Brooks has been around for over 100 years, but its story as a running company began in 1974, when the brand released its first running shoe, the Villanova. The shoe was a revelation: It was the first to use ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam padding, which was lighter and softer than other midsole materials used at the time. The Villanova set a new standard for running shoes–EVA is still widely used in running midsoles today.
In the years since, Brooks has evolved into a fully running-focused company putting out highly technical shoes and apparel designed for the sport. The best Brooks running shoes span the full spectrum of the market, from lightweight, speed-focused models to rugged trail shoes and reliable everyday road trainers. Brooks has a shoe for every type of runner, and I’ve hand-picked the best to help you find the right pair.
Gear Up For Training Season: Best Running Shorts ● Best Socks for Runners ● Best Running Watches
Best Trail Shoe
- Best Overall: Ghost 15
- Best Value: Revel 6
- Most Versatile: Hyperion Max
- Best Cushioning: Glycerin 20
- Best Trail Shoe: Catamount 2
The Expert: Adrenaline GTS 23 Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Brooks. This guide was originally published in 2018: I, along with other RW staffers, update it periodically as Brooks releases new shoes and running shoe tech.
What to Consider With Brooks Running Shoes
While Brooks has branched out into premium racing shoes like the Hyperion Elite, the brand’s core shoe lineup revolves around daily trainers. Shoes like the Ghost, Glycerin, and Adrenaline lines have been popular for years, earning a following for their comfy feel and workhorse durability. (My first pair of running shoes in middle school was from Brooks, so I have a soft spot for the brand.)
That said, Brooks makes trainers to suit all kinds of needs and preferences, including shoes with plush cushioning, a stable ride, trail-ready traction, and lightweight, streamlined designs for speedwork.
Guide Rails
Shoes & Gear.
Demo Run First Impression: On Cloudboom Strike
Our lab tests show that DNA Loft remains Brooks’s softest midsole material.
3D Fit Print Upper
Screen-printed mesh provides lightweight structure with more air flow and flexibility.
TrailTack Rubber
This sticky outsole compound aids grip and wet-surface traction on trail shoes.
D Fit Print Upper
The most responsive expression of Brooks’s DNA foam debuted on the Hyperion Tempo.
How We Selected The Best Trail Shoe
To create this guide, I reviewed the Brooks shoe lineup and talked with a brand rep to learn about its current models and the features they’re designed with. I also analyzed data and tester notes from Runner’s World reviews, considered RW editor feedback, and drew on my own knowledge of the running shoe market to choose the best Brooks running shoes below.
These models showcase Brooks’ best running shoe features, like DNA Loft cushioning and GuideRails, and they cover a variety of running disciplines, from everyday training to speedwork and trail running.
Pros
- D Fit Print Upper
- Segmented crash pad below heel absorbs shock
Cons
- In testing, forefoot strikers desired more cushioning
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12mm |
The Ghost has been a favorite in the Brooks lineup for years, and the latest design is one of our favorite shoes of 2023. This versatile cushioned trainer is a go-to for everyone, from beginner runners to experienced marathoners looking for a reliable workhorse shoe. In RW testing, the Ghost 15’s DNA Loft v2 cushion served up a firm feel underfoot, or “an excellent ride with firm yet spongy cushioning,” as one tester described it.
It isn’t the most plush shoe on the market, and its high drop may feel uncomfortable for some runners. But the Ghost does a great job of absorbing impact forces, and the footbed feels supportive—ideal for a day-to-day training shoe. Its upper is made with a breathable engineered mesh for good temperature regulation, and the shoe has a great overall fit: The midfoot is relatively wide, so it won’t constrict your feet. The padding around the collar creates a comfortable feel. Testers reported no issues with hot spots or rubbing. Overall, the Ghost 15 is an approachable, capable shoe that works well for a wide range of runners.
Pros
- 2mm extra foam cushioning in the heel
- From Runners World for On
- Soft padded tongue and heel collar
Cons
- I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an editor at
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
Shopping for affordable running shoes often feels like scraping the bottom of the barrel, which makes the affordable Revel 6 feel like a hidden gem. It’s a well-made neutral trainer that just happens to have a very attractive price point. Part of Brooks’ Energize cohort of high energy return shoes, the Revel 6 serves up a bouncy ride that field testers compared to the Hyperion Tempo, one of the brand’s premium speed training shoes.
That’s partly due to its well-cushioned heel, which features an extra 2mm of EVA-based DNA foam for improved shock absorption and bounce. The upper is another highlight on this shoe: The wide toe box gives you plenty of room to splay, and padding on the tongue and collar create a comfy, locked-in feel around the foot. “The upper feels as good as—if not better than—some of my $150 running shoes,” said one tester.
With the Revel, you can save money without sacrificing performance. While it doesn’t have quite enough cushioning for long-distance running, it’ll be a great workhorse trainer for speedwork and short day-to-day runs.
Pros
- Thick DNA Flash foam
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Thick DNA Flash foam
- Tongue doesn’t always stay in place
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.8 oz (M), 6.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Hyperion Max is difficult to categorize, but that’s exactly why it’s one of the best Brooks running shoes: It does many things very well. The “max” in Hyperion Max refers to the hefty wedge of nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam in the shoe’s midsole, which is very light and creates a plush, highly responsive ride. That makes the Hyperion Max an incredible dynamic shoe: You can lace them up for a long, mellow run or put them on for speedwork.
The plush cushioning will keep you comfortable through high-mileage adventures, and the shoe’s feathery weight and bouncy feel make it well-suited to tempo runs and speed training, too. The rocker-shaped sole, which curves upward at the toe and heel, promotes smooth, efficient transitions at any pace.
In RW testing, the Hyperion Max proved itself to be a capable performer in a variety of scenarios: “I could wear this shoe for almost every aspect of training,” said one tester. Need one shoe that can keep up with a variety of workouts? The Hyperion Max should be at the top of your list.
Brooks Glycerin 20
Pros
- carbon fiber plate
- oz M, 7.8 oz W
Cons
- Hyperion Elite 3
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
Originally developed in the late 1990s, the Glycerin is a veteran shoe design in the Brooks lineup, providing a plush experience that’s perfect for runners who like a lot of cushioning underfoot. The Glycerin 20 gets an upgrade with DNA Loft v3 foam and a wider sole. Based on reviews on Reddit’s r/RunningShoeGeeks forum, it’s a serious improvement: Reviewers report that the shoe feels much softer and more responsive, with an improved fit. The wider sole shape also promotes smooth and stable transitions.
At just over 10 ounces in men’s sizes, the Glycerin 20 is also relatively lightweight for a max-cushion shoe, so the padding won’t weigh you down like anchors on your feet. On top, a mesh upper creates good breathability and a comfy wrap around the foot, and a nearly full-coverage rubber outsole gives this shoe great grip and durability, so it’ll hold up through the rigors of daily training.
Pros
- SkyVault plate promotes propulsion
- Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole
- Updated DNA Loft v2 foam is softer and lighter
Cons
- Thin cushioning
- Thin upper for a trail shoe
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
The Catamount 2 is a streamlined trail shoe that offers a peppy, responsive ride with plenty of protection for your feet. The key to its energetic feel is in the midsole: Like the original, it features a thin layer of Brooks’ highly responsive DNA Flash cushion, as well as a new and improved SkyVault midsole plate made with thermoplastic polyurethane.
In the original Catamount, the midsole plate functioned solely as a rock shield, preventing sharp objects from poking up through the sole and hurting your feet. The new SkyVault plate provides that same protection, but also increases the shoe’s energy return. The plate flexes as you land, then snaps back into shape to give you an extra boost of propulsion at toe-off.
Together, the DNA Flash foam and SkyVault create an energetic ride, and enough responsiveness to get a good feel for the ground underfoot, which can be helpful for navigating obstacles on technical trails. The upper comes with a toe cap for protection against trail debris, and it also features drainage holes to shed water, so your feet won’t slosh around in the shoe after a creek crossing. In RW testing, the Catamount 2 won praise for its excellent grip, even in wet and wintry conditions.
“I tested the Catamount 2 on every type of surface and trail—rocks, dirt, gravel, mountains, creek crossings,” said one tester. “I felt secure as my feet blazed through the singletrack trails and I never missed a beat jumping from rock to rock on the technical stuff.”
Pros
- CA Notice at Collection
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- High drop may be uncomfortable for some runners
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12mm |
The Adrenaline GTS 23 offers a moderate amount of support and a soft, well-cushioned midsole, which makes it a great choice for easy runs and long distance efforts. Cushioned with DNA Loft v2 foam in the midsole, the Adrenaline serves up a highly cushioned heel and firm forefoot.
Like the Ghost, it has a high drop, which may feel a bit clunky to runners used to lower-drop shoes. Even so, the plush heel cushioning softens impacts, and the thinner forefoot has good flexibility for snappy toe-offs. The air mesh upper breathes well and features lots of padding around the collar for comfy fit, and the high-coverage rubber outsole is grippy and tough enough to withstand high-mileage training routines.
Like other shoes with the GTS moniker, this version of the Adrenaline 23 features GuideRails on either side of the footbed. These extra layers of foam cradle your foot and promote proper joint alignment as you run, without interfering too much with your stride.
With its balanced cushioning, the Adrenaline is a great platform for GuideRails. The foam bumpers ensure your feet are in the right position to get maximum shock absorption from the shoe’s soft heel and a responsive toe-off from the firm forefoot.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Pros
- Responsive nitrogen-infused midsole
- Breathable upper with a padded heel collar
Cons
- Thinly cushioned forefoot
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.3 oz (M), 6.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Hyperion Tempo is a lightweight, responsive shoe built to help you power through high-intensity, speed-focused workouts. Its signature feature, the nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole, generates a well-cushioned ride with plenty of energy return for strong toe-offs. It also allows for a good amount of flexibility in the sole. Together, these traits coalesce in a speedy trainer that delivers smooth and propulsive sensation underfoot.
In her review, RW Test Editor Amanda Furrer called the shoe “primed for PRs.” She also praised the Tempo’s upper, which is made of a stretchy, breathable mesh that creates a close wrap around the foot, and keeps your feet from overheating when pushing hard in hot summer weather. The Hyperion Tempo is a great pick for training and a smart choice for race day.
Pros
- Supports your feet
- Lightweight and responsive
Cons
- Firm ride compared to other Brooks shoes
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.6 oz (M), 7.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
Often, runners have to choose between speed and stability: Speed-focused shoes usually ditch supportive footbeds to save weight, while stability shoes opt for thick midsoles and support features that make them too heavy for speedwork.
The Launch GTS 10 is an exception to the rule. It’s a speed-focused shoe that offers dedicated support features to promote proper form and joint alignment, which makes it a great fit for overpronators who need something lightweight for tempo days and racing. The thin EVA-based DNA midsole creates a responsive ride that helps you wring maximum power from each toe-off. It’s also quite flexible, allowing you to roll quickly through your stride.
The GTS version features GuideRails on either side of the footbed, keeping your feet aligned in the shoe and countering overpronation. These layers of firm foam ensure you get the proper experience from the shoe: They keep your foot squarely on top of the midsole from landing to toe-off, so you get maximum shock absorption and energy return.
The Launch 10 swaps in a revamped knit upper that creates a more secure fit around your foot—always important when going fast—and the collar is designed to pull away from your heel, so it won’t rub and cause irritation. The outsole has plenty of rubber, giving it excellent traction and durability.
Whether you overpronate or you just want some extra support when your feet get fatigued, the Launch is a solid choice—and proof that stable doesn’t have to mean slow.
Brooks Running Shoes & Gear
Pros
- Lightweight, but has lots of cushioning
- Unisex sizing may lead to fit issues
Cons
- Unisex sizing may lead to fit issues
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz (M/W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Running Shoes & Gear is Brooks’ premium racing shoe. It creates a peppy, energetic feel with enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable during marathons. Like the Hyperion Tempo and Hyperion Max, the Elite utilizes DNA Flash foam in its midsole to strike a good balance between shock absorption and propulsive bounce.
Soft padded tongue and heel collar carbon fiber plate, which keeps the thick midsole from wobbling under your feet. It bends as you land, then snaps back into shape at toe-off, generating an extra boost of energy return as you roll through your stride. The sole also has pronounced toe spring, where the bottom of the sole curves upward under your toes, to encourage smooth, quick transitions from landing to toe-off. All of these traits give the Elite a snappy, energetic feel that helps you run faster.
The Hyperion Elite has a relatively wide footbed compared to other elite racers, such as the Nike Vaporfly, which gives it a more stable ride (especially when cornering) and a more accommodating fit. Overall, the Running Shoes & Gear is the best choice for longer races and marathons: You get a comfortable ride without compromising on weight or energy return.
It’s worth noting that Brooks recently released a newer version of this shoe, the our favorite shoes of 2023. We’re holding off on making a recommendation, since we haven’t tested the shoe yet and it’s not consistently in stock. That said, it introduces a lighter DNA Flash v2 cushion that Brooks claims will improve its weight and energy return, so we expect it will make a strong impression.
Q+A With Running Shoe Expert Michael Charboneau
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
