7 Best Brooks Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best Brooks Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Want peak performance and quality combined? Men’s running shoes from Brooks won’t let you down. 

With a motto of “Run Happy,” Brooks really delivers. From its road running shoes to trail shoes, you’ll find some of the most reliable models on the market. 

With more than a hundred Brooks running shoes for men to choose from, finding the right pair can be difficult. But no worries. In this list, we’ve trimmed it down to the ten best picks from multiple categories.

Best overall
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
$140 $80 From Amazon
Best road
Brooks Revel 5 Brooks Revel 5
$100 $67 From Amazon
Best trail
Brooks Cascadia 16 Brooks Cascadia 16
$130 $94 From Amazon
Best stability
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
$140 $98 From Amazon
Best neutral
Brooks Glycerin 20 Brooks Glycerin 20
$160 $101 From Amazon
Best value
Brooks Levitate 5 Brooks Levitate 5
$150 $66 From Amazon
Most popular
Brooks Launch 9 Brooks Launch 9
$110 $59 From Amazon
See all 128 men's brooks running shoes
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest roadBest trailBest stabilityBest neutralBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test running shoes

Coming up with the ten best men’s shoes from Brooks takes a lot of effort, time, and money. We don’t rely on popularity and fluff-filled reviews and marketing ploys. So, we buy and test each pair ourselves.

We have even created our independent shoe testing lab to gather data on each model. And before we decide on anything, here are the stringent processes we follow: 

  • Clock up 30 to 50 miles in each shoe
  • Cut them open to examine their parts
  • Measure each aspect of the shoe in 30 different parameters (e.g. breathability, firmness, flexibility, etc.) 
  • Rank each running shoe against other models on the market 

To see how they perform against other running shoes, we calculate the Corescore of the Brooks men’s running shoes we assess. To do this, we gather thousands of expert and user reviews.

Best men's Brooks running shoes overall

Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
$80
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$100
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$100
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$100
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 122,865 users
91 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Breathable
  • Great out of the box
  • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
  • Great grip

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
  • Not the best for long distances

Verdict

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!
Brooks Ghost 14 full review

Best Brooks road running shoes for men

Brooks Revel 5
Brooks Revel 5
$67
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$70
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$75
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$80
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CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 15,411 users
91 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Fits like a dream
  • Accommodating stretchy upper
  • Efficient transitions
  • Surprisingly peppy
  • Laces stay tied tightly
  • Low to the ground
  • Durable construction
  • Great deal
  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Impressive weight
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not for long runs
  • No reflective details

Verdict

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!
Brooks Revel 5 full review

Best Brooks trail running shoes for men

Brooks Cascadia 16
Brooks Cascadia 16
$94
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$130
See deal  
$130
See deal  
$130
See deal  

CoreScore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 3,587 users
87 / 100 from 24 experts

Pros

  • Grippy outsole
  • Wide toe box
  • Great lockdown
  • True to size
  • Durable
  • Gaiter attachments
  • Rock plate
  • Aggressive
  • Lacing options

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • A bit stiff
  • Runs warm

Verdict

Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand a stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!
Brooks Cascadia 16 full review

Best Brooks stability running shoes for men

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
$98
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$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 58,680 users
90 / 100 from 12 experts

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Promising durability
  • Stability for all directions
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Phenomenal grip
  • A firmer, faster midsole
  • Consistent in all conditions
  • Reliable daily runner

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some

Verdict

One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 full review

Best Brooks neutral running shoes for men

Brooks Glycerin 20
Brooks Glycerin 20
$101
See deal  
$160
See deal  
$160
See deal  
$160
See deal  

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 7,066 users
87 / 100 from 18 experts

Pros

  • Plush cushion
  • Awesome step-in feel
  • Responsive ride
  • Breathable for hot days
  • Tank-like build
  • Weighs less than looks
  • Awesome value for money
  • Comfortable fit
  • Grippy on wet road and gravel

Cons

  • Laces don't stay tied
  • Blocky ride

Verdict

"The hype is real." This is how runners find the Glycerin 20 from Brooks. They even hail it as the best Glycerin to date. With its luxe comfort and a touch of pop, it's a fun and lively workhorse that works perfectly for recovery days and long miles on the road. Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a tried-and-true daily trainer that's a cozy and reliable pick for both beginners and seasoned road runners.
Brooks Glycerin 20 full review

Best value Brooks running shoes for men

Brooks Levitate 5
Brooks Levitate 5
$66
See deal  
$90
See deal  
$100
See deal  
$100
See deal  

CoreScore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 3,098 users
86 / 100 from 9 experts

Pros

  • Good lockdown
  • Breathable
  • Laces stay tight
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Classic racer feel
  • Heel loop
  • Plenty of ground feel
  • Best for short distances
  • Laces stay tight
  • Flexible

Cons

  • On the narrow side
  • Slick on wet surfaces
  • Tiring at longer distances

Verdict

The classic speedster feel of the Brooks Levitate 5 will bring you back to the glory days of stiff shoes equaling quicker paces. Before super shoes, carbon plates, and hydrogen-infused foams this is how tempo shoes were built. To go fast you had to focus on your form, and not rely on the shoes to make up for any deficiencies. Not everyone needs or wants bouncy shoes, some still like to feel the ground, and push their legs with heart rather than technology!
Brooks Levitate 5 full review

Most popular Brooks running shoes for men

Brooks Launch 9
Brooks Launch 9
$59
See deal  
$85
See deal  
$100
See deal  
$100
See deal  

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 2,854 users
85 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Smooth heel to toe transitions
  • Lighter weight
  • Comfy ride for long miles
  • Perfect for any pace
  • Opens up to wide feet
  • Not tippy when cornering
  • Stable on gravel
  • Can double for casual wear
  • Sustainable outsole
  • Great-value

Cons

  • Not as energetic as expected
  • Pricier than before

Verdict

Looks fast, runs fast. The Launch 9 from Brooks is a daily trainer that can handle any speed you put into your run. Whether you're going fast or slow, it performs. On top of this, it can handle any distance. From short runs, 5Ks to 20 miles, it doesn't disappoint. Ultimately, get the Brooks Launch 9 if you're after a solid all-rounder that doesn't hurt the wallet or the feet.
Brooks Launch 9 full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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