Welcome to our guide to Brooks Running footwear! Brooks has been a leader among specialty running for years thanks to their focus on the recreational runner and step-in comfort. Their technology focuses on maximizing the runner's unique movement path, providing semi-customized cushioning and a variety of fits for each runner's individual needs. They have a vast road line with variations on the same shoe for different fits and levels of stability. Brooks continues to have the most extensive line of stability shoes on the market from faster shoes up to motion control shoes, which is rare in today's footwear landscape. Being a Seattle-based company, they also have a strong focus on sustainability and keep the environment in mind with the development of their footwear. In this feature, we will cover Brooks's history, unique technology, and their current running shoe lineup.
Guide to Brooks Running Shoes
Written and Edited by Content Manager Bach Pham and Founder Matt Klein
About Brooks Running
Brooks Headquarters |
GuideRails Support System. Brooks signature stability system, the GuideRails are a combination of sidewalls and posting that encourages the foot to be centered and going as forward as possible.
GTS. Short for Go-To-Support, this is the label Brooks adds to shoes when GuideRails are incorporated. Recently, Brooks rebranded their line to help simplify decisions, adding GTS to models to signify what neutral shoe they were similar to. (Ravenna, for example, became the Launch GTS)
BioMogo DNA. Brooks signature EVA found in most budget models currently.
DNA Loft v3. All DNA models feature a nitrogen-infused EVA. The Loft series is focused on cushioning. The Ghost and Glycerin are examples where this foam is seen.
DNA Amp. The energy focused version of DNA, it is tuned a little more different to be faster off the ground than Loft, rather than softer. Seen in their Energize models, particularly the Levitate.
DNA Flash. The lightest variation of DNA seen in their faster speed-day shoes. This can be found in the Hyperion series.
Trail Adaptive System. Seen in their Cascadia, it is the combination of the Rock Shield with an aggressive lug design and their midsole that works together for stability.
Breaking Down the Brooks Running Line
Road Shoes from Brooks Running
Revel 6 (Neutral budget - springy) - Part of the trilogy of $100 shoes offered, the Revel is a lower stacked shoe that provides a stiff sole throughout that is a little more inherently stable than the Launch.
Trace (Neutral budget - 12mm) - The Trace offers a taller 12mm stacked offering over the Revel and Launch which are 8mm.
Ghost 16 (Neutral Daily Trainer) - A perennial best-selling model in the run-retail space, the Ghost is known for comfortably mild cushioning and comfortable fit that makes it an easy choice for new and old runners alike.
Ghost Max (Orthotic Friendly Max Stack Height Daily Trainer) - Brooks' first max cushioned, rockered shoe for daily training and longer efforts. First released in 2023.
Launch GTS (Lightweight Stability Trainer) - The Launch GTS uses a very mild GuideRail to provide additional guidance to the Launch and adds a lot of inherent stability.
Adrenaline GTS 23 (Stability Daily Trainer) - Brooks' premier stability trainer, featuring their signature GuideRail technology. The rails are fairly large here, providing a moderately high level of guidance.
Glycerin 21 (Premium Cushioned Daily Trainer) - Brooks most cushioned daily training model, focusing on comfort.
Glycerin GTS 21 (Premium Cushioned Stability Daily Trainer) - The stability version of the Glycerin, with GuideRails incorporated.
Beast GTS (Motion Control - Max Stability Daily Trainer) - The Beast uniquely has the highest level of stability in the market today, with massive GuideRails and a wide base for an ultra stable ride. This shoe is also known as Ariel for women's models.
Trail Shoes from Brooks Running
Divide 4 (Neutral Budget Trail Shoe) - A great budget option for runners who want to dabble in trail for the first time. Not a super technical shoe, but a good option for mild trail running
Cascadia 17 (Neutral Trail Shoe) - Brooks' most traditional trail shoe. Extremely protective all-around and good for easy trail miles
Caldera 5 (Maximal Cushioning Trail Shoe) - A very highly cushioned trail shoe for long and easy efforts
Catamount 2 (Neutral Trail Performance/Racing Shoe) - Brooks' lightest trail shoe, built for faster runs and race day.
Performance Shoes from Brooks Running
Hyperion (Neutral Uptempo/Faster Shoe) - A very light and neutral trainer for workouts.
Hyperion GTS (Stability Uptempo/Faster Shoe) - Combining a lightweight foam with Brooks GuideRails, the GTS offers the lightest stability performance option in the market for workouts and race day.
Hyperion Max (Neutral Cushioned Uptempo/Faster Shoe) - A light and highly versatile shoe for those that also wants a good amount of cushioning underfoot as well for longer efforts.
By Andrea Myers
Best Daily Trainer: Brooks Ghost Max | Review
The Brooks Ghost Max is a maximal stack height, orthotic-friendly daily trainer for those who want the classic and reliable Brooks fit/ride with a taller stack height. A slightly wider and more comfortable fit runs throughout the length of the shoe with room for an orthotic. A large amount of DNA Loft V2 sits in the midsole, providing a soft and compliant ride underneath. A wide, straight last sits underneath with a filled-in midfoot that provides mild guidance without getting in the way. A great option for those wanting a maximalist, lower-drop Brooks shoe, the Brooks Ghost Max fills a unique and much needed niche in this company's line up.
Best Stability Trainer: Launch GTS 10 | Review
Recently Brooks made a big shift, moving over some models that had their own names and instead matching them to their neutral trainers to provide regular and "Go to Support (GTS)" versions. Formally known as the Ravenna, the Launch GTS offers a mild stability counterpart to the Launch. Call me crazy, but despite being very simple and traditional all-around, this shoe is one of the most consistent and... enjoyable (!) rides I've tried all year. It delivers exactly what it promises as a low profile daily trainer with mild stability, nothing more, nothing less.
Best Stability Racing Shoe: Hyperion GTS | Review
The Brooks Hyperion GTS is a mild stability lightweight trainer/racer for those who want something a little closer to the ground for faster efforts. A full-length DNA flash midsole is paired with guiderails making for a guided, flexible and snappy ride. A low-volume performance fit with a slightly wider forefoot sits up top making for a secure, snug and comfortable fit. Best for those yearning for mild stability wanting a lightweight trainer, workout or racing shoe, the Hyperion GTS is now the "sole" contender in the sub 8 oz mild stability racing category.
Best Performance Trainer (and all-time Andrea shoe): Hyperion Max | Review
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight, rockered performance trainer that is equally comfortable at easy and uptempo paces. The nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH midsole provides ample underfoot protection while retaining a snappy and responsive ride. The rearfoot and forefoot rockers, which Brooks calls Rapid Roll technology, contribute to smooth transitions without forcing motion. Andrea has been asking the shoe universe to send me a replacement for her beloved, discontinued New Balance Beacon, and this shoe helped fill the void. The Hyperion Max is a great option for runners looking for a lightweight trainer that can handle uptempo paces and easy miles.
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
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Running Shoe Resources
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Beginner's Guide to Running Shoes: Are you a brand new runner and unsure where to start? Visit this guide first to get started.
Stability Shoe Resource Page: Our comprehensive guide to stability shoes and alternatives for neutral runners as well
Carbon Fiber Plated Shoes Resource Page: Want to go as fast as possible for race day? Visit this page for all of our super shoe reviews
Guide to Walking Shoes: Featuring some science behind walking and the best running shoes for walking based on our everyday testing and clinical experience working with patients.
Getting the Right Fit: Unsure if your shoe fits? Visit this page to help you determine how to find the right shoe for your feet. Comfort is one of the most important things we emphasize at Doctors of Running before you get out the door and on the road. Sometimes the right shoe for you is not what works for many others. That is why it is important to try different shoes when you can to get a better understanding of works best for your needs.
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