Inspiring Stories

Chasing Dreams, One Run at a Time: Keane Ko on Training, Travel and His Brooks Shoe Rotation

by brooks_admin
January 23, 2026

From Singapore to Slovenia, Singaporean distance runner Keane Ko trains in Slovenia to pursue his dreams, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of distance running excellence. Recently featured in The Straits Times for his commitment to training overseas to elevate his performance, Keane’s journey is a testament to discipline, adaptability, and a deep understanding of what his body needs, especially when it comes to footwear.

As he balances high-mileage training, speed sessions, and the technical demands of a new event, the 3000m steeplechase, Keane relies on a carefully curated Brooks shoe rotation to support every run. We caught up with him to break down his current setup and the features he values most.

A Purposeful Shoe Rotation for Every Run

For Keane, having the right shoe for the right session is non-negotiable.

“My daily trainer for easy miles is the Ghost 17. It’s reliable, comfortable, and perfect for logging mileage without overthinking things,” he shares.

When it’s time to pick up the pace, Keane turns to the Hyperion 3 for tempo runs, appreciating their responsiveness and lightweight feel. Because the Hyperion 3 is positioned as a super trainer with versatile performance characteristics, responsive enough for faster efforts yet comfortable for higher volumes, it’s also a great option for tempo days in a balanced rotation.

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For easy and recovery Glycerin Max days, cushioning takes priority:

“I love the because of the cushioning. My legs feel less beaten up after runs in them, which really helps with recovery.”

On race day, Keane keeps it sharp and fast:

“I have been racing in the Hyperion Elite 5. It gives me the confidence to push when it matters most.”

Keane’s current rotation at a glance:
• Easy daily miles: Ghost 17
• Tempo & speed sessions: Hyperion 3

• Easy & recovery runs: Glycerin Max
• Race day: Hyperion Elite 5

What Matters Most in a Daily Mileage Shoe

Having raced everything from the 5K to the marathon, Keane understands that no single attribute works in isolation.

“All three — cushioning, responsiveness, and stability matter,” he explains. “They all play a role depending on the phase of training and the distance.”

However, his recent shift toward the 3000m steeplechase has changed how he approaches footwear. With stricter stack-height regulations, Keane has been intentional about incorporating lower-profile shoes into his training.

“I wouldn’t be able to wear high stack height shoes that often now. Runners need to learn to wear shoes that let you feel the ground better. It helps build muscular endurance and strengthens the legs and it’s really good training.”

This balance between protection and ground feel is something he actively manages through his Brooks rotation.

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The Ultimate Race Day Choice

When asked to name his favourite marathon/race day shoe, Keane doesn’t hesitate.

“The Hyperion Elite range has been my go-to. It’s fast, responsive, and gives me confidence on race day.”

Designed for efficiency and speed, the Hyperion Elite 5 complements Keane’s racing mindset, which is minimal distractions for maximum performance.

Built for the Long Run

Whether he’s training abroad, chasing personal bests, or adapting to a new discipline, Keane Ko’s approach is thoughtful and intentional. His shoe rotation reflects not just performance needs, but a long-term commitment to staying healthy, resilient, and ready for whatever challenge comes next.

Explore the same Brooks shoe collections that support Keane’s journey and find the right pair for every run, from easy miles to race day.

Shop Keane's Favourites