In this product guide:
- 1. Best for everyday runs: Brooks Ghost 16
- 2. Daily trainer with a supportive ride: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
- 3. Cushioned trainer for everyday runs: Brooks Glycerin 21
- 4. Soft cushioning for recovery runs: Brooks Ghost Max 2
- 5. Best for half marathons: Brooks Hyperion Max 2
- 6. Best for marathons: Brooks Glycerin Max
- 7. Best for intervals, 5K, 10K: Brooks Hyperion 2
- 8. Max-stability trainer: Brooks Beast GTS 24
- 9. Versatile trail running shoe: Brooks Cascadia 18
- How we selected
The Ghost 16 is a user-friendly shoe with very few flaws. It’s cushioned and durable enough for everyday miles, fits well, and is available in different widths. There’s even a waterproof Gore-Tex version available.
It’s the dumb reach of running shoes. In other words, it’s an everyday trainer with a non-offending ride.
That said, the Ghost 16 is anything but exciting or fun. It’s not as soft as Cumulus and nowhere as responsive as the Saucony Ride. Even the Nike Pegasus 41 has more life in its Zoom Air + React midsole.
The foam, while supportive and cushioned, has a flat character. Sure, there’s some softness just under the foot because of the insole and lasting. But the rest of the stack isn’t bouncy or engaging. We hope that the soon-to-arrive Ghost 17 fixes the bland ride.
The ride is pretty boring, and it’s telling how spoiled we are by high-performance foam and rocker midsoles. We recommend limiting the Ghost to everyday runs of 5K and shorter. For anything longer (like a half-marathon), consider the Glycerin 21 or the Glycerin Max.
A ‘rocker’ effect is lacking on the Ghost 16. On this neutral and supportive midsole, the foot has to do all the work.
The upper fit and feel is similar to last year’s model. The insides have a plush tongue and heel that lock the foot in. The free-standing tongue doesn’t have a gusset, so it shifts to the side during a run.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Soft and reliable cushioning.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, no sleeve or gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: DNA Loft v3 foam, molded EVA foam footbed. 12 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 269 gms/ 9.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 24 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: B – narrow, D – regular, 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Brooks Ghost 15.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and neutral ride
- Plush and secure upper
- Multiple widths
- Midsole stability
- Outsole grip
Cons
- Boring ride experience
- Mild tongue slide
Brooks makes the ‘Guiderails’ the highlight of the Adrenaline GTS 24, but that’s not what makes the shoe supportive.
The Guiderails – the Brooks lingo for the raised sidewalls – only offer a slight cupping action. Their role in minimizing ‘excess motion’ (as per what Brooks claims) is overstated.
What makes the Glycerin GTS 24 a supportive running shoe is the firm DNA Loft foam. Also, the midsole sidewalls (excluding the Guiderail) are designed to deliver a stable and neutral platform.
The foam density is nearly identical to the Ghost 16, so the ride experience is very similar. The removable insole and strobel create a soft base of step-in comfort.
Given its ‘stability’ shoe status, is the Adrenaline GTS 24 more stable than the Ghost? Yes – however, that’s due to the outer midsole design rather than the Guiderails.
On the Ghost, the outer sidewall has a groove running through it. The Adrenaline doesn’t have this channel; this design limits the compression. So the Adrenaline GTS 24 is more ‘neutral’ than the Ghost.
As far as pronation management is concerned, the Ghost and Adrenaline are near equals. The ‘cupping’ effect around the GTS 24’s heel is more noticeable, that’s all.
Just like the Ghost, the Adrenaline GTS 24 isn’t very exciting to run in. What it offers is predictable cushioning comfort for everyday runs. It’s not bouncy, nor does the midsole have a rocker shape.
The secure upper fits true-to-size and is offered in multiple widths. It’s plush as most Brooks uppers are, and has a thicker upper panel under the arch for durability. The tongue is missing a sleeve, but it stays put because of the two lacing loops.
Long runs in the Ghost 16 can get a bit tedious because of its bland ride. The Glycerin 21’s softer and more fun ride is a remedy to the said tedium.
Not only is the Glycerin 21’s DNA Loft V3 foam softer than the Ghost 16, but it’s also softer than the Glycerin 20. While the midsole isn’t as supportive as the 20, the updated Glycerin compensates with a plusher ride. The 2 mm taller midsole also makes the cushioning softer.
This shoe is ideal for easy-speed cruising for daily miles and the occasional half-marathon. While marathons are also within its reach, we recommend a shoe like the Ghost Max 2 or Glycerin Max – they offer a lot more cushioning and engagement.
The midsole doesn’t have a rocker effect, so the transitions, while smooth, lack the agility needed for fast miles. In other words, the loading process is cushy but slow. It’s a step down from the firmer Glycerin 20 – a shoe that was better suited for faster speeds. The ride is comparable to shoes like the Nimbus 26.
Inside, runners will find a shorter-sized fit than the Glycerin 20. The heel is packed with more foam this time, and that pushes the foot forward by a few mm. Having said that, we recommend a true-to-size approach for the Glycerin 21. There’s no sleeve holding the tongue down, so expect some slide.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Super softness with every step.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, no gusset.
- Midsole: DNA Loft V3 foam. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Softer rubber (forefoot), firm rubber (heel).
- Weight: 278 gms/ 9.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 38 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – Wide.
- Previous model: Brooks Glycerin 20.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Median lifespan: 350 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Ride comfort
- Plush interiors
- Smooth transitions
- Outsole traction
- Optional widths
Cons
- Lower outsole durability
- Not as stable as the Glycerin 20
- Lack of reflective elements
- Tongue slide
The new Ghost Max 2 is a winner, at least in our eyes. The new DNA Loft V3 foam has been reformulated for better responsiveness.
The first edition was very cushioned, yet came across as a bit flat. The G-Max 2 responds much better to footstrike and loading. The new Ghost Max feels more lively.
This is a very soft shoe – not just due to its stack height (39 mm and 33 mm), but also because of its outsole footprint. The midsole foam spread is generous – both vertically and horizontally, so there’s no dearth of cushioning. Be it forefoot or heel strikes, there’s a thick and wide stack of foam available to cushion the landings.
But unlike the Glycerin Max, the Ghost Max 2 is best reserved for slow runs (5:00 min/km and slower) and 4-hour marathons. The midsole is never in a hurry to rush the loading process. The rubber outsole is articulated for smooth transitions without compromising traction.
The true-to-size upper is very plush, accommodating, and offered in different widths.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Max-cushion. Max protection. Max comfort.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, no sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length DNA Loft V3 supercritical foam. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Soft blown rubber under forefoot, firmer rubber under the heel.
- Weight: 306 gms/ 10.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Brooks Ghost Max V1.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Recovery run trainer, half-marathons, marathons at slow speeds.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Long-distance comfort
- Plush upper
- Roomy forefoot and toe box
- Optional widths
- Outsole grip
Cons
- Heavier than Ghost Max 1
- Low versatility
- Lower stability than Ghost Max 1
- Scarce reflectivity
- Mild tongue slide
Yes, we know – the name is confusing. The Hyperion Max 2 isn’t the true successor to the previous model, the Hyperion Max.
This is a brand-new model that only shares the name with the last model. Unlike the V1, the H-Max V2 has a molded Speedvault plate inside a tall midsole.
When we say tall, we mean it – the heel and forefoot are 37 mm and 31 mm high. Whether it’s the heel or forefoot, there’s a lot of underfoot cushioning.
The DNA Flash V2 foam isn’t anything like the DNA Loft V3 used on the Ghost Max 2. The Hyperion Max 2 cushioning is firm by industry standards, so you won’t get the ride experience that a shoe like the Nike Zoom Fly 6 provides.
The nylon SpeedVault plate makes faster transitions possible by preventing the foot from sinking into the midsole. The plate also makes the rocker very effective.
This blend of cushioning and speed-friendly ride makes the Hyperion Max 2 ideal for running half marathons and marathons. It’s also a great marathon trainer that can take a beating – unlike relatively fragile race-day shoes.
The lightweight upper is plush where it needs to be, and minimally designed where it matters. The heel has a plush lock-in, whereas the elastic knit tongue and breathable mesh deliver a performance fit.
The Brooks Ghost-Glycerin relationship is well known. The Glycerin is a more cushioned and plusher version of the Ghost.
On paper, the Glycerin Max certainly appears like a plusher version of the Ghost Max 2. It’s 8 mm thicker under the heel and forefoot and uses a midsole with a wide footprint.
In reality, the Glycerin Max behaves very differently. The midsole doesn’t use the same foam as the Ghost Max, nor does it have the same density. The midsole uses a supercritical foam in two different densities. It’s of a lower/softer density under the heel with a firmer core under the forefoot.
The outer foam casing (in white) is similar to DNA Flash foam, but softer. It performs as expected – heel landings feel deeply cushioned yet supportive.
The wide midsole base and deep transition groove make the ultra-tall heel surprisingly stable. The raised sidewalls also do a good job of keeping the foot seated inside the midsole.
In the front, the midsole is noticeably firmer. The higher-density foam helps the turnover process by making the rocker more effective. The firmer forefoot also prevents the foot from sinking too deep.
While it’s more nimble than the Ghost Max, it performs best at 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) speeds and slower.
For a shoe with a high-tech midsole, the upper design is pedestrian. The flared heel collar doesn’t grip as well as the standard Glycerin, and there’s no tongue gusset. The forefoot fits narrower than the Ghost Max and the regular Glycerin. It’s not a bad upper, but we expected more.
The Hyperion 2 is the true successor to last year’s Hyperion Max V1, but at a cheaper price.
This shoe has a very simple brief – deliver a ride experience that blends lightweight cushioning comfort with speed-friendly manners. And the Hyperion 2 delivers.
The DNA Flash V2 midsole is comfortable enough for up to a half-marathon (ideally, a 10K) and is fast enough for races and speed-focused training like intervals and Fartlek.
By not being overly soft, the DNA Flash midsole strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and quick turnovers. There’s very little energy wasted during the transition process, and the 7.1-ounce (201-gram) weight certainly helps.
There’s rubber outsole right one needs it – under the forefoot and heel.
The upper design is par for a shoe of this class. The one-sided gusset keeps the tongue from sliding, and there’s some padding in the heel and tongue for interior plushness. The lightweight mesh keeps the feet locked in and ventilated during fast runs.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Tap into that punchy, speedy feeling.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, no sleeve or gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size.
- Midsole: Supercritical DNA Flash v2 foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 201 gms/ 7.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 24 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular.
- Previous model: Brooks Hyperion Max v1 (not a typo).
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, 10K, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and speed-friendly ride
- Stable midsole
- Good for all footstrike positions and speeds
- Upper fit and ventilation
- Value for money
- Outsole grip
Cons
- Not as soft as Brooks claims
- No reflectivity
The Brooks Beast has been around for as long as we can remember. Our first encounter with the Brooks Beast was exactly 10 years ago.
Back then, it was called the Beast 14. What set it apart from other pronation-control shoes of its era was its ability to combine gait-control features with a very cushioned ride. It was a 14-ounce shoe with all the bells and whistles imaginable.
The current model is a lot tamer and relatively lighter. The medial post has been replaced with raised midsole sidewalls ‘Guiderails’. The wide midsole and removable footbed offer cushioning comfort for everyday runs. The Beast GTS 24 is like a more cushioned and supportive version of the Adrenaline GTS 24, only less versatile.
It’s worth noting that the 12.4-ounce (351.5-gram) weight is a limiting factor when versatility is concerned. The Beast GTS 24 is best used for leisurely runs (5:00 min/km, 8:00 min/mile) and slower.
The upper has the signature Brooks plushness and a choice of multiple widths.
If we had to pick just one shoe from Brooks trail running assortment, the Cascadia would be it. While it lacks the cushy ride of the Caldera 7 or the lightweight speed-focused ride of the Catamount, the Cascadia is the most versatile out of the lot.
Starting at the bottom, an articulated Trailtack rubber outsole provides grip and protection on the trail. The outsole is split into multiple pieces to make maneuvering easier – think of it as an adaptable suspension used on an off-road buggies.
The Trail adapt plate stabilizes the foot without negatively affecting proprioception. The firm DNA Loft V2 midsole delivers cushioning comfort and support; the insole adds step-in softness.
The layered upper is excellent. It combines pliable mesh with protective layers that keep the debris out. For another $30, a waterproof (Gore-Tex) version of the Cascadia can be had.
How we selected: Our rationale
The Brooks running assortment looks and feels a lot different today than it did at the same time last year. Staples like the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21 have been updated with new versions of DNA Loft foam. The Glycerin 21 loses some of the firmness that the 20 had, and it fits tighter as well.
The max-cushioning category has also been updated with the bouncy Ghost Max 2 and Glycerin Max. The G-Max is a much softer, taller, and cushier version of the Ghost.
If you want more cushioning, the newly released Glycerin Max is excellent for long-distance runs. Despite its stack height, it doesn’t feel lazy or slow, so the shoe’s versatility exceeds expectations.
The Glycerin Max’s versatile and cushioned ride is the reason why it’s our marathon shoe pick. Sure, the Hyperion Elite 4 exists, but it misses the mark when compared to similarly-priced racers from other brands.
So until the updated Hyperion Elite PB arrives in Feb 2025 with the improved midsole, we recommend the Glycerin Max as Brooks’s go-to marathon shoe instead. For half-marathons, we suggest the firm and tempo-friendly Hyperion Max 2.
Brooks has shuffled the Hyperion line-up. The Hyperion 2 is now the less expensive successor to the Hyperion Max. It’s our top pick for tempo runs, interval training, and 5K/10K races.
On the other hand, the Hyperion Max 2 is a brand-new introduction that has very little in common with the H-Max 1. As expected, the 37 mm and 31 mm stack offers a lot of cushioning protection. It’s not as soft as say, the Glycerin Max or Ghost Max.
The DNA Flash V2 foam has a firm cushioning feel, and the Nylon ‘Speedvault’ plate supports the transitions and accentuates the rocker. These features make the H-Max 2 ideal for racing half-marathons and marathon training. It also has the stability and durability for such use cases.
On the trail side of things, Brooks has three models. The Cascadia 18 is the do-everything trail runner; the cushioned Caldera 7 is for higher comfort, and finally, the Catamount 3 is designed for speed runs.
The Brooks Beast has been the gold standard for max-stability running shoes, so it rightly deserves a spot on this guide.
While Brook sells a few shoes at $100 and below (Trace 3, Anthem 6, Revel 7), you’ll get better value with a discounted pair of previous season models like the Ghost 15, Adrenaline 23, and Hyperion.