Written by Lauren Haislip

Our 7 Favorite Brooks Running Shoes

TL;DR

Yes, Brooks makes good running shoes. Really good. If you’re lacing up for your first 5K, grinding out another marathon training cycle, or just need something that won’t make your feet stage a rebellion on a long walk, Brooks has you covered. They’re consistent, cushioned, and built to last. We’ll dig into why people keep asking “are Brooks good running shoes?” which models deserve the spotlight, and how to actually pick the right pair without guessing.

Why Brooks Has Earned Runner Loyalty

Step into any running shop, like one of our PR Run & Walk locations, and you’ll see Brooks shoes lined up like candy bars at checkout. People keep buying them because they’re reliable. Not flashy, not gimmicky, just dependable.

Brooks didn’t become a household name overnight. They’ve been around since 1914, which makes them older than sliced bread (literally). For most of that time, they churned out all kinds of shoes. But in the early 2000s, they went all-in on running. That gamble paid off.

If you’re new to the sport, you’ll probably end up reading our Beginner’s Running Guide or scrolling through the footwear collection wondering if you actually need “real” running shoes. You might even start asking the inevitable: are Brooks good running shoes? Spoiler: yep.

What Sets Brooks Apart from the Pack

Consistency in Design

Some brands overhaul a model so dramatically you can’t recognize it from year to year. Brooks doesn’t pull that stunt. They give you enough updates to keep things fresh, but they don’t reinvent the wheel just because they can. (Looking at you, brands that turned cushioned trainers into pogo sticks overnight.)

Comfort-Centric Approach

Brooks pours money into foam tech like DNA Loft v3 and DNA Flash. That translates into cushioning that’s soft without feeling like you’re running on cake batter. It matters more than you’d think. Research even shows cushioned midsoles can reduce stress on your joints (NCBI). Think of it as a little insurance policy for your knees.

Options for Every Foot

Narrow feet? Wide feet? Flat arches that collapse like cheap lawn chairs? Brooks has options for all of it. Their wide-width offerings in popular models like the Ghost or Adrenaline are lifesavers.

Injury Prevention

Ever heard of GuideRails? That’s Brooks’ secret sauce in the Adrenaline line. Instead of shoving your stride into a box, it gently nudges you back into alignment. If you’ve ever had knee or hip issues mid-run, you’ll appreciate the difference.

The Big Question: Are Brooks Good Running Shoes?

Let’s stop dragging this out. Yes, Brooks are good running shoes. In fact, they’re often the shoes handed to new runners during fittings because they’re consistent, forgiving, and built for lots of different foot types.

A 2024 Running USA survey confirmed Brooks sits near the top in both sales and customer loyalty (Running USA). Translation: people aren’t just trying Brooks once, they’re coming back for seconds, thirds, and beyond.

But saying “Brooks is good” without naming actual models is like saying “pizza is good” without mentioning toppings. So let’s get specific.

Our 7 Favorite Brooks Running Shoes (2025 Edition)

We’ve test-driven, abused, and occasionally loved these models. Each deserves its spot on this list.

Brooks Ghost

Meet the Ghost. It’s the running shoe equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. Want comfort? Check. Want something durable? Done. Need a shoe that doesn’t feel weird if you take it from treadmill to road? Ghost delivers.

Why runners love it:

• Smooth heel-to-toe transition that makes miles roll by
  
• Soft but not mushy cushioning, like running on a firm mattress
  
• Versatility for everything short of technical trails

Best for: Daily miles, treadmill warriors, first-timers who just need one shoe that does it all

If you’re shopping for your first “real” pair, the Ghost is a safe bet. Pair it with our guide on choosing the best shoes so you don’t overthink sizing.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS

The Adrenaline GTS is Brooks’ stability workhorse. It’s been around for decades, and runners with knees that like to cave inward have sung its praises since dial-up internet was a thing.

Standout features:

• GuideRails support keeps you aligned without straitjacketing your stride
  
• Lightweight stability, meaning you don’t feel like you’re wearing bricks
  
• Width options galore, perfect if you’ve got duck feet or ultra-narrow arches

Best for: Overpronators, long training cycles, runners managing knee or hip stress

Pair it with: Compression socks so your calves don’t mutiny after mile 10.

Brooks Glycerin

The Glycerin is the shoe you buy when you want your runs to feel like a spa day. Plush DNA Loft v3 cushioning makes every step feel indulgent.

Why it stands out:

• Ridiculous softness underfoot without being squishy
  
• Perfect for recovery days or long runs where comfort wins
  
• A GTS version exists if you want that same luxury with added stability

Best for: Long slow runs, runners who value comfort over speed, anyone with cranky joints

Care tip: Rotate it with a firmer trainer so you don’t forget what ground contact feels like.

Brooks Hyperion Max

The Hyperion Max answers a simple question: can you get race-day speed in a shoe that actually holds up for training miles? Turns out, yes. It’s lightweight, fast, and somehow still forgiving when you overdo the tempo run (which happens to the best of us).

Key highlights:

• Feather-light, breathable upper that keeps your feet cool during sweaty speed work
  
• DNA Flash v2 midsole foam delivers snappy rebound without wrecking your legs
  
• Responsive cushioning that makes it versatile enough for tempo runs and long efforts

Best for: Tempo workouts, marathon pace runs, and runners chasing speed without wanting to save the shoe for race day only

Pair it with: Hydration gear to keep the energy steady when the pace gets spicy.

Brooks Cascadia

The Cascadia has been around forever because it works. It’s rugged, protective, and won’t leave you face-planting on loose gravel.

Why trail runners choose it:

• Rock plate that saves your feet from roots and sharp rocks
  
• Sticky rubber outsole for reliable traction in mud and dirt
  
• Built to handle ultramarathon training without falling apart

Best for: Trails, uneven terrain, adventure runs where you might get lost on purpose

Pair it with: Trail gear and sunglasses so you can pretend you’re starring in your own outdoor commercial.

Brooks Launch

The Launch is the budget-friendly sibling in the Brooks lineup. It’s quick, lightweight, and snappy.

Best for: Runners who don’t want to drop a paycheck on trainers, 5K to 10K races, or anyone who likes firmer rides.

Brooks Caldera

The Caldera is the Brooks shoe for people who think marathons are warm-ups. It’s max cushioned, high-stacked, and designed for ultra-long trail days.

Best for: Ultramarathons, recovery trail runs, hikers who secretly want running shoes instead of boots.

The Science Behind Brooks Cushioning

Cushioning isn’t just about feeling comfy. Studies show softer midsoles can reduce impact forces, which helps your muscles hold up during endurance runs (PubMed). Brooks’ DNA foams literally adapt to your stride, adjusting pressure across the foot so you don’t burn out one spot.

FAQs: Are Brooks Good Running Shoes?

Do Brooks shoes run true to size?

Usually yes. But for marathons or longer efforts, a half-size up helps with swelling.

Which Brooks are best for plantar fasciitis?

Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin top the list. Check our plantar fasciitis guide for more details.

How often should I replace Brooks running shoes?

It depends  on your weight, stride, terrain, and if you’re using your shoes for other activities outside of running. Most runners should look into getting shoes every 6 months. If you aren’t sure if it’s time to replace your shoes, stop by your local =PR= store and we’ll help you out!

Final Verdict

If you landed here asking “are Brooks good running shoes,” you’ve got your answer. They’re consistent, cushioned, and beloved for a reason. From the Ghost to the Cascadia, there’s a model waiting to match your stride and your training.

When you’re ready, dig into the footwear collection, check out training programs, or sign up for your next race. And if you’d rather just try them in person, swing by a PR Run & Walk store.

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