Shoe Review: Brooks Racer ST4
Compared to my younger days my running is a lot more varied. I used to be a road-mile eater. I devoured tarmac on a weekly basis. Venturing onto the fells and trails was, due my to re-location to the urban landscape of the south of England, a rarity.
I don’t generally look forward to long miles on the road, I’m far more happy running mile after mile of trails, fields and mountain tracks, but I do confess to having a bit of a thing about lightweight (road) running shoes.
They make you feel good about your running on the road, you feel faster, somehow. However, they aren’t for everyone, firstly traditional race shoes offer little in the way of support and are aimed at the lighter runner, meaning that the heavier runner generally has to get by with a support / stability trainer – and make do. The race shoe concept has long since been a no, no for those of us who suffer from regular aches and niggles too – a lack of support and cushioning just isn’t an option.
Enter the new world of support race shoes. All major manufacturers recognised some years back that there was a need for a lightweight shoe that could be used for those longer race distances, in tandem with some fast-training sessions, and be happily attached to the feet of the heavier runner.
Brooks’ Racer ST4 is, as the name might suggest, on the fourth incarnation of this shoe. This is normally testament enough that a shoe is a success in the market-place – just look at some of the Asics and Nike models (GT2… and Air Triax Structure) to see this – and if first impressions are anything to go by I can see this one running and running!
Like your favourite sofa
On the road you immediately notice that the ST4 has pedigree. Brooks’ independent running company ethic certainly comes through as this shoe is as it is really well thought out. From the laces that are just the right length (why do some companies still insist on having laces that are long enough for two pairs of shoes?) to the wide toe-box, which when experienced on the road gives an amazingly comfortable ride. (I’m a great advocate of the wide toe box-BTW). A snug fit is essential around the heel and instep area, and the ST4 is more than adequate in this sense.
However, it really is the frontal area comfort that makes this shoe stand out for me. I don’t know who the R&D guys at Brooks are, but they must be technology people, who run. There is enough room for your toes to feel relaxed, un-cramped, yet in control.
Technology
At a stated 246grams the Racer ST4 is not the lightest shoe on the market. However, the compromise has to be somewhere, and the give in a little weight is acceptable when you marry-up the amount of technology you get in this shoe.
S-257™ is a midsole compound formulated to resist compression. It is also designed to rebound more quickly after impact than standard EVAs. Brooks state:
S257 has been tested to be 15% more durable than EVA which means your 400th mile has the same great ride as your first
Only time will tell on that one.
HYDROFLOW®, Brooks’ patented, silicon-based system is also pretty impressive stuff:
Its fluid-filled centre chamber dampens shock at impact and dynamically disperses fluid at a controlled rate around the heel™ cushioning, stabilising and rebounding on every stride. Plus, it’s engineered to never wear out.
Again pretty hefty claims. Now I can’t vouch that it will never wear out (I’d always be a little careful in this area) but I will say that the rebound on this shoe is very springy. (MST technical term!)
Add in the DRB™ diagonal rollbar (stability control in other words) DRB™ ACCEL and HPR™ PLUS, which ensures higher durability on the outsole, and you have a very competent set of features that ensure that the Racer ST4 isn’t just a race shoe with some added cushioning.
Well built?
As with most Brooks shoes that I have come across, these are very well built. The quality runs throughout, and as with the Mach X, I have not had one inclination of bad stitching, internal abrasion or pressure points with these shoes. They fit, very well, and feel built to withstand more than you average 5k sprint.
Looks wise these shoes are pretty funky. The colour scheme is reserved enough to not frighten those of us who shy away from the fluro trends of racers on the market, but is still a nice change from the ‘planet Grey’ (white with blue/silver/red etc) that most brands inhabit in their core ranges these days. The best bit must be the mutating laces though – red to black with gold flec – cool!
On the road
Having run around 100 miles in these shoes now I only have positives. They have been light enough to carry my best 5k time in 3 years. They have also been really useful in training. I like to, now and again, venture onto the road for a ‘speed’(!) session and each time I have gone full gas in the ST4s I have never felt uncomfortable immediately afterwards, or given any muscle stiffness the next day.
I also think these shoes are sturdy enough to use in regular training, the Hydro Flow system ensures that a cushioned, stable and supported ride is experienced, and if you are reasonably injury-free these shoes could be a regular feature in your training regime.
Verdict
For those of you that may have read any of my previous reviews I like Brooks shoes. All of my reviews have been positive. However I have no allegiance to the brand, I like Nike shoes, I like Salomon shoes. But I have nothing but good words for this shoe, and the rest of the product that the guys from Seattle have been churning out these last few years. So, if you are planning a spring marathon or half-marathon, at the more serious end of things, these shoes will work – straight out of the box.
I wouldn’t hesitate to rate these shoes, very highly, in nearly all areas, and if they could shave 15 grams off, they would be world beaters…
