GuideRails, dense plates in the sole are what give the Bedlam its stability. I could tell from the start how much the shoe adjusted and kept me from over pronating.

A springy step in a stability shoe is what Brooks promised, and that’s exactly what the Bedlam 3 delivered. The DNA Amp cushioning is just right, and its responsiveness is excellent. The tongue and lace guides have some unique features that I like. The reinforcements for the laces are split, allowing for a supple anatomic fold on the top of the foot while running. The laces are flat, and consequently, the lace hole is too. It’s the little details that go a long way. Well, that was the diagnosis, and my podiatrist recommended (among many other things) that I ditch my more minimalist footwear in exchange for stability running shoes. The midsole is solidly stitched to the upper and would definitely rub a bit without the foam. Don’t leave home without it on this shoe! Upper of the Bedlam Nothing particularly innovative here, so you can swap it out with your favorite custom insole if needed.The midsole also contains the GuideRails technology. It's basically a sidewall on top of the foam that keeps your foot stable. When I unboxed the Bedlam 2, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a downright good-looking shoe! Even my wife commented from across the room, "Wow, those look better than all of your other shoes." Runners who appreciate soft, energetic shoes and need or want a bit of stability to compensate for a overpronating stride will love the Bedlam 3. The updated GuideRails system will guide your feet forward. They offer subtle stability, as much as you need it without inhibiting the flex and flow for the shoe’s undercarriage.

The combination of flat laces and fabric loops on the instep side of the shoe allows you to really customize the support you receive on your arch.

I love the look of the Bedlam 2, which is another reason I'm so disappointed this shoe just didn't work out for me. I think it's a great looking shoe for running, gym workouts, or casual wear-to-work use. Price I immediately headed off to the gym to get a good treadmill workout in (Colorado is absolutely freezing right now—when the temperature drops below 20, the treadmill and I become best friends). These GuideRails act as a holistic approach to support. They are aimed at keeping your ankles, legs, knees and hips aligned through the gait cycle while reducing unwanted side-to-side motion. There’s also excellent rear-foot support from the firm, exoskeletal heel counter. I may have been pronating for so long that my normal foot muscles haven't fully developed, and thus they're overtaxed when having to be used correctly. So, there's a fair chance after another 50 miles in these shoes over the coming weeks that my experience will improve.

All of the materials in this shoe's upper, midsole, and outsole seem high-quality and super durable. I'd imagine this shoe would last for hundreds of miles without any real issues. The tongue itself is unique. It starts about midway down the upper and is attached to the rest of the shoe with a small 1-inch wide swath of fabric. I was a little confused by this and wondered why they didn’t just go with a one-piece booty style upper? The latest in Brooks' Bedlam line, the Bedlam 3, is an everyday road running shoe, offering stability, plush cushioning and a bouncy ride.

FIT, FEEL, RIDE

After 60 miles, I still get similar (although not quite as nasty) aches when using the Bedlam 2. It could be a weakness in my feet, or it could be the constricting rigidity of the shoe. A weighted foot strike gave way to a more cushioned feel and the energy return of the promised spring in your step. It was a welcomed surprise, and my runs in the Brooks Bedlam 3 since have been nothing short of enjoyable. The DNA Amp sole of the Brooks Bedlam 3 definitely delivers.

Launched in 2010, DNA is a cushioning technology that is also present in most of Brooks’ running shoes. As we were testing the Levitate 4 alongside the Bedlam 3, we had a good chance to compare and contrast the two as they are essentially identical with the exception of the Bedlam’s GuideRails. To that end, they do suffer from the same issues, but for us, the Bedlam rises to the top a bit. The reason for this is more clear in a run because from the time you put them on the shoe feels essentially identical to one another. We even jokingly put one of each on either foot to see if you could tell the difference and the answer is no… at least until you run. Because the fit and feel have been enhanced and it’s much lighter, it’s a much more versatile shoe that it was in the past.Brooks’ GuideRails and DNA Amp technology provide a stable platform that helps drive your run and offers a responsive spring to your step through the advanced polyurethane and TPU arrangement. So, it very well could have great cushioning and energy return. I just haven't experienced it due to the discomfort. The staggered lace hole also creates varied points of lace tension and pull to create a more secure stronghold around your foot.