Which Brooks Shoe is Right for Me?

We picked the Adrenaline GTS 22 as the best Brooks shoe for new runners because its design walks a perfect middle ground (no pun intended) for the average runner. This shoe features a medium amount of DNA Loft Cushion in the midsole, providing a soft ride without over cushioning your feet. It also has more support than a neutral shoe while not constricting motion more than necessary. For a first-time runner, a shoe like this is a great way to get a comfortable running experience while figuring out where you need more or less support in your next shoe. And you don’t have to take only our word for it: the Adrenaline has been around for over 20 years and is one of Brooks top-selling styles for everyday running, walking, and lifestyle wear.

Available at Stan’s Shoes and Goodmiles Running Company.

Three important factors in long-distance running shoes are durability, breathability, and roominess. If you’re clocking in multiple miles per run, you need a shoe with a durable sole that won’t wear out quickly; and, because your feet will heat up and swell throughout the run, it’s key that your shoe will provide an upper that allows heat to escape and that leaves room for natural changes in your feet. We chose the Ghost Max 2 and Ghost 16 as a great Brooks long-distance running shoe for just those reasons. The Ghost Max 2 and Ghost 16 are incredibly reliable, with a strong one-piece outsole that lasts for mile after mile.

The mesh upper and roomy toe box leave room for your feet to expand, and it also means that you have room to add orthotics as needed. The Brooks Ghost shoes have a reputation as reliable, durable, and neutral daily trainers. They provide a balanced, comfortable, and versatile experience. The Ghost Max 2 and Ghost 16 make it ideal for those newer to running or who are figuring out their preferences after coming back to training.

Whether you’re hitting the roads or the trails, you need a shoe built for the outdoors. We love the Ghost Trail as both a Brooks road running shoe and a Brooks trail running shoe. It features all terrain traction that grips both wet and dry surfaces, and cushioning provides a smooth feeling underfoot even on uneven terrain.

It’s made to run equally well on both roads and trails, so if off-roading is calling your name, there’s no need to change your shoes! It is a hybrid that delivers cross-terrain features for trail and road.

Available at Stan’s Shoes and Goodmiles Running Company.

If you’re on your feet all day and want to feel like you’re standing on air instead of the hard ground, we recommend the Glycerin 22 and Glycerin 24. Both of these styles feature the maximum amount of DNA Loft cushioning that Brook offers, which reduces fatigue on your feet and joints. Additionally, a snug but comfortable upper keeps your feet securely in place, and if you choose the 24 version, your feet will get the added support of the GuideRails technology. Both stable and lightweight, this shoe is a great choice for feet that are always holding you up.

Available at Stan’s Shoes and Goodmiles Running Company.

One often-overlooked consideration for buying shoes to alleviate plantar fasciitis pain is the drop of the shoe. The “drop” is how much extra cushioning there is under the heel versus the forefoot. If you have plantar fasciitis, having extra cushioning beneath your heel can help reduce the impact of your heel striking the ground, which in turn reduces stress on the plantar fascia. The Brooks Ghost 17 has a high drop of 10 mm, which provides better support for your feet and ankles and can reduce pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The Ghost 15 has also been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning podiatrists have approved this style as beneficial to your overall foot health.

Available at Stan’s Shoes and Goodmiles Running Company.

Choosing the Brooks shoe with the best arch support was a no-brainer for us: The Addiction Walker 2 boasts the maximum support found in any Brooks shoe! This style offers extra support at the medial arch of your foot, which provides increased guidance and stability when standing and moving. It also is engineered with BioMoGo cushioning that adapts to your unique pace, weight, and walking patterns. We appreciate these features, as well as the added bonus of slip-resistant outsoles. Like the Ghost 15, the Addiction 15 is also a Brooks style approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Available at Stan’s Shoes.