Brooks has built one of the strongest reputations in running by focusing on a simple goal: making comfortable, reliable running shoes that help runners enjoy more miles with less distraction.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1914, Brooks originally produced a variety of sports footwear before fully committing to running in the early 2000s.
That decision transformed the brand into one of the most trusted names in the running industry, particularly among runners who value comfort, support and consistency over flashy marketing.
Today, Brooks is especially well known for its dependable daily trainers, stability-focused designs and plush cushioning systems.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K, building towards a marathon or simply looking for a shoe that feels comfortable every time you lace it up, Brooks continues to offer some of the safest and most dependable options on the market.
Chapters
- What are Brooks running shoes best for?
- Key features of Brooks running shoes
- Best Brooks Running Shoes in 2026
- 1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
- 2. Brooks Ghost 17
- 3. Brooks Ghost Max 3
- 4. Brooks Glycerin 23
- 5. Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
- 6. Brooks Glycerin Max 2
- 7. Brooks Hyperion Max 3
- Key Takeaways
- Editor’s Pick
- Need help choosing the right Brooks running shoes?
What are Brooks running shoes best for?
Brooks running shoes are best known for delivering a smooth, comfortable and stable running experience.
While some brands focus heavily on ultra-light racing shoes or aggressive performance technology, Brooks has built its identity around helping runners stay comfortable over long distances and high weekly mileage.
That makes Brooks particularly popular with:
- Beginner runners looking for dependable comfort
- Marathon runners prioritising cushioning and durability
- Runners needing extra support or stability
- Everyday runners who want consistency rather than an overly aggressive ride
Another major strength of Brooks is how easy the range is to understand.
The Ghost remains one of the most popular neutral trainers in the world, while the Adrenaline GTS line has become a long-standing favourite for runners needing additional support.
Key features of Brooks running shoes
Image credits: Brooks Running
Comfort
Comfort sits at the centre of almost every Brooks running shoe.
The brand typically favours smooth transitions, soft landings and accommodating uppers that work well over longer distances.
Even firmer Brooks models tend to feel more forgiving compared to more aggressive performance-focused shoes.
This consistent comfort is one of the reasons so many runners have remained loyal to the Brooks brand for several years.
Durability
Brooks shoes are generally built to last.
The outsole rubber tends to wear well even under heavier mileage, while the uppers are designed to maintain their structure over time.
This makes Brooks particularly appealing to runners who train regularly and want strong long-term value from their shoes.
Midsole Foams
Brooks uses several cushioning compounds across its range, including DNA Loft v3 and DNA Tuned.
DNA Loft v3 uses nitrogen-infused cushioning to provide a softer and lighter ride than previous generations, while DNA Tuned is engineered to balance plush landings with improved responsiveness through the stride cycle.
The overall goal is not simply softness, but controlled comfort that remains stable and predictable.
GuideRails
GuideRails is Brooks’ stability system designed to reduce excess movement during the running stride.
Unlike traditional stability shoes that aggressively push the foot into position, GuideRails work more subtly by supporting the body only when needed.
This creates a more natural-feeling ride while still helping runners who overpronate or require additional guidance.
Best Brooks Running Shoes in 2026
1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Pros
- Excellent stability without feeling intrusive
- Comfortable for long-distance running
- Reliable daily trainer
Cons
- Heavier than neutral trainers
- Not particularly fast or responsive
Ideal For: Stability running and daily mileage
Weight: 286g (10.1oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 38mm heel / 26mm forefoot (12mm drop)
Price: £129.99
The Adrenaline GTS 25 continues to be one of the most trusted stability shoes in running.
What makes the shoe stand out is how balanced it feels.
Many stability shoes can feel overly controlling or stiff, but the GuideRails system works far more subtly here.
During testing, the support becomes noticeable mainly when fatigue sets in or form begins to deteriorate over longer runs.
The cushioning provides a soft yet stable platform that works especially well for runners building steady mileage.
Easy runs, recovery miles and long-distance training all feel comfortable and controlled.
The shoe is less suited to faster workouts because it lacks the energetic feel found in lighter performance trainers.
However, for runners prioritising support and consistency, it remains one of the safest choices available.
2. Brooks Ghost 17
Pros
- Smooth and dependable ride
- Comfortable fit for most runners
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Lacks excitement at faster paces
- Less energetic than modern super trainers
Ideal For: Everyday running and beginner runners
Weight: 277g (9.8oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 37mm heel / 25mm forefoot (12mm drop)
Price: £104.99
The Ghost 17 remains the definition of a dependable daily trainer.
From the first run, the shoe feels balanced and predictable.
There are no aggressive design elements or overly soft cushioning systems trying to dominate the experience.
Instead, the Ghost focuses on delivering consistent comfort mile after mile.
The DNA Loft v3 cushioning absorbs impact effectively without making the shoe feel unstable.
During testing, the Ghost performed particularly well during steady-paced road runs where comfort and rhythm mattered more than speed.
It’s not the most exciting shoe in the Brooks lineup, and runners chasing fast intervals or race-day performances may want something more responsive.
But for everyday running, recovery sessions and general training, the Ghost continues to excel because of its simplicity and reliability.
3. Brooks Ghost Max 3
Pros
- Extremely protective cushioning
- Stable high-stack design
- Smooth rocker transition
Cons
- Bulkier feel than the standard Ghost
- Less agile during quicker runs
Ideal For: Long runs and recovery mileage
Weight: 292g (10.3oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Price: £96.99
The Ghost Max 3 takes the familiar comfort of the Ghost series and amplifies it with significantly more cushioning and a more rockered geometry.
On the road, the shoe feels noticeably softer and more protective than the standard Ghost.
During longer runs, especially when fatigue builds late into a session, the extra cushioning helps reduce impact stress on the legs.
Despite the high stack height, the shoe still feels stable thanks to its broad platform.
The rocker design also helps move the runner smoothly through the stride, making the shoe surprisingly efficient for easy-paced mileage.
Where the Ghost Max 3 struggles slightly is agility.
It feels less nimble during short faster efforts, but that is not its purpose.
This shoe is built for comfort and protection above all else.
4. Brooks Glycerin 23
Pros
- Plush cushioning with improved responsiveness
- Premium upper comfort
- Smooth ride over long distances
Cons
- Premium price point
- Slightly warm upper in hotter conditions
Ideal For: Long-distance road running
Weight: 289g (10.2oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Price: £154.99
The Glycerin 23 is Brooks’ premium neutral cushioned trainer and one of the most comfortable shoes in the range.
What impressed most during testing was how the shoe balances softness with responsiveness.
Many heavily cushioned shoes can feel sluggish, but the updated midsole foam delivers a smoother toe-off than previous versions.
Long runs are where the Glycerin truly shines.
The cushioning remains comfortable even deep into higher mileage sessions, while the upper creates a plush and secure fit that feels refined from the moment you put it on.
The ride is calmer than performance-oriented shoes, but runners wanting comfort-focused marathon training or relaxed daily mileage will find a lot to like here.
5. Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
Pros
- Plush cushioning with added support
- Stable without excessive firmness
- Comfortable over long distances
Cons
- Heavier than neutral alternatives
- Less versatile for speed sessions
Ideal For: Stability runners seeking maximum comfort
Weight: 295g (10.4oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Price: £154.99
The Glycerin GTS 23 takes everything that makes the standard Glycerin comfortable and adds GuideRails support for runners who need additional stability.
During testing, the shoe felt particularly effective on tired legs.
The combination of plush cushioning and gentle support creates a very reassuring ride, especially during long easy runs or recovery sessions.
Importantly, the stability never feels overly aggressive.
The GuideRails system quietly supports the runner rather than forcing the foot into a rigid position.
For runners who need support but dislike traditional stability shoes, the Glycerin GTS 23 strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control.
6. Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Pros
- Maximum cushioning and protection
- Smooth rocker geometry
- Excellent for high mileage
Cons
- Bulky compared to standard trainers
- Less responsive for faster workouts
Ideal For: Recovery runs and ultra-comfort training
Weight: 310g (10.9oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 45mm heel / 39mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Price: £164.99
The Glycerin Max 2 is built for runners who want as much cushioning and protection as possible.
The shoe immediately feels substantial underfoot, but not unstable.
The thick midsole absorbs impact exceptionally well, making it ideal for runners covering high mileage or looking to reduce stress on tired legs.
During testing, the shoe performed best during slower long runs and recovery sessions where comfort mattered more than pace.
The rocker geometry helps offset some of the extra bulk by encouraging smoother transitions through the stride.
This is not a lightweight speed shoe, but for runners prioritising protection and comfort, it delivers exactly what it promises.
7. Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Pros
- Fast and responsive ride
- Lightweight compared to other Brooks models
- Excellent for tempo training
Cons
- Firmer than cushioned daily trainers
- Less forgiving on recovery runs
Ideal For: Faster training and race preparation
Weight: 238g (8.4oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot (8mm drop)
Price: £109.99
The Hyperion Max 3 represents Brooks moving more aggressively into performance running.
Compared to the softer and calmer Ghost or Glycerin models, the Hyperion Max feels noticeably more energetic.
The lighter weight and responsive midsole encourage faster turnover, making the shoe particularly effective during tempo sessions and marathon pace efforts.
During testing, the shoe handled progression runs especially well.
It feels efficient at moderate-to-fast paces without becoming overly harsh underfoot.
The cushioning is still comfortable by performance shoe standards, but runners seeking a soft recovery-day experience may prefer the Glycerin range instead.
For runners wanting a Brooks shoe capable of genuine speed-focused training, the Hyperion Max 3 is currently one of the strongest options available.
Key Takeaways
Brooks continues to excel at producing comfortable, dependable running shoes that prioritise consistency and long-term comfort.
- Best stability shoe: Adrenaline GTS 25
- Best daily trainer: Ghost 17
- Best for maximum cushioning: Glycerin Max 2
- Best premium neutral trainer: Glycerin 23
- Best for speed training: Hyperion Max 3
- Best recovery shoe: Ghost Max 3
Editor’s Pick
Winner: Brooks Ghost 17
If we had to choose one Brooks shoe that delivers the best balance of comfort, versatility and everyday usability, the Brooks Ghost 17 stands out as the strongest all-round option.
It may not be the flashiest shoe in the lineup, but its dependable ride, comfortable fit and consistent performance make it suitable for the widest range of runners and training sessions.
Need help choosing the right Brooks running shoes?
Finding the right running shoes can completely change how your runs feel, especially when it comes to comfort and injury prevention.
If you are unsure which Brooks model best suits your running style, mileage or support needs, feel free to get in touch.
We’re always happy to help you find the perfect pair so you can run comfortably and confidently.