Black Friday - best deals from 50 stores 7 Best Brooks Running Shoes in 2024
With a "Run Happy" motto, Brooks believes that there is no good or bad running shoe. Each runner picks the right shoe for them based on their preferences and the running experience they want to achieve.
We have performed wear tests and lab tests on every Brooks shoe to help you find the best one. As much as possible, we want to offer the greatest running shoe for every kind of runner.
Thus, we have come up with top picks in different categories to meet all sorts of runners' needs.
How we test running shoes
We spend hundreds of hours testing Brooks running shoes to ensure that the review and guide we deliver are far from being ill-conceived. Here is what we do:
- First of all, we purchase all Brooks shoes with our own funds to eradicate any bias.
- As a team of running shoe fanatics, we run 30-50 miles weekly to test every Brooks shoe in a variety of conditions.
- In our independent shoe testing lab, we literally cut each shoe into pieces to measure every imaginable aspect including softness, breathability, durability, etc.
The cream of the crop makes it here!
Best Brooks running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
A long-lasting daily trainer in the industry for a reason: the 21st Glycerin stands out as the highlight of the Brooks lineup, delivering a comfortable and protective ride for all types of runs. What we discovered in our lab aligns: whether it's an easy recovery day or pushing the limits over long distances, this shoe provides unmatched cushioning and unwavering support.
Measuring the Glycerin 21's stack with our calliper, we found it to be a substantial 37.2 mm at the heel, surpassing the lab average by 3.6 mm. At 20.4 HA, the DNA Loft v3 offers a balanced ride, blending just the right amount of bounce with stability, even under heavy loads. This is especially advantageous during the latter miles of long runs as it alleviates fatigue.
We had solid footing throughout our tests thanks to the extensive landing platform, notably the 100.0 mm heel vs. the 90.5 mm average. This broad base instils confidence and control during landings and toe-offs, even during high-speed cornering, without feeling bulky.
Even underfoot, the Roadtack Rubber outsole ensures it will endure many miles with an above-average hardness of 84.9 HC. Further cementing its durability is its minimal damage after our brutal Dremel test.
However, we find that Glycerin 21 is geared towards heel-strikers. We recommend mid-to-forefoot strikers to explore alternatives since the 10.6 mm drop may feel too steep.
Pros
- More cushioning
- Built-like-a-tank outsole
- Spacious toebox
- Ideal for long runs
- Lighter than predecessor
- Comfortable fit
- Great stability
- Supercritical midsole
Cons
- Slightly warm
- Minor price hike
- Rigid heel counter
Best Brooks running shoes for daily training
What makes it the best?
Hours of lab testing Brooks running shoes led us to its ultimate daily trainer: the Ghost 16. We felt it gave an incredible amount of comfort and support compared to other Brooks models while maintaining its natural feel. As a do-it-all shoe, it can easily handle various distances with its reliable midsole and outsole.
Our runs felt easy in this no-frills pair. It’s a reliable and consistent shoe that can handle daily training and activities beyond running. Our 90º bend test confirms it's 53.3% more flexible than average, meaning it barely resists our foot contortions.
Built for comfort, its midsole felt perfectly soft without feeling mushy. Our durometer confirmed the DNA Loft v3 to be a balanced 21.6 HA, adding some springiness to our strides. From the top, our feet were hugged with pillowy goodness by the plush 10.4 mm tongue padding.
The outsole delivered reliable traction and was barely scratched after testing. While the rubber’s hardness is at par with average, it showed less damage in our Dremel test. We predict it will last for many miles ahead, perfect for a daily workhorse.
However, the shoe’s high 12.4 mm drop only suits heel strikers. Mid-to-forefoot strikers looking for daily trainers should check shoes with lower drops.
Pros
- Fiables
- Parte delantera espaciosa
- Óptimas para los talonadores
- Suela exterior muy resistente
- Muy estables
- Retorno de energía mejorado
- Versátiles para varias actividades
- Mantienen un precio asequible
Cons
- Lengüeta sin refuerzo
- Contrafuerte del talón rígido
- Poco volumen en la parte delantera
Best Brooks running shoes for speed training
What makes it the best?
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo’s name is on point because it emerged as our ultimate speed trainer from the brand. Its light and loose build brought back the feel of old-school race shoes, allowing our leg power to shine. Its low stack delivered a stable ride, while our lab shows solid evidence of its ability to last many training blocks.
During our speed runs, the shoe melted away with our feet, making us forget we were even wearing one! Our scales back this up with an incredibly light 7.0 oz (198g), 25.3% below average. Further enhancing its weightlessness is the adaptive midsole, which emerged 55.9% more flexible than the standard in our bend test. It felt easy to transition to other daily activities and gym workouts.
As a true minimalist, we felt planted and connected to the ground. Our calliper reveals a low 28.7/19.7 mm stack, strengthening our legs since we don’t rely on the midsole’s technologies to stride forward. The cushion feels balanced underfoot, which increases our stability.
Beneath the midsole lies a robust 85.1 HC rubber. Hyperion Tempo cements its durability by showing insignificant damage in our Dremel test. Its 0.2 mm scuff is one of the most impressive results we’ve seen!
However, we believe it lacks the cushioning for longer runs. Those who seek more comfort should explore alternatives.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Ideal for track workouts
- Upper fits comfortably
- Outstanding grip on flat surfaces
- Durable outsole and upper
- Good breathability
- Feels quick and agile
- Great for developing foot muscles
Cons
- Midsole could benefit from more energy return
- Not suitable for long runs at all
- Might be slightly overpriced
Best Brooks running shoes for race
What makes it the best?
The Hyperion Elite 4, among our lab's lightest and tallest Brooks, stands out from the usual supershoe with its gentler ride. With a snappy yet soothing aura and an ultra-breathable snug upper, it's comfortable even up to marathon distances. The performance it delivered in our test runs cemented its undeniably Brooks’ best racer.
Offering max performance at a minimum weight, HE4 tips the scales to a feathery 7.8 oz (220g). We can go faster than ever with 2.1 oz (60g) weight savings vs. the average Brooks shoe! Our foot feels snug with the toebox's widest part falling 5.3 mm below average—a fit meant to race.
HE4’s cushioning maximises the 40-mm legal limit with its 39.1 mm heel, offering softer landings and impact protection. Meanwhile, the Speedvault+ carbon plate responds energetically, which our flex test confirms with a rigidity rating 115.0% higher than average! This level of stiffness defines a racer—launching us forward effortlessly.
Running in the HE4 is a breath of fresh air, with its upper that allows seamless airflow. Our lab reveals large ventilation holes throughout the shoe, explaining its 5/5 breathability rating. This not only prevents overheating but also avoids blisters.
However, its midsole still doesn’t match the responsiveness of elite racers. Those who value shaving off mere seconds from their PBs are better off with other choices.
Pros
- World-class upper
- Cushioned to legal limit
- Personalised carbon plate
- Good stability
- Notched laces
- Durable outsole
- Less extreme than other supershoes
- Superior build quality
Cons
- Narrow toebox and heel
- Foam lacks energy return
- Excessive weight for supershoe
Best Brooks running shoes for stability
What makes it the best?
Let’s be honest, corrective shoes for pronating strides just aren’t that sexy; but the Adrenaline GTS 23 subverts our expectations with a versatile and flexible daily trainer that also looks so good even neutral runners will be happy to have in their rotation, making it our favourite Brooks stability shoe.
Stability shoes tend to be quite stiff with the aim of correcting a pronating stride by limiting lateral foot movement. The Adrenaline GTS 23 achieves this when it comes to torsional rigidity, earning a 4 out of 5 in our manual test. In terms of longitudinal stiffness, however, the Adrenaline GTS 23 is remarkably flexible; requiring only 17.7N of force to bend the shoe 90-degrees in our test, making it 41.5% more flexible than the average shoe. This combination gives us a healthy mix of stability and comfort as the shoe is able to bend with our foot while still providing a steady base to mitigate the effect of overpronation.
The shoe's behemoth platform is another factor in the shoe's stable ride. We measured the Adrenaline GTS 23’s midsole to be 117.3 mm and 96.9 mm wide at the forefoot and heel, respectively. This means that we have a much broader than average base that keeps us feeling sure-footed during landings and toe offs.
Although heel strikers have lots of plush foam underfoot for well cushioned landings, the Adrenaline GTS 23 isn’t as generous as their forefoot striking counterparts. At only 21.5 mm, the Adrenaline GTS 23’s forefoot stack is 3 mm shy of the average. While this is enough cushioning for most easy to moderate runs, we recommend a shoe that offers better impact protection at the forefoot for those long and difficult efforts.
Pros
- Excellent stability without being intrusive
- Ideal for easy miles
- Specifically designed for heel strikers
- Outstanding breathability
- Comfortable and cushioned
- Availability in narrow and wide sizes
- Capable of handling tempo paces
- Not expensive at all
Cons
- The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
- Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Best Brooks trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
Among Brooks’ running lineup we tested in the lab, we found the Cascadia 18 to be our ultimate trail shoe because of its excellent protection and reliable traction. Despite navigating rough trail conditions, we felt surefooted with its Trail Adapt System and felt refreshed with its breathable upper.
We remained in control as we tackled mixed terrains with the impressive grip of its deep 4.0 mm lugs. Split into three, each set of lugs is designed differently for a specific purpose: the heel to serve as brakes, the midfoot to shed mud, and the forefoot to bite the ground effectively on uphill paths.
The Cascadia 18 has a unique feature called the Trail Adapt System, which serves as our rock plate and stabiliser. It’s also designed differently to give more room for flexing torsionally, which is important in navigating more demanding paths. The ride feels firm, enhancing our surefootedness. Our durometer confirms the cushioning is 21.7% firmer than average.
It’s rare for trail shoes to have a high level of airflow, which is why Cascadia 18’s breezy feel was a pleasant surprise. Our smoke test confirms its exceptional breathability with a 4/5 rating. However, durability is compromised, as the upper wreaked havoc in our Dremel test. We recommend runners who frequent rugged terrain to find a more protective shoe.
Pros
- Breathable upper
- Great value for the price
- Stability-enhancing Trail Adapt plate
- Impressive grip
- Amazing tongue
- Doubles well as a hiking shoe
- Fits most foot shapes
- Velcro strap for gaiter attachment
- Designed with heel strikers in mind
Cons
- Noticeable durability issues
- Midsole lacks bounce and softness
- Still on the heavier side
- No reflective elements
Best budget Brooks running shoes
What makes it the best?
At £100, Revel 7 stands out for its versatility, comfort, and durability. For the price, it already has the qualities we look for in more premium shoes, such as its light feel in our runs. Our lab results back up our sentiment: it’s the best budget Brooks running shoe.
What makes Revel 7 a bang for the buck is its outstanding adaptability, making it suitable for activities like walking and gym workouts. The midsole flows with our feet, working with us instead of against us. Our flex test confirms it's 30.9% more flexible than average. Additionally, its airy 9.1 oz (258g) build makes us more agile vs. the 9.4 oz (265g) average road-running shoe.
Its cushion feels delightful and supportive for shorter distances. Our durometer measured the foam at a balanced 19.5 HA, dampening landing impact without sinking too much.
Our durometer shows the outsole measures 79.5 HC, translating to reliable grip in our runs. Though slightly softer than the 80.3 HC average outsole, it showed a minimal 0.7 mm indentation in our Dremel test, ensuring this budget shoe can highly resist wear and tear.
Unfortunately, the ride feels unexciting and lacks the pop of energy some enthusiasts crave for. Those who want more responsiveness should explore further.
Pros
- Exceptional value
- Highly breathable upper
- Impressively low weight
- Gusseted tongue
- Ideal for new runners
- Great for heel strikers
- Robust durability
Cons
- Ride lacks excitement
- Low energy return
- Forefoot cushioning
Choose the right Brooks shoe: road or trail?
As the name suggests, road and trail running shoes are made for different surfaces. Even though the brand's road shoe collection is dominant, Brooks has quite a few outstanding trail offerings too.
Brooks road running shoes
If at least 80% of your running happens on asphalt, concrete, tarmac, or treadmill, you will benefit from a Brooks road shoe. These trainers have smooth, lug-free outsoles and softer cushioning to provide the best impact protection on hard surfaces.
But getting a road shoe doesn't necessarily stop you from hitting some hard-packed trails! More than a few Brooks road shoes have impressively thick and sturdy outsoles which can be taken off the road without a problem.
Brooks trail running shoes
If you mostly run on dirt paths, rocky trails, mud, grass, and other tricky terrain, a Brooks trail shoe is a must.
Equipped with deep aggressive lugs and extra protective construction, these shoes bite into unfriendly surfaces while guarding our feet against rocks, roots, and other debris.
Brooks trail shoes vary in their lug depth as well. Depending on your running conditions, you may prefer deeper or shallower ones:
- deeper lugs (at least 3.5 mm) are best for soft terrain like mud, sand, grass, etc.
- shallower lugs (less than 3 mm) are best for hard-packed trails and road-to-trail runs.
You can learn more nuances in our science-backed guide on running shoe outsoles.
Brooks shoe types based on feel: cushion, energise, or speed?
To help you understand how different Brooks shoes feel underfoot, the brand categorised its running footwear into three types of experience:
- Cushion (comfort-loaded and soft)
- Energise (springy with great energy return)
- Speed (ultra-lightweight, airy, and fast)
“Cushion”
This is the largest and most popular category of Brooks running shoes. It includes long-standing and best-selling shoe series like the Ghost, the Adrenaline, and the Glycerin.
These Brooks shoes are packed with a copious amount of comfort and boast some of the cosiest step-in feel across running shoes. It is a perfect choice for:
- beginner runners who interchange walking and running
- runners in search of a plush recovery shoe for slow runs
- people looking for a comfortable pair for walking and standing all day
The average stack height of Brooks “Cushion” running shoes is 36 mm with the thickest one reaching 40 mm!
The only downside of “Cushion” shoes is their hefty build. With an average weight of 10.2 oz (290g), these shoes are the heaviest in Brooks’ lineup.
“Energise”
Brooks shoes from the “Energise” category also have a good amount of cushioning for daily runs. But here is what makes them different from the “Cushion” type:
- more responsive and springy ride with better energy return
- a little lower stack height (about 3 mm less in the heel)
We can recommend these trainers to beginner and seasoned athletes who want to:
- pick up the pace in their daily runs
- include more cardio into their workout routine
- train for a race
“Speed”
These are the lightest running shoes from Brooks. Averaging 8 oz (230g) in a men’s US size 9, they are barely felt on the foot!
Research shows that every 3.5 oz (100g) added to the shoe slows you down by 1%.
That’s why we recommend “Speed” shoes if you are looking for the following:
- a lightweight shoe for daily runs
- a shoe for tempo runs and training for a race
- a shoe for races (from 5K to a marathon)
All Brooks shoes have soft cushioning
No matter what category of Brooks shoes you choose, you can always expect a very soft ride.
Having lab-tested every Brooks shoe on the market, we can confirm that the brand doesn’t have any firm shoes!
We use an HA durometer to measure the softness of each Brooks model. We press the tool against the shoe’s half-cut midsole for the most accurate measurement.
The average durometer reading across our tested Brooks shoes is 20.7 HA. This is 15% softer than running shoes on average.
Example of a Brooks shoe with plush cushioning
But it doesn’t mean that all Brooks shoes are equally soft. There is a range going from marshmallowy plush to moderately soft and responsive.
You can figure out which one is which based on our HA durometer measurement: the lower the number the softer the shoe.
And if you want a more balanced experience with moderate softness, have a look at one of the following shoes:
Example of a Brooks shoe with balanced cushioning
TIP: Softer doesn’t necessarily mean better (research). If it comes at the cost of stability, energy return, or weight, it may be better to go for a less plush but more well-rounded shoe.
Foams used in Brooks running shoes
Brooks is successfully keeping up with the other big-name shoe brands by constantly improving their cushioning technologies.
Here are some of the company’s staple foams that have gained the runners’ acclaim:
|
Foam |
Used in |
Characteristics |
|
DNA Loft |
“Cushion” shoes: Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline Trail shoes: Caldera, Cascadia |
|
|
DNA Amp |
“Energise” shoes like the Levitate |
|
|
DNA Flash |
“Speed” and race shoes like the Hyperion |
|
|
BioMoGo DNA |
more affordable shoes |
|
Learn more about cushioning foams from Brooks and other brands in our most comprehensive research.
How to choose the right stack height and drop in Brooks running shoes
Did you know that the way your foot sits inside the shoe can make or break your whole running experience?
Here are a few tips on how to choose the right setup in a Brooks running shoe for you.
Stack height
Stack height is the amount of material (insole, midsole, and outsole) that separates your foot from the ground.
With their lavish cushioning, Brooks shoes have some of the tallest stack heights in the industry: the lowest being 28 mm and the tallest reaching 40 mm!
But getting a shoe with the thickest cushioning doesn’t always translate into the best experience. Studies show that runners who are new to max-cushioned shoes are at risk of increased impact loading, leg stiffness, and even injury.
What is the best way to go for beginners? Get a Brooks shoe with a moderate heel stack of 28-35 mm.
But what about Brooks shoes with higher stacks? Consider a heel stack beyond 35 mm if you’re in search of a shoe for:
- long and slow runs
- recovery days
- walking and standing all day
Heel-to-toe drop
Drop is the difference between the shoe’s heel and forefoot stack. It shows how much the heel is elevated above the toes.
Our lab measurements show that Brooks running shoes tend to have a higher drop:
- 55% of shoes have a drop of 10-14 mm
- 35% of shoes have a drop of 8-10 mm
- only 10% have a drop lower than 8 mm
The brand doesn’t offer any zero-drop or low-drop options with 6 mm being the lowest.
The most optimal drop for beginners and most runners for that matter is 8-12 mm. Having more cushioning under the heel is ideal for people who land on their heels first (heel strikers) and that happens to be the majority of runners.
Luckily, nearly all Brooks shoes fall into that range.
On the contrary, runners who land on the midfoot and forefoot will find a lower drop more beneficial.
If you are not sure about your foot striking pattern or the type of drop you need, see our in-depth guide on the topic.
Arch support in Brooks GTS shoes
It is worth considering arch support in running shoes if you have one or both of the following:
- flat feet or low/fallen arches
- overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot)
People with these conditions will often find that the soles on their shoes wear out faster on the inner side, causing their ankles to collapse inwards. That’s a surefire sign that you need a supportive pair of running shoes to stabilise your gait.
Another way to determine if you have flat feet is by doing a wet test at home or consulting a podiatrist.
Brooks is one of those brands that take foot health seriously by releasing more supportive versions of their trainers. You can easily find these models by the “GTS” (“go-to-shoe”) abbreviation in their names. There are a few Brooks GTS shoes on the market today.
To make its shoes supportive but not overly stiff or intrusive, Brooks uses the GuideRails technology. It is comprised of supportive bumpers on both sides of the shoe that prevent the foot from excessively rolling inwards without feeling intrusive.
Example of a Brooks GTS shoe with arch support
The level of support is not the same in all Brooks shoes. Some models offer maximum stability for severe overpronation while others only have a touch of support.
In our lab, we measure and assess the following parameters:
- torsional rigidity (how hard it is to twist the shoe on a 1-5 scale)
- heel counter stiffness (how hard it is to push and squeeze on a 1-5 scale)
- midsole width (how wide is the platform in the forefoot and in the heel)
Our torsional rigidity test
Shoes with maximum support get the highest numbers in these three tests. The biggest drawback of Brooks GTS shoes is that they get proportionally heavier to the level of support they offer.
The table is sorted by the level of support with most supportive shoes at the top.
Race running shoes from Brooks
Brooks is most commonly associated with plush daily trainers. That’s why it is not the first brand that comes to mind when looking for a race shoe.
In fact, only a few Brooks shoes are classified as race-ready.
Brooks is also a bit late to the super-shoe party. So far, the company released only one carbon-plated model - the Hyperion Elite.
Can I run a marathon in the Brooks Ghost?
We wouldn’t recommend it.
Technically, you can run a marathon in any shoe. But you won’t be guaranteed the best comfort and performance. Shoes like Brooks Ghost, Glycerin, and Adrenalin are designed with daily training in mind.
They are generously cushioned and plush but lack the energy return you would crave for a marathon distance. They are also heavier than performance-oriented running shoes.
Brooks running shoes for summer and winter
Running in summer, it is essential to have a breathable pair of shoes. Proper airflow will save you from the heat, discomfort, and even potential blisters and fungi!
We put each Brooks shoe through a series of tests in our lab to determine its breathability. We are happy to report that the company has quite a few well-ventilated options for summer.
We rate breathability on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most breathable
And if you need a shoe for braving the cold season, we also keep a record of warm running shoes from Brooks. More densely woven uppers of these shoes keep the warmth inside and don’t let the cool air in so easily.
Size and fit in Brooks shoes
Brooks has a stellar reputation when it comes to size and fit. But if you’re ordering online, it is never a bad idea to double-check your shoe size.
Size
If you haven’t purchased athletic shoes in a while, we recommend measuring your foot length from scratch.
Knowing your precise foot dimensions will help you get the best-fitting size in Brooks running shoes. You can find what shoe size fits you best in Brooks official size chart.
Width
Awesome news for wide and narrow feet! Brooks is one of the few brands that produces the same model in four different widths including including narrow (men’s B/women’s 2A) and extra wide (men’s 4E/women’s 2E).
If you experienced squeezing or premature upper wear on the sides of your shoe uppers, you may benefit from a wide option or a medium-width Brooks shoe with a wide toebox.
Brooks Stealthfit
The brand releases some of its models in an alternative Stealthfit upper. It is a sock-like, knit upper design that creates a more close-fitting and adaptive fit.
Based on our lab measurements, the Stealthfit version is nearly an ounce lighter than the original!
| Original | Stealthfit | |
| Brooks Levitate 6 | 10.7 oz (304g) | 9.9 oz (281g) |
| Brooks Glycerin 20 | 10.5 oz (297g) | 9.9 oz (281g) |
Price of Brooks running shoes
The average price of Brooks running shoes that are currently on the market is £140. The brand is on par with other big names like ASICS, Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
The brand’s MSRP range goes from £100 to £170, except for the Hyperion Elite race shoe which costs £250.
Is Brooks a good brand of running shoes?
Since 2001, Brooks has been primarily focused on running footwear and apparel giving less attention to other categories. And this has paid off.
In 2022, Brooks was the #1 running shoe brand in the adult performance running category in the US in 2022. It took 22% of the market share.
What’s more, seven of Brooks running shoe franchises have been marked with an APMA (American Podiatry Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance. It is a recognition of products that promote foot health.
Do Brooks running shoes last long?
Our lab tests confirm that Brooks running shoes last about as much as the average running shoe on the market - 300-500 miles, depending on the model.
Brooks shoes have shown average results on our toebox and heel padding durability tests. On a 1-5 durability scale, they got a score of 2 and 3, respectively.
The outsoles, on the other hand, showed a little better-than-average results. Using a Dremel, we drilled them for 22 seconds at 10K RPM speed. The average dent turned out to be 0.6 mm whereas the average hovers around 1 mm.
We also take note of the most durable and hard-wearing running shoes from Brooks. Expectedly, trail shoes lead in this rating.
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