Brooks T6 Racer - Opinions?

Yes.

Not much really.

Yes, you should get some.

Don't like them.

I picked up a pair a couple of weeks ago to replace my very last pair of stockpiled t4's. They're awesome. I really wasn't a fan of the t5, for what it's worth. I think the fit in the toe box is greatly improved. The material of the upper is a bit lighter weight, and a lot of the fake leather/plastic stuff has been removed. Some of this was taken from the heel, so you may find it a bit less supportive there. Otherwise, it's the same materials, tread pattern, shape, etc. through the sole. They may be slightly less durable than their predecessors simply due to the change in fabric, but I can handle that. Overall, good shoe. Also, the sizing is pretty true, like the t4 was.

I got a pair on Thursday, wore them to work yesterday (I work in a lab, so I'm on my feet a lot), and wore them for a short run this morning.

--I agree with the poster above-- the toe box is much improved (rounder, straighter, better overall fit).

--It seems like there's less cushioning around the Achilles in the heel counter, which I like (I had a previous pair of faulty T5s where this cushioning dug in and bruised my heel).

--There is more mesh material. I ran on concrete and a trail (dirt/grass/woodchip) this morning. It felt like I was rolling my ankles moreso on the trail (compared to the T5s), which I believe is due to the upper being mesh/flimsier. The T5s are a terrible offroad shoe to begin with, so the T6s may be worse! No problems on concrete (feels stable).

--The soles look identical, but I almost feel like the T6s have slightly better grip. The real test will be to see how they handle snow/ice (if we get some more).

--The T5s felt softer/more of a "thud" on concrete, whereas the T6s seem to have more "pop"/snap. I don't know why this is (the midsole/sole look the same), or if it's good/bad.

--The T6s fit better (or fit my feet better). They got the cut of the shoe right. True to size. Feel good on the feet (very comfy!).

So this is my initial impression. Same great flexibility (love!). I'll probably wait another week before doing a long run in them, so we'll see how they feel then.

Eyegore,

What did you like about the T4's? I have an opportunity to get some but have never run in them. I do run in the T5 and like them.

Thanks

Dear Jaguar1,

I heard once that you do research in a lab located at a university in the midwest concerning running biomechanics and ways that African athletes are able to run barefoot or in worn-out shoes.

Where can I find references or PDF's of some of these papers?

For a shoe that has so much in common with its predecessor, I must say I'm amazed at how much it's improved. The T5 had terrible overlays on the toebox that gave me bad blisters. The T6s are much more comfortable in the toebox.

Love the T4. I had two pairs and would buy several today if they were available. (Do you have a source?!) I used the T4 for 5ks up to half-marathons and it's a wonderful show. I didn't try the T5 but might take a look at the T6.

interested party 222 wrote:

Dear Jaguar1,

I heard once that you do research in a lab located at a university in the midwest concerning running biomechanics and ways that African athletes are able to run barefoot or in worn-out shoes.

Where can I find references or PDF's of some of these papers?

No, not the area I work in. I did a biomechanics project as an undergrad with video analysis comparing barefoot and shod running (broke the video clips down into the phases of the running cycle and qualitatively compared mechanics, muscle usage differences for each phase). I didn't publish it (it was just a project for a class), but there have been papers/studies explaining the differences (see below). The reason I did my project was to get actual pictures confirming what's been found.

Thanks jaguar1, these are interesting.

So what exactly do you do now, as a graduate?

Finished grad school 2 years ago and now work in Foods and Nutrition.