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Women's Ariel '12

$140.00
Style # 120116
Color:
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  • features
  • specs
  • Brooks' guarantee

Legend has it that Hera needed a running shoe and thus, the Ariel was born. Sturdy and supportive, these leading Control shoes perfect the blend of comfort and stability. The Caterpillar Crash Pad delivers flexibility underfoot without sacrificing assurance, a midsole stability web brings more integrity to the foam on the upper without added weight, and full-length Brooks DNA delivers adaptable cushioning to every unique stride. We also added some new feminine details to make the Ariel more stylish. Truly the shoe of shoes, the new and improved Ariel is simply divine.


> See the Ariel's big brother, the Beast

Product Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
 
3.0

(based on 34 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (11)

56%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Arch support (20)
  • Pronation control (19)
  • Comfortable (17)
  • Cushions impact (17)
  • Lightweight (14)

Cons

  • Narrow / tight (11)
  • Wears quickly (9)
  • Uncomfortable (8)
  • Poor support / stability (4)
  • Heavy (3)

Best Uses

  • Walking (21)
  • Gym (12)
  • With orthotics/inserts (11)
  • Dry conditions (10)
  • Distance / endurance (8)
    • Sizing:
    • Feels full size too small

       

      Feels half size too small

       

      Feels true to size

       

      59% 

      (20 reviews)

      Feels half size too big

       

      Feels full size too big

       
    • Width:
    • Feels too narrow

       

      Feels true to width

       

      61% 

      (20 reviews)

      Feels too wide

       
    • Arch Type:
    • Average arch (19), Low arch (8), High arch (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (14), Enthusiast (8), Gym rat (6), Rarely work out (5)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (33)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Love them

I have a healing stress fracture in my left foot that these shoes have really helped to cushion while I go about daily activities including walking and going to the gym. I love how comfortable...Read complete review

I have a healing stress fracture in my left foot that these shoes have really helped to cushion while I go about daily activities including walking and going to the gym. I love how comfortable and supportive they are, my podiatrist is also very satisfied with them. They are a little bulky--not nearly as streamlined as some other models of shoes, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make to not have to deal with chronic foot pain!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Ariel 12 has changed.

I have been wearing the ariel for several years, I have always worn 8.5 wide because of braces for my feet and ankles. The new ariel 12 has a more pointed toe, thus making...Read complete review

I have been wearing the ariel for several years, I have always worn 8.5 wide because of braces for my feet and ankles. The new ariel 12 has a more pointed toe, thus making the toe box more narrow, and the entire shoe is more narrow. Why do you change the shoe when people that order this shoe has some kind of issue anyway, and this kind of change only adds to the frustration? I do not have time to keep exchanging shoes, and dealing with the hassle.
"If it ain't broke don't try to fix it".
I also have a squeak in the left shoe. at the price they should not do that.
Frustrated! Sending the shoes back.

Reviewed by 34 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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1.0

Hate These Shoes

By Sorcha77

from Kalamazoo, MI

About Me Gym Rat

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Cushions Impact
  • Durable
  • Good Arch Support
  • Good Traction

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Uncomfortable

Best Uses

  • Dry Weather
  • Gym
  • Walking
  • Wet Weather
  • With Orthotics/Inserts
  • Work

I purchased these shoes after trying them on at the store. They have a lot of support and are great for standing all day.

After walking in them, though, my feet were in so much pain I could barely finish a half-mile (I walk three miles every day). The arch support kept digging in, and I have slightly-high arches. These are probably best for people with really high arches.

I always wear an 8 or 8.5, depending on the shoe style, but I had to buy a 9 in these.

Also, the heel kept pulling my socks down, no matter which style sock I wore. It was incredibly annoying. Plus, the shoes feel heavy and clunky. I couldn't wait to get rid of them.

  • Sizing:
  • Feels half size too small
  • Width:
  • Feels true to width
  • Arch Type:
  • High Arch
  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
2.0

Booo....why did you change the shoe??

By DLN

from Washington

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

        I have worn these shoes for years, but this model is not nearly as comfortable. They have worn out in half the time. Please, please change them back as there are so many of us who depended on them!!!

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width
        • Arch Type:
        • Average Arch
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Wear problem

        By Cathy

        from Salem, OR

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Cushions Impact
        • Good Traction
        • Lightweight
        • Pronation Control

        Cons

        • Narrow / Tight
        • Narrower Than '10 Version
        • Wears Quickly
        • Wears Very Quickly On Top

        Best Uses

        • Gym
        • Walking

        This is my second pair of Ariels (had a '10 version prior).They were very ccomfortable to begin with, but it seems the arch support broke in faster than my last pair.
        My biggest beef is that with both pairs the stiching and webbing over the toes is pulling loose and ripping. Not a question of the shoe being too big or odd toe nails.
        Despite concerns I would probably buy them again because of the fit and the pronation compensation - has felt the best of any brand I have tried to date.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels too narrow
        • Arch Type:
        • Average Arch
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        1.0

        Please go back to the 19

        By Marathon Bunny

        from Alexandria,Va

        About Me Avid Athlete

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Good Arch Support

        Cons

        • Narrow / Tight
        • Uncomfortable

        Best Uses

          I have been an avid Ariel running for the past 6 years, but the 12s have pushed me to buy a different shoe from a different company. I run 50 miles a week but couldn't go 3 in these shoes. Go back to the last version of the Ariels, please, please, please, please, please.

          • Sizing:
          • Feels half size too big
          • Width:
          • Feels too narrow
          • Arch Type:
          • Low Arch
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          3.0

          Not the Ariels of yesteryear

          By H

          from St. Charles, MO

          About Me Casual/ Recreational

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Comfortable
          • Pronation Control

          Cons

          • Narrow / Tight
          • Wears Quickly

          Best Uses

            While I still like my Ariels, the newest version has a narrower toebox with a tighter fit in the ball of your foot. It is still roomy in the heel, which prevents going up a size for more room in the toe. The last two years they have also worn out more quickly than previous Ariels.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels half size too small
            • Width:
            • Feels too narrow
            • Arch Type:
            • Average Arch
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            1.0

            2013 Ariel - a BUMMER!!!

            By Genevieve

            from Bakersfield, CA

            About Me Rarely Work Out

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

              Cons

              • Narrow / Tight

              Best Uses

              • With Orthotics/Inserts

              I wear nothing but this product all the time and have for many years. Other than for walking to and from, I have difficulty with prolonged walking and the Ariel has been great for overall feel and wear (I alternate between 4 and 5 shoes every day). Other than for short time wear for dress shoes, Ariel is it. I have severe arthritis in my right foot.

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels too narrow
              • Arch Type:
              • Average Arch
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              3.0

              Sizing too big all over

              By shortcake

              from Newton, NC

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              Pros

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    I took the advice of 'What's My Size' and went with the best fit but should have chosen the tighter fit
                    Too loose all over - at least 1/2 - 1 size too big
                    The width felt real good
                    Returned for a different Brooks shoe and size

                    • Sizing:
                    • Feels full size too big
                    • Width:
                    • Feels true to width
                    • Arch Type:
                    • Average Arch
                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No
                     
                    1.0

                    Change not good

                    By Pam

                    from Indianapolis, IN

                    About Me Casual/ Recreational

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                          Have worn the Ariel for 6 years. No problems. It was changed once, and I had problems. Found the old style on the internet. Now the toe box has changed--can't find the old style anymore. Guess I will have to change to another brand. I agree with someone else who said "if it's not broke, don't fix it!!"

                          • Sizing:
                          • Feels half size too small
                          • Width:
                          • Feels too narrow
                          • Arch Type:
                          • Average Arch
                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No
                           
                          5.0

                          The softest insole ever!

                          By Chris

                          from Seattle, WA

                          About Me Rarely Work Out

                          Pros

                          • Comfortable
                          • Cushions Impact
                          • Lightweight
                          • Pronation Control
                          • Responsive

                          Cons

                          • TOO SHORT

                          Best Uses

                          • Dry Weather
                          • Walking
                          • With Orthotics/Inserts
                          • Work

                          The insole is soooo comfy but it has a flexible arch; wish the insole had an inflexible, firm arch so I wouldn't have to replace the wonderful insole with an orthotic insole.

                          • Sizing:
                          • Feels full size too small
                          • Width:
                          • Feels too narrow
                          • Arch Type:
                          • Low Arch
                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No
                           
                          1.0

                          Like the 08, 09, 10 model. Hate the 13

                          By Cj who is looking for a new running shoe

                          from Scottsbluff, Nebraska

                          About Me Avid Athlete

                          Pros

                            Cons

                            • Poor Arch Support
                            • Poor Stability
                            • Wears Quickly

                            Best Uses

                              This new model does not support like the older models, I have bought 4 pair and can not run in in them without L foot px.

                              • Sizing:
                              • Feels true to size
                              • Width:
                              • Feels true to width
                              • Arch Type:
                              • Average Arch
                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

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