By Paul Freary
The Brooks Beast has always been the brand’s most supportive model. In fact, the Beast is probably the most supportive running shoe on the market in 2024. Back when the Beast was first launched, technology was not what it is today. Cushioning was EVA-based materials and even compression moulded midsole units were rare. Even with the advent of CM-EVA, the Beast remained, just as its name suggests, a real beast of a shoe. It was big and bulky and rather inflexible.
While many brands and models have advanced massively with their most supportive shoes, the Brooks Beast still remains in the brand’s lineup up and whilst it might not sell as many units to runners, there is certainly a huge market for this type of shoe.
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Stats
Brooks | Beast GTS 24 |
|---|---|
Best for | For Overpronators High level of support |
Support | Maximum support |
Cushion | High-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 36mm heel / 24mm forefoot |
Drop | 12mm |
Weight | Men’s 351g / 12.4oz Women’s 314g/ 11.1oz |
Suggested Retail Price | $160 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9.1/ 10 |
The Birth of the Beast
Initially launched to be the strongest and most supportive running shoe on the market, the Beast was aimed at those who excessively over-pronated.
Possible issues can arise when running store staff reach for the Beast without really understanding the real function of the foot; many often confuse a flat foot with a very flexible foot.
On more than one occasion I’ve been presented with runners who have been advised to wear the Beast simply because they appear to have ‘flat feet’. On close examination, their feet functioned perfectly well and remained in a neutral position when running. This alone could be the focus of a whole piece, but for now, we’ll keep to the shoe in question, the Beast.
Brooks Beast GTS 24
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Who is the Shoe for?
The Brooks Beast GTS 24 is best suited to those who overpronate excessively and require a great deal of support. While there are several options available for these runners, the Beast could more specifically be targeted at those requiring this type of support and are also large or heavier runners.
The features of the shoe make it more able to deal with great impact, be it from a heavier or larger runner.
It’s not just runners that find the shoe comfortable. I’ve had many people choose the shoe simply because it offers a great deal of support and they are on their feet all day at work.
I see teachers, doctors, hospital workers and retail workers all choose the Beast thanks to its good fit, durability and high level of support.
Fit
The fit is true to size in both length and width. The volume of the shoe is a little roomier than some of the other Brooks shoes but go with your normal size and the tiny bit of extra space it has will allow the foot to naturally spread throughout the day.
The shoe is available in three width options for men: D (regular), 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide).
The women’s version of the shoe is called the Ariel GTS 24. Brooks discovered that women didn’t want a shoe called the Beast, hence the name change. The women’s model is available in three width options also: B (regular), D (wide) and 2E (extra-width).
Tech
The latest version of the shoe, the 24 has recently launched (September 2024) and features a key update in the use of the brand’s DNA Loft V3, nitrogen-infused foam midsole.
DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam is a super-critical foam injected with liquid nitrogen during the manufacturing process. The result, as seen on other models in the brand’s range such as the Ghost 16 and Glycerin is a softer, lighter and more responsive foam.
Nitrogen-infused foam is also much more durable than CM-EVA-based materials and provides a consistent level of responsive cushioning throughout its lifespan.
GuideRails as found on other ‘GTS’ models such as the Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS provide the support here. Now preferred over medial posts, the rails work similarly to the rails at a bowling alley. Should your ball veer off to the left or right, the rails help keep it in the lane. It’s the same here; the rails help keep the foot central within the cushioning.
GuideRails work effectively for a wide range of foot types and offers a dynamic level of support that I find works very well for a wide range of runners. In the Beast, they also contribute to why not just runners choose the shoe for wearing throughout the day.
Support and Stability
On the foot, the Beast does feel rather big and it’s certainly a little heavier than many shoes. That said, the level of support is also noticeable and the feet feel secure and ‘upright’, held in a strong, neutral position. There’s no doubt the shoe is doing all it can to keep the foot secure.
The broad base of the shoe contributes a lot to its stability and the DNA Loft v3 feels more stable in this shoe with a little less ‘squish’ than in other models such as the Glycerin GTS.
It’s worth remembering that when a brand uses a similar term for their proprietary cushioning material such as DNA Loft v3 here or New Balance’s Fresh Foam X, they are ‘umbrella’ terms and the material can differ from model to model.
Peroformance
The first few miles in the shoe are all it requires to know you are wearing the most stable shoe on the market. It feels assuringly stable and I didn’t find any hint of ‘roll’ or overpronation.
The DNA Loft v3 is softer than the previous version of the shoe, although not squishy, it simply sits in a good place between providing cushioning and control.
There is a noticeable ‘bulk’ to the shoe, but it’s worth remembering that this shoe is aimed at those requiring the highest level of support and control.
The fit and feel around the foot are similar to any other Brooks shoe in being very well made with high-quality materials and construction.
The last mile in the shoe feels as good as the first and the consistent nature of the nitrogen-infused foam is ever-present. There’s no doubt this shoe is built to go the distance.
Pros of the Beast 24
Great cushioning. The DNA Loft v3 is a great cushioning material and from experience in it for a few years in other shoes such as the Ghost Max 2, Glycerin GTS 21 and even the Aurora BL, I know this cushioning simply goes on and on.
Excellent support. The support provided by the Beast GTS 24 is second to none. For those requiring the most supportive shoe on the market, the Beast really is the ‘go-to shoe’.
Brooks quality. It’s a Brooks, the quality is great. It’s durable and comfortable with it.
The Not-Quite-So-Good Point
Weight and size. This is a tricky one. The shoe needs to be a little bigger in order to provide stability to the heavier runner and with that comes a little more weight. On a runner-to-shoe weight ratio, I guess this isn’t an issue, but some will feel the shoe is a little ‘too much’.
Comparisons
There really aren’t too many ‘high-level’ support shoes on the market right now. We could look at ASICS’ most supportive model and might well reach for the Kayano, but in comparison to the Beast, it is more of a mild level of support.
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 7 is perhaps one of the more readily available high-level support shoes that have similar control properties to the Beast.
The Mizuno is a little softer feeling but still offers good control thanks to the Wave construction, dual density foams and a straighter last on the medial side of the shoe.
Brooks Beast GTS 24
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Verdict
If you require the highest level of control available from a running shoe, the Brooks Beast GTS 24 or Ariel GTS 24 are the ones to choose.
They are comfortable for running and extended daily wear but also durable thanks to the well-made construction and materials used.
For heavier runners and those with broader feet, the width sizes are also a great option to accommodate a wide range of users.
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