Brooks Transcend 7, Men’s Running Shoes

Product Information

It’s upper is not as premium as the Transcend’s upper, but everything else tips too deeply into the Topo’s favor to not go that route.

I took them on both short and medium distance runs of about 8-9 minute pace, with two of them being double runs after workouts.Lighter, easier to transition, I think due to its narrow mid foot waist under foot, with the rails present but less noticed it is closer to a neutral feel than Transcend yet still with plenty of support.

In terms of feel, it’s a softer and slightly more flexible sensation underfoot over the Transcend 7 to elevate your comfort out on the road. It isn’t the fastest or lightest but it will almost certainly become my next go-to trainer for the next 1000+ kilometres. Like the Glycerin series, the Transcend is a relatively adaptive shoe in nature and is a great option for runners needing stability but something that isn’t obstructive or overly firm. Sam: The Arhai 4 takes a different approach to support with a very broad platform and a slightly firmer J Frame EVA on the medial side.

While we're talking comparisons, the Glycerin GTS 19 and the Glycerin 19 are on the exact same stack height as well with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop. One of our testers, Paul Fenton, summarised this shoe nicely: ‘I would recommend this shoe to anybody who wants a dependable, comfortable training shoe that could be used across a wide range of conditions and courses. Comfort and stability mix nicely here for a plush feel that allows you to enjoy a nice long run or an easy recovery day.

The Transcend has middle-of-the-road cushioning—not too soft that I feel like I’m wearing bedroom slippers, and not too firm that I feel every crack and pebble beneath my foot,” said associate test director Jen Sherry. The shoe is put together well and its heightened level of cushion and plushness will allow these to last for a long time which is good because the Transcend 7 is ideal for long distances. As much as I liked the upper material, I had to try adjusting the lacing a few times to get the fit right. I personally also am not a fan of rails based shoes such as the Transcend which in fact are more focused on knee stability than pronation control. Like Jeff I found the support not exactly pleasant and wondered if in fact my knees needed to move a bit more, so to speak.

The GuideRails are designed to keep you moving forward without excess movement, with the intent of protecting the knees. I really think making all the Rails out of the same midsole material as the rest of the shoe, and maybe DNA Loft foam a touch firmer than here would help the experience leaving the Adrenaline for those who really need heavier duty support. The Transcend can be that everyday workhorse or long run trainer you need, its DNA Loft cushioning providing a softer ride for your legs. What sets it apart is the GuideRails technology of the midsole – a support system that reduces the rate of pronation to align your body into its most efficient motion path.