Beast ultimately pays the price for being perhaps the most stable shoe on the market, with a little more weight and bulk.
Shoes Like the Beast GTS 26
Right now, the Beast GTS 26 is without doubt the most supportive shoe on the market from any brand.
Brooks’ own Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS also provide support, but the Beast is the most stable, capable of controlling excessive pronation.
If you over-pronate excessively and are a heavier runner, then look no further than the Beast.
My Verdict
The Beast GTS 26 remains one of, if not the most stable, shoes on the market.
It isn’t the lightest or softest cushioned shoe around, but for high levels of control for heavier runners, the shoe is an excellent, hard-wearing option.
The Beast GTS 26 also works very well as a durable and supportive shoe for daily wear, particularly suitable for heavier individuals. Its wide range of width options further extends it versatility.
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