The only shoes Brooks makes are running shoes, and it’s damn good at it.
Brooks is a 100-year-old company that has been making running shoes since 1977. In fact, it’s one of the few companies that produces only running shoes, and that allows it to be competitive with much larger brands. For proof, look no further than its Adrenaline GTS (Go To Shoe), which has a loyal following and dominates sales through specialty retailers.
Cascadia 14 Ghost 12 Glycerin 17 Ravenna 10
Most cushioned trail Best daily trainer Plushiest cushioning lightweight stability
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First in Foam
Brooks has pioneered a number of key technologies over the years. Its initial running model, the Villanova, was introduced in 1974 and was the first running shoe to use EVA foam—a revolutionary technology at the time because it was both lighter and softer than other cushioning options. The company’s Vantage model, introduced in 1977, was the first to include a varus wedge, which helped runners whose feet rolled too far to the inside (overpronated). This technology is still popular today.
But Brooks didn’t stop there. The Beast burst onto the scene in 1992 and included a modified Progressive Diagonal Rollbar design, another company hallmark. This midsole feature uses a high density post placed under the arch of the foot to provide exceptional stability and help runners roll through their stride. The Progressive Diagonal Rollbar was also a part of the Adrenaline GTS when it debuted in 1994 (Brooks swapped the rollbar for GuideRails in the Adrenaline’s 19th iteration). This shoe became a bestseller for its ergonomic fit—and it remains a top model in the company’s lineup to this day.
Refined Cushioning, Improved Support
In 2017, Brooks introduced a soft, bouncy foam in the Levitate called DNA AMP. It’s a polyurethane-based foam encased in a TPU “skin” that allows the foam to expand in only one direction (vertically). That harnesses the polyurethane’s natural tendency to expand after impact to create more energy return as you run. Since then, Brooks has also introduced DNA Loft, a rubber-EVA blend that’s refined to be soft and lightweight. The added rubber also increases the foam’s durability, so it won’t break down and compact over time like traditional EVA. The result is a cushioning system that stays soft and comfortable through high mileage, and makes shoes like the Ghost and Glycerin especially plush.
Other tech stands out as well. In 2018, Brooks launched its GuideRails system, which is a new support feature designed to replace the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. GuideRails are raised strips around the inner and outer edges of the footbed that help keep your foot centered as you run. They’re less intrusive than traditional support features like medial posts, since they won’t adjust your stride if your foot isn’t rotating out of place. GuideRails debuted on the Bedlam, but it’s based on technology originally pioneered on the Transcend. The support feature is now found on several of the company’s shoes, including the Adrenaline GTS 20.
How We Chose
Every shoe here has been tested by our team of over 350 active wear-testers or by staff here at Runner’s World. In addition, we research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience to determine the best options. Armed with the latest technology and decades of shoe-making experience, Brooks consistently puts out a solid lineup of running shoes. Here are our favorite models from the brand.
Adrenaline GTS 20
The Adrenaline GTS, short for Go To Shoe, has gained a massive following since its launch in 1994. While many shoes are specialized for one type of runner, the Adrenaline is a proud generalist, and it’s designed to be flexible, supportive, well-cushioned, and durable. It sits between the Glycerin and Revel in terms of cushion, and it uses DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA to soften impacts. The newest version comes with a slimmed-down mesh upper to save weight, and the GuideRails system has been streamlined for smoother transitions.
Cascadia 14
Brooks made a few key updates on the latest iteration of its popular trail shoe. For starters, it’s about an ounce lighter than the Cascadia 13. On the outsole, TrailTack sticky rubber offers better grip in both wet and dry conditions, and the shoe comes with a redesigned mudguard that blocks debris while also draining water. Like the previous version, it has an “internal saddle” for a lockdown fit and the Pivot Posting System in the midsole for extra stability on rough trails.
Ghost 12
We gave the Ghost 11 an Editor’s Choice Award last year (the seventh such award for the Ghost series), and fans of the shoe will be happy to know that Brooks didn’t change too much with this update. The midsole, with its pillowy DNA Loft cushioning under the heel, remains the same, but the upper has a lighter, sleeker design. It’s made of a stretchy engineered mesh layered with 3D Fit Print material that provides structure, so you get flexibility and support where you need it.
Transcend 6
The Transcend is a hard shoe to pin down. On paper, it’s a plush stability shoe, but the updated GuideRails system is subtle enough that neutral runners can wear it without feeling interference in their stride. It’s also heavier than the Glycerin, but testers report that it still feels light and fast. That’s thanks to the new full-length DNA Loft midsole, which provides good cushioning, durability, and bounce. Overall, the Transcend makes a great workhorse trainer: It can handle lots of mileage and it’ll keep your legs feeling fresh even when you push the distance.
Glycerin 17
The name of the game for the Glycerin 17 is comfort, plain and simple. This neutral trainer is the plushest pair Brooks has to offer right now, and has delighted many a runner who just want a shoe that feels indulgent on their foot. While this does make it one of the heavier shoes out there, the Glycerin scored a “Very Soft” cushioning rating at the RW Shoe Lab.
Levitate 2
Pros:
- Responsive midsole
- Sock-like upper is comfy and sleek
Cons:
- Some testers found it slightly clunky
Levitate is all about the bounce. Launched in 2017, the shoe’s sole has a high-tech mix of old-school foam and new-school rubber, ranking it among the 20 bounciest shoes of the thousands we’ve tested over the years. Testers favoured the lightweight feel yet incredible support and cushioning in the latest version of this model, calling it “super comfortable.”
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PureGrit 8
The PureGrit offers moderate cushioning in a lightweight, trail-ready package. The latest version comes with a thinner knit upper that’s designed to wrap the foot closely and keep out debris. A rubber section over the toe box adds protection, but the thin heel cup offers little support. Underfoot, the shoe provides enough shock absorption to take the edge off impacts, but still delivers a good feel for the ground. Overall, it’s a nice option for a light, lean trail trainer —as long as you size down.
Revel 3
Pros:
- Same Brooks BioMoGo DNA cushioning at lower price
- Lower drop offers improved ground feel
Cons:
- Not enough traction for trails
The latest version of the Revel builds on its reputation as an affordable and versatile training shoe. The upper has been redesigned with a new knit pattern for low-key aesthetics, it comes with an interior bootie for a snug fit, and Brooks claims the midsole is even softer than before (it still uses the same DNA cushioning). Although it isn’t as plush as shoes like the Glycerin and Ghost, this update has a lower drop, which should give you a good ground feel on your mid-distance training runs.
Launch 6
The Launch checks a lot of boxes: It’s affordable, it’s cushioned without being too squishy, and it’s light enough for racing. We like it for distance training and marathon racing, but it’s also a good beginner shoe because of its price point and middle-of-the-road characteristics. The latest version comes with added cushioning in the forefoot for added responsiveness. Combined with a grippy rubber outsole and sleek upper, it’s a shoe that should appeal to a wide range of runners.
Ravenna 10
If you like switching your pace and distance between runs, the light and fast Ravenna is a great choice. It’s an equally great choice for neutral runners and those who need a moderate amount of support, making it versatile and useful to a range of runners. The 10th iteration of this shoe features Brooks’ GuideRails system in the midsole, which works to keep your feet and knees better aligned as you work through your stride.
