Brooks T7 vs. Green Silence

I'd say the biggest difference is the fit. GS seems looser/boxier. T7 more snug traditional curved race last.

What trainers have fit/worked well for you? That might help me give a better recommendation.

Right now I'm in the Ghost 3. Favorite flat of all time was the Nike Air Streak Light, but not sure I could handle them today. Enjoyed the Brooks Burn, and set a marathon PR in the Launch, but eventually found them a little "squishy" for long term use. Does that help?

I wear both. I primarily wear the Launch for training, but do some runs in the Green Silence. All of my racing (5k on up) is in the T7 racer.

The Green Silence is a bit roomier, and fits true to size (I wear a 10 in both the GS and Launch). The T7 Racer is more snug and fits small (I wear a 10.5 in the T7). The heel to forefoot drop between the two is noticable, but only because the forefoot of the T7 is so low. The GS feels like there's a bit more in the forefoot, and I've found it's more comfortable for training runs. To me the GS just doesn't feel "fast." The T7 is much more flexible, and the snug fit makes it feel like more of a racing shoe.

The GS has no traction, so muddy trail runs are not recommended. That being said, they're great on well-maintained dry trails (think fire roads). The upper takes a bit of getting used to. The lacing pattern and intergrated tongue are weird, but there are several different lace holes so you can (eventually) get a custom fit. It seems like I'm knocking the shoes, but I think they're great. They're just a bit diffrent from most shoes on the market.

Bottom line: if you're racing in them (and doing speedwork), get the T7. If you're training in them (especially slower distance runs), get the GS.

Yes it does. I think you would be happier with the fit of the T7. I've run in Ghost 1,2 and the Launch. The new Ghost was more shoe than I wanted, so that's why I don't have the 3. Ended up w/ over 500 miles on my Launch - didn't specifically find them "squishy" I just didn't feel a need to go back to them, although I would be perfectly willing to.

T4/T6 have been my favorite all time flats - I've done up to a half in them and I'm doing my next full in them. For such a light flat they have a bit of bounce while maintaining an aggressive race feel. The new lacing structure doesn't seem to affect fit negatively but I would say go up 1/2 a size from your other Brooks.

For me the GS is kind of loose ans sloppy as far as the fit goes. It also seems a little "slappy" under-foot. Nice shoe, it just isn't quite right for me.

the "earl of weaver" has a really good post there. The fit and feel of course is going to depend a lot on your foot type as well as the way you run. In my experience the Green Silence does feel like a lot more shoe, and fits wider. I'm more of a heel striker myself and the Green Silence is more comfortable for me to race and workout in...the T7 is preferred by most of my teammates as a racing shoe in 10k-marathon on the roads though. In my opinion, the T7 seems to be more comfortable for forefoot strikers.

bottom line: both are great shoes - the Green Silence has more of a "boat feel" (if that makes any sense) and it does weigh a tad more. I wouldn't say the Green Silence is "slow" though! -it took me to a 1:04:32 half and my teammate to a 2:16 full. The whole sustainability and green design angle doesn't hurt either.

However, I do prefer to wear the T7s out to the clubs...

Wow. All of a sudden I feel to slow for this thread.

S. Canaday wrote:

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bottom line: both are great shoes - the Green Silence has more of a "boat feel" (if that makes any sense) and it does weigh a tad more. I wouldn't say the Green Silence is "slow" though! -it took me to a 1:04:32 half and my teammate to a 2:16 full. The whole sustainability and green design angle doesn't hurt either.

However, I do prefer to wear the T7s out to the clubs...

Makes me feel silly wearing the Green Silence as a 1:24 half marathoner.

i wear the GS and love them. my feet are wide, and i don't at all feel the GS are too roomy. they seem to wear well too.

Order them both from Running Warehouse and send back the ones you don't like. Free shipping both ways.

S. Canaday wrote:

bottom line: both are great shoes - the Green Silence has more of a "boat feel" (if that makes any sense) and it does weigh a tad more. I wouldn't say the Green Silence is "slow" though! -it took me to a 1:04:32 half

My guess is without those 18 pancakes / meal there has to be a 1:02 in there somewhere... and the "bloat feel" should disappear too...

Used to run in the Ghost and now run in the Launch.

I really like the feel of the Green Silence on chip trails (when dry). Have also used them on something approaching track workouts.

I am a bit comcerned about using them on the roads due to existing injury issues, but plan on doing more experimenting with them in the coming months.

They work well for me, but I would echo the previous comment about variations in user feet being a prime consideration.

I've got wide feet and I'm kinda heavy and I prefer the GS.