Editor’s Note, August 26, 2026: Brooks is currently having its big Labor Day sale with models like the Hyperion 3 (see below) discounted at 20 percent off. Find even more shoes with even bigger deals now!
In 1977, the Vantage was the first Brooks shoe to top our charts. The running renaissance began several years prior, when Frank Shorter won the 1972 Olympic marathon in Munich. Two years later, the shoe industry would be changed forever with the introduction of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, which was lighter, softer, and had more rebound than the rubbers used in midsoles around that time. Our editors knew Brooks had a winner when we tested the Vantage.
Almost half a century later, the brand is still dazzling us with its innovations and earning prizes in the 2026 Runner’s World Shoe Awards. And to think the company started out more than a hundred years ago manufacturing ballet slippers and bath shoes.
Since the 1970s, Brooks has solely focused on upping the ante in shoe tech. The Vantage also introduced the varus wedge, which was basically a medial post used to help with instability caused by overpronation. Now the varus wedge is dated and has been replaced with Brooks’s “GuideRails” system. EVA is also being phased out with improved foams that are bouncier and even softer.
Gear Up for Training Season: Best Running Shorts ● Best Socks for Runners ● Best Running Watches
Best Brooks Running Shoes Preview
- Best Overall: Brooks Glycerin 23 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best on a Budget: Brooks Launch 12 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best for Speedwork: Brooks Hyperion 3 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best for Everyday Training: Brooks Ghost 18 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best for Racing: Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 (Unisex)
- Best for Tempos: Brooks Ghost Amp (Men’s / Women’s)
How We Selected
Our team vets hundreds of shoes a year and distributes models to more than 250 local testers for evaluation. Shoe testers of different levels, ages, arch heights, and gait patterns log at least a hundred miles before submitting feedback on a shoe’s fit, feel, and ride. Keep returning for more updates as we make our way through 2026’s hottest Brooks releases.
All weights are based on men’s 9 and women’s 7 unless otherwise noted.
Full Reviews
Brooks Glycerin 23
Pros
- Added cushioning in the forefoot provides balanced, supportive ride
- DNA Tuned foam is responsive and durable
Cons
- A touch heavy compared to standard daily trainers
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
The Glycerin 23 knocked the Ghost 18 out of Best Overall this round. While the Ghost 18 is still on this list as Best Daily Trainer, we found during testing that the Glycerin 23 is more foot shape-friendly. Testers liked the broader platform and toe room, as well as the bouncy and supportive cushioning. The shoe is my go-to for daily training—but the long run is where it shines.
I usually grab a carbon-plate shoe for my long runs, especially when I’m less confident about being out on the road for two hours at the beginning of marathon training. But the Glycerin 23’s midsole upgrade convinced me to save my carbon shoes for race day. DNA Tuned is lighter than DNA Loft, the Glycerin’s previous foam, and delivers a springier ride. My legs feel fresh when I power down hills in the shoes. The energy return doesn’t make my double-digit runs feel like a crawl.
The shoe is also available as the Glycerin GTS 23, the stability counterpart. I find the Glycerin GTS 23 slightly stiffer and firmer than the neutral model, but it’s a good choice for runners who need a little more support on their long runs if they’re prone to late-onset overpronation, or if they prefer denser cushioning underfoot.
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Pros
- Very lightweight
- Good traction
- Responsive DNA Flash v2 foam
Cons
- Very narrow in the midfoot
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (M9), 7.9 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
The Launch is a solid speedwork shoe for $120. It has the Hyperion Elite’s original DNA Flash v2 in the forefoot. The nitrogen-infused foam was what Brooks elite athletes relied on before the brand switched to DNA Gold PEBA.
The Launch 12 is lightweight and narrow. Wide-foot runners will want to opt for a more accommodating speed shoe, like the Hyperion 3 on this list. All other runners who have a standard to narrow foot shape will appreciate this bargain shoe’s swiftness on the track and road.
“They felt light enough to rip off some faster-paced fartlek segments during the middle of a regular run, but still supportive enough to make it through a longer run,” said tester and Hyper Editor Ashley Tysiac.
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Brooks Hyperion 3
Pros
- More midsole foam to absorb impact
- Thicker sockliner for a softer platform
Cons
- Runs short in the toebox
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.5 oz (M), 6.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
The companion trainer to the brand’s pinnacle racing shoe, the Hyperion Elite 5, the Hyperion 3 is updated with even more DNA Flash v2. Brooks added 2mm of DNA Flash v2 throughout the foot, raising the stack height to 36mm. The extra foam helps absorb impact during hard efforts. Brooks added 2mm to the sockliner, as well, to provide a plusher ride.
The added cushioning is even more noticeable if you’ve run in the Hyperion 2. The Hyperion 3’s turnover feels similar to its predecessor: same quick roll from heel to toe. The older version, however, toed the line between tempo shoe and track racing flat. The Hyperion 3, on the other hand, is pumped up for going harder and longer. (For an even cushier experience, try the bouncy Hyperion Max 3.)
The Hyperion 3 has a new double jacquard upper for a more secure fit. A caveat is less toe room. While running in my usual women’s 6.5, I felt like my toes were slightly squashed and hit the inside of the shoe. Once I sized up to a women’s 7, I immediately felt relief. Because of the snug jacquard upper, there was no slip in the slightly bigger shoe.
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Pros
- New DNA Hype, a PEBA-EVA nitrogen-infused foam
- SpringRamp piece in forefoot propels you
- Soft, accommodating upper
Cons
- 6mm drop was low for some with Achilles issues
Key Specs
| Weight | 9 oz (M9), 8 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
For the first time, a Ghost’s midsole has PEBA—the soft and bouncy foam that once was reserved for marathon racing shoes is making its way into trainers. The new DNA Hype foam is a combination of PEBA and EVA, and the difference in ride is noticeable comparing it to the Ghost 18 (below).
Our testers liked the high energy return on their runs, causing them to favor the shoe for hard tempos and track workouts. I took the Ghost Amp out on a few 400-meter intervals on the track and appreciated its generous cushioning and high rebound ride as I pounded each lap.
“The midsole hits a sweet spot that’s neither too cushioned nor too firm,” said Senior Editor Cat Bowen. “It has decent rebound and springiness, and it powers through miles whether you’re just hitting distance or working in tempo runs or other speedwork.”
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Pros
- Balanced DNA Loft v3 cushioning
- Comfy knit upper with padding
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Initially stiff
- Some pressure by bunion prone area
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M9), 9.2 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
The Ghost always hits the right marks for every kind of runner at every level—soft, supportive cushioning; all-encompassing comfort; not too light, not too heavy. The Brooks team kept this winning formula. Just like the Ghost 17, the newest iteration has DNA Loft v3 foam, which was used in the Glycerin 21 and Glycerin GTS 21.
However, testers were divisive with the Ghost 18’s key update. The new jacquard engineered air mesh upper gives the Ghost a sporty meets street casual look. A flat-knit tongue is padded for comfort and provides a secure fit. Our women testers experienced hot spots, especially below their big toe in the bunion-prone area of their foot.
“The length was great; the width not so much,” said Deputy Editor Mallory Creveling. “But the upper material was also great; loved the stretch. And the cushioning underfoot also felt good and smooth. But that forefoot area did feel crammed the more I ran.”
Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate had a different experience: “Brooks continues to nail the fit. It’s one of the reasons I love their shoes—no matter how a model evolves, I know I’m going to get a good wrap. Even in the Ghost, which is a little more spartan for padding and luxury, it still wraps the foot well and feels good no matter how far I run.”
The Ghost 18 is a great trainer for new runners and those looking for a trusty workhorse to log daily mileage. However, in lieu of the Ghost 18, women and wide-foot runners may want to opt for our Best Overall, the Glycerin 23, for their daily training, instead.
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Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Pros
- Flexible nylon plate
- Dual midsole with a PEBA layer
- Wide fit
- Secure fit with knit flat tongue
Cons
- Slightly narrow toebox
- Feels slightly denser than Hyperion Max 3
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
Before you come at recommending an “illegal shoe” that goes well above World Athletics below-40mm guidelines, know this: marathons are hard, and the majority of athletes running them aren’t 2:30-elites—they’re runners like me and you.
A shoe like the Hyperion Max 4 has everything you need to make the marathon less of an hours-long suffer-fest. A nylon plate helps with snappy turnover and feels more forgiving for runners who may not have enough power running on rigid carbon. Thick slabs of PEBA DNA Gold foam and DNA Flash v2 cushion your ride, helping you endure miles of pavement pounding.
Two major draws of the Hyperion Max 4: the rubber coverage on the outsole and the broader platform. Super shoes tend to skimp on rubber to save weight. Though the Hyperion Max 4 weighs more than your average racing shoe, the bouncy super foams make your runs feel effortless. And the rubber outsole provides something underrated: confidence. Running in the Hyperion Max 4, you won’t fear for your life turning sharp corners or slipping over yellow strips. The wide midfoot area provides even more stability and also makes for a more accommodating fit if you have wide feet.
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Pros
- Steeper angled plate and more angled rocker promotes faster turnover
- PEBA midsole provides propulsive ride
- Soft and comfy ride
Cons
- Not as bouncy as top competitors
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.8 oz (M9, unisex) |
| Drop | 7 mm |
After adding a full PEBA midsole to the Hyperion Elite 5, Brooks zeroed in on everything else in the next iteration of the shoe. The Hyperion Elite 6 rides more aggressively thanks to its new geometry. The SpeedVault+ plate and RapidRoll rocker are adjusted to promote faster turnover, making those mid-race surges smooth—especially when you’re low on gas.
Our testers called out its accommodating fit in the midfoot area, saying it isn’t as narrow as other racing shoes they’ve tested. They appreciated the softness and comfort of the midsole as well as its propulsive bounce at marathon pace.
“This shoe is the most comfortable race day super shoe for maximizing performance in workouts and race scenarios in the half marathon distance or greater,” said tester Sean Phillips. “I found this shoe to be lighter, with slightly better grip on the rubber outsole.”
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Brooks Glycerin Flex
Pros
- Lightweight yet plush cushioning
- Responsive ride for all kinds of workouts
Cons
- Some testers wanted a gusseted tongue for a securer fit
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.4 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
The Glycerin Flex changes the paradigm of cushioning as we know it. For one thing, its stack height is comparably low at 36mm for a cushioned trainer in a sea of high-stacked super trainers reaching beyond 40mm. The tooling on the midsole is also unlike anything we’ve seen. A diagonal midfoot Flex Zone allows you to bend the shoe in half in your hands. The pliability is meant to mimic how your foot is built, allowing your feet to flex instead of being forced to comply with stiff shoe construction.
The DNA Tuned cushioning is the same in the Glycerin Max and Glycerin 23. Small cells in the forefoot and large ones in the heel create a luxurious ride that absorbs shock without the foamy bulk. Lightweight and malleable, it challenges what we think when we hear cushioned trainer.
“The Brooks Glycerin Flex strikes an effective balance between lightweight construction, plush cushioning, flexible midsole, comfortable fit, and outsole durability, making it well suited as an everyday trainer,” said tester Lindsay Vuong. “The shoe transitions easily from running to gym sessions and daily wear. I especially appreciate the padded heel, which surrounds the back of my foot like a pillow while still holding it securely in place.”
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Pros
- Supportive guide rails stability for neutral runners and overpronators
- Plush, flexible upper
Cons
- Several testers wanted longer laces
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M9), 9.5 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
The Adrenaline GTS turns 25, and it’s plusher and more responsive than its forebears. Just like the Ghost 17, Brooks added 1mm of cushioning to the heel and a whopping 3mm to the forefoot, making the shoe have a 10mm drop. This update packs it with more nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning and provides a more balanced platform.
Brooks’s guide rails on the lateral and medial sides of the shoe act as bumpers to align ankle and knee movement. This holistic approach to stability makes the shoe a great pick for overpronators and for neutral runners who need a little support later in their runs when their form gets sloppy.
“I like that it felt like a normal trainer,” said Associate Service Editor Matt Rudisill, who runs with a neutral gait. “I thought these were going to be clunky and solid. I was pleasantly surprised that they were so comfortable, light, and still had that stable base that you want in a supportive shoe.”
Tester and overpronator Chris Garges also had praise for the Adrenaline GTS 25.
“I’ve run in just about every model of this shoe, many of them predating the guide rails system,” he said. “This shoe provides the stability that I need as a heel striking over pronator. I had no issues with the stability even later into a 14-mile training run.”
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Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Pros
- Testers described the shoe as very comfy
- Max-cushioned ride
Cons
- Very stiff
- Heavy
| Weight | 11.3 oz (M), 10.2 (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
The Glycerin Max 2 provides a luxurious, max-cushioned ride. Testers who previously ran in the original Glycerin Max gave mixed feedback on the second model. They expected a squishy soft, relatively flexible high-stacked shoe. This version is stiffer; the shoe is meant for easy days and recovery miles.
“The cushioning, which is overkill 95 percent of the time, was quite pleasant on the slowest of slow days,” said tester Craig Wallace. “When my legs were tired and ready for an easy run, these shoes are a go-to.”
Matthew Fronheiser, a heel-striker, praised the Glycerin Max 2’s overall comfort, saying the upper “seriously rocks.” He liked its padded fit and breathability. He also appreciated the cushioned ride. The Glycerin Max 2 has Brooks’s DNA Tuned midsole foam and a GlideRoll profile, which promotes smooth turnover.
“Would I grab this shoe for a relaxed 8- to 10-mile run?” said Fronheiser. “One hundred times yes!”
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Pros
- Excellent stability on uneven terrain
- Comfy, secure fit
- Reliable, grippy traction
Cons
- Testers wanted more temperature-control and ventilation
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.8 oz (M9), 9.7 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
Brooks added 4mm of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v2 cushioning to the Cascadia 20 to provide even more protection and comfort running on the trail. Testers said the Vibram Megagrip outsole was a favorite feature, its 4mm lugs effectively bit into loose surfaces, handling mud and gravel well.
The Trail Adapt system—which involves a wide base, flexibility in key areas, and adaptable lugs—makes the Cascadia 20 a favorite shoe pick for runners who need more stability off-road.
A minor drawback: the lack of airflow. Testers found the shoe’s upper comfy but said the it ran hot. Despite the need for more ventilation, they described the Cascadia 20 as a solid trail shoe for most surfaces.
“I would rate the Brooks Cascadia 20 highly because it offers an excellent balance of comfort, stability, and protection across a variety of trail conditions,” said tester Julian Caiazzo. “Compared to other trail shoes I’ve worn, it strikes a nice middle ground between lightweight performance shoes and heavily built hiking-focused models. The shoe felt secure and reliable on uneven terrain, though it prioritizes durability and confidence over outright speed. Overall, it’s a versatile option for runners and hikers who want one shoe that can handle a wide range of trail adventures.”
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What to Consider
Brooks has categorized its shoes to help runners choose the best pair that fits their running style and preferred experience. I’ve been a Brooks die-hard since my high school days. For the past 20 years, I’ve been keeping tabs on product updates and saying goodbye to discontinued lineups (taps for the PureProject minimalist list). Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know—foams, stability tech—about Brooks’s footwear.
Guide Rails
Guide rails offer unobtrusive support for both overpronators and neutral runners.
DNA Loft Foam
Our lab tests show that DNA Loft remains Brooks’s softest midsole material.
3D Fit Print Upper
Screen-printed mesh provides lightweight structure with more airflow and flexibility.
TrailTack Rubber
This sticky outsole compound aids grip and wet-surface traction on trail shoes.
DNA Flash Foam
The most responsive expression of Brooks’s DNA foam debuted on the Hyperion Tempo.
Brooks Running Shoe Q&A
Become a Stronger Runner With These Exclusive Training Programs
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
