7 Best Brooks Running Shoes For Men in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Brooks Running Shoes For Men in 2023
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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.

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
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

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!

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • 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
Full review of Brooks Ghost 14

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
White/Black/Amparo (145)
Grey/Blue/Red (078)
Titan/Teal/Flame (488)
Black/Blackened Pearl/Blue (056)
Grey/Alloy/Oyster (067)
Black/Blue/Nightlife (069)
Green Gecko/Blue/Black (310)
Grey/Titan/Maize (029)
More colors

Best men's Brooks running shoes for trail

What makes it the best?

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!

Pros

  • Grippy outsole
  • Great lockdown
  • True to size
  • Roomy toebox
  • Durable
  • Gaiter attachments
  • Rock plate
  • Aggressive
  • Lacing options

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • A bit stiff
  • Runs warm
Full review of Brooks Cascadia 16

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Oyster Mushroom/Alloy/Orange (038)
Titan/Peacoat/Nightlife (411)
Black/Grey/Red (008)
White/Biscuit/Rooibos (173)
Peacoat/Atomic Blue/Rooibos (490)
Yellow/Black/Grenadine (745)
Eclipse/Marina/Chalk (427)
Blue / Multicoloured (469)
More colors

Best men's Brooks running shoes with wide toebox

Brooks Revel 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

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!

Pros

  • 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
Full review of Brooks Revel 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Ebony/Crystal Teal (091)
White/Black (121)
Black/Grey/Blue (053)
White/Oyster/India Ink (182)
White/Peacoat/Blue Shadow (153)
Titan/Peacoat/Flame (498)
Pageant Blue/True Blue/White (403)
Bluetiful/Navy/Irish Cream (471)
More colors

Best Brooks stability running shoes for men

What makes it the best?

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.

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

  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Magenta/White/Raspberry (568)
White/Oyster/Brilliant (160)
Black/Blue/Orange (034)
Black/Blue/Nightlife (069)
Blue/Light Blue/Orange (404)
Black/Blue/Cherry Tomato (084)
Coral/Latigo Bay/White (680)
Kentucky Blue/White/Rose (427)
More colors

Men's Brooks running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

"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.

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
Full review of Brooks Glycerin 20

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Blue Depths/Palace Blue/Orange (444)
Black/White/Alloy (059)
Black/Blackened Pearl/Fiery Red (090)
Ebony/White/Nightlife (047)
Orange/Titan/Flame (843)
Blue/Peacoat/Yellow (462)
Alloy/Grey/Blue Depths (070)
Black/Black/Ebony (020)
More colors

Best men's Brooks running shoes for long distance

Brooks Launch 9
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Lighter weight
  • Comfy ride for long miles
  • Perfect for any pace
  • 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
Full review of Brooks Launch 9

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Blue Surf/Black/Cherry Tomato (413)
Black/White (048)
Flame/Titan/Crystal Teal (854)
Grey/Midnight/White (063)
White/Pink/Nightlife (148)
White/Black/Tan (121)
Grey/Blue/Pink (016)
Blue/Peacoat/Yellow (462)
More colors

Best daily trainer

What makes it the best?

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!

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
Full review of Brooks Levitate 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Ebony/Grey (110370051)
Blue (110370457)
Multicoloured (110370034)
Titan/Crystal Teal/Black (412)
White (110370130)
Grey/Blackened Pearl/Black (096)
Blue / Multicoloured (110370494)
White/Bluebird/Black (179)
Red (634)

Comparison of the 7 best Brooks running shoes for men

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CoreScore
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Experts
Best price
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# of colorways
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.