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

Most runners agree that high-quality construction and reliable performance are the defining features of Brooks running shoes for women. But because we like to nitpick and see for ourselves if they’re really worth the hype, we take our time testing them.
And in our scrutiny, we’ve come up with the list of the ten best Brooks running shoes for women. These models are chosen from five different categories, accommodating all runners.
How we test running shoes
The shoes you see on this list are not here without reason. Our thorough testing methods are here to prove that they are indeed the finest Brooks running shoes for women.
To conduct our assessment, we have our independent shoe testing lab. We also like to disassociate from brand loyalty, so we make sure to purchase each shoe with our own money. And rigidly follow these protocols:
- Clock up 30-50 miles of test runs
- Cut each shoe open
- Measure their parts on 30 different parameters
- Generate a CoreScore for each model from thousands of expert and user reviews
Best Brooks running shoes overall for women
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 3% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
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
From easy runs to faster efforts, the Brooks Ghost 14 is runners’ reliable go-to. Even more, it’s ours too!
There’s not one thing to not like about the Ghost. It’s comfortable and stable, our feet felt right at home.
If you want the definition of luxurious, the shoe’s padding delivers. It’s so plush and cushy, not once did our feet feel strained. Taking everything up a notch is the shoe’s flexibility. In our lab test, we found out that it only requires 19.2N to bend while the average needs 40.2N.
Not only does this mean a natural-feeling run. It also means it’s crazy soft, which is why we love it so much during recovery days.
It steals the show in easy paces, but it sure is a natural in tempo runs. It’s bouncy and energetic, getting to our next stride was fast and easy.
What’s great about the Ghost 14 is it’s as stable as a Brooks can be. Although very cushy, it didn’t have that sink-in sensation that creates excessive rolling of the feet. If anything, our feet remained centered and supported from the first mile down to the last.
Best women's Brooks running shoes for race
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 29% in road running shoes
- Top 27% in running shoes for high arches
- Top 13% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fast
- Stable
- Good breathability
- Balance of bounce and stiffness
- Roomy toe box
- Excellent midfoot fit
Cons
- Loose-fitting heel
- Heel padding might rub the Achilles
- A lot of work for heel strikes
Verdict
True to its name, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 made us run like one of the elites.
To make sure we chose the best of the best, we also tested its first version. And with its propulsive and responsive ride, the Hyperion Elite 2 was the clear champ.
Running in it replicates the feeling of having springs underfoot. It had so much energy return, it launched us forward. Seriously, running fast has never been this easy.
Like the super shoes of today, the Hyperion Elite is made with a carbon-fiber plate, delivering a snappy performance. But what really took us by surprise was the shoe’s comfort.
Plated shoes are typically too rigid to be truly comfortable. But of course, this shoe is here to make a mark. It was never too hard on our feet, they remained fresh even after several miles.
To solidify its place on this list, the Hyperion Elite 2 is also extremely stable. It has a wide base that has kept our strides planted and slip-free.
And to make it a full-fledged racing speedster, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 nails it in the lockdown department. If secure is what you want during competitions, this shoe won’t fail you.
Best women's Brooks running shoes for trail
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 22% in trail running shoes
- Top 23% in running shoes for wide feet
- Top 8% most popular running shoes
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
The Brooks Cascadia 16 made it clear to us that it’s not here to play. Its tank-like build made us focus on what’s ahead, and worry less on what’s underneath.
This shoe is more than ready to take a beating. It’s so tough, gashing it won’t be easy.
From the bottom up, it’s got plenty of protection. The upper has so much padding and reinforcement, stubbed toes should be the least of your worries. And when we did our flex test, it wowed us.
It took us 51.1N force to bend, which means it’s solid AF. It’s even along the ranks of carbon-plated shoes!
It’s not going to be soft and comfortable, but if you want ultimate strength and stability combined, this is THE shoe. Even on the most rugged, uneven terrain, we cruised with confidence.
The outsole is also a showstopper. With 4.3mm lugs (vs. the average 3.4mm lugs), the Cascadia bites. What’s more is it’s heavy-duty too. At 85.5HC stiff, it will take some serious pounding before you scratch this bruiser.
To seal the deal, the Cascadia 16 from Brooks is also supportive. It fits like a glove, we never felt tippy in it.
Best Brooks road running shoes for women
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 4% in road running shoes
- Top 13% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 14% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Good cushioning
- Breathable
- Smooth transition
- Durable
Cons
- Not very versatile
- Slight heel slipping
Verdict
Best women's Brooks running shoes for flat feet
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 3% in road running shoes
- Top 6% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- fits true to size
- secure fit
- great stability
- gusseted tongue
- soft but not mushy
- superb durability
- no lace bite
Cons
- not for speedy runs
- could be lighter
Verdict
Of all the stability shoes we’ve ever tested, nothing comes close to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21.
It defies the conventions of stability shoes by offering both support and comfort. It’s anything but rigid and unforgiving. Even better, it’s a stability shoe that even neutral runners can enjoy.
Its stability features stay in the backseat until your feet need them. In short, they’re not overbearing.
And that’s not the only reason why we can’t get enough of it. Its upper is also so fantastic, slips and missteps were the least of our concerns.
After logging miles and miles of rough wear testing, the Adrenaline has proven itself hard-wearing. It still shows no signs of wear and tear. We are even confident it can go 400-500 miles.
It may not be the fastest nor lightest shoe in our arsenal, but the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 was never made for this. It’s a stability trainer that will get you through your easy runs. And will allow you to make the most out of your $130 with its solid durability.
Best value Brooks running shoes for women
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 10% in road running shoes
- Top 22% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Hugs your feet
- No heel slipping
- Breathable
- Surprisingly flexible
- Easy to slide into
- Elf tab
- Feels light and fast
- Affordable speed trainer
Cons
- Not for slick surfaces
Verdict
Having tested past versions of the Brooks Launch, we are more than confident that the Launch 8 is the best one yet. Even better, it doesn’t break the bank.
For $100, this tempo speedster has got the makings of the higher-end shoes on the market.
There are two features that make the Launch 8 exceptional. One, its spring-like bounce. Two, its featherlight weight. With this speed monster, you can set PBs with no sweat.
It also puts a dent on speed training shoe stereotypes. It’s not rigid and harsh to the feet. And our lab results can back that.
In our flex test, we found out that it only takes 18.7N to bend the Brooks Launch (vs. 23.8N average). This only goes to show how feet-friendly and natural-feeling this shoe is.
With its rubber outsole, the Brooks Launch 8 is built to last too. It has a 3.7mm thick outsole that can withstand heavy pounding on the roads.
Overall, the Brooks Launch 8 will surprise you with its well-rounded speedster qualities. And for such an affordable price, you’ll get a shoe that can survive daily abuse.
Most popular Brooks running shoes for women
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 19% in road running shoes
- Top 26% in marathon running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Plushy
- Wide-feet friendly
- Tongue stays put
- Perfect midfoot lock
- Soft and stable ride
- Durable
- Great grip even on dirt roads
- Roomy toebox
- Smooth ride
- Perfect for daily runs
Cons
- Lacks pep underfoot
- Too warm for summer days