No, you can’t customize Brooks running shoes now, but only for a limited time and quantity, brooks launched a customizable running shoe called the Genesys. In early 2019 with only 1,914 pairs available, Genesys allowed people to choose their own color, design, and fit based on their foot shape and biomechanics. However, this shoe is not currently available on the Brooks website, so you may have to look for it elsewhere.
If you are interested in other ways to customize your running shoes, you can also try using a foot scanners app such as FitStation by HP or Volumental3 to get shoe recommendations and custom insoles that match your feet.
Let’s Discuss the Benefits of Customization
First off, do we even need to customize our shoes? Well, it depends, Customizing our shoes can provide us with many benefits, such as improved performance, increased comfort, and a better fit. If we get to choose our own fit, It sure can make all the difference in how we run and also achieve our goals.
We even see the best football players like Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe doing promotions of their own custom shoes for a long time. The craze for custom shoes has reached to the best athletes in the worlds.
A study conducted by the University of Calgary found that runners who wore custom-fitted shoes had a greater reduction in foot, ankle, and knee pain than those who wore standard running shoes.
So, it’s very clear now that doing customization to a running shoe also allows runners to choose specific features that match their needs, such as cushioning, arch support, or protection from the elements. This can help to reduce the risk of injury since shoes that fit properly can help to evenly distribute the impact of running.
Professional athletes have long been fans of custom-fitted shoes, citing improved performance and comfort as reasons for their preference. For example, marathoner Kara Goucher has said, “My custom shoes are designed for my stride, my foot shape, and my footstrike, which helps me to run faster and more efficiently.”
How to Choose Your Customization Options If it is Available
Customizable options are not available right now for Brooks shoes. But that doesn’t mean we won’t talk about it. Brooks did their campaign in 2019, maybe in 2023 they can launch another campaign and let you choose your own style.
Here’s how you can customize your own Brooks shoe:
Determine Your Budget: Before you start customizing your shoes, ask yourself what your budget is. Customized shoes can be very expensive due to the limited materials, so it is important to know how much you can spend.
Choose Your Style: Most customization options will give you the opportunity to choose your own style and color. I am suggesting deciding on what type of shoes you need and what type of design you want. The style and color of your shoes should reflect your personal style and personality.
Decide on a Design: Once you know the style and color you want, think of the initial design you want. The design includes logos, patterns, or text. Make a visual of how you want your shoes to look in person.
Brooks Offers their own Insoles, Uppers, Midsoles, and Outsoles that you can start selecting once they are available. Let’s explain what type of materials you can choose from:
Insoles: Cushioning insoles are designed to absorb shock and provide a softer ride, while stability insoles are designed to keep the foot in a neutral position and reduce overpronation. Motion control insoles are designed to limit excessive pronation or inward rolling of the foot and help prevent injuries. It’s your choice which one you need most.
Uppers: Mesh uppers are lightweight and breathable, while synthetic uppers provide more durability. Leather uppers are more durable and provide more support, but they can be heavier. Consider your foot shape and the running environment while you’re selecting an upper.
Midsole: Foam midsoles are lightweight and provide cushioning, while EVA foam midsoles are more durable and provide more impact protection. Gel midsoles provide cushioning and shock absorption, but can be heavier. If you ask me, I will definitely consider my running surface, gait, and stride length while I am selecting the midsole material.
Outsole: Brooks offers several outsole materials, such as rubber and carbon rubber, for different levels of durability, traction, and weight. Rubber outsoles are lightweight and provide good traction, while carbon rubber outsoles are more durable and provide more grip. It is best to consider your running surface and running style while you’re customizing your shoe.
Get Professional Help: It is always a good idea to get professional designers to help when customizing your shoes. Professionals can help you with the design process and make sure that your shoes look exactly how you want them.
These are the best options for you. Again, the custom options are made available for meeting the requirements of single individuals.
Customization vs Off-the-Shelf: Which Shoe is Right for You?
Customization is the right choice for any shoes on the market because it offers the perfect fit and comfort that off-the-shelf shoes cannot match. It is estimated that up to 90% of people have feet of different sizes, making off-the-shelf shoes poor fits for many.
Customization also allows for personalization, with the ability to choose from a variety of materials, colors, and designs. This ensures a unique and stylish look that cannot be found in off-the-shelf shoes.
Finally, customization offers superior support and comfort that is tailored to the individual’s foot shape and size. Studies have shown that customized shoes offer up to 45% more foot support than off-the-shelf shoes.
Customization
For athletes, customized shoes can be extremely useful for their training and games. Shoes tailored for the individual’s exact shape and size provide a more comfortable fit, minimizing the risk of pain or injury. Plus, customizing footwear lets runners tailor the shoes to their running style, helping them reach peak performance and avoiding common running injuries.
On the downside, customizing shoes can be costly and time-consuming. It usually involves a trip to a specialty store, meeting with a specialist for proper measurements, and waiting for the shoes to be finished.
Off-the-Shelf
Buying off-the-shelf shoes is an effective way to get a good-fitting, comfortable pair of running shoes without the added cost and time of customization. Off-the-shelf shoes are typically less expensive than customized shoes and offer a wide range of sizes and styles.
However, these shoes may not fit as well as custom shoes and may not provide the same levels of performance and comfort.
Deciding Between Customization vs Off-the-Shelf Shoes: Which Option is Best?
Customization allows for a more personalized fit, which may be necessary for those with specific foot issues or wide/narrow feet. Off-the-shelf shoes offer more convenience, with a greater selection available at lower prices. Ultimately, the best option depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.
So, which option is best? first, we need to look at each runner’s needs, goals, and budget. If a runner is looking for the most comfortable fit and optimal performance, customization may be the best option.
However, if budget or time constraints are an issue, an off-the-shelf shoe may be a better choice. It is also important to try on several pairs of shoes to find the best fit.
How to do the Maintenance for Your Customized Shoes?
Clean Regularly: Clean your customized running shoes regularly with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Make sure to get any dirt and dust off the shoes, as this can cause them to wear down faster. Make sure to use mild soap and warm water when wiping down the shoes. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbing tools, as these can damage the material.
Store Properly: Store your customized running shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in humid areas, as this can cause the material to degrade quickly. If possible, store them in a shoe bag or in an airtight container to reduce exposure to dust and debris.
Repair Quickly: If your customized running shoes become damaged, it is important to repair them as soon as possible. If the damage is minor, you can try to repair them yourself using shoe glue or patches. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to take them to a cobbler or shoe repair shop.
Rotate Shoes: To extend the life of your customized running shoes, it is important to rotate them with other shoes in your collection. This will allow the shoes to dry out and air out in between uses, which will help prevent them from wearing down quickly. It will also reduce the overall amount of wear and tear on the shoes.
Protect From Elements: To keep your customized running shoes looking and feeling their best, it is important to protect them from the elements. Try to avoid running in wet or muddy conditions, as this can damage the material. If you do get caught in the rain, make sure to clean and dry the shoes as soon as possible.