Brooks Ariel vs. New Balance 587 review
The Brooks Ariel is comfortable, roomy, and provides good stability and cushioning. The New Balance 587 is a highly stable trainer for runners who require maximum motion control, support, and cushioning. Learn what the differences and similarities are between these two Brooks and New Balance motion control running shoes.
In two previous articles I wrote about the Brooks Ariel and the New Balance 587 motion control running shoes for women.
These two running shoes are made by two different running shoe manufacturers (Brooks and New Balance), so naturally will be different. Let's compare them and take a look at where these running shoes are similar and how they differ.
Both running shoes have a Rollbar, which is a plate that is designed to keep the foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle. However, the main differences between the two motion control running shoes are in the designs of the sole and uppers.
Looking at the sole it is clearly visible that the Brooks Ariel is more suitable as a running shoe, while the New Balance 587 would be best used as a walking or gym shoe for the simple reason that the New Balance 587 offers a more evenly distributed support throughout its entire sole, while the Brooks Ariel offers more support in the heel strike and inner foot areas - two areas which are heavily targeted by pronators, and which follow a common gait cycle pattern during running.
While the Brooks Ariel is an athletic shoe that is approximately 12 grams (0.42 oz) heavier than the New Balance 587, the New Balance 587 seems more suitable for a person that is a bit on the heavy side and requires lots of stability.
In addition, the New Balance 587 does not become very narrow towards the toe box meaning that it will feel more roomy than the Brooks Ariel and is suitable for people with wide feet.
Looking at the uppers of the two running shoes, you can see that the Brooks Ariel consists of more mesh than the New Balance 587. While mesh is used primarily to give the feet more air (make breathable shoes), mesh tends to fit somewhat loose around the toes.
So if you're someone who likes to keep your toes in place and not have them punch upwards - which what mesh would allow - the New Balance 587 is your shoe.
Both shoes offer a snug fit in the lace area with their bands, so they'll both keep your feet well in place as you run or walk.
If you're looking for a motion control running shoe to run in, the Brooks Ariel would be a better option, but it comes with a price tag that is almost US$20 more expensive than the New Balance 587.
If you have a flat arch, wide feet, and are looking for a shoe that provides lots of stability, comfort, room, and support while you're walking or at the gym, the New Balance 587 would be the better option to go with.
Regular retail price of the Brooks Ariel: $130.00 Regular retail price of the New Balance W587: $109.99
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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.