Our verdict

The Chemise Femme Brooks Compact builds on the winning recipe that made its predecessors favored among runners all around the world. We found that it shines as a reliable, well-cushioned, and stable daily trainer that's perfect for easy to moderate runs. Even with a slight shortfall in forefoot cushioning, we think that its value at $140 marks it as a standout choice and a welcome enhancement over prior models.

Brooks England Ramme Taske Scape 0.9L Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Brooks Naisten kengät Juoksu
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortbezoek Brooks Running
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Кросівки бігові brooks adrenaline asr 5 оригінал
  • zapatillas de running Brooks entrenamiento pronador ritmo bajo talla 45

Brooks England Ramme Taske Scape 0.9L Cons

  • Жіночі кросівки brooks
  • Consigue las Brooks Glycerin 19 al mejor precio

Audience verdict

87
Great!

Who should buy

In our view, the Chemise Femme Brooks Compact is a fantastic choice for:

  • Mild overpronators who need a running shoe with more support than the average daily trainer.
  • Midfoot or heel strikers seeking a workhorse with a traditional fit, steep heel-to-toe drop, and a cushioned heel.
  • Fans of Brooks looking for a reliable shoe that can handle easy and aerobic runs on various surfaces.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact

Who should NOT buy

Those with a forefoot strike might find the 12-mm heel-to-toe drop of some shoes too steep and should consider the Brooks Trace Womens Running Shoes. In our experience, another option that has a similar high drop but adds extra foam in the forefoot is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20. We think these options cater better to such specific needs.

Two other groups that might want to explore alternatives are runners who prefer firm midsoles for additional stability. Based on our tests, the On Cloudflyer 4 or the Hoka Arahi 6 could be better choices. We found these models to provide the firmness some runners seek.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact

Breathability

Breathability is one of the essential features for any daily trainer aiming to win over the market. It's vital for ensuring a comfortable run when the weather turns warm.

The Chemise Femme Brooks Compact truly shines in this aspect, displaying one of the most impressive performances we've ever witnessed in the lab regarding breathability.

Naturally, we awarded it a perfect score of 5/5. Watching the smoke escape through the enormous ventilation holes in the upper is simply mesmerizing!

After achieving the perfect score with the smoke-pumping machine, we took a closer look to understand why it succeeded. Under the light, it's incredibly easy to spot the large ventilation holes and understand why this 3D Fit Print upper breathes so well.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact microscope

When we examined the shoe under the microscope, we found an interior fabric layer, but its remarkable thinness ensures that it doesn't affect airflow at all.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact microscope close

It's important to highlight this feature, as it's a common mistake made by many running shoe manufacturers. They create large ventilation holes but then pair them with an interior layer that's too thick, effectively destroying breathability.

Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 217 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

However, the thin engineered mesh of the Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to durability.

We put it through our standardized Dremel test, where we apply consistent force and time to each shoe, and this one ended up at the bottom of the pile with a 1/5 score. 

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Toebox durability
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 1
Average 2.4
Compared to 151 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Brooks pulled off a wonderful surprise with the heel. It's crafted from a durable-yet-comfy material, which really shines in this test.

Кросівки дрифты бігові brooks pure drift barefoot амфібії!

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Heel padding durability
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 147 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Switching our attention to the outsole, the American brand takes a no-risk approach. Our measurements revealed a hardness of 80.5 HC, providing a nice grip without any issues of wear and tear.

zapatillas de running Brooks maratón talla 43 mejor valoradas.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Outsole hardness
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 80.5 HC
Average 80.3 HC
Selim Brooks England Team Pro Classic mel.
Compared to 268 running shoes
Number of shoes
54.9 HC
Outsole hardness
92.8 HC

Brooks England Ramme Taske Scape 0.9L | Outsole durability

We utilized the Dremel for one final test, and the outsole of the Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants performed quite well.

Once the test was complete, we measured a mere 0.67-mm indentation in the rubber—a superb outcome. This confirms our belief that the outsole has world-class durability.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Outsole durability
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 0.7 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 129 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

But there's still a vital part missing in the outsole puzzle. Fortunately, we've measured its thickness at 3.6 mm—more than enough to back up our well-founded claims of strong durability.

Yet it's not so much as to result in a significant weight increase in the shoe. It's a smart, well-balanced approach.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Outsole thickness
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 3.6 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

On the scale, the Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants weighs in at 10.10 oz (286g). This is slightly above average, but we see it as a good result for a stability shoe.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Weight
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 10.09 oz (286g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 288 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

As a stable shoe designed for heel strikers, we anticipated a generous heel stack in the Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants. We measured it at 34.1 mm, which provides more than enough cushioning for any runner.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Heel stack
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 34.1 mm
Average 33.6 mm
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
42.7 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, the shoe seems too thin for our liking, measuring at only 21.5 mm and that includes the insole and the outsole. We would have preferred a bit more foam.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Forefoot stack
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 21.5 mm
Average 24.9 mm
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
35.8 mm

Drop

The difference between the heel and the forefoot results in a 12.6-mm heel-to-toe drop, which is pretty close to the measurement stated by Brooks (12 mm).

This design feature makes the shoe particularly well-suited for heel strikers, which is exactly what we expected from a stability daily trainer.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Drop
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 12.6 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

Inside the shoe, we discovered a comfortable insole that has a thickness of 4.5 mm. We found nothing wrong with it, meeting our expectations for a typical insole.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Insole thickness
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 4.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 283 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The midsole of the shoe is made entirely from DNA Loft v2, the same compound that Brooks uses in the popular Ghost 15.

This is a reliable midsole, providing a good balance between softness and stability. When we measured it, the result was 19.5 HA, a figure that really highlights its well-balanced approach.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Midsole softness
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 19.5 HA
Average 21.4 HA
Selim Brooks England Team Pro Classic mel.
Compared to 215 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

zapatillas de running Brooks competición amortiguación media constitución ligera apoyo talón

zapatillas de running Brooks mixta asfalto 10k talla 42.

That's a 41.7% increase over the room temperature reading, which is a disappointing result.

Even so, we can't say we were surprised. DNA Loft v2 is an EVA foam, and this type of foam tends to become really firm in cold temperatures. We've explained this in an in-depth article on the subject.

Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 41.7%
Average 25.6%
Compared to 214 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
zapatillas de running Brooks competición amortiguación media constitución ligera apoyo talón
100%

Stability

zapatillas de running Brooks pronador minimalistas talla 37.5

As "GTS" comes from "Go To Stability", Brooks is already signaling to us that this is a shoe oriented towards that goal. But we don't really know this until we test it. Fortunately, we can confirm that this is indeed a very stable shoe.

It will suit 9 out of 10 runners looking for more stability. However, those who have extreme levels of pronation will be better off with a firmer and stiffer shoe like the Hoka Gaviota 4.

Torsional rigidity

We rated the torsional rigidity of the GTS 23 at 4 out of 5, and that's enough to deliver a stable ride.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact guiderails

Most of this rigidity comes from Brooks' GuideRails technology, a common feature in their stability shoes. These plastic pieces are smartly integrated into both sides of the shoe surrounding the heel, providing support by keeping excess movements in check.

Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 266 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Brooks England Ramme Taske Scape 0.9L | Heel counter stiffness

According to what the textbook says, a stability shoe must have a stiff heel counter. Here again, Brooks didn't want to go overboard with it but maintained a bit of comfort, so we rated it at 4 out of 5.

Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 4
Average 2.8
Compared to 250 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

zapatillas de running Brooks hombre competición minimalistas talla 42

Let's keep the textbook open—if you want a stable stride, you need to have a wide landing base. Obviously, the wider the shoe, the more stable the ride, right?

That's why Brooks made this shoe wider than most others in the forefoot. We measured it in the lab at 117.3 mm. For instance, a Nike Pegasus 40 measures only 111.3 mm.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact zapatillas de running Brooks hombre competición minimalistas talla 42
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 117.3 mm
Average 113.6 mm
Compared to 288 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
zapatillas de running Brooks hombre competición minimalistas talla 42
126.5 mm

brooks addiction 11 womens

The heel of the GTS 23 follows the same approach, being wider than most neutral shoes. Measuring 96.9 mm, it provides a safe landing platform for heel strikers.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact brooks addiction 11 womens
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 96.9 mm
Average 90.4 mm
Compared to 288 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
brooks addiction 11 womens
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

In the pursuit of creating a shoe that's stable yet comfortable, achieving torsional stiffness is crucial, as demonstrated by the GTS 23 before. However, the shoe also needs a low score regarding longitudinal flexibility.

In our test, we find that we only need to use 17.7N of force to bend it to the 90º measurement point. This is exactly the result we were looking for.

Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 17.7N
Average 29.3N
Brooks Levitate 4 traerá consigo importantes cambios.
Compared to 270 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Difference in stiffness in cold

After leaving the Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants in our freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold temperatures, we discovered that the shoe got a little stiffer. It now requires 22.5N of force to bend to the same point. However, it almost feels the same as before.

In fact, we're looking at a 27% change, which is better than almost every other shoe on the market. This result is especially surprising for a foam based on EVA. Brooks has really done well with this formulation.

Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 27%
Average 36.5%
Compared to 270 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

Internal length

According to Brooks' sizing charts, a US size 9 should equate to 270 mm. In our measurements, we found it to be 271.5 mm, which is slightly longer than usual but not enough to recommend a size-up. For us, it's a true-to-size fit.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Internal length
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 271.5 mm
Average 269.1 mm
Compared to 151 running shoes
Number of shoes
259.9 mm
Internal length
280.4 mm

Toebox width at the widest part

If you have wide feet, you might find the upper in the Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants to fit a bit like a performance shoe. However, we measured it at 99.9 mm, which is pretty measure and in line with most daily trainers.

But there's no need to worry, as Brooks offers multiple widths, ranging from narrow to extra wide. They are one of the few brands that provide such variety.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 99.9 mm
Average 98.3 mm
Compared to 288 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
109.1 mm

Brooks Dyad £70

In the area surrounding the toes, we measured 78.7 mm, and this measurement matches what we felt. It's neither wide nor narrow, just average.

But as we said just before, if you need a different fit, feel free to choose between the multiple widths available.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Brooks Dyad £70
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 78.7 mm
Average 78.0 mm
Compared to 162 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Brooks Dyad £70
92.5 mm

Brooks England Ramme Taske Scape 0.9L

Striving for a good balance between comfort and solid lockdown, the tongue of this shoe is semi-gusseted. We believe that's the right approach for this type of shoe.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Brooks England Ramme Taske Scape 0.9L
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants Both sides (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

Fans of padded tongues—maybe because they often experience lace bite or need to tighten the knots a lot—will find this to be an amazing shoe in that regard.

Brooks went all out, and as can be seen in the picture, they added not just one, but two layers of padding into the tongue for an incredible thickness of 11.7 mm.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Tongue padding
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants 11.7 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 285 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

Brooks is one of those brands that consistently skips adding heel tabs to their shoes, and they've proven it yet again.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Heel tab
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants None

Removable insole

One great thing about this Brooks shoe is that the insole can be taken out. This means you won't run into any trouble if you want to use your own orthotics.

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Removable insole
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

Many shoes today lack reflective pieces, a feature that's unfortunately becoming less common. The GTS 23 from Brooks does include some, but we're sincerely hoping for additional reflective elements in the next version. Come on, Brooks, what about a reflective logo?

Chemise Femme Brooks Compact Reflective elements
Test results
Stay warm and comfortable in Brooks running pants Yes