Brooks Transcend 7, Men’s Running Shoes

Product Information

All that said, here comes the downer – the Brooks Transcend 3 is our least favorite of all Transcend models so far.

A slew of updates have been applied to the Transcend 3. The upper fit has transformed, and there are changes in the midsole design too. It spent a couple of lonely years being the only shoe of its kind; a ‘support’ shoe which did not rely on a medial post. And now, it seems to have company. So a couple of boo’s for Brooks for not explaining well enough what the Transcend 1 was; at the same time, kudos for creating a brand new footwear category – one which seems more relevant today than it was three years ago.The visually distinctive Transcend 1 had a generously flared midsole under the arch area. This when paired with the Guide rails and the wide footprint, helped the Transcend 1 produce a very supportive ride character. Under the midsole, the flat profile of the outsole made for super smooth transitions. What makes this technology incredible to me is that Brooks decided not to patent it, but to offer it as a “open source” innovation for any other shoe producer to use. Way to go! Brooks DNA Another excellent, in-depth review, exploring all elements – you really know what you are talking about (except the ‘medial post is rubbish’ thing!). The Rails on 6 are softer (on the lateral side only) and put more emphasis toward the lateral heel, thereby working together with the upper’s heel counter to rein in movement. Since the Transcend (still) does not offer an optional sizing width, a spacious upper might actually be a good thing. This is a reason for wide-footed runners to be happy about. On the flip side, Transcend loyalists who loved its ultra snug and supportive upper will find the T3 wanting in that aspect.

Another tester, who is a self-described pavement pounder, said the shoe “had great push off and was equal to or better than my Adrenalines.”The third factor isn’t easily apparent, but it significantly reduces the top-down pressure right around the last two rows of eyelets. The Transcend 3 has a firmer tongue flap than the T2 – the tongue-top loop moves towards the rearfoot by a couple of lacing rows. This just in: the Brooks DNA LOFT midsole, which lives up to its claim of “soft, luxurious” comfort underfoot “without losing responsiveness or durability”. It’s breathable enough for no overheating issues when running inside, but not so thin that cold air rushes right through, when facing temps well below freezing, outside. Have you tried past models and can tell us what you think of the changes? New to Transcend? Let us know in the comments. Medially, the GuideRails bolster the arch of the shoe to direct foot motion forward rather than inward.

I can't attest with the light trail but I did run in some grass/dirt during my runs and the same testament of great grip was true. Not for warm days Singular in their pursuit since the turn of the millennium, Brooks has developed into a brand that’s known and loved for helping runners to ‘Run Happy’. A mantra that goes against the grain of competitive, faster, further – to celebrate the joy of running and champion diversity and inclusivity in the running community.

Brooks claims that DNA is the first cushioning technology that dynamically adapts with each foot strike to the ever-changing amount of force placed on the foot during the run. No matter what the age, weight, gender, gait… DNA adapts itself to deliver the right amount of cushioning. Launched in 2010, DNA is a cushioning technology that is also present in most of Brooks’ running shoes. Which is an irony given the timing, because the rest of the world is catching up with what Brooks Transcend started. There is still hope, for the Transcend 4 follows later this year. Medial posts have proven unhelpful; GuideRails are the brand’s latest innovation, to begin again at the beginning with the basic design of a shoe, and change what had become industry standard for “stability. I knew right away that I made the right decision to go up a half size from what I ran in for Transcend 4. The length is true, to slightly small, to size, but the width is narrow.

In comparison, the Transcend 3 feels very lumpy. Brooks has replaced the flat midfoot outsole design with raised lugs, and ditto for the forefoot. And this is partly why we said that the shoe loses its ‘Transcend-ness’. The hallmark of the T1 and T2 was its smooth ride, and Brooks has messed with that this year for no good reason.

Key Features

The objective weight of Transcend makes it suitable for Clydesdales, however the propulsion design and soft-stable function make Transcend 6 work well for all runners: the ride is soft, supported, and feels light.