We Tested All of the Newest Brooks Running Shoes. These Are the Best

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Brooks is consistently among the leaders of the pack when it comes to producing outstanding running shoes to suit any runner’s needs. The brand has a shoe for all occasions, whether you’re on the hunt for Brooks walking shoes, daily trainers, or racing on road or trail. Known for soft cushioning, run-all-day comfort, and resilient durability, it’s hard to go wrong with Brooks—no matter which model you wear.

With that in mind, we’ve selected the best Brooks running shoes to fit a range of specific circumstances. Brooks Glycerin 21 took our best overall slot thanks to its superior comfort and versatility, which make it not only one of the best from the brand, but one of the best running shoes in the business, period. That being said, below you’ll also find our picks for the best Brooks running shoes for men to suit a variety of needs.

If you’re interested in more of the best running shoes, be sure to check out the best New Balance, Asics, Hoka, and On running shoe roundups.

Related: The Best Marathon Shoes to Run Your Next PR

Best Brooks Running Shoes at a Glance

• Overall Best Brooks Running Shoe: Brooks Glycerin 21
• Best Brooks Running Shoe for Everyday Training: Brooks Ghost 16
• Best Value Brooks Running Shoe: Brooks Revel 7
• Best Brooks Running Shoe for Racing: Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
• Best Brooks Running Shoe for Long Distance Training: Brooks Hyperion Max 2
• Best Brooks Trail Running Shoe: Brooks Cascadia 18
• Best Brooks Stability Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
• Best Max Cushion Brooks Running Shoe: Brooks Ghost Max 2
• Best Brooks Running Shoe for Trail Racing: Brooks Catamount 3

Best Brooks Running Shoes of 2024

Best Overall Brooks Running Shoe: Brooks Glycerin 21

Over the past several years, each iteration of Brooks Glycerin has rated among the best. It’s a consistent favorite at Men’s Journal for good reason. 

Leveraging a midsole of Brooks’ outstanding DNA Loft v3 foam, it delivers superior cushioning without lapsing into the sort of over-stacked pillowy-ness that can get muddy when cornering. Stable, lightweight, and roomy in the toe box, it’s plenty comfy for runs of any distance. 

Although Brooks Glycerin 21 doesn’t have the most exciting look in my opinion, the shoe more than makes up for that by how great it feels.

Weight: 9.8oz

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Best Brooks Running Shoe for Everyday Training: Brooks Ghost 16

I absolutely loved Brooks Ghost 15, and the 16th version took everything I appreciated about its forebear and made it lighter and tougher. 

Brooks Ghost 16 manages to feel both spacious and secure, providing plenty of room in the toe box while locking down to provide solid stability. The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam is just as soft yet lighter than before, delivering noticeably improved energy return, and the outsole has been beefed up to offer greater durability. However, I did find the heel counter to be a bit firm.

Just about as versatile as they come, I believe they even look great whether you’re on a run or walking around town.

Weight: 9.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 12mm

Best Value Brooks Running Shoe: Brooks Revel 7

While it’s the most affordable running shoe in the Brooks lineup, Revel 7 certainly isn’t “cheap.” Clocking in at $100, it’s a great option if you’re shopping on a budget but still need a truly high-quality shoe. 

It’s not ideal if you’re looking for an abundance of cushioning, and it doesn’t deliver much in the way of energy return. But its grippy outsole is great for running on wet or otherwise slick surfaces, it feels comfy on your foot, and it’s solidly durable. 

Revel 7 is a great pick for younger runners who don’t need extra cushioning, newer runners looking for a serious shoe at a moderate price point, or anyone who prefers plenty of ground feel.

Weight: 9.1 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Best Brooks Running Shoe for Racing: Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is a controversial shoe among dedicated racers, with some claiming that its EVA foam doesn’t match up with the softness and energy return of more newly innovated PEBA foam, while others say that it feels more natural than other super shoes that boast overly tech-y plates.

I and the other reviewers at Men’s Journal tend to agree with the latter. While the Hyperion Elite 4 may not deliver the best energy return around, it’s still a wildly well-cushioned shoe, with an upper that feels secure and comfortable for races of any duration and a carbon plate that provides smooth transitions. The toe box is uncharacteristically confined for a Brooks shoe, but it still feels outstanding on your feet for mile after mile.

Weight: 7.8 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8mm

Best Brooks Running Shoe for Long Distance Training: Brooks Hyperion Max 2

While Hyperion Elite is the pricy option you don on race day, Brooks Hyperion Max 2 offers most of the benefits of its more expensive sibling at a cost that won’t make you sweat about training in it every day. 

A more versatile shoe with better durability, it delivers a responsive running experience, whether you’re speed training or going the distance. It doesn’t have the most energy return, and it’s noticeably heavier than the previous version, but it delivers plenty of stability and has a comfortable fit through runs of any variety.

Weight: 9.2 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm

Best Brooks Trail Running Shoe: Brooks Cascadia 18

Brooks Cascadia 18 is not only great for trail running, but I’ve found that it’s so well-rounded that I use it for hiking, walking, and even working out at the gym. 

Its pillowy DNA Loft v2 cushioning feels great throughout long runs or treks, and its outstanding traction is surefooted over loose dirt, damp moss, and even wet rocks. 

It’s gotten a bit heavier since the last iteration, which was already somewhat heavy to begin with. The upper is also somewhat rigid, but it’s nicely breathable and locks in place well. All told, it’s great for trails of any type.

Weight: 11.3 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8mm

Best Brooks Stability Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

While Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 can be worn and enjoyed by just about any runner, it will be particularly appreciated by those who overpronate, like myself. It provides ample stability, but in a way that doesn’t feel as forced as can be the case with lesser shoes. 

It provides plenty of cushioning, and the heel is specially designed to support heel strikers. What’s more, availability in narrow and wide options helps further tailor the fit to your foot. Adrenaline is also among the best Brooks walking shoes, as they provide plenty of stability for a long day on your feet.

Weight: 10.1 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 12mm

Best Max Cushion Brooks Running Shoe: Brooks Ghost Max 2

Brooks Ghost was already a very good shoe, and Ghost Max made it even better for those seeking extra cushion. But Ghost Max 2 has stepped up the game by delivering the apex of pillowy-ness and general comfort. 

In fact, the Ghost Max 2 feels so great that it was a contender for the best overall slot, falling short only because it doesn’t have quite the energy return we were looking for. But don’t let that dissuade you. If you’re looking for cushion and comfort above all, this shoe delivers.

Weight: 10.8 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm

Best Brooks Running Shoe for Trail Racing: Brooks Catamount 3

Brooks Catamount 2 was my favorite trail runner for a while there, but Catamount 3 made it even greater by improving the upper, making it less restrictive while still locking down on the foot for stability on technical trails. 

Lightweight and protective with good ground feel and plenty of energy return, it’s an outstanding shoe for competitive runners. It can feel a bit firm at times and the toe box lacks Brooks’ characteristic roominess, but it is definitely a fast, stable trail shoe.

Weight: 9.4 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 4mm

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Brooks Running Shoes

There are a few key things that set Brooks apart from other brands:

Cushioning

Brooks is known for offering some of the best cushioning stacks out there, and research has shown that quality cushioning can translate into improved performance and safety. 

The various forms of the Brooks’ DNA Loft foam are infused with nitrogen to provide the utmost impact absorption while still maintaining stability and energy return. The result is—for most of their lines—outstanding softness that remains lightweight and responsive. UESCA Certified Running Coach James Rodgers says these types of “super shoe” features can provide a big boost on race day.

Fit

“The shoe should feel comfortable right away,” says Rodgers. That means finding a shoe that’s the right width for your feet, doesn’t rub the toes or heel, and provides space for your toes to spread in a natural way. 

Brooks tends to offer its lines in a variety of widths, which makes this easier. Rodgers advises looking for a shoe with a roomy toe box, and Brooks is particularly known for delivering in that regard.

Traction

According to Rodgers, “The grip of the shoe is important to keep you running safely and confidently. For example, a road running shoe should be able to grip the road in wet weather, or a trail running shoe should allow you to run over muddy and off-road surfaces effectively.”

Brooks is generally known for providing surefooted traction, with its trail shoes in particular offering a solid combo of grip and protection.

When selecting different Brooks shoes for different categories, I looked at how they offer the right balance of these factors to suit different running circumstances. For example, shoes for pounding the pavement when training or on race day require more cushioning, while trail or more versatile-use shoes should emphasize traction.

While testing, I also paid close attention to how each shoe felt in terms of width, toe box, friction, and pliability and breathability of the uppers. Whether or not a shoe feels good will ultimately come down to your specific feet, but I got a good general sense of each line’s fit.

Why You Should Trust Us

I donned my first pair of running shoes way back when I joined middle school track, some 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve remained an avid runner on road, track, and trail. This firsthand experience has been essential to my work reviewing shoes for leading publications like Men’s Journal, Runner’s World, and Popular Mechanics. I’ve been a fan of Brooks for many years, and for this list I tested all their various running lines, including the newest releases.

I also consulted with running expert James Rodgers, a UESCA Certified Running Coach and Aquathon National Champion. Rodgers provided essential information about what to look for in shoes for a range of specific runner needs and general running shoe considerations. 

Related: We Tested Dozens of Trail Running Shoes. These Are the Best for Rocky, Uneven Terrain