I used to think of Brooks as sort of a “safe bet” shoe brand that appealed to nearly every runner, especially beginners. They perfected the basics, and models like Glycerin have been traditionally well-loved for their durable construction and reliability. Still, while Brooks shoes were consistent, they were never the models that were going to blow your mind or shake up any category—and they majorly lagged behind other big brands when it came to midsoles, the foam that pretty much…

