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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Brooks Running Shoes

Whether you’re an experienced runner or a novice, Brooks is one brand that has a wide range of running shoes for all kinds of runners. Brooks has been catering to the needs of runners for several years now.

From designing sports attires and accessories to manufacturing versatile and durable running shoes, Brooks has managed to conquer the athletic space.

The running shoe collection by Brooks features neutral running shoes, motion control shoes, track running shoes, trail running shoes, regular running shoes, and so on.

In this ultimate guide to the best Brooks running shoes, we’ll discuss 5 top-rated Brooks running shoes on the market at present. The products have been picked by our experts after extensive market research. Read on to know more.

Contents

Best Brooks running shoes on the market – Top 5 picks

All 5 shoes have been rated highly by existing users. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make a clear choice and pick the Brooks running shoes that best suit your requirement.

Brooks Launch 6brooks launch 6

Notable Features:

  • Use of HPR Plus and blown rubber in the outsole
  • Flex grooves provide flexibility
  • BioMoGo DNA that adapts to the shape of the foot
  • S-257 Cushsole offers responsiveness
  • Midfoot Transition Zone in the midsole
  • Segmented Crash Pad in the midsole
  • Engage Sockliner provides cushioning
  • Air mesh upper fabric
 

Brooks Launch 6

Price

Around $74.95 (Check out the latest rates here!)

Hell-to-Toe Drop

10 mm (0.39 inches)

Heel Height

28 mm (1.10 inches)

Forefoot Height

18 mm (0.70 inches)

Upper

Air Mesh Upper

Outsole Technology

HPR Plus and Blown Rubber

Midsole Technology

BioMoGo DNA

Arch Support

Neutral

Terrain

Road

Width

Normal

Weight

8.9 oz. (255g)

Ideal for

Daily Running

Sole Technology

  • Outsole Technology

The outsole of these running shoes uses two rubber materials. The HPR Plus rubber helps in protecting the foam unit from abrasive asphalt surface and provides better traction.

Blown rubber, on the other hand, provides traction and springiness. It is placed in the forefoot section.

The entire length of the outsole is covered with flex grooves that make the unit flexible.

  • Midsole Technology

The midsole of Brooks launch 6 is made of BioMoGo DNA foam made of recycled materials.

The midsole material provides a very responsive cushioning and better shock absorption. It adapts to the shape of your feet to provide good arch support.

Another material used in the midsole is S-257 Cushsole which runs full-length over the foam. It enhances responsiveness and cushioning.

The Midfoot Transition Zone lets your foot easily move through the natural gait cycle. The Segmented Crash Pad allows better shock absorption and flexibility.

To add more comfort and cushioning, the makers have used Engage Sockliner.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Launch 6 is made of Air Mesh material that offers a sock-like fit. The open pores on the surfaces keep the inner environment of the foot chamber well-ventilated.

The printed overlays on the mesh help in maintaining the structure and providing better coverage.

The shoes also feature padded collar and tongue that prevent wobbling, as well as accidental shoe-removal.

To enhance comfort and prevent skin irritation, the makers have used smooth textile.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Responsive cushioning
  • The midsole is very soft
  • Wide toe box
  • No break-in period needed
  • Doesn’t cause discomfort
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Narrow width
  • Arch is very high

Brooks Beast (Men) / Brooks Ariel (Women) 

Beast Brooks 20

Notable Features:

  • HPR Plus, HPR Green, and Flextra rubber in the outsole providing resistance to abrasion, flexibility, and traction.
  • MC Pod Configuration
  • Super DNA midsole offers good cushioning
  • Extended Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar in the midsole to check overpronation
  • DRB Accel to reduce underfoot strain
  • Caterpillar Crash Pad in the midsole to promote natural foot movement
  • Omega Flex Grooves offer flexibility
  • Breathable element mesh upper
 

Brooks Beast/ Brooks Ariel

Price

Around $94.95 – $199.99 (Check out the latest rates here!)

Heel-to-Toe Drop

12 mm (0.47 inches)

Heel Height

Forefoot Height

Upper

Element Mesh

Outsole Technology

HPR Plus, HPR Green, and Flextra

Midsole Technology

Super DNA

Arch Support

Motion Control

Terrain

Road

Width

Normal, Wide

Weight

13.5 oz. (385g)

Ideal For

Daily Running

Sole Technology

  • Outsole Technology

The outsole of these running shoes is made of three kinds of rubber. The HPR Plus rubber covers the rear part of the outsole and provides optimum resistance to abrasion, as well as better traction.

HPR Green provides a good amount of traction on both, dry, as well as wet surfaces.

The forefoot area also features Flextra rubber compound that improves flexibility depending on the runner’s gender.

These motion control shoes feature MC Pod Configuration to ensure that the platform is stable, comfortable, and supportive. The presence of this design feature ensures a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

  • Midsole Technology

The midsole of Brooks Beast features Super DNA that provides a good amount of cushioning as compared to other foam units used by Brooks.

The foaming unit adapts to the shape of your feet and makes it very comfortable for you to run in these shoes.

There are many amazing technologies used in these shoes like EPDRB or the Extended Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar which is basically a triple density foam. This foam helps to keep overpronation in check by promoting a stable gait.

Muscle strain is controlled by DRB Accel. The use of this technology offers torsional rigidity. The Caterpillar Crash Pad helps in promoting natural foot movements and providing cushioning and shock protection.

The presence of Omega Flex Grooves helps in making the midsole unit very flexible. The Ultimate Sock Liner further adds cushioning and wicking away the moisture. Henceforth, keeps the foot-chamber cool and free from moisture.

Brooks Ariel 20

Upper

The upper of these shoes is made of Element Mesh. The breathable material helps in maintaining a good airflow inside the foot. It wicks the moisture away and hence, keep your foot clean, healthy, and free from odor.

The upper unit also features synthetic overlays that provide secure coverage with the help of the lacing system.

The seamless upper construction makes the shoes feel light. The Element Lining offers a cool and dry interior environment.

The shoes also feature an Internal Support Saddle that ensures a secure fit to prevent wobbling and accidental removal of your running shoes. It also offers an irritation-free running experience.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Supportive midsole
  • Better traction
  • Helps in dealing with overpronation
  • Stylish
  • Can be used as casual shoes
  • Many width options
  • Helps in relieving Plantar Fasciitis

Cons

  • Not durable

Brooks Glycerin

Brooks Glycerin 18

 

Notable Features:

  • Use of two kinds of rubbers in the outsole makes it durable, flexible, and resistant to abrasion.
  • Ideal pressure zones in the outsole help in impact dispersion and allowing for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
  • Omega flex grooves in the outsole and caterpillar crash pads in midsole enhance the flexibility
  • Adaptable Super DNA cushioning with S-257 Cushsole
  • Breathable mesh upper
 

Brooks Glycerin

Price

Around $89.90 – $186.79 (Check out the latest rates here!)

Heel-to-Toe Drop

10 mm (0.39 inches)

Heel Height

29 mm (1.14 inches)

Forefoot Height

19 mm (0.74 inches)

Upper

Air Mesh

Outsole Technology

HPR Plus and Blown Rubber

Midsole Technology

Super DNA

Arch Support

Neutral

Terrain

Road

Width

Narrow, Normal, Wide

Weight

10 oz. (300g)

Ideal For

Daily Running

Sole Technology

  • Outsole Technology

The outsole of Brooks Glycerin is made of two types of rubber compounds namely HPR Plus and Blown Rubber.

The HPR Plus rubber compound present in the heel is robust and provides protection against abrasion while improving traction.

The forefoot area features blown rubber that makes it flexible and durable.

The Ideal Pressure Zones in the outsole feature tread pattern and help in impact dispersion during landing. They also facilitate a heel-to-toe transition.

Furthermore, to make the outsole more flexible, the makers have incorporated Omega Flex Grooves.

Brooks Women Glycerin 18

  • Midsole Technology

The midsole of these running shoes is made of Super DNA which offers good cushioning and adaptability.

The cushioning conforms to the shape of your foot and provides a soft and light underfoot feel. The features of the midsole are further enhanced with the use of S-257.

To make the midsole flexible, the makers have used caterpillar crash pads which are basically ridges on the lateral sides. They allow better foot movement by allowing more flexibility.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Glycerin is made of Air Mesh which is a very breathable material. It allows passage of air and keeps your feet safe from hot spots. Also, the material is very stretchable and provides a very snug fit.

The presence of 3D Printed overlays offers lightweight support to the shoes. The adjustable saddle present on the upper provides a very secure, as well as customized fit. The lacing system keeps the foot secure while running.

To enhance comfort, Brooks Glycerin comes with a plush collar in order to offer good cushioning to your ankle.

Go With the Brooks Glycerin | Amazon
$199.99

Plush interior, sock-line fit and a best in class DNA midsole for optimal arch support. This is why the Brooks Glycerin is our TOP pick for runners in need of arch support.

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03/07/2024 12:10 pm GMT

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Provides a springy ride
  • needs no breaking in
  • Helps in easing foot and leg issues
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Shoes feel smaller 
  • Lacks arch support. Not apt for runners with a high arch
  • Collar creates a problem for runners with low ankle
  • Not stable
  • Not durable

Brooks Adrenaline GTS

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20

Notable Features:

  • HPR Plus rubber, blown rubber, and Flextra compound in the outsole
  • Stable Pod Configuration provides a balanced transition
  • Omega Flex Grooves enhances flexibility
  • BioMoGo DNA midsole provides a soft and adaptable underfoot feel along with profile sock liner
  • S-257 Cushsole compound enhances durability and resilience
  • Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar provides support
  • Use of DRB Accel, thermoplastic polyurethane unit in the midfoot
  • Use of Caterpillar Crash Pad in the midsole
  • Streamlined mesh provides a comfortable fit
  • Element Lining inner sleeve provides moisture wicking properties
  • Inner asymmetrical saddle prevents wobbling
 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS

Price

Around $89.95 – $203.44 (Check out the latest rates here!)

Heel-to-Toe Drop

12 mm (0.47 inches)

Heel Height

29 mm (1.14 inches)

Forefoot Height

17 mm (0.66 inches)

Upper

Newly-Engineered Mesh

Outsole Technology

HPR Rubber, Blown Rubber, and Flextra

Midsole Technology

BioMoGo DNA

Arch Support

Motion Control

Terrain

Road

Width

Narrow, Normal, Wide

Weight

10 oz. (284g)

Ideal For

Daily Running

Sole Technology

  • Outsole Technology

The outsole of Brooks Adrenaline GTS uses three different rubber compounds.

The makers have used HPR Plus in the outsole to make it durable and resistant to abrasion and to enhance the traction on various surfaces. This robust rubber compound also offers optimum protection to your feet.

The use of reinforced blown rubber in forefoot and heel area makes these shoes responsive.

Flextra adorns the forefoot area and provides flexibility according to the gender and weight of the runner.

Furthermore, these running shoes feature Stable Pod Configuration that provides a better heel-to-toe transition.

The presence of Omni Grooves in the outsole provides flexibility.

brooks adrenaline 19

  • Midsole Technology

The midsole of these shoes is made of BioMoGo DNA which is a gel-based cushioning system. It is softer, as well as more adaptable than EVA cushioning. The cushioning is very soft and adaptable.

The use of S-257 Cushsole improves durability and resilience. Profile sock liner helps in providing a contoured and comfortable underfoot feel.

Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar provides support and a better transition. It helps in correcting the arch position and this feature makes it a good option for you if you are an overpronator. These shoes will guide you at every step.

A thermoplastic polyurethane unit, known as DRB Accel is placed in the midfoot area gives torsional rigidity and bring down fatigue and muscle strain.

The Caterpillar Crash Pad provides a very smooth ride by accentuating shock absorption and cutting down impact. Use of Strobel conforms to the natural shape of your foot.

Upper

The upper of these shoes is made of streamlined mesh which provides a comfortable feel. The Element Lining inner sleeve helps in keeping moisture at bay keeping your foot dry and cool.

The inner saddle construction keeps your foot secure while running and prevents foot wobbling.

3D Print overlays provide a better fit and help in maintaining the structure of the shoes.

Our Pick
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 | Amazon
$195.06

Runners who need a perfect blend of support, cushion, flexibility, and reliability. The modernized, streamlined design satisfies runners who crave a low-profile look.

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03/07/2024 12:33 am GMT

Pros

  • Cushioning provides better arch support
  • Lightweight
  • Provides a comfortable ride
  • True-to-size
  • Streamlined upper provides a better fit
  • Dry quickly 
  • Stylish design
  • Many color options available

Cons

  • Heel does not provide a secure fit
  • Less padding

Brooks Ravennabrooks ravenna

Notable Features:

  • Use of HPR Plus and blown rubber in the outsole
  • Well-designed Midfoot Transition Zone improves speed
  • Omni Grooves in the outsole enhance flexibility
  • BioMoGo DNA midsole
  • Diagonal Roll Bar (DRB) helps in dealing with overpronation
  • Breathable mesh material provides a good fit
  • Element Lining keeps your foot dry and clean
  • Reflective midfoot saddle locks your foot securely and provides you a safe running experience in low-light conditions
  • The plush collar provides comfort
 

Brooks Ravenna

Price

Around $79.95 – $141.00 (Check out the latest rates here!)

Heel-to-Toe Drop

10 mm (0.39 inches)

Heel Height

16 mm (0.62 inches)

Forefoot Height

26 mm (1.02 inches)

Upper

Mesh Material

Outsole Technology

HPR Plus and Blown Rubber

Midsole Technology

BioMoGo DNA

Arch Support

Stability

Terrain

Road

Width

Normal, Wide

Weight

9.4 oz. (269g)

Ideal For

Daily Running

Sole Technology

  • Outsole Technology

The outsole of Brooks Ravenna is a combination of two rubber compounds namely, HPR Plus and blown rubber.

The use of HPR Plus rubber helps in protecting your shoes from abrasion and also, provides better traction on different surfaces.

Blown rubber is placed in the forefoot section. It helps in providing flexibility and responsiveness. The Midfoot Transition Zone provides better stride and improves your speed.

Omni Grooves present on the outsole makes it flexible.

  • Midsole Technology

The manufacturers of these running shoes have used BioMoGo DNA in the midsole.

BioMoGo compound provides a very adaptive cushioning and a soft underfoot experience, whereas, the use of DNA material helps in monitoring the performance.

The use of gel-based DNA compound works according to the force. On application of higher forces, the compound becomes stiff and so, heavier runners get firm cushioning while others get a fast speed and better energy return.

The presence of DRB or the Diagonal Rollbar helps in keeping overpronation in check. It keeps your foot in natural motion. It allows a swift heel-to-toe transition.

The midsole area features Omega Flex Grooves to provide flexibility while maintaining cushioning.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Ravenna is made of a mesh material that provides better ventilation and breathability. The vents on the upper allow the air to seep into the foot chamber keeping it dry and cool without compromising on the coverage.

The use of element Lining helps in controlling moisture along with the mesh material. This keeps your foot clean, healthy, and fresh.

The mesh material is attached to a reflective midfoot saddle which locks your foot down. The reflective material makes you visible even in low-light conditions. Hence, you can enjoy a safe run even in the night.

The collar of these running shoes is plush and soft protecting your ankle and providing optimum comfort.

Brooks Ravenna 11 | Amazon
$149.90

The Ravenna 11 is perfect for runners who want a lightweight, supportive shoe that straddles the line between training and racing. Provides just the right amount of stability and support, great for overpronation while providing a lightweight, flexible and responsive cushioning.

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03/06/2024 12:59 pm GMT

Pros 

  • Good arch support
  • Minimal weight
  • Enhances running speed
  • Provides a better ride
  • Supportive midsole
  • Comfortable
  • Provides a better bounce
  • Provides better stability on every terrain

Cons

  • Narrow
  • Tight-fitting toe box
  • Causes shin splint issues
  • Rubs against foot’s lateral side causing discomfort

Other Brooks Models to Consider

The Best Brooks Running shoes – Our Top Pick

When it comes to running shoes, Brooks has always provided runners with high-performance shoes.  

The running shoes that we have mentioned in this ultimate guide to the best Brooks running shoes are most durable, versatile, and comfortable.

They provide enhanced stability on different types of running tracks with great arch support. These running shoes come with compelling features and use the latest technologies to make you’re run smooth and efficient.

Nevertheless, if we have to pick one, we’d have to go for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS running shoes.

Our Pick
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 | Amazon
$195.06

Runners who need a perfect blend of support, cushion, flexibility, and reliability. The modernized, streamlined design satisfies runners who crave a low-profile look.

Buy for Men Buy for Women
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 12:33 am GMT

From the improved gel-based cushioning to a streamlined upper body that provides an excellent fit, everything about this shoe is worth mentioning.

We hope you agree with our choice. If you have any other athletic products or brands on your mind that you would like us to review, please write to us. We’ll be happy to help you.

The Athletic Foot Team