Despite being founded in the earlier 1900s, it wasn’t until 1972 that Brooks pivoted its focus to running shoes, and it took almost 30 more years for the brand to go all in on running. It has since become a household name for runners of all abilities, including Forbes Vetted staffers, which is why we surveyed the team and spoke with experts to find the best Brooks running shoes. Based on our findings, the Brooks Ghost 17 stands out as our top pick because it’s a dependable platform that can comfortably handle walks and everyday runs with ease.
Besides finding favor among runners, Brooks shoes are frequently recommended by podiatrists, and they carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance. “What this means is that they have been independently reviewed and tested by the American Podiatric Medical Association and found to be biomechanically supportive, comfortable and available in a variety of sizing options,” says Dr. Anne Sharkey, a board-certified podiatrist at Solely Podiatry. Below, we’ve rounded up six Brooks shoes that meet various needs and preferences, many of them tested by our team.
Why We Named It Best Overall
The most recent iteration in Brooks’ Ghost line, the Ghost 17 is a comfortable, versatile shoe that works for runners and walkers alike. “ The Ghost 17 is one of those do-it-all daily trainers that you’ll lace up for runs, walks, travel or trips around town,” says gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who also describes the shoe as “simple and comfy.” Its midsole is outfitted with the brand’s signature nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, supporting you through runs and longer walks, though don’t expect it to feel super plush. Improving upon the Ghost 16, Brooks redesigned the upper to give it more structure and stability, and it’s made from a breathable mesh upper that keeps feet cool. For more about how the shoe performs, read our full review of the Ghost 17.
Who Might Not Like It
While the Ghost 17 works as a solid everyday running shoe, it isn’t a particularly speedy sneaker and likely isn’t the shoe to help you set any personal records. “It isn’t going to wow you with responsive or dynamic cushioning, but it will feel reliable and familiar from top to bottom,” says Vigliotta.
Why We Named It Best Value
For beginner runners looking to become acquainted with Brooks who aren’t quite ready to commit to a pricier style, the Trace 4 offers a relatively inexpensive foray into the brand. The shoe is cushioned using DNA Loft v2 foam, a similar EVA foam used in the Ghost 17 that isn’t infused with nitrogen but still provides a soft and smooth feel. A Segmented Crash Pad is located in the grooves in the heel and outside of the shoe and absorbs impact for smoother heel-to-toe transitions and a more seamless flow. Customers mention the platform doesn’t have as much energy return as more cushioned models, but they find that it provides adequate stability and comfort, especially for those just getting into the habit of running regularly.
Who Might Not Like It
It’s easy to be tempted by the $100 price tag, but if you’re a seasoned runner, especially one already familiar with Brooks’ offerings, the Trace 4 is likely to be too simple for your preferences and needs. Fortunately, Brooks shoes frequently go on sale, and you can almost always count on discounts on older models when new versions are released.
Why We Named It Best For Trail Running
Like the Ghost 17, the Caldera 8 is a simple and comfortable shoe. “It’s one I could easily log a lot of miles in without complaint,” says Vigliotta. This is largely thanks to the cushioned heel that absorbs impact, and the heavy-duty outsole grip that allows you to comfortably run on rugged terrain. Vigliotta notes that the extra foam doesn’t hinder the shoe’s stability, and found that “the design feels planted thanks to the raised sidewalls and a wider base," a notable improvement upon the previous Caldera 7. The breathable upper is a quick-dry mesh that’s made more durable to resist snags and scratches on the trail.
Who Might Not Like It
Because the shoe is more cushioned, the Caldera 8 is better suited to lengthier trail runs and even ultras. For a faster, more aggressive shoe, Vigliotta recommends the Catamount 4 or Cascadia Elite, both of which are lighter and springier. Also keep in mind that the shoe is only available in a medium width and color options are limited, likely because Brooks is releasing a new version in the coming months.
Why We Named It Best Stability
The Adrenaline line is known for its support, and the Adrenaline GTS 25 is arguably the brand’s most supportive shoe yet. Brooks revamped the shoe with its GuideRails stability technology, which works to keep the body aligned and minimize excess movement. These “rails” also help with overpronation, stabilizing the foot to prevent both inward and outward rolling.
Forbes Vetted updates writer Fran Sales has tried other styles from Brooks, including the discontinued Glycerin GTS 22 and the Hyperion Max 3, and prefers the Adrenaline GTS 25 for the combination of activities she does. “It’s surprisingly become a go-to for me when I go to the gym, and that’s saying a lot because I prefer a neutral gym shoe,” says Sales, who also likes the style for running outdoors and on the treadmill, plus plyometric workouts and walks.
Who Might Not Like It
When running, Sales prefers to feel the ground a bit more, and found the Adrenaline GTS 25 provided adequate cushioning to achieve this feeling, but notes that some might prefer a more cushioned shoe, like the Hyperion Max 3 (which she says had too much cushioning for her liking). “Dedicated runners may not like the level of softness these have, but I like them because they’re versatile enough for how I like to workout,” she adds.
Why We Named It Best For Marathon Training
The Hyperion Max 3 is the most cushioned shoe in this guide, featuring a mix of the brand’s nitrogen-infused foams, the DNA Flash v2 and PEBA DNA Gold, both designed for maximum responsiveness and energy return. These foams work with a nylon SpeedVault propulsion plate that allows for even more responsiveness, making for a comfortable shoe that can easily handle long, fast efforts. The shoe also uses rocker geometry to help with heel-to-toe transitions, which in turn makes the Hyperion Max 3 a little faster.
Despite the knit, sock-like upper, baby and kids gear writer Alicia Betz found the shoe to offer plenty of breathability in warmer weather. “It’s stretchy enough to get on and accommodate my foot, but it’s not too tight or restricting,” adds Betz.
Who Might Not Like It
The look of the thick sole on the Hyperion Max 3 isn’t for everyone, especially if you prefer a shoe with a slimmer profile, although Betz says she’s had multiple people stop her to compliment them. The sole’s height can also take some getting use to, and while Betz grew accustomed to its chunkiness, Sales found it too high and felt unstable.
Why We Named It Best For Racing
The Hyperion Max 3 and Hyperion Elite 5 hail from the same line, but unlike the Max 3, the Elite 5 is only made with PEBA DNA Gold foam, the brand’s highest energy-returning foam; it makes for an airier, less dense shoe that helps you feel lighter on your feet. The shoe also features a carbon fiber plate in the midsole that’s stiffer than the nylon plate in the Hyperion Max 3, and works best at high speeds to help propel you forward. Although Vigliotta ultimately prefers the Hyperion Max 3, he likes the Hyperion Elite 5 for tempo runs and race-pace efforts. “It’s so light and breathable due to the open-mesh upper, and the fit is excellent,” he explains.
Who Might Not Like It
The Hyperion Elite 5’s slimmer sole allows for more ground feel and doesn’t feel as soft and springy as ultra-cushioned shoes. “Though I don’t mind that sort of feedback, I also understand that modern runners have grown accustomed to more foam and springiness in shoes at this price point. It all comes down to personal preference,” says Vigliotta.
How We Chose The Best Brooks Shoes
- We first considered Brooks shoes that have been tested by our team and are recommended by our editors who use them.
- For shoes we didn’t have firsthand experience with, we relied on thorough research to inform our recommendation.
- We took several factors into account when considering shoes for the guide, including the shoe’s weight, widths available, foams in the midsole and use case.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Brooks Shoes
- Cushioning: The amount of cushioning a shoe has will affect overall comfort, impact absorption, energy return and stability. Brooks offers styles with varying level of cushioning, from the ultra-plush Hyperion Max 3 to the more modestly cushioned Trace 4. However, your preference in cushioning might not always align with—or work best for—your preferred running style.
- Support: Some runners need more support than others, and some Brooks shoes provide more support than others. "Brooks tends to prioritize stability and structure with more traditional heel-toe drops and technologies like GuideRails to control excessive pronation," says Dr. Mikel Daniels, board-certified podiatrist, president and chief medical officer of WeTreatFeet Podiatry. Daniels is more likely to recommend Brooks to patients with “significant instability, overpronation or a history of plantar fasciitis" but there are Brooks shoes that work for more neutral gaits too, like our top pick, the Ghost 17.
- Activity: Although Brooks focuses on running shoes, many of its styles can be used for more than just running, as evidenced by our experience with several of the shoes on this list; the Ghost 17 is just as capable as a walking shoe as it is for running, and the Hyperion Max 3 performs well during dynamic workouts. Still, if you’re not specifically in the market for a running shoe, it might be best to opt for a shoe intended for the activity or workout you have in mind.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The gear team at Forbes Vetted frequently tests and reviews both running and non-running shoes, from the best Hoka running shoes to the best workout shoes for women.
- Lee Cutlip is an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted supporting the gear, sleep, tech and baby and kids verticals. She’s covered several topics for the gear category, including the best protein bars and best sports bras.
- Cam Vigliotta is the gear editor at Forbes Vetted. He holds a degree in kinesiology and has tested several Brooks styles in this guide, including the Ghost 17, Caldera 8, Hyperion Max 3 and Hyperion Elite 5.
Our Experts
- Dr. Anne Sharkey, a double board-certified podiatrist and owner of Solely Podiatry.
- Dr. Mikel Daniels, a board-certified podiatrist and president and chief medical officer of WeTreatFeet Podiatry.