Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Motion Control
Key Features
• HPR Plus & HPR Green in the outsole offer durability• Comfortable experience due to DNA cushioning in the midsole• Consistent support for overpronators• Upper provides a glove-like feel• Breathable upper• Top of the line stability
Upper
One of the biggest highlights of the Ariel 14 is the upper. Brooks’ Element Mesh is the primary fabric used in the upper. The Element material promotes both comfort and breathability, so you will need not worry about keeping your feet dry during those long, hot runs. There is also an interior sleeve made with Element Linings. The fabric used in the sleeve is soft and also assists in handling moisture that is typically present during a run. The rounded laces will help tighten the upper and provide an accurate fit.
Midsole
The Brooks Ariel 14 has a midsole that offers a great amount of cushioning between the runner’s foot and the ground. This running sneaker is equipped with Brooks’ DNA cushioning gel from the toe to the heel. The DNA cushioning is unique because it surrounds the entire foot, providing a custom fit by adapting to the weight, shape, and movement of the runner’s foot. In addition to the DNA technology, the Ariel 14 comes with BioMoGo, DRB, and the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. The BioMoGo platform is a high-quality material that is made with biodegradable materials. The midsole also contains the Omega Flex Grooves, which help with flexibility. Being one of the largest parts of the sneaker, the midsole definitely provides a generous amount of cushioning that will satisfy the typical overpronator.
Outsole
The outsole of the Ariel 14 is made with high-quality durable rubber. HPR Plus is a durable rubber material that is resistant to damage that eventually occurs after long periods of use. This rubber is placed in the heel and assists the sole unit throughout the gait cycle. The forefoot contains a rubber called HPR Green. This is a skid-resistant, environmentally friendly rubber compound that helps the runner with balance and control. You can clearly see the ridges from the side of the shoe, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the traction is better than most support shoes.
Breathability
Runners of any experience level can expect their feet to get moist during their workout. Whether it derives from sweat during a hot summer day, puddles, or obnoxious rain, it is more likely than not that your feet will get wet, and you’ll need a sneaker that will help keep them dry and cool. There is a great amount of airflow allowed within the Brooks Ariel 14. The moisture-managing capabilities within the Brooks Ariel 14 efficiently rid the sneaker of sweat or water. The Element Mesh fabric in the upper keeps air flowing throughout the entire shoe, resulting in the runner’s feet being kept dry and cool at all times. Overall, the Brooks Ariel 14 can reliably remove any element of moisture from the inside of the shoe thanks to the high-quality upper fabric.
Comfort
The surplus of comfort features in the Ariel 14 insist this sneaker to be appealing to the runner in need. There is a moisture-wicking insole placed slightly above the midsole unit. The insole increases comfort under the feet and encourages a sockless experience as well. The DNA cushioning in the midsole provides the underfoot with a custom fitting experience, and more importantly a high amount of comfort. With other types of sneakers that lack cushioning, runners tend to gain discomfort in the underfoot, which could become detrimental to the goals of the runner. The Ultimate Sock Liner in the upper keeps the runner feeling comfortable wearing this sneaker with or without socks, without any irritation that potentially occurs with stitched fabric. There have been some complaints that the toe box is aggressively narrow. This has caused some frustration with people who have feet that are wider around the forefoot.
Style
At face value, the Ariel 14 looks mildly odd, even for a running shoe. The midsole is very thick, placed high in comparison to the rest of the sneaker. The Brooks logo is seen directly at the midfoot, right on top of the synthetic overlays. Despite the fact that the Ariel 14 strongly resembles a platform shoe, it serves the needs of female overpronators and has a stylish color combination. The most popular color scheme of the Ariel 14 seems to be the purple and silver mixture. A majority of the sneaker is covered in a grey/silver, and the purple laces the bottom of the midsole, as well as the interior of the sneaker and finally the Brooks logo on the midfoot. Another style for the Ariel 14 is the breeze/midnight/silver, although the former is seen a lot more. The biggest issue from testers has been the lack of color styles for the Ariel 14. People wanted more variety, although they do have a choice between two styles.
Durability
This sneaker is very durable, especially in the outsole. The damage-resistant HPR Plus rubber covers the areas of the sneaker that overpronators tend to use the most. This increases the lifetime of the Ariel 14, sparing it from burning out too quickly. While the shoe is designed to last throughout the entire sole, reviewers have claimed that the heel wears out fast in comparison to the rest of the sneaker. Whether you’re using the Brooks Ariel 14 as an occasional trainer, or an everyday running shoe, you can rest assured that it will last for a long as you need it to.
Protection
Since the Brooks Ariel 14 has a significant amount of cushioning, it acts as a shield in between the underfoot and the ground. The BioMoGo in the midsole was updated since the last version of the Brooks Ariel and still provides that comfortable plush feeling. The HPR Plus in the outsole also protects the underfoot from the impact that happens during each foot strike. This rubber plus the DNA technology in the midsole are shock absorbing materials that protect the underfoot from the uncomfortable ground beneath them.
Responsiveness
Being such a heavy sneaker, responsiveness isn’t necessarily the highlight of the Ariel 14. One part of the Ariel 14 that does have some form of responsiveness starts with the abrasion-resistant rubber. The HPR rubber absorbs the energy coming from the ground and helps the runner move forward. The Brooks Ariel 14 also features a fully loaded segmented crash pad, which assists the runner with a smooth heel-to-toe transition during each foot strike.
Support
Overpronators will be delighted with the amount of support in the Brooks Ariel 14. Let’s start with the midsole. Frequently referred to as a stability shoe, the Brooks Ariel 14 is best for runners who are in need of arch support. This is great news for flat-footed runners looking for footwear that can accommodate their arch issue. The mid-foot of this sneaker has the DRB Accel, which gives extensive support to the arch. The DRB Accel is made out of thermoplastic polyurethane, a material that offers lasting cradling.
Terrain
The Ariel 14 was designed to be used specifically on the road terrain. Although the Ariel 14 has great traction, the outsole pattern doesn’t have any deep, large lugs, which suggests that this shoe wouldn’t do well outside of its proper terrain. If you decide to take these sneakers out into the woods, you could have some luck, thanks to the features of the Ariel 14 that provide an extra sense of control. Based off of the high level of durability of this shoe, you won’t need to worry about damaging your sneaker on rigorous environments, but you will likely gain the best running or walking experience when on the cement or track, rather than a rock garden.
Price
The original price of the Brooks Ariel 14 is started off well over $120. This initial price is fairly expensive for a running sneaker, although some wearers have mentioned that the supportive features in the Ariel 14 are worth the high price. After other additions in the Ariel line have been released, runners would be able to find this sneaker for a price significantly cheaper than it’s original tag.
Drop
The heel-to-toe drop of the Brooks Ariel 14 is measured at 12 millimeters. While there is no “right answer” when it comes to the drop of a sneaker, this high measurement will likely work out for frequent heel strikers since there is such a substantial difference between the heel and the forefoot.
Stability
There is a fair amount of stability in the Ariel 14. Based off of design and concept, this running sneaker is evidently engineered to be a stability shoe. First off, there is the MC Pod Configuration in the outsole, which effectively stabilizes the outsole and midsole of the Brooks Ariel 14. When out running, especially long miles, it is important to have the feet in place at all times. Having your feet sliding within the shoe hinders the runner’s balance and running motion. The upper has the Internal Support Saddle, located at the midfoot, helps keep the foot in place. The exterior synthetic overlays also contribute to the security of the foot, keeping it snug, yet comfortable. The Ariel 14 also has the PDRB in the midsole, which is considered a BioMoGo triple density foam. The PDRB reduces the rate of pronation, easing the pressure off of severe overpronators and giving them the control needed to effectively move forward.
Flexibility
Flexibility is overwhelmingly present with the Ariel 14. A majority of this sneaker’s flexibility is present within the outsole. Brooks’ Flextra design meets the needs of female runners because it doesn’t add weight to the sneaker and allows the sneakers to move in the same motion as a natural foot. Specifically, in the outsole unit, the sneaker easily bends to the natural motion and shape of the runner’s foot without decreasing the amount of stability. There is also the Omega Flex Grooves, which enhance the level of flexibility in the midsole, without taking stability or comfort.
Traction
If you’ve had an issue with control in the past, don’t expect the same from the Ariel 14. The HPR Plus technology in the outsole not only prevents the sole from wearing out quickly but also provides reliable traction. Combined with the HPR Green material, the outsole helps to control the runner’s movement on wet or slippery surfaces such as ice or puddles. Based off of testers, one of the greatest responses about the Brooks Ariel 14 was the unexpected traction that they gained on unstable surfaces.
Bottom Line
This women’s exclusive running shoe from Brooks is the ideal footwear for overpronators. This sneaker takes in the runner and gives them full control. With the superior combination of comfort and stability, the Brooks Ariel 14 offer a unique experience that accommodates those who need extra support in the arch area and the outsole. The Brooks Ariel 14 gives female runners the tools needed to be in control at all times. In other words, this sneaker is definitely a good choice for those looking for a comfortable stability shoe.
