Brooks Ariel vs. New Balance 1011 review

Read about the differences between Brooks Ariel and New Balance 1011 in this review, and compare prices to find the best motion control running shoe for you.

In two previous articles I wrote about the Brooks Ariel and the New Balance 1011 motion control running shoes for women.

If you're looking to switch from wearing Brooks running shoes to New Balance running shoes or vice versa, you would probably like to know that the Brooks Ariel is the counterpart of the New Balance 1011.

These two running shoes are made by two different running shoe manufacturers, so naturally will be different. Let's compare them and take a look at where these running shoes are similar and how they differ.

Looking at the outsoles of the running shoes, it is clearly visible that both the Brooks Ariel and the New Balance 1011 are semi-curved (not entirely straight) running shoes, so following the curves of a normal foot. However, the Brooks Ariel is slightly wider in the midfoot area meaning that its outsole lies between an outsole that is suitable for runners with flat feet and an outsole that is suitable for runners with a normal arch.

Another thing that is visible from looking at the outsoles of the Brooks Ariel and the New Balance WR1011 is that both motion control running shoes accommodate wide forefeet.

The durable rubber on the outsole is located more on the inside of the foot for the Brooks Ariel and evenly on the inside and outside of the foot for the New Balance WR1011. This means that both running shoes will last long if you tend to run on the insides of your feet, which is what overpronators do.

Onto the midsoles now. Both running shoes have a plate in the midsole that is designed to keep the foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle. This is typical of all motion control running shoes.

The difference in the midsoles of the two running shoes will most likely be in the amount of cushioning provided and the way they feel on your feet when you run. Being a runner who wears Brooks running shoes, I can testify as to how "cushy" they feel when you run in them.

However, both motion control running shoes provide cushioning in the places that matter most: In the heel to absorb the shock of a heel-strike, in the forefoot to help transition smoothly to a toe-off, and along the entire length of the midsole.

The difference in the uppers of the two running shoes lies in how they hug your foot. The New Balance WR1011 will provide a more secure fit around the midfoot through its N-Lock system.

The Brooks Ariel and New Balance WR1011 differ by 14 grams (0.5 oz) in weight with the New Balance being the lightest of the two motion control running shoes.

The New Balance 1011 is not only lighter than the Brooks Ariel when you compare motion control running shoes by weight, but also in price. The suggested retail price of the New Balance 1011 is approximately US$10 less than that of the Brooks Ariel when you compare motion control running shoes by price.

However, if you have a flat arch, broad feet from heel to toe, and are looking for a shoe that provides great support and cushioning while you're running, you could go with the Brooks Ariel.

Disclaimer: This running shoe review on www.motioncontrolrunningshoe.org is based on personal research and analysis, and is not claimed to be accurate and/or complete. While the information presented in this review is intended to help you better understand the differences between running shoes, we shall not be held liable for any purchasing decisions you make based on this information. Please use your own good judgment before making a purchase. The owner of this website receives a small compensation whenever you buy a product after clicking a product link on this website; that's how we keep this site online. Read our full disclaimer.