Best Brooks Running Shoes

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 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

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 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 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 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

Brooks Launch 9

The Brooks Launch 9 is another excellent addition to a reliable running shoe line. Brooks made some changes without messing up what we know and love about this shoe. This lovely everyday running shoe offers neutral stability, a smooth ride, fun designs, and a reasonable price point. If you’re a lighter runner that prefers a responsive shoe without super plush cushioning, the Launch 9 should be on your list. Read the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $110

Brooks Levitate 5

The Brooks Levitate 6 comes in two fits. StealthFit and Classic. Classic is your typical running shoe fit, and StealthFit is a sock-like knit upper. You can also order the more supportive GTS version (if you need it to control excess pronation).

The Levitate 6 upgrades from the Levitate 5 with DNA Amp v2 in place of v1 and an extra 2mm of foam underfoot. The foam is on the firmer side but super springy. It feels springier than the previous version, and the 10% improvement Brooks states sounds right. If you’re light on your feet or light in general, the Levitate 6 may be perfect for you. At $150, it’s on the high end of Brooks’ everyday running shoe price range, but from the copious rubber on the outsole to the upper materials, the Levitate 6 is built to last a ton of miles.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $150

Brooks Glycerin 19

The Glycerin line delivers year after year. Last year’s Glycerin 18 was one of our favorites and the Glycerin 19 improved on the formula ever so slightly. Great grip, maximum cushioning, and a great fit that accommodates the majority of foot types. Brooks continues to be a star in the running shoe industry and has a solid roster of top-notch performance models because they nail the basics.  Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Brooks Catamount

The Brooks Catamount is a trail shoe, but a trail running shoe made for going fast. It’s light and springy with great traction. There’s no rock plate but the thick midsole protects the wearer from most rocks and roots. It does everything well and is a shoe I reach for when I want to turn my trail run into a fast workout. Read the full review.

Fits: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160