Coldplay’s Tour Photographer Relies on These Brooks Shoes

For the past two years, professional photographer Anna Lee has been touring with Coldplay,  capturing their various gigs, and festival appearances around the world. Since 2023 she’s been to more than 45 countries with the group, and as a tour photographer, she’s on her feet for hours at a time – especially during concerts. She learned quickly that comfortable shoes are a must.

“I wore shoes that were just not great for working in for most of my career,” she told Travel + Leisure. But after speaking with a retired music tour photographer who dealt with foot pain issues she was starting to experience, she went to a local running shoe store in Los Angeles and was professionally fitted for a pair of Brooks Ghost sneakers. Now they’re what she always sports when she’s on and off the clock. 

“That’s just what I always reach for, I default to putting on my Brooks,” she said. 

Right now, you can find the exact Brooks sneakers that Lee wears on sale, in addition to more shopper-loved Brooks shoes at Amazon’s fashion hub. Read on to learn more about why she’ll never go on tour without packing her Brooks.

Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoes

Before she became a Brooks fan, Lee used to wear shoes that were more common in the rock music world, like combat boots and skater shoes, but found they weren’t supportive enough to run around in all day. 

“Brooks were just a lot lighter and more comfortable,” she said. Plus, as someone with high arches, she needed a shoe that provided additional support and found Brooks to be the “best” at delivering that.

Brooks Ghost 14 sneakers feature a unique nitrogen-infused sole that offers comfort, shock absorption, and support. These are all important features for anyone who plans to spend hours walking, standing, or running. 

Lee can attest to the sneaker’s comfort, having climbed 49 flights of stairs during a show at a stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. She also pushes the sneakers to their limit when she’s running around with cameras and her backpack full of gear.

“Even if I just have the cameras I’m shooting with on my body, that’s easily 10 plus pounds,” she said. “Then, if I have my entire gear bag on, that usually clocks in around 35 pounds. Running around with that is hard on my back, but at least my feet are hanging in there.”

More than 29,000 Amazon shoppers have also rated the sneakers five-stars, with one reviewer praising how the “bounce in the heel” makes it feel like they’re “walking on air all day.” One  traveler noted how little break-in time is required after they took the shoes on a 10-day trip to Europe and experienced “no rubbing” during their first wear.  

Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoes

Traction is another key trait that Lee notes as a standout with her Brooks Ghost shoes. They’re made with raised side walls and a wide platform to help secure your feet. The brand’s TrailTack rubber outsole offers additional traction on both wet and dry surfaces, which Lee has experienced the benefits of firsthand when having to run and stop quickly.

“It’s really helpful to have shoes that I can trust for their traction,” she said. “My Vans or [combat boots] are much more slippery and I have had bad wipeouts in those, especially if the ground was a little bit wet. I have not experienced that in Brooks.” 

Amazon’s fashion store is stocked with the Ghost 14 running shoes and even more Brooks footwear, including walking shoes and trail sneakers for outdoor adventures. Check out some of our favorite Brooks sneakers below, with prices starting as little as $71.

Shop More Brooks Sneakers at Amazon:

Brooks Caldera 6 Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Launch 9 Running Shoes

Brooks Ghost 15 GTX Running Shoes

Brooks Addiction GTS 15 Running Shoes

Brooks Addiction Walker Suede Walking Shoes

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