6 Best Brooks Running Shoes – My Top Picks

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 - Best for Control or Support

As the 23rd generation of this model, the Adrenaline GTS 23 is a tried and tested support category running shoe that’s stood the test of time.

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports 

For me, the Adrenaline GTS 23 is one of the best support shoes on the market today, not just from Brooks but from any brand. Its consistent performance for a wide range of runners makes it a go-to-shoe for any athlete needing a level of stability, be it mild or, indeed, more substantial.

So good in fact, that the brand coined the phrase ‘go-to-shoe’ to represent the ‘GTS’ in the Adrenaline’s name!

The Technology

The success of the GTS comes from the way in which it controls the pronation of the foot. Using their ‘GuideRail’ system, the shoe dynamically centres the foot upon every step.

Brooks themselves describe the way in which the GuideRails work as being similar to the rails at a bowling alley that can be used for children. The rails keep the ball in the lane and so too, the GuideRails keep the foot centred within the shoe.

The lateral and medial sides of the midsole cushioning extend up around the heel of the shoe to create the GuideRails. When the foot lands on the lateral side of the heel, the GuideRail ensures it doesn’t supinate. As the foot naturally pronates, the medial GuideRail ensures the foot doesn’t overpronate. The system works very well and provides a very natural level of support.

DNA Loft v2

While the cushioning isn’t supershoe level (we’ll see a nitrogen-infused foam midsole in the next generation GTS24), the DNA Loft v2 foam does do a great job at this price point and offers good levels of cushioning and durability.

All Around Good Performer

The performance, fit and price all contribute to making the Adrenaline GTS 23 one of the best support category shoes on the market. The manner in which the support has developed over recent years has demonstrated that the need for traditional medial posting is no longer required and similar levels of control can be achieved with their GuideRails.

From the moment you step into the GTS 23, the quality is apparent and for beginners and experienced athletes alike, the shoe is a great performing, daily training model.

2. Brooks Ghost 16 - Best All-Rounder

The Brooks Ghost has consistently been one of the best all-around running shoes of the last 10 years.

Also Available at  
Zappos ; Holabird Sports

There are several factors that have contributed to this and while it may not be the most stylish or fanciest shoe around in terms of bell and whistles, it continues to be one of the best-selling models in specialist running retail stores around the world.

Fit for Everyone

A feature that makes the Ghost 16 a popular choice is the wide range of options it is offered. First of all, both the men’s and women’s models are available in at least ten colourways each. These colours include plain black, a great option for those who want a shoe suitable for wearing during the day. I sell plain black versions of the Ghost every week to teachers, doctors and hospital staff, as well as a wide range of other professionals who simply want a comfortable shoe for extended wear throughout the day.

The Ghost is also available in a range of width fittings. In the women’s shoe, there are three widths available ranging from A (narrow), B (regular) and D (wide fit).

For men, the shoe comes in four widths: B (narrow), D (regular), 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide).

There is also a Gore-Tex, waterproof version of the shoe to further extend its versatility!

Tech

The cushioning comes from the familiar DNA Loft v3 foam, the nitrogen-infused material which provides a great level of cushioning comfort as well as general stability. 

The engineered air mesh upper is well made, fits well and as is common with the brand, it’s a very well-fitting design that proves to be comfortable from the very first step.

A new, silica-infused rubber is used in this year’s shoe. This covers the outsole and provides traction and it’s even better than previous versions. The shoe works well in any weather conditions and proves to be hard-wearing and durable.

3. Brooks Glycerin 21 - Best for Cushioning

When it comes to straight-up cushioning, the Gylcerin has always been a consideration. Now, with the 21st edition of the model, we have a deep stack of DNA Loft v3, the brand’s nitrogen-infused foam, to take on the task.

Also Available at
Zappos ; Holabird Sports 

Max Cushioning

In recent years, a new category of cushioned, daily trainer has emerged: max-cushioning. The Glycerin has been Brooks entry in the category and more than holds its own among some great performers.

Max cushioning tends to refer to shoes that offer an overall stack height (the thickness of the cushioning) of around 35 to 40mm. The Glycerin sits at 38mm, so the brand has taken things pretty close to the max!

Check out the Brooks Glycerin vs Adrenaline Comparison Here

DNA Loft v3

DNA Loft v3 is the term used by Brooks for their premium performance midsole foam. It’s a nitrogen-infused foam and is lighter, more responsive and more durable than EVA-based materials.

I first encountered this foam in the brand’s Aurora BL shoe a couple of years ago. That model proved to be one which I simply couldn’t wear out. The performance of the foam seemed to go on forever and the shoe far outlasted any shoe I’d ever run in.

Comfort

The cushioning contributes massively to the overall comfort of the Glycerin, but the brand has managed to make this model a plush and luxurious experience in every area.

Every part of the shoe seems to have been elevated a little and the initial step-in experience is one of plushness, cossetting the foot for an unrivalled level of comfort.

For the materials used to the level of soft padding, the shoe feels a great place to be and the running experience is all the better for it.

For those seeking high levels of cushioning and a great, versatile ride that offers a responsive feel on a daily basis, the Glycerin 21 is a great choice.

4. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 Unisex- Best for Racing

When it comes to racing, the Hyperion Elite 4 is the best choice from Brooks. While it must be said that many ‘reviewers’ haven’t particularly enjoyed this shoe, it is my opinion that they simply aren’t using the shoe in context.

Also Available at  
Holabird Sports ; Brooks 

When it comes to racing, the Hyperion Elite 4 is the best choice from Brooks. While it must be said that many ‘reviewers’ haven’t particularly enjoyed this shoe, it is my opinion that they simply aren’t using the shoe in context.

Let’s be honest, as its name suggests, this is an ‘Elite’ shoe. Now, while the definition of elite will be arbitrary, it is a shoe that is at its best when moving at your fastest pace.

I think too many reviewers ‘test’ shoes at an easy jog and not the pace intended for the shoe. And when it comes to race pace, this shoe fires on all cylinders and performs like many others.

Marathon or 5k?

The era of supershoe came about around the time of Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon. As a result of this, it has become commonplace that every racing shoe should be a marathon shoe. Okay, a shoe should be capable of covering the marathon distance, but some are better suited at other distances and I think this comes down to the fitness of the athlete wearing the shoes.

With all this in mind, I think the Hyperion Elite 4 is perfect when covering distances in the 5 to 10k range. Josh Kerr has won the Fifth Avenue mile in a pair (or maybe a prototype of a shoe very similar) and other athletes have performed very well over the marathon distance in this model. For the ‘man in the street’, 5 to 10k is the sweet spot.

DNA Flash V2 Midsole Nitro

The nitrogen-infused midsole used in the Hyperion Elite 4 is a different formulation from the others used by the brand. While it does feel a little softer when you stand in the shoe, once running, the ‘spring’ isn’t immediately apparent. Only when up to speed can the combination of the foam and the carbon plate be fully appreciated.

Speedvault+

Brooks’ carbon plate technology is known as ‘Speedvault+’. The plate has a web-like design. This has the benefit of reducing the overall weight of the plate while at the same time retaining lateral stability.

The curve of the plate and geometry of the shoe, particularly in the forefoot, creates an aggressive toe-off. Once again, this can only truly be noticed when at top speed.

5. Brooks Hyperion Max 2- Best for Faster Paced Training and Interval

For faster-paced training interval and tempo running, the Hyperion Max 2 makes the perfect partner in the Brooks range of footwear.

Also Available at  
Holabird Sports ; Zappos ; Brooks

For faster-paced training interval and tempo running, the Hyperion Max 2 makes the perfect partner in the Brooks range of footwear.

Some may even find the Hyperion Max 2 suitable for racing as the nylon, as opposed to carbon plate, makes the shoe a little more versatile and more forgiving. 

Deep Stack

The stack height of the shoe has been increased over the previous model. Now, with 36mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot, it’s a change of an additional 4mm in the heel and 6 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a slightly lower drop of 6mm.

To be honest, I didn’t notice the change in drop at all and I doubt many will. It’s only 2mm, and in a shoe aimed at faster-paced running, you’ll be spending more time on the mid and forefoot rather than heel striking.

The Tech

The midsole is the same DNA Flash as per the Hyperion Elite 4, so it’s a nitrogen-infused foam with a nice level of ‘pop’. Here, the plate is a nylon material rather than carbon.

Don’t be put off by the nylon plate, in many instances, you really won’t notice the difference and the slightly less aggressive feel of the material makes the shoes much more runnable from the word go. The nylon plate is also a little more forgiving and versatile, so the shoe feels smooth as you gradually increase the pace rather than having to be at top speed all the time.

6. Brooks Caldera 7- Best for Trail Running

For trail running, Brooks has a range of models almost as wide and varied as their road running shoes and when taking to the trails, the choice can be rather difficult. Variables such as the terrain, the distance you intend to run and the weather conditions can all play a part on choosing the best shoe.

Also Available at
Holabird Sports ; Brooks 

Versatile Comfort

For me, the choice is easy with the Caldera 7. Although this, when sat within a range of several models, is aimed at those looking towards longer and ultra-distance events, for me, it’s simply the most comfortable.

The Caldera offers a max-cushioned stack of nitro foam and thanks to this, feels the most comfortable trail running shoe on the market, not just from Brooks!

For many years, trail shoes focussed on minimal cushioning, keeping you close to the ground, with deep studs for traction. Brooks changed the game somewhat with this model and gave us top-of-the-range cushioning along with an outsole that offers go-anywhere traction.

Fit and Feel

The shoe feels instantly comfortable. This is thanks to the brand’s usual upper construction, which in this model offers a generous fit with the same levels of padding for a road shoe-like feel.

The toe box is a little broader than some trail models. This allows both the feet a little room to spread for natural balance and for swelling when covering longer distances.  

There are plenty of reinforced sections of the upper and these provide protection and durability in key areas.  

The outsole has full coverage and the studs provide excellent traction as well as being spaced well enough to shed mud with each stride.  

Go Anywhere

The Caldera 7 really can go anywhere, in any condition and for any distance and it does so in comfort. For me, it’s the best trail shoe on the market and one which has proved so durable that I am still running in a pair that are 12 months old!