Best Brooks Running Shoes 2023

Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet

By The Fleet Feet Editors Updated on
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New runners and seasoned marathoners alike love Brooks running shoes. Why? Because Brooks' singular focus on running means every detail is tailored to helping you run happy.

The Seattle-based running company owns some of the biggest names in the industry, including the versatile Ghost and the formidable Adrenaline. From laid back everyday trainers to marathon shoes competing for podium spots, there’s a perfect pair of Brooks running shoes for every runner.

Click through our picks of the best Brooks running shoes to find the right pair for you.

What It’s Best For

Shoe Model

Best for Everyday Training

Brooks Ghost 15

Best for Stability

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Best for Cushion

Brooks Glycerin 20

Best for a Budget

Brooks Launch 9

Best for Speedwork

Brooks Hyperion Tempo

Best for Long Distances

Brooks Levitate 6

Best for Road Racing

Brooks Hyperion Elite 2

Best for Everyday Trail Running

Brooks Cascadia 16

Best for Long Distance Trail Running

Brooks Caldera 6

[This is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2023. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]

Best Brooks Running Shoes for Everyday Training

Brooks Ghost 15

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The Brooks Ghost 15 is everything you want from an everyday training shoe and more.

Brooks' award-winning trainer is at it again, this time with an even lighter and softer feel. Designers updated the Ghost 15 with their new DNA Loft v2 foam for a responsive ride and cushioned transitions. Reviewers loved how these shoes hugged their feet in our Brooks Ghost 15 review.

The new Ghost is just as comfortable and versatile as it's always been, which makes it great for new runners and seasoned marathoners alike.

Best Brooks Running Shoes for Stability

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

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The legendary Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is Brooks’ go-to stability shoe for a reason. It is both stable and soft for a comfortable ride mile after mile.

Brooks built the new Adrenaline GTS 22 with its GuideRails support system. The holistic approach to stability shifts focus to your knees to keep excess pronation in check, so you can run comfortably.

New this year is a bigger bed of Brooks' softest foam. Designers created the midsole using 100% DNA Loft foam for an even softer, more buttery ride and easier transition from heel to toe.

Covered in a breathable mesh upper for a secure and roomy fit, the updated Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 changed the 3D print technology for even more comfort in your favorite stability shoe. Reviewers loved the breathable engineered mesh in our Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 review.

Best Brooks Running Shoes for Cushion

Brooks Glycerin 20

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The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a classic cushioned running shoe that just doesn't quit.

The most recent update to the Glycerin is the introduction of DNA LOFT v3 cushioning to the midsole. This nitrogen-injected foam is Brooks’ softest midsole material, plus, it gives you amazing energy return to put a spring in your step. One tester said that “the midsole gets more comfortable the more I wear the shoe. It has the right combination of cushion and bounce for a smooth run," in our Brooks Glycerin 20 review.

With two different uppers to choose from, there is a Glycerin option for everyone. The regular Glycerin 20 has an engineered mesh upper and a bit more room in the forefoot, while the Glycerin StealthFit 20 has a closer-to-foot, knit upper.

Want the cushion, but need some stability? Check out the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20.

Best Brooks Running Shoes on a Budget

Brooks Launch 9

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The Brooks Launch 9 is an affordable—and speedy—option for all runners.

Brooks built the Launch 9 atop a BioMoGo DNA midsole. They added extra foam to this model to make it softer and more responsive, allowing you to pick up the pace while springy rubber under the forefoot propels you forward.

Designers made the shoe more breathable and lightweight by adding a Creel Wrap upper that gives the Launch a streamlined look and keeps you cool in warm weather.

Whether you're heading out for a few easy miles or putting in your speed work, the newest Brooks Launch 9 is a comfortable, lightweight, no-frills running shoe that's easy on your feet and your wallet.

Need extra support? The Brooks Launch 9 GTS adds Brooks' GuideRails stability technology for lightweight support.

Best Brooks Running Shoes for Speedwork

Brooks Hyperion Tempo

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The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is a lightweight shoe that allows you to pick up the pace. Brooks uses their nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole foam that brings maximum energy at a minimum weight. The breathable, stretch-woven upper moves with your feet, which helps to keep them cool when your workout heats up.

Perfect for speedwork, the Hyperion Tempo is so lightweight and comfortable that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it. Use this snappy and responsive for hard workouts and running fast.

Best Brooks Running Shoes for Long Distances

Brooks Levitate 6

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Energetic and smooth, the Brooks Levitate 6 will allow you to run effortlessly. Brooks updated their DNA AMP v2 cushioning to give you an energetic feel for quick transitions with 10% less weight. Brooks also added 2 mm more of this springy foam to give you an exceedingly comfortable ride.

To help you find the perfect fit, Brooks offers two different upper options to choose from: the Levitate 6 or the Levitate StealthFit 6. The Levitate 6 features an engineered mesh upper that fits a higher volume foot better. The Levitate StealthFit 6 has a one-piece, bootie-like knit upper with an attached tongue that is more flexible, lighter and breathable, but also fits a bit narrower.

Read more in our Brooks Levitate 6 review.

Best Brooks Running Shoes for Road Racing

Brooks Hyperion Elite 2

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Marathoners demand a lot from their shoes, and the Brooks Hyperion Elite delivers.

The Hyperion Elite 2 is Brooks’ answer to carbon-fiber plated running shoes. A precisely tuned carbon-fiber plate acts like a lever inside the shoe to propel you forward, and its stiffness reduces the amount of work your muscles have to do.

Packed around the plate, Brooks developed a brand new midsole foam called DNA Zero. The featherweight foam adapts to your stride and provides consistent cushioning from mile 1 to mile 26.

Best Brooks Trail Running Shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16

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Brooks brings its trusted fit and comfort to the trails with the Cascadia 16 and made our list of best trail running shoes in 2023.

A favorite among beginner and experienced trail runners, the updated Brooks Cascadia 16 is full of pop and foot protection with Brook’s plush DNA Loft v2 foam and Ballistic Rock Shield.

The Cascadia 16 has everything you could want from a trail shoe: toe protection, heel support, a breathable mesh upper for ventilation and water drainage, and a stable midsole that gives you confidence on rocky or uneven terrain.

Plus, if you tend to have a wider foot or like to wear thicker socks on your runs and hikes, Brooks offers the Cascadia 16 in wide widths for both men and women. Learn more in our Brooks Cascadia 16 review.

Best for Long Distance Trail Running

Brooks Caldera 6

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The ultra-cushioned Brooks Caldera 6 is perfect for long miles on the trails. Brooks added their nitrogen-injected DNA LOFT v3 foam in the midsole, so it is soft, lightweight and energetic, perfect for a day of adventures. Our testers loved the new cushioning in our Brooks Caldera 6 review. One tester stated "They feel soft while also feeling like they’ve got some life in them. They felt light and maneuverable, in other words not at all clunky, while doing some fast intervals on the trail."

Brooks added multidirectional lugs on the outsole to help you climb uphill and race downhill with more confidence thanks to the increased traction. Your feet will feel like they are getting hugs all day long—Brooks designed the Caldera 6 with an internal midfoot saddle and raised midsole foam walls to keep your feet secure and supported as you traverse treacherous terrain. The Brooks Caldera 6 will help you explore longer and farther.

Brooks Shoe Reviews

Brooks Running Shoe Technology

How We Chose the Best Brooks Running Shoes

To pick the best Brooks running shoes, we combed through our Brooks shoe reviews, best-sellers lists and fit id data to find the shoes we think will work for most people in most situations. We also leaned on our expertise in the running industry to make recommendations.

You can shop Brooks running shoes with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping and returns on all running shoes, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.

Best Running Shoe Brands

Brooks makes some of the best running shoes in the business, but there are plenty of excellent shoes from other brands. See the best running shoe brands 2023 for more great shoes.