Brooks Running Shoe Line-Up: Made Simple
Brooks Road Shoe Guide
Brooks, established in 1914 in the United States, has built a strong legacy of creating high-performance running footwear. Over the years, Brooks has earned a reputation for crafting shoes that combine comfort, support and innovation, making them a trusted choice among runners of all levels.
This blog aims to simplify the Brooks running shoe lineup, breaking down the features and purposes of each model to help you find the right shoe for your running goals. We’ll also compare each Brooks shoe with similar models from other brands, ensuring you have the information needed for your next shoe purchase.
Brooks Glycerin Max 2
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is their most cushioned daily trainer, designed for easy runs and runners who want the softest, most protective ride. Featuring the most aggressive rockered design in the Brooks daily trainer lineup, it promotes a smooth, rolling ride.
Similar shoes to the Glycerin Max: Puma Magmax 2
Brooks Ghost Max 3
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a cushioned daily trainer with a stable, rockered forefoot design that helps smooth out transitions. It’s a great option for runners managing forefoot or plantar fascia issues, offering a cushioned yet supportive ride. Plus, its accommodating fit makes it comfortable for a wide range of foot shapes.
Similar shoes to the Ghost Max 3: Hoka Bondi 9
Brooks Glycerin 23
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a stable, cushioned neutral daily trainer that offers a simple yet effective running experience. With its plush cushioning and reliable stability, it’s geared for everyday runs. Known for its durability, the Glycerin 23 is a solid choice for runners seeking a durable shoe with this type of category.
Similar shoes to the Glycerin 23: Saucony Triumph 23, Nike Vomero 18
Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a traditional feeling daily trainer that avoids the high stack midsole trend, offering a more flexible forefoot and grounded ride. It’s a versatile all-rounder, suited to running, walking and the gym.
Similar shoes to the Ghost 18: New Balance 880v15, Saucony Ride 19
Brooks Glycerin Flex
The Brooks Glycerin Flex is the newest, more experimental addition to the Glycerin line-up, built for runners who want plush cushioning with a more natural, flexible feel underfoot. With DNA Tuned cushioning, a segmented midsole and a deep midfoot flex groove, it adapts to your stride rather than locking you into one ride pattern. The result is a smooth, cushioned daily trainer that keeps you connected to the ground while still feeling soft, responsive and easy to move in.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 offers all the same cushioned comfort and durability as the neutral Glycerin, but with added stability for runners who need it. This daily trainer provides a plush, reliable ride while offering subtle support, making it a great choice for those seeking additional stability from their footwear.
Similar shoes to the Glycerin GTS: Asics Kayano 32, Saucony Hurricane 25
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is the stability counterpart to the Ghost 17. Offering the same reliable comfort and durability, the GTS 25 features subtle stability elements on the medial and lateral sides for those wanting more stability from their footwear.
Similar shoes to the Adrenaline GTS: Asics GT-2000 13, New Balance 860v15, On Cloudrunner 3, Mizuno Wave Inspire 22.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is a max cushion super trainer designed for those looking to push the pace and cover high miles. On the firmer side, it features a plate for added propulsion and stability, with a very pronounced forefoot rocker that provides a noticeable rolling experience. A strong mix of impact protection and improved energy return make this shoe a reliable and safe option for runners venturing into more distance and pushing the pace.
Similar shoes to Hyperion Max 3: New Balance Supercomp Trainer v3
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is Brooks' lightweight and efficient super shoe, engineered for racing and tempo workouts. The result is an incredibly responsive, fast and propulsive ride. Featuring a full-length carbon plate, this shoe delivers a sharp and snappy feel making it a great choice for race day distances 5km through to Marathon.
Similar shoes to the Elite 5: New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v5 & Saucony Endorphin pro 5
About the author
Ed - Runner & Content Specialist
I’m a distance runner and Performance Content Specialist at RunDNA, with a passion for running, road and gravel cycling, quality gear, and the stories shaped by effort and adventure. My current focus is long-distance road running and triathlon, driven by a love of performance and the challenge of pushing body and mind further.
