Brooks athletic shoes are an emerging fan-favorite amongst runners, walkers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, and for good reason! Many podiatrists (and the Certified Pedorthists on our Stan’s team!) recommend Brooks because of their cushioning, support, and guidance for your feet. Before we show you which shoes we love for every type of mover, let’s break down three of our favorite features of Brooks shoes:
- DNA Loft Cushion Technology: Brooks’ famous midsole cushioning feels super soft due to its makeup of foam, rubber, air, and nitrogen. The foam and rubber make the shoe durable for mile after mile, while the air and nitrogen keep the shoe light so that nothing can weigh you down. This cushioning makes Brooks shoes both comfortable and supportive for whatever way you move. Plus, the thickness of the midsole layer absorbs the shock of changes in terrain so each step feels consistent.
- BioMoGo Cushioning Technology: Compared to the DNA Loft Cushion, the BioMoGo cushion provides a slightly firmer and responsive ride; however, the major pro is that this is Brooks’ most dynamic style of cushioning, adapting to your unique stride, pace, and body type.
- GuideRails Technology: Your feet and ankles don’t always move the way they’re supposed to when you walk or run; many people rotate their feet inwards or outwards, which can cause problems throughout the lower limbs. Brooks shoes counteract that excess movement by placing a firm piece of foam, or GuideRail, on either side of your heel. This keeps your feet moving in the proper direction and aligns your knee and ankle, reducing pain and fatigue both after your activity and in the long term. Any shoe with “GTS” in the name will feature this awesome technology!
It’s important to note that not every shoe will have every one of these features; each shoe is made differently and for different purposes. Check out our recommendations for Brooks shoes for common movement types and health concerns below, and be sure to stop in at one of our Stan’s Fit For Your Feet or Goodmiles Running Company locations to get further advice on which Brooks shoe is right for you!
Best Brooks Shoes for Beginning Runners
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 Fit For Your Feet and Goodmiles Running Company.
Best Brooks Shoes for Long-Distance Runners
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 Addiction GTS 15 as a great Brooks long-distance running shoe for just those reasons. The Addiction GTS 15 is 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 Addiction GTS 15 also includes Brooks’ GuideRails technology, which supports your feet, knees, and hips alike as you run.
Available at Stan’s Fit For Your Feet and Goodmiles Running Company.
Best Brooks Shoes for Outdoor Running
Whether you’re hitting the roads or the trails, you need a shoe built for the outdoors. We love the Divide 3 as both a Brooks road running shoe and a Brooks trail running shoe. It features a TrailTrack rubber outsole that grips both wet and dry surfaces, and DNA loft 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! However, if you’re looking for a shoe meant just for the trails, the Caldera 6 is a strong candidate for best Brooks trail running shoe. The Caldera 6 has the same outdoor-ready features as the Divide 3, as well as extra cushioning, a wider platform for more stability, quick-drying mesh, and attachments for gaiters on the forefoot and heel.
Available at Stan’s Fit For Your Feet and Goodmiles Running Company.
Best Brooks Shoes for Standing All Day
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 20 and Glycerin GTS 20. 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 GTS 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 Fit For Your Feet and Goodmiles Running Company.
Best Brooks Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
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 15 has a high drop of 12 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 Fit For Your Feet and Goodmiles Running Company.
Best Brooks Shoes for Arch Support
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 Fit For Your Feet.
As you choose your shoe, remember to prioritize what you know your feet need! Many of these styles fit under more than one category, so if you love the sound of the Glycerin’s cushioning and want to use it for walking or running, go for it! Think about what you’re going to use the shoe for, where you’re going to wear it, and what your unique foot health concerns are before choosing the Brooks shoe that’s going to make sure you’re moving your best.
We encourage you to stop in to work with our Stan’s Certified Fit Specialists or Goodmiles Fit Experts and find the right style and size for you. They love to help you find the best fit for your feet!
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