Brooks Anthem 8

The Brooks Anthem 8 is absolutely worth the investment. The arch support is what stands out most, and as someone with high arches, these really support where I need them. I have no pain when running and no pain after distance. Before trying the Anthem 8, I was struggling with consistency in my running and speed walking routine because I'd have to take breaks or cut walks short due to discomfort in my hiking shoes. The arch support in these has kept me getting back out there every day and for longer, minimizing my rest days in between. I've put in an estimated 60 miles over the last two months. The shoe is very durable, very breathable, and has lasted getting soaked in mud and water. It fits like a glove exactly how the sizing chart suggests. It's an investment in your physical health and mental well-being, and it's absolutely worth a try.

These are my go-to shoes out of multiple pairs of sneakers from multiple brands. I've been wearing them for three to four months now, and they allow me to be on my feet all day without feeling it in my body. The support is excellent, the bounce when I walk is just right, and my feet don't hurt at the end of the day. I used to be an avid runner and started out using these for both indoor and outdoor running, mostly on the treadmill during the winter. Now that I'm pregnant, I wear them daily for chores and everyday activities, and they're always the pair I gravitate towards. I've always had a bad back, and my podiatrist told me I need supportive shoes and should avoid flats and sandals. These definitely deliver on that. I can feel the support in my back and the rest of my body throughout the day. They're also easy to clean off, and I love the height of the shoe. These run true to size. I'm between a 9 and a 9½, got the 9½, and I'm happy with the fit.

The Brooks Anthem 8 is a solid, comfortable work shoe that handles high mileage well, though the narrow toe box holds it back. I've worn them on and off for a couple of months, typically logging about 10,000 steps a day at work, and they've caused zero foot pain. They're squishy and comfortable, and I can tell there's a type of gel cushioning that my other shoes don't have. The thicker texture on the sole gives me hope these will last longer than some of my other more smooth-soled shoes. I've also run in them a handful of times and they felt solid and stable on the road. The toe box is narrow, and even after breaking them in, it still feels tight. I've never thought of myself as having wide feet, but as I've gotten older I've been looking for shoes with a wider toe box to support foot health, and these don't seem to fit that need. My only other gripe is that they aren't super cute like some other Brooks shoes. They look more functional than stylish, so I don't feel like I can wear them with a whole outfit.