How To Choose the Best Brooks Running Shoes for You

When it comes to choosing a running shoe, the possibilities are endless. You can find everything from highly cushioned shoes to carbon plated shoes to stability shoes and everything in between. So how do you navigate the world of running shoes, especially when you may not even know where to begin? I don’t have all the answers, but I can at least guide you in the direction of how to choose the best Brooks running shoes for you.

How to find running shoes

If you are new to running or dealing with injuries or foot issues, it may be a good idea to go to a running store and get some help with choosing a running shoe. Most running stores have staff trained to watch you run and can make recommendations based on your gait. However, keep in mind that the best sign of the right running shoe for you is that it feels good!

My journey to Brooks Running

I started running longer distances after college, back in 2005, and started to have foot issues like plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. As I was dealing with these issues I went to a running store and was recommended to try Brooks Running shoes. I had never heard of them before, but they worked well for me and I’ve been running in them for 20 years now. Each time I try to wear something different it doesn’t work out and I end up back in Brooks.

For 5 years I was a Brooks Running Ambassador, and after aging out of the program I am now an affiliate, which means I still get to try some of their products to share recommendations. I also buy my own Brooks shoes and gear, because it’s what works for me!

So I am going to share Brooks Running shoes that I’ve been wearing lately to help you decide which shoes may work for you. Personally, I like to have a few different types of shoes to rotate between. I wear light shoes on speed days, cushioned shoes on easy days, and I even reach for shoes with a little more stability on days when I feel like I need extra support. You know what they say- you can never have too many pairs of running shoes!

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Current Brooks Running Shoes

Below is an overview of some current Brooks running shoes. These are models that I have been wearing for several months, and are fairly popular among runners. Of course, new versions come out all the time, so there may be some updates when that happens.

Brooks Ghost 16

To me these are the bread and butter of Brooks running shoes. Almost everyone who wears Brooks has worn the Ghosts at some point. This model feels pretty basic. They are cushioned, but not like some of the shoes I will talk about below. Everything just feels “standard” about these shoes, but they will be there for you mile after mile. I’d wear these for every distance run/race and any workout if I had to. If you like to stick to basic running shoes, these are for you. Nothing crazy, just a good quality shoe that does it all.

Price: $140
Midsole Drop: 12mm
Support Leve: Neutral

Brooks Glycerin 22

The Glycerin 18 were my first experience wearing a highly cushioned shoe back in 2020. I remember putting them on for the first time and thinking “these feel so soft!” Since then, not all the models have worked as well for me because of sizing and weight. But I am loving the updates to the Glycerin 22 this year! They remind me of some of the Max shoes I will talk about below, but at a more reasonable price point.

The Glycerin 22 use nitrogen-infused cushioning for enhanced softness without adding extra weight to the shoe.

After dealing with some top of foot pain earlier this year I’ve had to be careful about lacing my shoes a certain way and avoid shoes with a very thick upper. The Glycerin 22 have a flexible and breathable upper, which provides a comfortable fit without being too tight.

Price: $165
Midsole Drop: 10mm
Support Level: Neutral

Brooks Ghost Max 2

The Ghost Max are pretty different from the regular Ghosts. While they still have a soft and secure feel, they are much more cushioned with a higher stack height, but less of a midsole drop. Also differing from the standard Ghosts is their rocker shape, which helps you move from landing to toe off.

Even though they have alot of cushion, they feel very stable because of their wide base. These are the shoes I pull out when I am going on a recovery run and need a little help moving my legs. I don’t necessarily feel like I can run fast in these shoes, but they work for easy runs. They only cost a bit more than the regular Ghosts at $150 vs $140.

Price: $150
Midsole Drop: 6mm
Support Level: Neutral

Brooks Glycerin Max

The Glycerin Max are not like anything I’ve ever run in before. I want these shoes to last forever (I feel like they will) but at some point I can see myself buying another pair. I just hope these aren’t a shoe that goes away in a few years.

These shoes look like they have alot of cushion- and they do! You actually feel taller when you put them on. They have two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning making them feel super soft but still responsive. They weigh just a bit more than the regular Glycerins but they don’t feel heavy at all. In fact, the rocker makes them feel like a fast shoe, even though they seem to work best for easy runs and long runs. I wouldn’t be opposed to doing a tempo run or even some intervals in these shoes.

They do cost more than most other Brooks shoes at $200. But their comfort and durability makes them well worth the price point.

Price: $200
Midsole Drop: 6mm
Support Level: Neutral

Brooks Hyperion 2

For many years I loved the Brooks Pure Flows, and other shoes in the Pure Line. I was pretty upset when they discontinued them. I really like a light shoe with a low midsole drop, especially for speed work days. These are the closest I could find to the Pure Flows, and while definitely not the same, they have a light feel and are responsive for faster running. The midsole drop is 8mm, lower than most other regular Brooks shoes.

I like to use these for speed work and shorter races, but I have worn them for up to 13 miles. They may take some getting used to if you’re not used to a very light shoe with this amount of drop.

Price: $140
Midsole Drop: 8mm
Support Level: Neutral

Brooks Hyperion Max 2

These are the shoes I never knew I needed until I tried them a few years ago. Take the Hyperions, and add some cushioning, and you have the Hyperion Max. The extra cushioning adds some bounce and just makes them feel even more responsive, plus I feel like I can wear them for longer runs. I even ran my last marathon in these in November.

They don’t feel heavier than the Hyperions, but they feel like they offer more protection. I also notice the rocker feel which just makes faster speeds come easier in these shoes. I wear these for everything from speed workouts to tempo runs and races of all distances.

Price: $180
Midsole Drop: 6mm
Support Level: Neutral

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

I typically don’t wear supportive running shoes, but I was sent these to try last fall and was pleasantly surprised. I expected a heavy, constricted feeling, but that’s not what I got. I did feel more support, but the Adrenalines don’t feel any heavier than most other Brooks shoes. Maybe a bit less flexible, but not super stiff.

If I feel like I need a little more support I will wear these, and I could see how for some runners these could be there go-to shoe. The Guide Rails support sytem helps reduce excess motion for runners who need it.

Price: $140
Midsole Drop: 12 mm
Support Level: Support

Brooks Running Shoes Accolades

To sum things up, here are my recommendations for Brooks running shoes based on what you may be looking for.

Best Brooks Running shoes for…
Speedwork: Hyperion 2 or Hyperion Max 2
Long runs: Ghost 16, Glycerin 22, or Glycerin Max
Support: Adrenaline GTS 24
Wide Feet: Ghost Max 2
Narrow Feet: Hyperion 2, Ghost 16, or Hyperion Max 2
Racing: Hyperion Max 2 or Hyperion 2
Recovery Runs: Ghost Max 2, Glycerin Max, Glycerin 22, or Adrenaline GTS 24

I hope you find this helpful, and that you can now go select a few Brooks running shoes to add to your rotation!

Do you run in Brooks running shoes?
How many shoes are in your rotation?

You may also like:
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How To Rotate Your Running Shoes
Tips for Preventing and Treating Blisters from Running Shoes
My Favorite Running Clothes and Gear for Spring 2025

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