Best Brooks Running Shoes

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 Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max has soft, fluffy cushion, a smooth feel, good stability, and a super comfortable upper that’s also very wide and flat foot ready. Even with lower-than-average durability thanks to a soft outsole, it packs a lot of value. And it’s the only current Brooks road shoe with a drop lower than 8mm. It’s a different feel than what Brooks fans are used to but that’s not a bad thing. The Ghost Max is ready to protect your feet and legs as you pound the pavement. Read the full review.

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

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

The Brooks Hyperion Max is a peppy shoe that feels light on foot and is best used to pick up the pace. Do you train to go fast in 5ks or 10ks? That’s the sweet spot for this shoe. And while the cushion isn’t “max” as the name indicates, it’s bouncy and returns energy well.

The only complaint our testers had was the super slippy tongue. Brooks included a large lace loop on the tongue, but even looping most of the laces through it can’t prevent the slippage. Tongue slippage doesn’t affect performance, but people with tall feet should take note if that’s an annoyance. The engineered woven upper is very comfy, and the traction is a huge improvement from the ice skate-like outsole on the Brook Hyperion Tempo. You can rocket around corners and stick to the ground the whole way. Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Max justifies its price but not its name. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

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 Catamount 3

The Brooks Catamount 3 has a snappy midsole, a comfortable upper, and high-end durability. The DNA Flash midsole makes it fun to go fast and the SkyVault plate in the midsole adds some pop while still protecting the foot like a traditional rock plate. While it’s not an aggressive shoe, it’s a versatile shoe. The widely spaced lugs work across a variety of surfaces and even roads if needed. It’s not the ideal shoe for highly technical trails but it still features gaiter hookups for those that do technical hiking. At $170, the price is a bit high but it’s a good option if you want something a little peppier than the Caldera 7. Read the full review.

Fits: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $170

Brooks Cascadia 17

The Brooks Cascadia 17 is a modern-looking take on a classic trail runner. This affordable shoe provides stability, reliability, and durability. Previous Cascadia models were fairly plain jane but the looks on the Cascadia 17 are a huge upgrade. The Cascadia 17 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

There’s not any other options for this category in the Brooks lineup so the Hyperion Elite 4 wins by default. The thick, bouncy DNA Flash v2 midsole competes well with other modern marathon shoes but you don’t get the squishy feel that some runners love and other despise.

The upper feels like a track spike, the shoe feels lighter than it should, it’s very stable, and the RapidRoll Rocker provides a really nice toe off sensation. If you prefer running in Brooks, this is the marathon shoe for you. Read full review.

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

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

Brooks Glycerin 20

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily running shoe. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs. The ride is very smooth on easy on the legs. The traction is durable and doesn’t slip in any conditions. Just don’t get the StealthFit version because the upper on the regular version is much better fitting and more comfortable. Read the full review.

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

Brooks Caldera 6

The Brooks Caldera 6 is a unicorn trail shoe. Well-cushioned, super stable, and grips everything. As long as you buy the right size (you’ll need to go half down from your normal Brooks shoe size), you get an amazing shoe. Whether you’re trail running or hiking, you won’t find a better trail shoe. Plus, if you spend a lot of time on the trails, your body will thank you for the bouncy, protective cushioning the DNA Loft v3 midsole offers. Read full review.

Fit: Go a half size down, Drop: 6mm, Price $150

Brooks Cascadia 16

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is everything you need out of a trail shoe. Ballistic Rock Shield, ample cushioning (the most they’ve ever put in the Cascadia), a wide base, and ample room for your foot to expand on long runs or hikes. They feel and perform like a trail running shoe but protect as well as a good hiking boot. The only potential issue is the Cascadia 16 may be too wide for some people. Narrow footers will need to either wear thick hiking socks or go down a half size. Oh, and one other thing. Ok, two. First, the Cascadia 16 comes in some awesome, flashy color combos. And second, there’s a GTX version with an enhanced GORE-TEX upper that will keep your feet dry during the rainy season. The Brooks Cascadia 16 is comfort, stability, and protection wrapped up in a reasonably priced package.

Fits: Slightly Wide, Drop: 8mm, Price: $130