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Best Brooks Running Shoes (August 2024)
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Brooks products are available in over 60 countries worldwide. Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
It's not always easy for runners to choose the best Brooks running shoe for them. Here is Brooks’ lineup, with our selection of the best shoes for different runners and usage.
Our favorite Brooks Running Shoes in 2024
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
Best Supportive Trainer
Brooks Glycerin 21
Best Max Cushioned
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
Best Lightweight Trainer
Brooks Catamount 3
Best for Trail Running
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3
Best Racing Shoe
Table of content
How Brooks classifies their shoes
Brooks Running divides their running shoe lines into three different “experiences”:
Cushion
All of Brooks running shoes offer cushion, but the shoes in this category focus on delivering a comfortable, soft ride for many miles. The most popular shoes in this category are the Brooks Ghost, Adrenaline, Glycerin.
Energize
In this category, Brooks places their shoes that are a little less cushioned, and more responsive. Most popular shoes in this category are the Brooks Revel and Levitate.
Speed
As the name implies, shoes in the Speed category are meant for racing or faster efforts in general. In this series you will find the Hyperion line and the Launch shoes.
Best for Daily Training
In short
The Brooks Ghost Max is a good, text book daily trainer which can perform a variety of runs well. It has a balanced ride with good stability and a typical Brooks comfortable upper. The Ghost Max is a spinoff series of the regular Ghost. It has a softer, more cushioned ride which feels more lively than the Ghost 15.Pros
- Comfortable, luxurious upper
- Softer than regular Ghost
- More forefoot cushioning
- Modern ride
- Stable
Cons
- Lower than average outsole durability
- Laces fray easily
Who should buy it
If you find the Ghost 15 too firm and flat, the Ghost Max is worth a try. It has a more modern ride which feels more engaging.
Who should not buy it
If you buy the Ghost every year because you enjoy how firm, stable and consistent it is from year to year, you shouldn’t buy the Ghost Max.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
Read full reviewBest Supportive Trainer
In short
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 continues the line's tradition of cushioned stability with a smooth transition. Overall it is a quality shoe that is fun to run in, but the shoe's average sock liner and poorly designed outsole coverage could be better for a shoe of this cost.Pros
- Super smooth transition
- Cushion is soft but not squishy
- Stable base
- Secure, adaptive upper
- High Quality heel counter
Cons
- Sock liner mediocre
- Decreased outsole under the toe
- Price
Who should buy it
Average-to-heavy-weight runners will appreciate Glycerin 21 GTS for a long run shoe that can double as a speed shoe, especially those who need extra stability and find “speed shoes” too flimsy.
Who should not buy it
Skip Glycerin and Glycerin GTS if you like a connected “ground feel” while running. Those with narrow feet who want a high-quality running shoe may appreciate the Saucony Omni 13, which also offers a more supportive sock liner.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
Read full reviewBest Max Cushioned
In short
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a good max-cushioned trainer with a supportive, deeply cushioned ride that's best suited to slow running. It doesn't have a very lively ride but it feels luxurious and has plush landings. The improved version 21 has a more comfortable but warmer knitted upper with a wider toe box. It has a softer, more cushioned ride than its predecessor due to 2 mm extra stack height.Pros
- 2 mm extra stack height results in a plusher ride
- Wider and more comfortable toe box
- Smooth, stable transitions
- Durable construction
- Weight decrease
Cons
- Not as energetic as other max-cushioned competitors
- Laces feel cheap and fray easily
- Very warm upper
Who should buy it
If you’re a heavy runner (above 90 kilograms) or you prefer your max cushioned trainers to be stable and not super soft, the Glycerin 21 is a great option.
Who should not buy it
If you want a cloud-like ride similar to the Nimbus and Invincible Run, the Glycerin 21 is not the shoe for you.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
Read full reviewBest Lightweight Trainer
In short
The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is a good speed trainer best suited to uptempo runs. It doesn't have a bouncy ride due to its EVA midsole but it has a durable outsole and upper comfort which is second to none. Version 2 has a new Pebax plate in its midsole as well as a more polished upper. It also has a thicker midsole but weighs significantly more.Pros
- Thick rubber makes the outsole very durable
- Stable and supportive ride
- Outstanding build quality
- Superb upper
Cons
- Not much energy return from the DNA Flash v2 EVA midsole
- $10 more expensive than v1
- A lot heavier than v1
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a trainer with a similar ride to the Hyperion Elite 4 but in a cheaper, more durable design, the Hyperion Max 2 is the shoe for you.
If you want a firm, stable trainer for speedwork, the Hyperion Max 2 would work for you.
Who should not buy it
If you want a soft, squishy, speed trainer, the Hyperion Max 2 will be too firm for you.
If you have sensitive arches and you don’t like a mild arch sensation, the Hyperion Max 2 is not for you.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
Read full reviewBest for Trail Running
In short
The Brooks Catamount 3 is a solid lightweight trail shoe that can handle distances up to 100k. It can tackle any trail and gives you confidence to reach your maximum speeds.Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile enough for daily use and race day
- Durable
Cons
- A little firm
- Not ideal for wide feet
Who should buy it
This shoe is for the runner who prefers a trail shoe that gives them a nice ground feel. It’s perfect for running fast short races to long high mile races.
Who should not buy it
This shoe would not be for the runner who likes a lot of cushioning. It’s a comfortable shoe but isn’t plush.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
Read full reviewBest Racing Shoe
In short
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 is categorized as a top-of-the-line super shoe. I think it’s been miscategorized and overpriced. It is a shoe that will help get you those race day personal best times but not worn for race day. It’s a fantastic choice for training runs. This road-racing shoe is designed to keep you running efficiently at race effort and includes a carbon plate that springs you forward with every step.Pros
- Breathability is superb
- Laces stay put
- Upper creates a great secure fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks that super shoe “pop”
Who should buy it
This shoe is for the individual that wants a shoe that will help them maximize their potential on race day. You can wear this shoe for race day but I love using it for those important foundation runs leading up to race day.
Who should not buy it
I would not suggest this to the runner looking for a race day shoe or a long-distance trainer. Its overall feel is a firm one, so wearing them all day long isn’t recommended.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
Read full reviewQuick Questions you might have
Brooks running shoes are famous for being good quality, comfortable shoes for runners of all levels. Their racers are still not to the level of other brands though, mainly because of the use of traditional foam instead of PEBA.