Editor’s note, June 23, 2026: The Brooks Ghost 17 is currently on sale for 27 percent off at brooksrunning.com and amazon.com. Several of Brooks’s shoes are also on sale, including the Hyperion Max 3 and Hyperion 3, which are on this list.
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 2025 Runner’s World Shoe Awards. And to think the company started out over 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 for Long Runs: Brooks Glycerin 23 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best Value: Brooks Launch 12 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best Daily Trainer: Brooks Ghost 18 (Men’s / Women’s)
- Best Racing Shoe: Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 (Unisex)
- Best Cushioning: Brooks Glycerin Flex (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 2025’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 Ghost 18
Pros
- Balanced DNA Loft v3 cushioning
- Comfy knit upper with padding
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Initially stiff
- Some pressure by bunion prone area
| 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.
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Pros
- Midsole features a top layer of responsive PEBA foam
- Rocker geometry encourages smooth turnover
- Accommodating, breathable sock-like upper
- Nylon/fiberglass plate has more give than carbon fiber
Cons
- Heavier than previous iteration
- Towering stack height creates some instability for some
- Doesn’t meet World Athletics guidelines; illegal for pros
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 10 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
There’s so much to like about the latest version of the Hyperion Max. I wore this third iteration for a long stretch of weeks—when I’m supposed to be testing other shoes. And I was not the only one crazy about this shoe. The Hyperion Max 3 was favored by testers for its versatile ride; its bed of soft cushioning is ideal for long runs and its propulsive bounce makes speed workouts fun.
The nylon/fiberglass plate, sandwiched between PEBA and nitrogen-infused supercritical foam, is more pliant than carbon fiber. The pairing of plate and PEBA, along with the “fits like a glove” sock-like upper, makes the Hyperion Max 3 a terrific option when you don’t want to drop $250-plus on a pair of super shoes.
“The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 were by far my favorite RW test shoe,” said tester Jeff Deschler. “Besides trail running, I ran every single road mile in them since the day I got them. From the onset, they just felt ‘right.’ They felt like a super trainer without the minimalism that a lot of super trainers carry over from their super shoe brethren. The rocker, the snappy response, the copious amounts of cushioning, albeit firm, everything was spot on.”
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Pros
- New DNA Gold PEBA paired with SpeedVault Race+ plate delivers explosive rebound for race day
- Lateral heel cutout adds more propulsion
Cons
- Less explosive compared to shoes like Nike Alphafly
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.9 oz (unisex, M9) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
The newly released Hyperion Elite 5 is a follow-up to the Hyperion Elite 4 PB, a second edition of the shoe introducing Brooks’s new super foam, DNA Gold. The foam is Brooks’s first 100 percent PEBA midsole, and Brooks-sponsored Boston Marathon champion Des Linden declared that it's the only foam she’ll ever race in.
It’s the bounciest Brooks racing shoe I’ve ever raced in. The shoe is lightweight and has a lateral heel cutout with domes to promote propulsion and shave off even more weight.
“What I liked most about this shoe is the energy return and the air built into the sole,” said tester Gabrielle Kelenyi. “The shoe is so very light and the sole has a good amount of cushion and bounce so that it was both comfortable to wear and easy to pick up my foot after each strike. The last few weeks were some of the fastest averages I’ve maintained in about a year, and it was clearly because of the shoes.”
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Review
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 36 mm for a cushioned trainer in a sea of high-stacked super trainers reaching beyond 40 mm. 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 cushioning to the heel and a whopping 3mm to the forefoot, making the shoe have a 10 mm 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 Hyperion 3
Pros
- More midsole foam to absorb impact
- Thicken 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 2 mm of DNA Flash v2 throughout the foot, raising the stack height to 36 mm. The extra foam helps absorb impact during hard efforts. Brooks added 2 mm to the sockliner, as well, to provide a plusher ride.
The added cushioning is even more noticeable if you’ve previously run in the Hyperion 2. The Hyperion 3’s turnover feels similar to its predecessor: same quick roll from heel to toe. The Hyperion 2, 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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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
- Comfortable, true-to-size fit
- Tacky outsole rubber good for traction on most terrain
Cons
- Bulky; feels heavier compared to other trail shoes
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz (M), 8.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
The Cascadia 19 is basically the trail version of the Ghost. (Brooks has a Ghost Trail but testers said it felt beefier compared to its road counterpart.) The shoe has the same DNA Loft v3 midsole as the Ghost 17, which provides soft cushioning for everyday training.
Brooks added 2 mm of foam in the heel and 4 mm in the forefoot, which translates to more protection on uneven surfaces—along with a flexible rock plate, which also provides stability—as well as a softer ride. Our testers praised the grippy outsole and comfy, secure fit.
“What I most liked about the Brooks Cascadia 19 was its incredibly precise and comfortable fit—something I’ve consistently experienced with other Brooks models as well,” said tester Adrian Sauers. “The shoe truly fits like a glove, wrapping around my foot in a way that feels secure without being restrictive. That comfort translated into confidence, especially during long technical trail runs where proper fit can make or break the experience.
“It also meets a very specific need in my running—handling technical terrain in a variety of weather conditions. Whether the trail was dry, muddy, or slick, the Cascadia 19 maintained its grip and responsiveness. It’s rare to find a trail shoe that offers this level of comfort while still being rugged and performance-ready. ”
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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
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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.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.