Many runners starting out take their first steps in a pair of Brooks Running shoes. Running specialty retailers often recommend Brooks to new runners, and for good reason.

Brooks is known for making durable and reliable running shoes, and they make a wise choice for those precious first steps we all once took.

Brooks Cascadia Elite Overview

Dig deeper, as we often do, and it quickly becomes clear that Brooks’ reputation as a brand known for their exceptional cushioning and reliable support is fairly spot-on.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K, building mileage for a marathon, prepping for a trail ultra, or simply looking for a comfortable shoe for everyday runs, Brooks offers a wide range of options designed to meet different needs and running styles.

We’ve tested just about all of them, so what can be a difficult choice can be a little easier. Our team has tested models from the most basic to the plush, highly cushioned, to lightweight, responsive trainers. We’ve found each model offers distinct features tailored to different preferences.

Understanding these differences can help you narrow down your choices and invest in a pair that supports your individual running goals.

Our Picks For The Best Brooks Running Shoes

10 Best Brooks Running Shoes

Brooks’ running shoe lineup has just about everything you need to build a versatile rotation. Whether you’re finishing close to the front of the pack or the back of the pack, Brooks has you covered. Our team of testers at Run to the Finish is here to give you in-depth reviews of how they perform out on the roads and trails.

Here you’ll find a list of Brooks’ best, from the daily trainers to tackling road miles, to shoes for your next trail ultra, or your next marathon PR attempt; you’ll find something to fit your needs.

Best Cushioned Daily Trainer – Brooks Glycerin 23

The Glycerin is one of Brook’s most popular shoes, and for a good reason. Its comfort, stability, and durability make it a shoe that runners can rely on for miles upon miles.

We found the Glycerin’s DNA Tuned cushioning was great for easy and long runs. The dual-density DNA Tuned midsole is softer in the heel and more responsive in the forefoot, giving runners soft landings and a more responsive toe-off.

While the Glycerin is not particularly light, it does have the ability to pick up the pace, to an extent.

It is not a shoe many runners will reach for before heading out for some fast intervals or a track session, but it certainly can handle some tempo work and double as a race day shoe for a middle-of-the-pack runner.

The Glycerin has undergone some changes over the years.

Long known for being a high-drop shoe with a 10-millimeter difference from the heel to the forefoot, Brooks added 2 millimeters to the forefoot, bringing the drop down to what is considered a more traditional drop of 8 millimeters.

Details

Buy Gylcerin 23

Quick Take

Pros

  • Responsive, soft cushioning
  • Supportive wide platform
  • Comfortable heel collar

Cons

  • Narrower toe box than previous models
  • Thicker tongue
  • Short laces

Best Middle of the Pack Marathon Shoe – Brooks Hyperion Max 4

The Brooks Hyperion Max has been a polarizing shoe since its introduction. After 2 versions, Brooks finally added PEBA foam into the midsole, giving the ride some more energy return.

The bottom layer of DNA Flash v3 remains the same, giving the Hyperion Max 4 some stability and durability.

We found the ride to be smooth at just about all paces, and changing gears was nice and easy. The nylon plate offers some stability and stiffens the forefoot for a quick transition from landing to toe-off.

Stability was lacking when heel striking due to its narrow heel, and the low drop makes the Hyperion Max 4 more suited to midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Brooks changed the upper, going away from a stretchy knit upper with the tongue connected to the collar. The new mesh upper helped the shoe feel more stable, and the added padding in the heel aided in locking down the heel.

Details

Buy Hyperion Max 4

Quick Take

Pros

  • Very comfortable for a performance-oriented shoe
  • Transitions are as smooth as silk
  • Quick and responsive enough for speedwork, despite the big midsole
  • Just as good for steady long runs as it is for long runs with speed mixed in
  • Very breathable upper

Cons

  • Slightly wobbly on uneven ground
  • Might be a bit heavy underfoot for some
  • Multiple outsole cutouts will collect debris

 

Best Shoe for Heavier Runners – Brooks Ghost Max 4

The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is a shoe that is still trying to find its stride. Depending on which version it is, some have enjoyed it while others have found it lacking.

Each version tweaks some aspect of the shoe, with the fourth version blending a comfortable (but not breathable) upper and a midsole that was found to be a good blend of “not too soft and not too firm”.

Our testers found it was lacking in energy return and would not be something that elites and sub-elites will likely be reaching for. It is a great option for heavier runners due to the wide base and midsole that will hold up and not give runners that sinking feeling.

The DNA Loft v3 midsole is designed for long-lasting miles, and the reworked outsole will add some durability

Details

Buy Ghost Max 4

Quick Take

Pros

  • Perfect blend of cushioning that is not too soft and not too firm
  • Wider base will provide the support you need with the higher stack height
  • A durable shoe that will last for many miles

Cons

  • It’s not a fast shoe
  • It’s a heavier shoe
  • Upper mesh is not super breathable

Best Trail Shoe – Brooks Cascadia 20

The legendary trail shoe from Brooks, the Cascadia 20, continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Brooks added 4 millimeters more stack to the shoe while keeping the weight close to the Cascadia 19.

Brooks also updated the outsole with Vibram’s Megagrip system, giving runners more traction when traversing muddy terrain and slick rocks.

We found the Brooks Cascadia 20 to be a very versatile trail shoe, with a dependable and protective midsole that is more responsive than ever.

The aforementioned outsole made taking down technical terrain feel more secure, and the improved upper gave a more secure feeling during runs. That secure feeling does come at a price, however, as the shoe does run narrow.

Thankfully, it is available in wide sizes for those with higher-volume feet.

Details

Buy Cascadia 20

Quick Take

Pros

  • Grippy Vibram outsole
  • Additional cushioning without additional weight
  • Comfortable heel collar and tongue

Cons

  • Runs a little narrow
  • Short laces

Best Road to Trail Shoe – Brooks Ghost Trail

The Brooks Ghost is one of the best-selling shoes, as reported by running specialty retailers, and for good reason. It’s always been a reliable, stable, and protective shoe, even if it is never one of the more exciting options out there. Fans of the Ghost who also like to dabble in light trail running, rejoice!

There is now a road-to-trail option in the DNA of the road model, the Brooks Ghost Trail, making it a great option for going from a trail to a road and back again.

With a more substantial outsole covered with 3-millimeter lugs, traction won’t be great on highly technical trails or in muddier conditions.

The upper also lacks reinforcement in the forefoot, further reinforcing the idea that the Ghost Trail is limited to light trail running. The roomier forefoot and toe box give runners more room for longer days out on roads or trails.

Details

  • Usage: Road to Trail
  • Previous Model: None
  • Weight: 9.6 oz Women’s, 10.6 oz Men’s
  • Stack Height: 36.5 mm
  • Heel Drop: 8 mm
  • Support: Neutral
  • Available in wide sizes
  • Available in 5 colors
  • Available on brooksrunning.com for $150 (on sale for $120)
  • Read our full Brooks Ghost Trail Review >>
Buy Ghost Trail

Quick Take

Pros

  • Extra space in the toebox, which is different from the regular Ghost.
  • Longer laces so that you can change the lacing for a more custom fit.
  • Lightweight and doesn’t feel clunky for a trail shoe.

Cons

  • Tongue isn’t gusseted, so tiny rocks/pebbles can sneak into your shoe
  • The upper mesh near the front of the shoe isn’t super reinforced, so avoid super technical trails and sharp rocks
  • Not waterproof or water-resistant

Best Lightweight Trainer – Brooks Glycerin Flex

The Brooks Glycerin Flex is the lighter, more flexible sibling to the popular Glycerin and Glycerin Max.

Built with natural foot movement in mind, the Glycerin Flex’s midsole is segmented, allowing your foot to flex and move naturally as you transition through your stride. Lateral movement is also easier, meaning those with stability needs might not get on well with the Glycerin Flex. 

Our testers noticed the stretchy knit upper will allow for wider feet, which is great because the Glycerin Flex is not available in wide sizes. Those with sensitive heels may be bothered by the unconventional padding, which is gel inserts rather than the traditional foam pads. 

We found the Glycerin Flex to have a less cushioned feel than its bigger siblings, but that’s not a bad thing.

Having a more nimble, closer-to-the-ground shoe can be beneficial in strengthening the feet and giving our bodies a chance to work different muscles that don’t get worked with stiffer rockered running shoes.

Details

Buy Glycerin Flex

Quick Take

Pros

  • 6mm drop is great to see in Brooks.
  • Good cushion at lower stack.
  • Allows for natural movement of the foot.

Cons

  • Gel pads in the heel cup.
  • Not good if you need some stability.
  • Tongue not attached.

Best Speedy Carbon Plated Trail Shoe – Brooks Cascadia Elite

The Brooks Cascadia Elite is a big step forward for Brooks trail shoes, with it being a true trail super shoe in the company’s lineup.

Built for technical terrain and long distances, it combines DNA GOLD PEBA cushioning with a carbon-infused plate to deliver a comfortable, energetic ride.

We found the Cascadia Elite to be surprisingly natural underfoot, with a smooth transition and plenty of energy return.

The Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole provides excellent traction across rocky, muddy, and loose terrain, while the MATRYX upper keeps the foot secure during faster efforts.

This shoe is great for runners looking for a high-performance trail racing shoe that can also handle technical terrain and longer distances.

Its performance fit does run a little narrow, however, and runners may want to consider sizing up by half a size.

Details

Buy Cascadia Elite

Quick Take

Pros

  • Super durable upper
  • Secure fit for faster efforts
  • Comfortable gaiter

Cons

  • Low-profile lugs
  • Runs a bit small

Best Shoe for Wide Feet – Brooks Ghost 18

If there is a shoe that is synonymous with Brooks, it is the Ghost. Whether you’re at your local run club or Turkey Trot, you’ll see feet in some version of the Brooks Ghost. Brooks made some small adjustments to this version in its continued visual and performance evolution.

The DNA Loft v3 foam remains, but the improved, more breathable upper and tongue raise the comfort level on a shoe already known for its comfort.

In addition to improving the spacing in the toe box, the Brooks Ghost 18 is also available in wide and extra-wide sizes so our high-volume-footed friends have options.

Details

Buy Ghost 18

Quick Take

Pros

  • Great lifespan
  • Versatile from easy to picking up pace
  • Secure fit

Cons

  • Lacking forefoot cushion
  • Heavy compared to others
  • 10mm drop

Best Stability Shoe – Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a daily runner for runners who need more support without sacrificing comfort or cushioning.

And Brooks opted to add some more cushion underfoot, with 3 additional millimeters under the forefoot and 1 more under the heel, bringing the drop down from 12 to 10 millimeters.

We came away with the conclusion that while the Adrenaline GTS 25 is not really suited for speed days, it can do it in a pinch.

Its firmer cushioning makes it a more responsive and stable option for daily runs and uptempo efforts.

If you’re looking for a softer option for comfort over longer distances and want the Brooks logo on your feet, the Glycerin GTS is also available.

Details

Buy Adrenaline GTS 25

Quick Take

Pros

  • Great stability
  • Softer with additional foam
  • Lots of size and width options

Cons

  • Firmer than Glycerin
  • Traditional look
  • Heavy like many stability shoes

Best Recovery Shoe – Brooks Glycerin Max 2

The Brooks Glycerin Max made waves with its introduction in 2025. Its DNA Tuned midsole provided a softer feel in the heel and a more responsive feel in the forefoot, giving runners soft landings and snappier toe-offs. That carries over into the Glycerin Max 2.

We found the Glycerin Max 2 to be a great option for recovery days and easy runs, but its weight keeps it from being a reliable option for speed work.

Details

Buy Glycerin Max 2

Quick Take

Pros

  • Don’t sink into the max cushion
  • Smooth rocker sole
  • Sleeker design

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Shorter laces

How We Tested Brooks Running Shoes

Our team over here at Run to the Finish, just like many runners out there in the world, has been running in Brooks shoes for years.

We have testers of all shapes, sizes, paces, and foot-strike types testing shoes across the spectrum.

From the workhorse daily trainers to the flashier upstarts and carbon-plated race shoes, we’ve run in them and give our honest opinions so you can be sure you’re getting your information from someone just like you.

There it is! A full breakdown of the best Brooks running shoes we have tested this past year. Let us know if a shoe that strikes your interest isn’t listed here, and it may come up in the future.

What to read next?

The post 10 Best Brooks Running Shoes Out Right Now For Every Type of Runner appeared first on RunToTheFinish.



from RunToTheFinish https://ift.tt/2t8Ah9e