Best Brooks Running Shoes

Brooks Glycerin Max

The Brooks Glycerin Max is the company’s first entry into the truly max-cushioned, super trainer category, and it’s one heck of a debut. The nitrogen-infused, brand-new DNA Tuned midsole setup, with its softer central portion of cushioning surrounded by a denser outer cage, makes for plenty of comfort directly under the foot without sacrificing stability around corners. Brooks also uses dual-cell technology, which means there are larger cells of foam in the heel and smaller cells in the forefoot. That tech combines with the GlideRoll Rocker geometry to create ultra forgiving heel landings that quickly transition into satisfyingly bouncy toe-offs.

Grip and durability were impressive, though the outsole does have a tendency to pick up tiny, pebbly interlopers. And while the upper performs solidly and is wide-foot friendly, it doesn’t quite live up to Brooks’ own lofty standards. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the Glycerin Max for anything from recovery runs, to long runs, to long tempo sessions, making it an extremely worthy choice at the $200 price point. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $200

Brooks Glycerin 22

The Brooks Glycerin 22 swaps out last year’s nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 for Brooks’ new DNA Tuned midsole compound. DNA Tuned (which is also nitrogen-infused) first debuted in 2024’s Brooks Glycerin Max, and we thoroughly enjoyed the dual-cell technology’s plush-feeling heel and bouncier forefoot. That successfully carries over to the Glycerin 22, making it once again a bit more speed-capable than many companies’ premium daily trainers in the $160-$170 range. Along with the new foam, Brooks has resculpted the midsole to update the Glycerin’s aesthetic.

The upper material is now double jacquard knit rather than warp knit, but the feel is similar in practice – which is to say, nice and plush. The reworked heel collar and elasticized pull tab give us strong Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, 26, and 27 vibes, and the comfort around the ankle is indeed next-level (as is the case with the Asics models from which inspiration seems to have been drawn…).

The fit is TTS and consistent with previous Glycerins, though the mild structure in the eyelet chain may result in a feeling of less volume for some. There’s a good amount of room in the forefoot that will be enough for many slightly-wide-footers, and those needing more space will find additional widths available. The outsole rubber has shifted to a looping pattern and has a touch more coverage at the midfoot. The result is a ride with less flexibility than the Glycerin 21’s layout gave us, but the change could easily go unnoticed by many runners. While outsole performance was solid, we did notice less durability and not quite the top-tier performance that we experienced in the Glycerin 21 and Glycerin 20. There’s still enough rubber to last, but topping 400 miles may not be in the cards for this year’s model.

Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is another strong entry in the Glycerin line and is worth its price point when positioned against its competitors. But even though the 22 has an improved midsole, we’d still recommend getting the Glycerin 21 at its now-discounted price – so long as you don’t mind waiting a few more months for the Glycerin 22’s extra forefoot bounce. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $165

Brooks Ghost 16

The Brooks Ghost 16 maintains the Ghost DNA with a comfortable upper while adding a more modern and comfortable cushioning setup underfoot. The DNA Loft v3 really makes a difference in underfoot feel and takes the Ghost line to the next level. Ghost fans will love the upgrades and be excited for this new era. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140

Brooks Hyperion Max 2

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is a nimble shoe with a well-cushioned ride that transitions quickly without any mush or squish. It’s built well for long distances sporting an excellent comfortable upper (and a fantastic elasticized tongue) with a prominent rocker. It’s friendly to a lot of different foot strike patterns but it’s stiff, rockered forefoot may be off putting to some people and the aggressively cutaway heel won’t work for all heel strikers.

The Hyperion Max 2 is built for runner training long distances but that want to still feel like they have some connection with the ground despite the high stack height. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180

Brooks Hyperion 2

The Brooks Hyperion 2 is lightweight, snappy, and responsive with elite forefoot flexibility that allows for a natural feel. That natural feel does mean there’s a lack of impact protection compared to other modern shoes and that takes a toll on the midsole’s bounce as well. This is not a shoe that will assist the wearer but it’s ready for speedy training. This is targeted at runners that don’t want to rely on rockers and/or plates for extra oomph. Also, the upper is comfortable and the price is right. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

Brooks Caldera 7

The Brooks Caldera 7 is a stable, max cushion shoe. It’s not nimble enough for the most technical of trails, but whether you’re trail running or hiking, the Caldera 7 is built for long hauls. The more miles you put in on trails, the happier you’ll be with the DNA Loft v3 underfoot and the well-fitting, plush upper. Read full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150

Brooks Cascadia 18

The Brooks Cascadia 18 is an upper update on the Cascadia 17. Nothing of significance changed. This affordable shoe provides stability, reliability, and durability. Previous Cascadia models (before the 17) were fairly plain jane but the looks on the Cascadia 17 and 18 are a huge upgrade. The Cascadia is fairly accommodating but also comes in a 2E Wide version for our wide-footed friends. The Cascadia 18 is a steady and dependable workhorse that will get the job done whether that’s trail running or hiking. Read the full review.

Fits: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB

The Hyperion Elite 4 PB’s DNA GOLD midsole finally brings PEBA foam to Brooks’ lineup. Other than that, nothing has changed between this update and the Hyperion Elite 4 – but that change is a BIG one. Our tester found the PEBA here to have a trampoline-like feel with plenty of squish in an up/down motion. Yet the midsole is not nearly as unstable side-to-side as the PEBA found in many other race-day shoes. It’s unquestionably the bounciest Brooks shoe ever and is a lot of fun during speed workouts, tempo sessions, and pacey long runs. And most importantly, it’s now fully race-ready for distances from the 5K to the marathon (though bigger and taller runners may still want a tad more protection underfoot at the marathon distance).

The airy upper, with its accommodating, true-to-size fit and great lockdown, is perfect for staying lightweight and nimble on race day, though the minimalist heel collar may prevent some from rocking no-show socks in the Hyperion Elite 4 PB. But the trade-off is worth it. The rest of the build offers above-average support among race-day options, which is particularly noticeable when cornering or dealing with cobblestone and other uneven road surfaces. The outsole grips well, and its durability is top-notch in this category.

Ultimately, 100% PEBA, DNA GOLD is the real deal, and Brooks is now offering cushion technology that’s just as good as that of its rivals. And given how adept Brooks is at selling shoes, we can’t imagine competing companies are too happy about that. Read full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250

Brooks Ghost Max 2

Depending on what you value most, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 may be a great option. The squish is gone from the first version but the firmer, more stable DNA Loft v3 midsole is bouncier and the outsole is more durable. It’s a recovery or easy run shoe that can be a daily trainer for some people even though it doesn’t have the fun factor of the original Ghost Max. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150

Brooks Glycerin 21

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a clear upgrade from the Glycerin 20 with signature Brooks comfort and fit. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is bouncy and the upper is plush all around. The ride and the traction also get high marks for this versatile trainer. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

Brooks Launch 10

The Brooks Launch 10 is another solid addition to a reliable running shoe line. This everyday running shoe won’t blow your mind but offers a reasonable price point. If you’re a lighter runner who prefers a responsive shoe without super plush cushioning, the Launch 10 should be on your list. Read the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $110