Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Footwear Advice

Choosing the right shoe for your best run should help you run farther, faster, more comfortably - or all 3! Here are some helpful tips:

Visit a local store for a professional fitting! Use our Store Locator to find a local running store whose staff are incredibly knowledgeable about running and the gear that goes along with it. Your needs may change over time, so it's a great idea to create a relationship with your local store staff for expert advice.

Use our Shoe Guide to walk you through the process and explain the science of our shoes. Think about the ride - how do you want your run to feel? Do you like cushiony pillows under your feet? A springy, responsive stride? Are you running for distance or speed? Road or trail?

Send us your queries via WhatsApp message in between 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM IST. Our team of experts is ready to help you explore your options, provide product advice and support, and help you find the styles that will best suit your needs.

Why are my shoes squeaking?

We can understand how a squeaky shoe could distract from a great run.

In most cases, the cause of squeaky shoes is due to air and/or moisture trapped under the insoles (or orthotics) within your shoes. First, we recommend removing the insoles and taking a few steps. If there is no squeak, it is most likely due to contact between the insole and the shoe itself. The good news is we have a simple solution for this!

To alleviate this, we recommend putting removing the insoles after each wear to allow both the insoles and the shoes to dry from any sweat or water build-up. If you still experience squeaking, then adding a bit of talcum powder to the insoles can be a great solution. Painters or Masking tape (with the smooth side facing up) can also help! Taping the bottom of your insole or orthotic creates a smooth surface and decreases any friction that occurs while you walk or run.

Wide width shoes

If there is pressure on the sides or top of your feet this could indicate that you need a roomier shoe. Luckily, we do make several shoes in wider sizes (though not in every colour).

Some of the biggest selections of multiple-width shoes can be found in either the Ghost (for neutral) or in the Adrenaline GTS series (for support).

If you are having trouble using the width drop-down to select your desired width, it could be an indication that a particular shoe/colour was not made in multiple widths.

If you would like assistance placing an order, or finding a shoe that is a good fit for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with your queries via WhatsApp message in between 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM IST.

Narrow, Wide, and Extra Wide Width Shoes

We make four different width options: Narrow, Medium, Wide, and Extra Wide. While not every style or colour is produced in every width offering, we do have several models with alternative widths available.

If you would like assistance verifying if something is available in a specialty width, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with your queries via WhatsApp message in between 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM IST.

Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This irritation can be tricky to solve with a single shoe as it can be quite different from person to person. These are some guidelines for which models may work best. Typically we find shoes with a higher drop from heel to toe, good cushion to take the impact away, and sometimes a less flexible option to help in case the other benefits aren't enough. You may want to consult with a medical professional for any injuries requiring clinical attention.

The first thing to find out is if you experience any Calcalneal Deviation or not as you walk/run. Calcaneal Deviation is when you walk/run your ankles will have a tendency to roll inwards towards each other and onto your arches, putting a lot of pressure on the inside edge of your feet.

If you feel you do this then you will want to check the support shoes suggestions. If you feel you walk pretty flat and stable, or perhaps roll outwards a little, then you will want to read the neutral shoes suggestions. To help find out if you experience Calcalneal Deviation, you can visit a local running shop and have your gait analyzed by simply walking/running in the store as they watch. Click the link below for help finding a location that may offer this: Find a Local Brooks Retailer.

Support Shoes

A great option to start with to help with plantar fasciitis relief is our Adrenaline GTS model. The Adrenaline GTS offers a 12mm drop from heel to toe which helps to put your weight more in the forefoot and away from the plantar in your heel. The Adrenaline GTS has great cushion underfoot and supports to keep your Calcalneal Deviation controlled as you walk/run. If you feel that you do not have enough cushion or perhaps too much flex in the Adrenaline GTS then you will want to explore our Addiction GTS model.

Shop Support Shoes

Neutral Shoes:

A great option to start with to help with plantar fasciitis relief is our Ghost model. The Ghost offers a 12mm drop from heel to toe which helps to put your weight more in the forefoot and away from the plantar in your heel. The Ghost offers a slightly wider toe-box by design to help get you a little more wiggle room in the fit and has great cushioning to help make for soft and smooth travels.

Shop Neutral Shoes

As plantar fasciitis can vary from each person's experience, we suggest these shoes as guidelines. Depending on your unique biomechanics and experiences another shoe may work better. Feel free to reach out to help find the best model for your feet and your runs!

Overpronation

Overpronation is when your ankles roll inwards towards each other and onto your arches in your walk/run, putting excess pressure on the inside edge of your feet. Brooks Support Shoes feature GuideRail technology to help keep your gait aligned.

To help find out if you overpronate or not you can visit a local running shop where they can analyze your gait by simply walking/running to help determine your support needs. Below is our Store Finder to help find a local running shop in your area:

Supination

Supination is when your ankles will roll outwards, away from each other, and onto your small toe side, putting pressure on the outside edge of your feet during your walk/run. Our Neutral Shoes offer a stable platform with great cushioning for those who supinate or do not overpronate.

To help find out if you supinate or not you can visit a local running shop where they can analyze your gait by simply walking/running to help determine your support needs. Below is our Store Finder to help find a local running shop in your area:

How do I know which width to choose?

Running shoes come in a variety of widths inorder to ensure you get the best possible fit for your foot and your run. Choosing the best width for your foot is best done in person.

The most common width is Medium. If you’ve always worn shoes without a thought about their width, this is more than likely the size you should be in. If you’ve experienced squeezing at the sides of your feet, earlier wear at the sides of shoes than you’d expected, or other signs that your feet may not be medium width, we highly recommend visiting a local run shop for a professional fitting.

Shoe Width Guide

Shoe Sizing Compared to Other Brands

Compared to other brands, we most often find our shoes to fit slightly shorter. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 size to one size larger than what you wear in casual or dress shoes.

Some other brands also run a little small, so it can be best to be fitted when trying out new models or versions to make sure they will work well for you. Use our Store Finder tool to help find a local retailer in your area to help get you fitted.

Footwear Technology

What is a GTS Shoe?

At Brooks we focus on the Run. We provide the best running experience through our products, with that in mind, we want to create a seamless process when it comes to choosing a product. To help this process we have renamed some of our shoes for clarity! We understand that with all these names: Ravenna, Launch, Transcend; how do we know which is your sole mate? What is the difference between these models?

Introducing “GTS”! By adding GuideRails (under the name GTS, aka "Go-To-Support") to a neutral style shoe like “Launch” or "Glycerin" we get Launch GTS & Glycerin GTS (as opposed to Ravenna or Transcend). Now we know that this shoe is going to have the same fit, cushion level, and experience as the Launch or Glycerin, but will have support through our GuideRails technology.

Click here to shop GTS styles!

What is the difference between GTS and GTX?

GTX refers to Gore-Tex, a waterproof membrane to help your feet to stay dry and comfortable on rainy-day runs. GTS refers to Go-To-Support, our Guiderails technology used to deliver holistic support that allows your hips, knees, and joints to move the way you naturally do.

What are Dual Stability Arch Pods?

A passive support system utilized in the Dyad to enhance inherent stability without the use of a post.

What is TrailTack Rubber?

TrailTack rubber is a sticky rubber compound that provides outstanding uphill and downhill traction, even on wet surfaces.

What is 3D Rubber Print?

3D Rubber Print is an advanced screen-printing process that uses rubber to add protection and durability to trail shoes.

What is Engineered Mesh?

Engineered mesh refers to our custom-designed and strategically woven or knit materials that provide optimal structure and breathability for our footwear.

What is BioMoGo DNA?

BioMoGo DNA is an adaptive midsole made of EVA foam to create dynamic cushioning that accounts for a runner's unique stride, weight, and speed.

Waterproof Shoes

Don't let the weather hold you back from your normal runs and walks. We offer select models with a Gore-Tex® layer sewn in to help keep your feet protected on the run. Gore-Tex® is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane that is able to repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric. These shoes will have GTX in the name to identify that they offer Gore-Tex® waterproofing.

Shop our Waterproof Shoes

Vegan Shoes

Currently, our only non-vegan shoe is the Addiction Walker 2, which is made from full-grain leather. Our only non-vegan accessory is the High Point Sock which uses merino wool. The remainder of our current products are vegan-friendly (including dyes and glue)!

Segmented Crash Pad

Shaped like a caterpillar, the Segmented Crash Pad is a system of fully-integrated shock absorbers that accommodate any foot landing to maximize efficiency, provide cushion, and create smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

What is the Ballistic Rock Shield?

The Ballistic Rock Shield is a toughened, thermoplastic EVA sheath between the outsole and midsole that protects the forefoot by spreading out point loads from sharp objects.

What is 3D Fit Print?

Using a revolutionary process that uses screen-print technology to apply engineered structure to the uppers of our shoes, 3D Fit Print maintains the shoe structure with increased flexibility and lighter weight.

Arch Height

When it comes to the best shoe for your arch, the most important thing to get right is the category (neutral vs support). These categories do not refer to the height of the arch, but rather the way the shoe supports your stride since running shoes do not typically have an active shape coming into the foot. Shoes that sometimes feel like the arch has a different height may actually just have a slimmer, tighter fit that hugs the arch area.

If you have a low/flat arch then you would typically want a shoe listed with support. If you have a high arch or high instep then you would more likely want to lean toward a neutral model. Every foot is different though, so it is helpful to know how your foot shape impacts the way you walk/run.

There are some helpful tests you can perform at home, or a local running shop can help you in identifying which type of arch you have and what may work best for you. Use our Store Finder tool to help find some great running shops in your area that can help you identify your arch type and how it impacts your stride.

Are Brooks shoes slip resistant?

At Brooks we have a singular focus - performance run. This doesn't mean our shoes aren't great for other things, it just means that's not what they are designed for.

Though our Addiction Walker shoe offers a slight friction coefficient (enough for wet pavement), they are not designed to meet the specifications required for certified skid resistance.

Gear Maintenance

How do I request a replacement?

Please refer to our return policy to know everything about replacement.

Brooks Shoes Information:

When used for the intended purpose, Brooks footwear has a life expectancy of 450 to 800 kms.

If you are experiencing a reduction in performance during this time frame, please tell us about it! We will happily replace any product that does not perform to Brooks’ high expectations, under normal use and within the functional life of the product.

Why is the tread separating from the sole of my shoe?

Performance running shoes are created with only one thing in mind - the run. Designing shoes for running means designing a tread that performs better than any other when moving in a forward motion.

Using our shoes for other uses, particularly those involving lateral movement, can result in tread separation earlier than the normal functional life of the shoes, which is 450-800 kms.

If you believe that a Brooks item has a defect in materials or craftsmanship that has caused the product to fail during the functional life expectation, we want to help.

Please refer to our return policy to know everything about replacement.

How do I avoid holes in the shoe fabric?

Performance running shoes are created with only one thing in mind - the run. Fabrics are carefully developed to provide the very best performance available for the lifetime of a running shoe - which is 450-800 kms. Holes in the fabric after this period of time would be considered normal wear and tear. Here are some other reasons you might experience holes:

Size - running shoes should have 1/2 inch (a thumbs width) of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you are experiencing holes at the end of the toe box of your shoes, consider whether there is enough room there. Perhaps sizing up 1/2 size would help.
Width - if you are experiencing holes in the fabric on the sides of your shoes, particularly at the widest point of your foot, it's possible you would benefit from a wider shoe.
Stride - if your shoes are rubbing against each other during your stride, you might see wear on the inside of the shoes or on the collars around the ankle. Some runners also experience holes in the toebox from lifting their big toe as a part of their stride.

If you believe that you are experiencing holes in the fabric of your shoes that are caused by a design or manufacturing flaw (as opposed to any of the above reasons), please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Replacement Insoles

We love to offer replacement insoles to help keep your shoes feeling great, but due to supply chain constraints, we are unable to fulfill requests of this nature at this time.

Still have questions?

Send us your queries via WhatsApp Message in between 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM IST from Monday to Saturday.

Email: hello@brooksrunningindia.com

Call: +91 8652 276657