Do the Brooks Transcend Really Live Up to All the Hype?

February 26, 2014

When a new pair of running shoes arrives in a spaceship that plays a video when you open the box, your expectations are immediately high. Two months before Brooks Running launched its newest pair of cushioned stability shoes – the Transcenda mysterious box arrived on my doorstep that completely blew me away. As I shared back in December, my shoes arrived unlike any delivery I’d ever experienced and left my jaw dragging on the ground.

Brooks Transcend review on runladylike.com

Next, I received my January issue of Runner’s World and upon opening the issue, a video about the Transcends played on the pages. I don’t even know how it was possible, but I literally watched a video in a magazine. What the what?!?

Brooks Transcend review on runladylike.com

When the marketing of a pair of shoes is that epic, it leaves you asking a few key questions: Do the Brooks Transcends really live up to all the hype? Are they as good to run in as the marketing surrounding their release?

The answer surprised me.

As someone who almost exclusively runs in the Brooks Pure Cadence (a lightweight, more minimal stability shoe within their Pure Project line), I didn’t think I was going to like the Brooks Transcend. When I took them out of the impressive confines of their spaceship, I noticed that they were larger and somewhat heavier than my typical shoes I adore. They were hot pink though, so they had that going for them. And, as someone who is an over-pronator and needs a stability shoe, these certainly offer that support.

Brooks Transcend review on runladylike.com

Despite my initial reaction, I started integrating the Brooks Transcends into my training. I have enjoyed them for easy recovery runs, but have also run several tempo runs in them as well as my last 22-miler before this weekend’s Albany Marathon.

And lo and behold, they are pretty great. I would say they mostly live up to the hype. Let’s take a look:

  • Hype: “Guide rails along the entire shoe help your hips, knees and joints move within their unique path without traditional posts.” Check! I feel incredibly supported in these shoes. My ankles especially feel extremely stable. On my regular running routes, I encounter rough sidewalks, uneven pavement and gravel along the way. These shoes truly make that terrain a non-factor.
  • Hype: “Makes you feel like you’re floating by providing smart DNA cushioning that offers 25 percent more cushioning that adapts to your stride.” While I wouldn’t say I feel like I’m floating, there’s definitely a lot of cushioning in these shoes and they are softer than any other shoe that Brooks offers. Again, while running over rough terrain, I can’t feel the impact on my feet. I’ve found myself reaching for my Transcends when my feet are sore or are feeling the fatigue from speed work.
  • Hype: “Distributes pressure of your impact evenly providing more comfort for your foot.” Check. I would agree with this. I also find myself wearing these when I travel as well and will be doing a lot of walking for this reason.
  • Hype: “A plush upper portion of the shoe that conforms to your foot and customizes itself to different foot shapes.” The shoe fits well. I will say that it is about a half-size larger than the Pure Project. So, if you wear a size 9 in the Pure Project, you may need an 8.5 in the Transcend.
  • Hype: “A rounded heel that encourages a more natural foot strike.” Truth! Unlike some of the traditional running shoes (like the Brooks core line), the heel of the Transcends are more innovative, making them more conducive for speedier runs. I have enjoyed them for a few tempo runs here and there, and I’ve also been able to safely rotate them into my weekly running mix.
Transcend collage

So the final verdict is that the Brooks Transcends do live up to the hype, with a few caveats.

  • It’s a bit of an overstatement to say the Brooks Transcends are like running on clouds, but they are very comfortable, cushioned, extremely supportive and visually appealing. They are more cushioned and plush than the Pure Project line hands down.
  • If you wear a lighter-weight, more minimal shoe, these will take a little adjustment and getting used to, but provide an effective ride. If you are used to wearing a more traditional running shoe, there will be no challenge in transitioning to these.
  • I would highly recommend the Brooks Transcend for people who need a stability shoe and tend to over-pronate. I even like these better than the Brooks Adrenaline, which previously provided the most support of all their stability shoes. However, be aware that they are more expensive than most traditional shoes, ringing in at about $160. There is no price you can put on your running fitness and staying injury free, but be prepared to shell out about $40 to $60 more than what you are likely paying for other shoes.

Looking for more opinions on the Brooks Transcend? Check out what other Run Happy ambassadors think about them:
Fit Bottomed Girls: Brooks’ New Transcend is Like Running on Clouds
Hungry Runner Girl: Brooks Transcend Review

Have you tried the Brooks Transcend yet? If so, what do you think? If not, do these sound like shoes you would enjoy? What is your favorite running shoe right now?

Comments

Jojo @ RunFastEatLots

I have to go pick up the latest issue of Runner’s World, now! I didn’t’ know putting video in magazines was possible. That’s pretty cool 😀

I’ve never tried Brooks running shoes before, and I’ve been training in Mizuno’s lately. I prefer a neutral, lighter shoe. However, I want to try a stability shoe to see if that helps my ankle issues.

Kristen @ Glitter and Dust

That has got to be the fanciest shoe packaging I have ever seen. Brooks really knows how to take it to the next level – I guess that’s why I love them! I haven’t tried the Transcends (but now I want to), I used to run in the Adrenalines, but have recently switched to the Glycerin 11 (which I LOVE).

Kimberly @ Healthy Strides

Interesting! I’m hoping to test a pair in a few weeks when the running store has a Brooks day. I’m not sure I could stomach $160 when I like the Ravennas so much but you never know.

rUnladylike

If you like the Ravennas definitely give these a try (and let me know what you think). I like these way better than the Ravennas in terms of fit and feel. If you aren’t into the all pink, they also have a white and blue version that is pretty.

Cyanne (RunStretchGo)

Thanks for the awesome review! I have had my eyes on these, as I’m a Ravenna wearer for longer runs, but run most runs in the Cadences and speed work in Mizuni Sayonaras.

Rebecca H

Do you know how someone who is technically “neutral” is affected by a stability shoe?

rUnladylike

If you have a neutral strike, I would recommend sticking with a neutral shoe. I am not in any way a shoe expert but stability shoes help reduce over-pronation, which could potentially push you more to the outside. I would recommend going to your local running specialty store to talk with an expert on how a shoe like this might effect you.

Lex @ Flecks of Lex

Great review! I’m in the market for some new running shoes, but I can’t make up my mind. These sound pretty awesome, though pricey.

Mark Varner

Thanks for the review! Since I also like the Ravenna’s & the Cadence a lot, I am intrigued by the Transcend. Honestly though I will probably wait for the blue version to go on clearance next year (I have plenty of other shoes now). I will make an effort to at least try them on.

Ashley @ Brocblog

They had trials at my running club last wednesday but by the time I showed up they were out of my size which was disappointing. I’m an overpronator as well and have been looking for a second shoe to alternate with the Pure Cadence because right now Im using them for every single run.

rUnladylike

Based on what you are currently running in, I think you will like these. Let me know what you think when you get a chance to try 🙂

Angie

I run in the Adrenaline. They work great for me and essentially cured my plantar fasciitis (they are also consistently the best selling running shoe hands down in the U.S.). Since I lived with PF for a year, I am gun shy of trying anything else, especially when the Adrenalines are $50 cheaper. Great review though! Maybe if my PF stays away for another year, I can try them out!

Lacy @ Running Limit-less

Those look amazing! I have been a huge fan of the Brooks Ravenna’s and have gone through 3 pairs already in about 5 months. I am so wary about trying a new style after a bad injury I sustained last summer from a poor stability and ill fitting shoe. (Brand will remain nameless, it wasn’t Brooks though). I really want to try the Transcend but of course am a little nervous. Your review did make me feel more comfortable trying them so hopefully I won’t be too cheap to get a pair.

Kat

I really want to try these – great review girlie!

Mary

I wear the Ravenna – but was advised by an ortho to put in Super Feet (blue) for additional support/stability (I over pronate and have lower arches now). Do you use an insert for the pronation (or have you in the past)? If you have, how do the Transcends compare? What’s the mileage range? I looked at one (not Brooks) that recommended new shoes every 150-250 miles!! AND they were very expensive!!!! Crazy!!! Thanks for the review!!

rUnladylike

Hi Mary. I have used the blue Super Feet before and I have also used custom orthotics. There are many schools of thought on orthotics — some believe you should only wear them until the problem is corrected. Others believe you should always wear them … and of course, everyone is different. I do not wear orthotics now. I have found the right shoes that help me prevent injury and don’t think I need added support. I do wear the super feet from time to time in my ballet flats or other shoes that I wear around to the office so that they have more support. The Transcend provide great stability for me, and I believe the most of any of their other shoes, including the Ravenna. You will probably get 300-400 miles out of the shoes. You get 250-300 out of the Pure Project. Good luck!

Sarah @RunFarGirl

I saw a pic of these and was curious about the curved sole…they almost look like those “tone up” sneakers that were all the rage a while ago. Haha. But sounds like you liked them!

Cheri @ Overactive Blogger

YES GIRL!

I work for Fleet Feet and your review, especially the part about the stability? SPOT ON! You’re the first girl to such a thorough review I feel like 🙂

rUnladylike

Thanks for your feedback Cheri! I’m glad to hear from a shoe expert like you that I’ve got it mostly right 🙂 Thanks so much for your feedback and for stopping by!!! Happy running.

sharom

This is a very good review. I usually run in the glycerin and love Brooks shoes (very occasionally I have deviated but never found a match that works for me). I had my running gait reassessed and discovered that leg pain I was experiencing was probably because my gait over time (age!!!) had changed and I was advised to get support shoes. I did try others, my local running store will let you try them on and go for a little run, however I felt really stable in the transcend. I love the cushioning and being a distance runner i.e. half and full marathons, these are great. They really do live up to the hype, pricey but worth it to stay injury free

Jake

I have videofilmed more than 20 people in this shoe. It is NOT a stability shoe. It is not even close to the Defyance and I have seen even an Asics Cumulus being more stable.

rUnladylike

Thanks for the feedback Jake. I have felt very stable in it and it is marketed as a stability shoe, but your feedback is really appreciated and valuable. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and perspective.

Christian Duerig

On Saturday 2014.06.07 I took part for the first time in the Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run 2014 in Engelberg, Schweiz. It was a birthday present. The Asphalt track was a killer. With 70 years, my chords are not so flexible any more. Today I bought the Brooks Transcend and I am ready for the next Strongman Run.
I am proud to have completed the run successfully and was recognised as a VIP !
With 70, you must get this Transcend. It is wonderful. You feel 20 years junger !

Danette

Hello! Maybe you have some advice. I have the Transcend’s and so far I really dislike them. My feet actually throb after running. I have only used them a couple times and went with them because a few years prior my ankle was shattered and leg broken in a car accident. I wondered if it was the shoe so I put on my very old New Balance running shoes and went for my next run. Absolutely zero problems for my feet with the old shoes. I am baffled here and not sure what to do.

rUnladylike

Hi Danette. I would recommend going to a specialty running store and getting tested in a number of shoes to ensure you are running in the right one. You need to know if you should be in a neutral, stability or motion control shoe based on your gait. The Transcends may have too much stability for you. If you are still experiencing pain after being in the right shoe, definitely seek the advice from your doctor or sports medicine expert. Best of luck to you!!!

Angus cole

I just purchased these shoes today, I’m a male who broke
his spine In 2009 and am healing and was so excited to get this shoe, is it wonderful for someone with a broken back or healing from one?

rUnladylike

I’m glad you like them Angus and that you are healing from your terrible injury.

Summer

I really appreciate the size comparison to the Pure Cadence!