Brooks Men's Beast '20 Supportive Running Shoe Review

I have been running for about 25 years. I purchased the Beast shoe back in 03 or so, and it was a good shoe but lasted about only 6 months until it gets wet. Then it just fell apart. After that experience, I would no longer pay 130$ + for shoes because you could get something at Walmart for cheap that would last about that long.Fast forward 20 years to today, everything about this shoe has gotten better. It no longer falls apart if you get caught in the rain or severely sweat during a run. They no longer festoon the shoe with silly painted on designs that wear off after one day of use.The number one reason this shoe gets a 10 in my book is because of the cushioning, mainly the material they use to build the entire part of the shoe under the foot. It is very rigid/stiff and not painfully squishy like the old shoes. It gives support at just the right tension so it feels like you are just running and not having to put up with some sort of material. I am at about 8 months jogging with this shoe and it still performs like new, and im not just saying that.Another issue they fixed is that the padding matieral behind the ankle would always wear out and expose hard plastic parts within the shoe that would eventually make the ankle bleed and render the shoe useless. So far this Beast 20 is not succumbing to that, which is usually a design flaw in all running shoes to this day.Its breathable, flexible, and stiff. I am not interested in trying thier 23 version, as they usually change the "LAST" with each iteration for some stupid reason.Brooks nailed the perfect running/jogging shoe, and I hope they sell the 2020 beast for many years to come.

These shoes were recommended by podiatrist due to metatarsal pain to foot. The stiffer sole and the rocking motion of these shoes do help out. But comfort level is reduced a bit. I ordered wide shoes, but these shoes did not size as wide. Great material and support overall. The impressive look of these shoes and support to my forefoot makes thee shoes keepers.

These shoes are great at supporting my over pronation when jogging. The lateral support and sole have also lasted longer than some other brands and sizing is just right. if you need extra support and comfort these are great shoes.

Review by Bob: I have had several pairs of Beasts since the turn of century due to recommendations from a top-notch running shop for my bad knees (Im not a runner). Having developed some foot issues over those years, I left Beasts for a slightly softer, more neutral shoe. Its been maybe 5-6 years since then and I am back to the Beasts — this time with a vengeance! From the moment I slipped into these 20’s, I knew they were right. I don’t know if its me or the shoes, but I am in love! They support my knees beautifully (both have been replaced), but now the Beasts also cradle and support my feet in a way that can only be described as “gently firm”. VERY supportive, and yet somehow remarkably comfortable as if they were molded specifically for my feet. I hate that shoemakers always change models, so I ordered a second pair asap.Brooks, please keep making this one - you may have just found perfection.PS - Tread is deep and seems lugged almost for trail running. Like all-season tires, they appear perfect for all conditions.PPS - The trim around the foot opening looks and feels extremely well made. Like the rest of shoe, it’s the perfect combination of solidity and softness.

Edit (11/8/23): Still like the shoes, but they are squeaky! I kind of understand why there's so many left over of the '20s. Unfortunate. Still a solid shoe... again, so far? If anything breaks bad, I'll be back to update this review again.10/1/2023: I love these shoes (so far)! I moved up from the Addictions to the Beasts (price was right), and I'm a long-time fan of the Brooks Addiction line of motion control/big guy shoes. So far there are a few differences, but that may just be because of a new generation of shoes. The laces seem lighter (frailer), than on my previous shoes, but maybe it's weight savings? I'll have to see how they wear, but I'm hoping well! The upper is very flexible, stretchy material, which is also different from my previous shoes. Again, I'm hoping that they wear well and last for some time. My strategy for my workout/all-around shoes has been to buy 2 pairs and rotate them (along with my other shoes/boots/Birk's). My last 2 pairs of Addictions have just started feeling tired in the last month, and they are just over 4 years old. I'm a big guy and I can be tough on shoes, so I'm pretty happy with that lifespan. I almost always remove the original footliner and replace them with the BirkoSport Arch Support insoles (2-piece), which I did with my last shoes (Addictions), and now with these shoes (Beasts '20). My first few experiences with the Beasts have been outstanding. When first putting them on they seem snug, but not stifling. Once I start moving around though, I hardly notice them being on. Working out in them is fantastic. Great support, they don't feel like anything other than a supportive shoe while working out. As long as the upper (especially around my toes), and laces hold up, I think that I'm going to be very happy with these Brooks Beast sneakers going forward.

As a retired Podiatrist I have evaluated many athletic shoes and by far the Brooks Beast is the best and most supportive athletic shoe I have evaluated and wear myself. The Brooks Beast 20 is close to perfection! I currently own and wear 3 pair!

I've been using Brooks Beast for many years. They've updated the style to the Beast GTS 23 and it is a great time to be buying the Beast 20 at a major discount. Perfect for my pronation and 2E wide feet. I've replaced the inserts for better arch support. I walk 5 miles daily and go through a pair of these about every 4 months.

I have to wear wide shoes and I’ve found that Brooks has a great selection for us. Big foot guys. These feel great when walking, and are very comfortable.