Brooks and Dansko are two iconic names in the footwear space. Both companies offer comfortable shoes and appeal to different people.
When it comes to buying either of the brand’s shoes people get confused. And if you’re here chances are you’re facing the same issue.
But the good news is you don’t need to worry anymore as I’m going to compare both brands at different levels to help you decide which of the brand’s shoes can be your best bet. both brands
So, without further delay let’s begin.
Comparison Table Between Dansko and Brooks
| Dansko | Brooks |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1990 | Founded in 1914 |
| Affordable & Expensive Options | Affordable |
| Short distance Runners | Long Distance Runners |
| Break-in required | Don’t need a break-in period |
| Can be Stiff | Well Cushioned |
Dansko Overview:
Dansko is a company in West Grove, Pennsylvania that makes comfortable shoes. Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot who were married, started Dansko in 1990.
Dansko is best known for its clogs, but it also makes sandals, boots, dresses, and casual shoes.
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Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup went to Denmark in the late 1980s and discovered clogs that worked well for their horse ridings. The couple managed to run a farm where they trained horses and taught people how to do dressage.
In 1999 and 2000, Inc. Magazine put Dansko on its list of the 500 private companies with the fastest growth.
The Dansko Foundation is a non-profit organization that was started in 2003 to help charities, volunteering, and foundations that make donations. The Foundation is run by people who work at Dansko.
Dansko also donates to charity equal to the employee’s salary for every hour they volunteer.
Dansko clogs are their best seller with iconic styles that have an arch support that fits the shape of your foot, a rocker-bottom sole, and a slightly higher heel.
These features are meant to help people who stand or walk for a long time each day by absorbing more shock, making the shoes more stable, and trying to ease the strain on their legs and backs.
Dansko shoes are especially popular with teachers, chefs, and medical professionals who spend most of the day on their feet.
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Other people also like to wear them because they are slip resistant and supportive. Most Dansko shoes have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Footwear Plus Magazine has given the “Plus Award” to Dansko eight times in the “Women’s Comfort category.”
Brooks Overview:
Brooks Running is an American sports equipment company that manufactures and sells high-performance footwear, apparel, and accessories for men and women.
Once specializing in ballet slippers and bathing shoes, the company was founded in 1914 by John Brooks Goldenburg. Over time, they transitioned to manufacturing baseball cleats.
Mickey Mantle wore their shoes and roller skates before focusing on running shoes in the early 1970s.
Once Brooks changed their attention to running, the demand for their men’s and women’s footwear designs, as well as their shorts, sports bras, and socks increased significantly.
Brooks continues to manufacture reasonably-priced running gear from its headquarters in the state of Washington and its goods are sold in sixty countries across the world.
For the past 15 years, runners of all levels have liked the Brooks Ghost line. It’s not a fancy choice, but it’s a best seller and a good daily trainer that’s comfortable and lasts.
Because of this, Brooks doesn’t usually make big changes to this shoe, but with the 15th edition, the midsole has been changed.
Maintaining a commitment to sustainability, Brooks manufactures its apparel using eco-friendly processes and supports a diverse running community.
Brooks’ sneakers were named “Best Women’s Running Shoe” and “Best Winter Running Shoe” by Runner’s World and Sports Illustrated, respectively. Environmental sustainability projects and technological innovation have been acknowledged by the company.
Major Differences between the Brands:
Both Brooks and Dansko offer great pairs that you can get. But to make decision easier for you I’m going to take this comparison one step further and will compare both brands in different segments to see who outperforms the other.
Comfort:
Dansko claims that they make some of the most comfortable shoes on the market by using high-quality materials, supportive soles, and roomy fits on the footbeds.
Some customers also describe how to break in Danskos so they fit your feet and body well. The rest of your body might be a little sore at first, but that’s because you’re finally getting the support you need.
Other customer reviews show that Danskos have some of the stiffest heels and soles on the market because they are made of hard rubber and rock-forward instead of bending.
Likewise, the Brooks brand has a rich history and is still a favorite of both casual runners and long-distance runners because it makes durable and comfortable shoes.
Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA technology gives the whole sole of the shoe adaptive cushioning and support. This means the insole changes to fit your foot and the way you run. Some of their shoes are one of the best for standing all day.
Takeaway: Both Dansko and Brooks shoes are comfortable but Brooks is slightly ahead of Dansko due to their BioMoGo DNA technology.
Popularity:
Brooks Running became the best-selling brand of running shoes in 2011 and stayed on top with a 25% market share through 2017.
Runner’s World and Sports Illustrated have both titled Brooks shoes the “Best Women’s Running Shoe” and the “Best Winter Running Shoe.”
On the other hand, Dansko is also popular but it is way behind Brooks in terms of Popularity.
Target Market:
Brooks is a well-known and valued brand among “self-defined” runners, or people who run 50 or more times “a year”. Most of their customers are 25 to 44 years old. Brooks is especially well for people who have had a running-related injury.
On the other hand, Dansko makes shoes for men and women who come between the ages of 25 to 34. Also, they target people with foot issues and make good shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Price:
Dansko has both affordable and expensive options roughly ranging from $90 to $250, whereas Brooks shoes usually set you back about $100 to $160 which is quite okay in the running shoe industry.
Design:
Brooks makes shoes for people who like to stay active and move around. Brooks’ running shoes are technically made to fit your gait rather than change it.
They put their products through a lot of testing and use user feedback and information from scientific studies to design and modify their running shoes.
Alternatively, Dansko footwear is ergonomically designed to feel natural on the foot. This design aligns the shoe with the shape of the foot to provide the highest level of comfort and stability.
Conclusion: Which is better for you?
Taking everything into context I come to conclude that both brands are great choices for people who want quality shoes.
Brooks is a great choice for people who are looking for affordable shoes that are comfortable as well.
On the other hand, Dansko is a brand for you if you’re looking for stylish shoes that offer comfort.
What are your thoughts about Brooks and Dansko? Share with us in the comment section below.