Personal Trainers, Editors, and Podiatrists Love These Brooks Running Shoes

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Brooks has long been a favorite brand among runners. It’s been in the footwear industry since 1914, and it really started focusing on running shoes in the ’70s. Since then, Brooks has created countless best-sellers, including the Adrenaline GTS (which launched in 1999), the Ghost, and the Glycerin.

“Brooks has a long history in the running world and a great reputation,” says Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. “They combine cutting-edge technology in a lightweight shoe.”

Meet the experts: Alycia Stevenin, chief curriculum lead at Barry’s; Emily Booth, a NASM-certified personal trainer, cycling instructor, and ultra-runner; and Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

The brand has something for just about every type of runner, from springy energizing sneakers for those working on their speed to highly cushioned options for long-distance runners. While it’s near impossible to determine what the best Brooks running shoe is, people familiar with the brand tend to have a preference.

“Because I run on a variety of surfaces—from the road to the treadmill to the trail—I look for different features depending on the modality,” says Emily Booth, a NASM-certified personal trainer, cycling instructor, and ultra-runner. “For example, for the road or the treadmill I prefer a much lighter shoe with a lower heel offset. However, universally, I like a neutral shoe that hugs my foot in all the right places (the heel and midfoot) while enabling my toes to have enough room for natural movement.”

Our top picks

Not sure which pair of Brooks is right for you? Check out some of the best below, according to trainers, editors, and a podiatrist.

Adrenaline GTS 22

This style of running shoe from Brooks has been around for more than 20 years. It’s ideal for walking and everyday runs thanks to its lightweight construction and mid-range cushioning that promotes smooth transitions with each step. It also has the brand’s signature GuideRails technology, which supports wearers as they move to help maintain their natural stride.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 sneakers have “the perfect balance of stability and support,” according to Alycia Stevenin, the chief curriculum lead at Barry’s. “They’re lightweight, which makes them easy to maneuver when I’m doing squats, lunges, or any other type of weight training, and they’re cushioned, which makes them comfortable when I’m running on the treadmill.”

These are also a favorite of Parthasarathy. “They are a good choice for me because I am an over-pronator, and they provide the stability I need when running, combined with cushioning,” she says.

Ghost 15

Brooks released its first Ghost sneaker in 2008. It has since become one of the most popular neutral shoes on the market known for its comfortable design that’s fit for daily training. It has soft cushioning (but not too much), a newly redesigned midsole for seamless transitions from landing to toe-off with each stride, and a 3D Fit Print upper that’s structured yet stretchy.

“My boyfriend is a marathon runner and swears by Brooks’ running shoes, so he talked me into getting a pair and I’m so glad I did,” says Emily Goldman, Prevention’s senior editor. She has the Ghost 14 model, which hold up well for both exercising and just walking around the city.

The newer Ghost 15 is also a favorite of commerce editor Samantha Jones. She likes how natural and lightweight they feel for everyday training and walking. Check out her in-depth review of the running shoes if you think these might be a fit for you.

Glycerin 20

Ideal for road running, these sneakers have a classic fit and offer neutral support. They feature Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 cushioning for superior comfort, making them ideal for running longer distances rather than speed training. That’s one of the reasons Prevention’s senior commerce editor is a fan of these shoes, which she wore for part of her marathon training last year.

“These are the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever owned,” wrote an Amazon reviewer. “There’s tons of cushioning and it’s like walking on marshmallows!”

Launch 10

With a lower profile and light weight (under 7.5 ounces!), the Brooks Launch 10 is an ideal sneaker to wear for running on a treadmill. That’s when our senior commerce editor gets the most use out of her pair. The smaller level of cushioning means you’ll be ready for speed work and won’t fear tripping over your toes on a treadmill belt.

“Love the Launch for running,” said a shopper. “I prefer a less bulky shoe when I run, and these are just right.”

Cascadia 16

“The Cascadia is a durable, versatile trail shoe that is suitable for a variety of distances and trail conditions,” says Booth, who has relied on this model from Brooks for almost three years. “It has enough cushioning for comfort on longer runs (or hikes) while still maintaining the feel of the trail. Additionally, it has a flexible rock shield that provides protection from obstacles underfoot on technical terrain.”

The shoe has been around since 2005 and has been continuously updated with trail runners in mind. “Notably, the newest iterations feel lighter and faster while still providing the stability and traction necessary for trail running,” adds Booth.

Hyperion Max

For serious speed workouts and race day, the Brooks Hyperion Max is a great option. Weighing in a just 6.7 ounces, it’s easily one of the brands most lightweight shoes. Despite its barely-there feel, it has nitrogen-infused cushioning for energy return, Rapid Roll technology for fast transitions, a durable midsole with impact-absorbing foam and traction.

“They are perfect for racing,” says one reviewer. “They make me feel very light on my feet!”

Levitate 6

In the scheme of Brooks’ longevity as a brand, the Levitate shoe is relatively new. It launched in 2017 as an energizing sneaker fit for breaking PRs and making logging miles feel just a little easier. As the style has evolved over the last few years, it has gotten 10% lighter, more breathable, more flexible, and sleeker. Lightweight cushioning absorbs the impact of feet striking on the ground and sends it back to fuel your next stride, and a knit upper feels breezy and flexible.

“This is a great cross training shoe!” according to one reviewer. “Stable enough to do agility work, fits into a rower foot plate, and handles super well on a treadmill. It’s also a great outdoor running shoe—springy and feels great on my feet!”

Dyad 11

If you’re looking for one of the best shoes for wide feet, this should be on your list. The Dyad 11 isn’t the most lightweight shoe, but it offers adaptive cushioning for comfort, Dual Arch Pods and a wide platform for stability, and what Brooks calls a “generous fit” ideal for those with wide feet. It also comes in wide and extra wide sizes.

“This is the most comfortable, best fitting pair of sneakers I’ve ever owned,” says a reviewer. “The wide toe-box and the mid-foot support are exactly what I needed in a shoe. I wear these every day and I love them!”

Ariel ’20

These highly cushioned sneakers are known for their supportive feel. They’re suitable for road running and walking with GuideRails technology designed to prevent unnecessary movement, supporting arches, knees, hips, and feet overall. They also have a soft yet durable midsole and a breathable mesh upper for that walking-on-air feel.

“When I walk/run, my feet tend to roll inwards—these shoes provide the perfect level of support to prevent that from happening,” writes a happy customer. “Also, they were very comfortable right out of the box.”

Addiction Walker 2

This leather shoe combines style and comfort. It has a slip-resistant outsole, soft cushioning to protect joints, and a leather upper for a classic look. While it’s not the best choice for long-distance runners or sprinters, this style is appropriate for daily use and relaxed runs.

Parthasarathy notes that most people will want separate shoes for running and walking, recommending this pair. “Brooks has specific walking shoes that would be preferred for walking instead of their running shoes,” she says, adding that the Brooks Addiction Walker combines support and cushion.

How to choose the right Brooks running shoes

No matter what brand you’re shopping for, there are some expert-backed guidelines to follow to pick the running shoes that are right for you.

✔️ Think about your running habits. Whether you’re running long distances or quick sprints may determine what type of shoe is best for you. You should also consider the terrain you typically run on, says Parthasarathy. What’s best for a trail runner might not be best for a treadmill sprinter.

✔️ Look for sturdy construction. You shouldn’t be able to fold a running shoe completely in half, Parthasarathy explains. “A well-constructed shoe that can hold up for a lot of miles is also a bonus,” says Booth.

✔️ Check out the insole. “Ideally, it should have a removable insole,” says Parthasarathy. That way, you can replace it with an insert depending on your needs. For example, you might want to add a plantar fasciitis insert.

✔️ Be mindful of how the heel feels. The best running shoes have a firm, supportive heel counter, according to Parthasarathy. However, the level of cushioning depends on the person and their running goals.

Why do podiatrists recommend Brooks shoes?

“Brooks are definitely on my list of recommended shoe gear for my patients,” says Parthasarathy. “They have many different styles for different foot types: pronated, neutral, or supinated,” she adds, noting that the brand is an “industry leader” in research-based footwear.

Many Brooks shoes have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is given to shoes that are found to allow for normal foot function and promote foot health following a comprehensive review, explains Parthasarathy. A committee conducts a detailed evaluation of all submitted products, which includes “wear-tests” and ensuring that claims made about a product are supported by evidence. “If the majority of the committee approves of the product, a recommendation is sent to the APMA Board of Trustees to grant the seal to the product,” she says.

Are Brooks running shoes good for walking?

“Ideally, because the gait pattern differs so much between running and walking, it would be best to have two separate pairs of shoes for each activity,” according to Parthasarathy. That said, those who participate in run/walk programs can typically get away with wearing the same pair for short distances since running and walking both require cushioning and shock absorption.

Full-time walkers may consider investing in one of Brooks’ walking shoes, such as the Addiction Walker, which combines support and cushion, adds Parthasarathy.

How we chose the best Brooks running shoes

We interviewed Alycia Stevenin, chief curriculum lead at Barry’s, Emily Booth, a NASM-certified personal trainer cycling instructor, and ultra-runner, and Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the APMA. We also tapped Prevention editors for their favorite Brooks running shoes and sifted through thousands of reviews to pick the best Brooks running shoes out there right now.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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