The Best Brooks Running Shoes, Tested by Real Runners
Our top picks for flat feet, extra stability, cushioning and more.
Tested by Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
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I've logged hundreds of miles running and countless hours walking around New York City, so I know firsthand the difference between working out in comfortable shoes versus uncomfortable ones. Whether I'm tackling recovery runs in Central Park or training for a 10K, I typically reach for Brooks or HOKA shoes. For this guide, I'm focusing on the best Brooks running shoes for maximum comfort and support. (You can check out our guide to the best HOKA shoes here.)
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts rigorously test a wide range of sneakers, including top-rated running shoes. In our Lab, we assess factors like construction and support, while consumer testers and on-staff runners provide real-world feedback on comfort, fit, appearance and more. For our latest evaluation of Brooks running shoes, I personally tested three styles over the course of four months, incorporating them into my weekly runs and walks.
My testing didn’t stop there. I also reviewed data from our previous running shoe evaluations and gathered input from GH staffers who have run distances ranging from 5Ks to marathons. This collective feedback allowed us to identify the best options for a variety of needs — whether you're a speed runner, a distance runner or simply looking for a stable shoe for neighborhood walks.
Pros
- Very cushioned
- Not too bulky
- Helps propel you forward
- Comfortable even after hours of wear
Cons
- Runners who overpronate wished there was more arch support
- Laces were not long enough
In our testing, Brooks' Glycerin 21 sneakers received almost perfect scores for cushioning, fit and traction.
"My run felt very bouncy and [with] a good forward motion," reported one tester. Another agreed: "It feels easier to run in these shoes, like they're helping to propel me forward and aren't dragging me down." One tester even wished they had a pair when they were training for a half marathon instead of their other shoes.
The silhouette is not too bulky compared to other slightly more cushioned running shoes. I find that the Brooks Glycerin strikes an ideal balance of cushioning and stability. "They were comfortable immediately upon putting them on and were still comfortable hours later without any issues," said one tester, although another runner found that the shoes required a break-in period.
Testers who overpronate while running found that the Glycerins didn't offer as much arch support as they would have liked. Multiple testers also noted that the shoe laces were a little short, which made tying a secure knot difficult.
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm |
Pros
- More affordable than other Brooks shoes
- Designed to be springy and responsive
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Some online reviews found the cushion to be lacking
One caveat to Brooks running shoes is that the brand doesn't offer a considerably low-cost sneaker. This is, of course, true of other top-performing brands. The Revel 7 is a slightly more budget-friendly option at just shy of $100.
It's designed to provide a springy ride, thanks to an adaptable, cushioned midsole. Similar to other Brooks shoes, the Revel can also be worn during other activities and features a responsive bottom. It has a soft collar and tongue for comfort plus a knit upper to improve breathability.
One five-star Amazon reviewer uses the Revel 7 as their everyday work shoes and finds their feet don't hurt even after nine hours of walking. "I used to hate spending over $50 on sneakers, but Brooks are well worth the money," they wrote. While multiple satisfied shoppers reported how comfortable the Revels are, one found that they didn't offer as much cushion and some wished for more support.
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm |
Pros
- Maximum amount of cushioning
- Comfortable even after multi-hour walks
- Versatile
Cons
- Chunky
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a newer style from the brand that I have been testing over the past three months. I initially found the extremely chunky sneakers to be too much — something I never say as someone who needs that extra cushioning to help with shin splints. I quickly began to love the added cushion, especially on days when I run and then have to be on my feet for multiple hours.
Even though these shoes are designed for speed and comfort, per the product description, I exclusively wear these shoes for walking. The thick bottom is a bit too clunky for me to confidently run, but I cannot emphasize enough how my other cushioned shoes (like the regular Glycerin or HOKA Bondi 8) cannot compare. The chunkier silhouette does mean these are more difficult to pack and I tend to keep them at home for everyday walking or commuting.
You can browse two more colors on Brooks' site and I am hopeful that the brand will release more colors. The pink undertones and foam-like exterior felt a bit cheap to me at first, but the performance made up for this real quick. At almost $200, these are pricey. While the splurge is worth it if you are on your feet all day, it may not be the best choice if you are looking for solely a running shoe.
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Drop | 6 mm |
Brooks Women’s Ghost 16
Pros
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- Firm and lightweight shoe
Cons
- Not super stylish
The Brooks Ghost shoes were the first style I tried from the brand. I wore them during short, recovery runs and found them to be one of the most stable running shoes I have tried. That said, they didn't offer as much cushioning and I began to wear them more often while walking than running.
However, another tester who ran over six hours in these shoes appreciated the lack of cushion. She prefers firmer running shoes like these and found them to be lightweight and comfortable. While she wasn't a huge fan of the shoe's appearance, she said that "their comfort while running will still keep me wearing them."
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
| Drop | 12 mm |
Brooks Women's Catamount 3 Trail Running Shoe
Pros
- Designed with speed and summiting in mind
- Provides traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Upper provides good stability
Cons
- Shoe may feel hard, according to one Amazon review
When shopping for new running shoes, it's key to take into consideration how you plan to use them. Will you primarily run on pavement, a treadmill or trails? If you prefer the latter, then our pros recommend investing in running shoes meant to perform well on tougher terrain.
The Catamount 3 is a lightweight and responsive shoe designed with speed in mind. It features a special SkyVault plate (made from Pebax, a durable plastic) that helps propel you forward so you can tackle uphill running and summiting. The rubber outsole offers traction on both wet and dry surfaces, according to the brand, and the upper part of the shoe contours to your foot to help provide stability on uneven ground.
One online shopper enjoyed wearing the Catamount for steep runs, while another found the trail running shoe to be a bit too hard.
| Weight | 8.4 oz |
| Drop | 6 mm |
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 23
Pros
- Perfect scores for support
- Offers good traction
- Good option for nurses
Cons
- Not super fashionable
Testers gave the Adrenaline perfect scores for cushioning, support, fit and comfort. As with other Brooks shoes, there were lower scores for appearance. But you can choose from over 20 colors to find a running shoe that best matches your wardrobe.
One tester who is a physical therapist with flat feet reported, "They provided great arch support throughout my nine-hour work day." They also found the sneaker to provide good traction. Another tester who is an RN and also has flat feet gave a positive review for arch support, adding that their knees and feet didn't hurt after a 12-hour shift.
| Weight | 9.1 oz |
| Drop | 12 mm |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Designed for speed and races
- Cushioned to absorb impact
Cons
- Most expensive running shoe on our list
While the Hyperion Elite 4 is the most expensive shoe we have included in this round-up, our running shoe pros think it can be worth the splurge if you are training for a longer race like a marathon.
It has a secure upper and good cushioning to help absorb impact. The curved midsole and carbon fiber plate work together to help propel you forward and reach the finish line — whether you are doing a speed circuit or a long run ahead of race day.
Multiple online reviews noted how lightweight and comfortable these race-day shoes are — even if they wore them for a marathon with minimal break-in time. "I have worn them now on three occasions, all of which I have broken a personal best and in different categories," wrote one satisfied reviewer.
| Weight | 7.8 oz |
| Drop | 8 mm |
How we test running shoes
In the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts test almost every kind of running shoe in the Lab and among consumer testers. We also team up with podiatrists to better understand which features in a sneaker are important to consider if you have pre-existing concerns. We evaluate arch and midsole support, construction, materials and more. We ask testers to run for at least three hours before providing feedback on comfort, cushioning, breathability, appearance and support.
When we are not testing a specific brand or category of running shoes, we are trying out new models and comparing them with tried and true favorites from previous tests.
What to look for when shopping
✔️ Purpose: The first step in finding any kind of running shoe is considering what you plan to use them for, says Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. Each shoe, regardless of brand, is designed for a specific use. That said, it's best to wear trail runners during hikes rather than a traditional running shoe.
✔️ Comfort: Perhaps the most important factor, comfort is essential to choosing a running shoe that works for your feet. "Make sure the pair doesn’t rub or pinch when you try them on," says Seymour, adding that wide sizing is a great option to ensure a proper fit.
✔️ Cushioning: While Brooks shoes aren't particularly known for having thick, visible cushioning like HOKA sneakers, there are some styles like the Glycerin Max that offer more cushion. These chunkier styles aren't for everyone which is why Brooks tends to focus on a more classic running shoe that can suit most runners.
✔️ Stability: Brooks is maybe most well-known for its stability features, including a heavier feel and sturdy structure that doesn't give if you were to twist the sneaker. "This stability is great for someone who has foot pain or runs dozens of miles a week, but may not be as necessary for a beginner runner," explains Seymour.
✔️ Heel drop: A key feature of Brooks sneakers is a high heel drop, meaning there is a larger height difference between the heel and the front of the shoe. "This is great for runners whose heels hit the ground first and anyone who wants to alleviate stress on their Achilles tendon," explains Seymour. A high heel drop is also ideal for runners who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
✔️ Price: As you can gather from our recommended picks, Brooks isn't the most affordable option on the market. It remains one of the most classic running shoe brands because satisfied customers are known to come back again and again to replace old pairs. That said, we think that Brooks is definitely worth the upfront cost if the sneaker in question checks off all of your boxes. But even the best value shoe isn't super low cost, says Seymour. If you are a beginner, it may be worth exploring more affordable brands first and then investing in a pair of Brooks down the line.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with product analysts across Labs to ensure our shopping guides reflect recent testing and pricing information. She has reported on a variety of running shoes including the best HOKA, New Balance and Nike sneakers, as well as the best running shoes for flat feet. While Berry prefers running short and long distances in HOKA shoes, she loves wearing Brooks Glycerin sneakers when walking around New York City for multiple hours.
To gather picks and shopping advice, Berry worked with Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour, who has also tested Brooks shoes first-hand. At the GH Institute, Seymour leads testing for many of our running shoe tests as well as for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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