YOU MAY NOT know it, given the brand’s modest reputation here in Australia, but Brooks owns the biggest share in the global running shoe market.
How can that be? The answer is actually fairly simple, while the giants of Nike and Adidas do indeed report more sales, many of these earnings come from regular shoes that aren’t designed for running. When it comes to running shoe sales in particular, Brooks is ahead of the pack, thanks to a few silhouettes that are among the world’s bestsellers.
Now as for why Brooks sells better than anyone else, that can be put down to the fact that the brand makes broadly appealing and largely inexpensive shoes. They might not be as flashy as a Nike Alphafly or as eye-catching as an On Cloudsurfer, but they are dependable, affordable, and consumers know they can trust them.
But while Brooks has mastered broad appeal, not all of the brand’s shoes will be the right fit for your needs. To help you come to an informed decision about your next Brooks running shoe, we’ve ranked our favourites from ten to one.
What are the best Brooks running shoes?
10. Brooks Trace 4
The entry-level, budget option
The Brooks Trace 4 is a reliable, entry-level shoe and an excellent choice for beginners and casual runners. With a DNA LOFT midsole, it boasts soft and responsive cushioning, ensuring a comfortable ride on road runs and daily training sessions. A durable rubber outsole delivers solid traction and longevity, making the Trace 4 a dependable option for daily training.
9. Brooks Cascadia 18
A protective trail runner
The Cascadia 18 continues the legacy of a trusted silhouette, blending rugged durability with adaptive stability for tackling technical terrain. Featuring an updated DNA LOFT midsole, it has a softer underfoot feel than previous iterations, absorbing impact on uneven surfaces while maintaining a secure, grounded ride. The Ballistic Rock Shield protects against sharp debris, while the TrailTack rubber outsole ensures reliable traction on wet and dry trails alike.
8. Brooks Launch 11
A fast-paced trainer for tempo runs
The Launch 11 is a versatile trainer with a fast, responsive ride that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Featuring a streamlined DNA midsole, it delivers a springy feel ideal for tempo runs, race-day efforts, or everyday training. It’s great at what it does, but the next entry on this list is designed for the same purpose and is simply better.
7. Brooks Hyperion 2
The pace-pusher for speed sessions
Like the Launch 11, the Hyperion 2 is a performance-driven trainer designed for speed-focused runners who want a responsive and efficient ride. With an updated DNA FLASH v2 midsole, it delivers a snappy, energetic feel while maintaining a cushioned platform ideal for tempo runs and interval training.
6. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
One of the best stability shoes money can buy
Brooks is renowned for its stability shoes, and the Adrenaline GTS 24 sets the standard in the category. For those who aren’t in the know, GTS stands for ‘go-to support’, and the Adrenaline GTS 24 is perfect for runners who overpronate and need a guiding hand (or shoe). Featuring Brooks’ signature GuideRails support system, the shoe helps keep excess movement in check without feeling intrusive.
5. Brooks Caldera 8
The max-cushioned trail runner
The Brooks Caldera 8 is a max-cushioned trail shoe designed for long-distance comfort and stability on unpredictable terrain. Equipped with an ultra-soft DNA LOFT v3 midsole, it provides a plush ride that’s still plenty responsive. The widened base and strategic outsole lugs enhance stability, while a protective upper keeps debris out.
4. Brooks Catamount 4
The master of the trails
The Catamount 4 is Brooks’ best trail runner. Built for speed and agility, the Catamount 4 features the brand’s DNA FLASH midsole, delivering a responsive and energetic ride while maintaining the lightweight feel trail runners know they need for technical trails. The updated SkyVault propulsion plate enhances uphill efficiency, giving you extra drive on steep climbs. A durable, grippy TrailTack rubber outsole also ensures reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces.
3. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
The race day professional
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is a race-ready powerhouse built for speed, combining a responsive DNA FLASH v2 midsole with a carbon-fibre plate for maximum propulsion. Designed for serious runners chasing PRs, this lightweight shoe delivers a powerful toe-off and efficient energy return, making it ideal for marathon racing and fast training sessions. The updated upper offers a secure yet breathable fit, ensuring comfort without compromising on performance. With an improved outsole for better grip and durability, the Hyperion Elite 4 is Brooks’ answer to the rapidly-evolving super shoe market.
2. Brooks Glycerin 22
A do-it-all daily trainer with extra kick
So-called because it has a nitrogen-infused midsole, the latest version of the Brooks Glycerin delivers an even softer and more responsive ride while maintaining durability. The redesigned outsole enhances traction and flexibility for a smooth transition from heel to toe. A breathable mesh upper provides a secure but adaptable fit. The Glycerin 22 offers the kind of pillowy softness that makes every step feel effortless, with two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning in the DNA LOFT midsole for bonus explosiveness.
1. Brooks Ghost 16
The ultimate daily trainer
The Ghost 16 comes from the world’s best selling line, and there’s a reason for its popularity. It has an engineered mesh upper and a decently thick (but not too thick) midsole, which is made of propulsive nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam. This midsole provides a big chunk of cushioning and responsiveness, while the shoe’s grippy outsole ensures stability on any surface. To us, the Ghost 16 proves that you don’t need all the flashy accoutrements and exaggerated features of pricier shoes to run at your best.
