Brooks is a running-focused brand out of Seattle, Washington. Initially focused on many different sports after its founding in 1914, the company pared back to focus on running in 2001. Nowadays, Brooks competes with Nike for market share and is often the running shoe market share leader (though this can change depending on the time period). What’s important for you to know is that Brooks is a great running shoe company and makes high-performing shoes with an accommodating fit. We keep this page updated with the Best Brooks Running Shoes. You can see all our Brooks Reviews collected on our Brooks brand page.
We put each shoe in the category that makes the most sense (trail, cushioned, everyday running, racing, etc.). Then we highlight what made the shoe great and any issues it may have. The idea is that you can easily read through this article, understand which of the shoes will work for your feet, and buy the best Brooks running shoes for you.
Last updated 09.08.2023
Best Neutral Cushioned Brooks Running Shoe
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 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
Best Affordable Brooks Running Shoe
Brooks Ghost 14
The Brooks Ghost 14 is Brooks’ award-winning mid-tier neutral cushioned shoe. It’s the little brother to the Glycerin 19 and a great starter shoe for anyone new to running. While the Ghost is not as plush as the Glycerin 19, it still packs plenty of impact protection. It’s got a thick, durable outsole that rarely suffers any slippage. The upper is comfortable and accommodating if a bit boring. This isn’t a flashy shoe. Instead, Brooks aims to achieve the goal of reliability and consistency. And to top it off, if you run in wintry or wet conditions, Brooks offers a GTX version which includes a GORE-TEX membrane that’s waterproof. It will keep your feet dry. Well, assuming you don’t submerge your foot in an ocean-sized puddle.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140
Best Speed Day Brooks Running Shoe
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
Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes
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 Catamount 2
The Brooks Catamount 2 has a snappy midsole, a comfortable upper, and high-end durability. Like the original Brooks Catamount, the DNA Flash midsole makes it fun to go fast. But unlike the original, the new SkyVault plate in the midsole works to add some pop and protect the foot like a traditional rock plate. And 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 touch high but it’s a good option if you want something a little peppier than the Caldera 6. Watch Kofuzi’s 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
Best Brooks Marathon Running Shoe
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2
Ok, this one is kind of a cop-out. Brooks only has one marathon-focused shoe, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2. Its price tag is high at $250, but the thick, bouncy DNA Flash midsole competes well with other modern marathon shoes. The upper is comfy, but the fit, especially in the heel, is sloppy. Some people don’t have any problems with the fit but some (like our tester) got hot spots on the Achilles area unless he was wearing higher cut, thicker socks. If you prefer running in Brooks, then this is the marathon shoe for you. Read full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250
Honorable Mentions
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
Best Brooks Running Shoes Now on Sale
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
Brooks Running Shoes to Avoid
As of right now, we don’t have any Brooks shoes to put on this list. All the currently available Brooks models we’ve tested are solid running shoes. What usually appears in this section are any shoes with big issues or flaws that prevent us from recommending them.
Got any suggestions for this list? Message us on Twitter with the shoe(s) we should add.
If you want more, read about the Best Running Shoes from all brands here.
