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Best Brooks Running Shoes 2024
Brooks Sports, Inc., also known as Brooks Running, is an American sports equipment company that designs and markets high-performance men's and women's sneakers, clothing, and accessories.Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Brooks products are available in over 60 countries worldwide. Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
It's not always easy for runners to choose the best Brooks running shoe for them. Here is Brooks’ lineup, with our selection of the best shoes for different runners and usage.
Table of content
Our favorite Brooks Running Shoes in 2024
Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.
Best Max Cushioned Trainer
Best for Daily Training
Best Supportive Daily Trainer
Best for Speed Training
Best for Road Racing
Best for Trail Running
An overview of Brooks technology
While looking into Brooks running shoes, you’ll bump into a series of materials and technologies with bold but unclear sounding names.
Here are the most important ones for you to know:
DNA Loft
DNA Loft is Brooks’ every day midsole cushioning. It’s made up of a combination of EVA foam, rubber, and air and it’s designed to enhance durability and stability. DNA Loft v3 is a nitrogen infused version which is lighter and more responsive.
DNA Flash
This is a lighter, snappier foam made from EVA which is also nitrogen infused. This foam is used in Brooks’ premium racers and speed trainers.
Rapid Roll
A unique curving of the heel and toe which propels you forward for effortlessly fast transitions.
GlideRoll
A rocker that actively promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions for an effortless feeling as you move.
GuideRails
Technology that adds support by keeping your excess movement in check.
Best Max Cushioned Trainer
These thickly stacked trainers are designed to be the plushest, most luxurious feeling in the range.
They are designed to provide maximum impact protection with very little ground feel.
The winner
In short
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a good max-cushioned trainer with a supportive, deeply cushioned ride that's best suited to slow running. It doesn't have a very lively ride but it feels luxurious and has plush landings. The improved version 21 has a more comfortable but warmer knitted upper with a wider toe box. It has a softer, more cushioned ride than its predecessor due to 2 mm extra stack height.Pros
- 2 mm extra stack height results in a plusher ride
- Wider and more comfortable toe box
- Smooth, stable transitions
- Durable construction
- Weight decrease
Cons
- Not as energetic as other max-cushioned competitors
- Laces feel cheap and fray easily
- Very warm upper
Who should buy it
If you’re a heavy runner (above 90 kilograms) or you prefer your max cushioned trainers to be stable and not super soft, the Glycerin 21 is a great option.
Who should not buy it
If you want a cloud-like ride similar to the Nimbus and Invincible Run, the Glycerin 21 is not the shoe for you.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
28 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
The Glycerin 21 is the softest, most cushioned running shoe in the Brooks range. It also offers plenty of support with its wide base and its deep cushioning which isn’t overly squishy. Read full reviewBest for Daily Training
Designed to be durable, comfortable, and versatile. If you were to only own 1 running shoe, it should be a daily trainer that can perform a variety of runs well.
The winner
In short
The Brooks Ghost Max is a good, text book daily trainer which can perform a variety of runs well. It has a balanced ride with good stability and a typical Brooks comfortable upper. The Ghost Max is a spinoff series of the regular Ghost. It has a softer, more cushioned ride which feels more lively than the Ghost 15.Pros
- Comfortable, luxurious upper
- Softer than regular Ghost
- More forefoot cushioning
- Modern ride
- Stable
Cons
- Lower than average outsole durability
- Laces fray easily
Who should buy it
If you find the Ghost 15 too firm and flat, the Ghost Max is worth a try. It has a more modern ride which feels more engaging.
Who should not buy it
If you buy the Ghost every year because you enjoy how firm, stable and consistent it is from year to year, you shouldn’t buy the Ghost Max.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10 oz
Heel
39 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
33 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
6.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
A tweaked, modernised version of the popular Ghost, the Ghost Max features an enhanced forefoot rocker, more stack height and a lighter, less dense midsole. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Ghost 15 is a supremely comfortable daily trainer with a high drop which makes it most suitable for heel strikers. It’s a very safe choice when it comes to bread and butter mileage trainers because of its luxurious upper and its consistent fit/ride from version to version.Pros
- Spectacular upper
- Super smooth ride
- Handles faster paces better
- Very stable for a neutral trainer
Cons
- Still no gusseted tongue
- Firmer than the Ghost 14
- Heavier than the Ghost 14
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a cushioned, comfortable neutral trainer which will get the job done, the Ghost 15 will be a great purchase. It fails to excite in the ride department but it gets full marks for quality and execution.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for a bouncy, unique or modern ride, the Ghost 15 is not the trainer for you. It’s perhaps the most traditional riding daily trainer on the market and excels in its simplicity.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.8 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
12 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
6.0
Landing
6.0
Transition
6.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
6.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
6.0
Team review
If Brooks could only make 1 running shoe, it would be the Ghost. It’s one of the most consistent shoe series from year to year and it has an incredibly comfortable upper made from premium materials. Read full reviewBest Supportive Daily Trainer
These trainers are designed to help runners who overpronate excessively by providing guidance or support.
The winner
In short
The Adrenaline 23 is a reliable stability trainer. Brooks continues to take the formula that works and tweaks it slightly to improve its stable and comfortable ride. These small changes continue to keep the Brooks Adrenaline as one of the leaders of the stability pack.Pros
- GuideRail System
- Comfort
- Adaptive Stability
- Durability
Cons
- 12 mm drop
Who should buy it
This would be for a runner who wants a dependable long lasting stability trainer.
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
10.1 oz
Heel
36 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
12 mm
Toe
24 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
The Adrenaline GTS is one of the most popular stability trainers out there and was one of the pioneers of the GuideRails technology to keep your feet centred during transitions. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 bridges the gap between distance and speed shoes for runners who need cushioned stability but do not want to sacrifice a quick turn-over. The smooth-transition design makes it feel lighter than it is, while it still sports the cushion and stable upper of a traditional heavy-duty distance shoe; the thin outsole will be the first to go.Pros
- Smooth transition to toes
- Feels lighter than it is
- Solid heel counter (Classic fit)
- Responsive, durable midsole
- "Busy” yet pleasing look
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as “plush” as some expect from a top-end cushioned shoe
- Outsole least durable aspect
Who should buy it
Average-to-heavy-weight runners will appreciate Glycerin 20 GTS for a long run shoe that can double as a speed shoe, especially those who need extra stability and find “speed shoes” too flimsy.
Who should not buy it
Narrow-footed runners should skip this shoe or try a half-size down from Brooks’ sizing pre-2021. Light runners doing low mileage with faster paces mixed in should look to Brooks’ Launch or Launch GTS (stability) over the Glycerin/Glycerin GTS.
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
10.5 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
28 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
A moderate stability version of the popular max cushioned trainer, the Glycerin. This version has the deep cushioning of the neutral Glycerin with added GuideRails for extra stability. Read full reviewBest for Speed Training
These uptempo trainers are designed to be fast and durable at the same time.
This includes being as lightweight as possible and often having responsive foams and plated technology in the midsole.
The winner
In short
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight trainer that can handle many different types of up-tempo runs. While the shoe felt great during many tempo and long runs, it never felt fast enough for those speed workouts. This shoe is a great option if you’re wanting a shoe that has a little more stack height for those faster days but it doesn’t necessarily make you feel like you’re flying.Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable upper
- comfortable for long efforts
Cons
- Not bouncy
- Not particularly fast feel
Who should buy it
The ideal runner for this shoe is someone who is looking for a lightweight daily trainer that has some stack height. If you want a lightweight alternative to a carbon plated shoe, such as the Brooks Hyperion Elite, or need a little more shoe than the Brooks Hyperion Tempo, then this shoe fits that category.
Who should not buy it
If you want a shoe that has a bouncy midsole or something that helps you feel like you’re running faster, then this shoe fall shorts in that category. It’s much more of faster daily trainer than it is a fast shoe. Also, if you don’t like a rocker feel to your heel-to-toe transition, then avoid this shoe as well.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
7.5 oz
Heel
34 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
26 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
10
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
A thick stack of DNA Flash provides a fast, cushioned ride with a mild rocker. The Hyperion Max is a Hyperion Elite without the aggressive carbon plate. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Hyperion Tempo is a brand new shoe in the Brooks Speed range, designed for faster training runs and tempo runs. It was designed in partnership with Brooks fastest pro athletes to maximise the effects of your training runs.Pros
Cons
Who should buy it
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
7.3 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Team review
A modern racing flat with a DNA Flash midsole which is designed to be super light but cushioned enough to not beat up your feet. Read full reviewBest for Road Racing
Built to be lightweight and propulsive, racing shoes contain the most cutting-edge and innovative technologies that brands have to offer.
They are designed to make you run as fast and efficient as possible.
The winner
In short
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 is categorized as a top-of-the-line super shoe. I think it’s been miscategorized and overpriced. It is a shoe that will help get you those race day personal best times but not worn for race day. It’s a fantastic choice for training runs. This road-racing shoe is designed to keep you running efficiently at race effort and includes a carbon plate that springs you forward with every step.Pros
- Breathability is superb
- Laces stay put
- Upper creates a great secure fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks that super shoe “pop”
Who should buy it
This shoe is for the individual that wants a shoe that will help them maximize their potential on race day. You can wear this shoe for race day but I love using it for those important foundation runs leading up to race day.
Who should not buy it
I would not suggest this to the runner looking for a race day shoe or a long-distance trainer. Its overall feel is a firm one, so wearing them all day long isn’t recommended.
Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
8.1 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
7.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
5.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
6.0
Team review
A super shoe is built using Brooks’ latest and greatest technology. This long-distance racer is designed to give you a boost on race day. Read full reviewBest for Trail Running
The winner
In short
The Brooks Catamount 3 is a solid lightweight trail shoe that can handle distances up to 100k. It can tackle any trail and gives you confidence to reach your maximum speeds.Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile enough for daily use and race day
- Durable
Cons
- A little firm
- Not ideal for wide feet
Who should buy it
This shoe is for the runner who prefers a trail shoe that gives them a nice ground feel. It’s perfect for running fast short races to long high mile races.
Who should not buy it
This shoe would not be for the runner who likes a lot of cushioning. It’s a comfortable shoe but isn’t plush.
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
9.4 oz
Heel
30 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
24 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Basically a trail version of the Hyperion Tempo, the Catamount 3 is a lightweight and responsive racer for going fast. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Brooks Caldera 7 is a highly cushioned trail shoe designed for medium to long distances. Built for supreme comfort and stability, this shoe will keep you feeling fresh on almost any terrain.Pros
- Incredible value
- Lots of energy return and cushion
- Effortless ride
- Above average durability
Cons
- Still heavier than competitors
- Odd color options?
Who should buy it
This shoe is ideal for runners logging a high number of miles that need maximum cushion, stability and above average traction.
Who should not buy it
I wouldn’t recommend them as the first choice for runners performing in short distance trail races. Also, runners that prefer a close to the ground feel may not find it in the Caldera 7.
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
10.6 oz
Heel
39 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
33 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0
