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We’ve been testing Brooks running shoes for more than decade, and the brand always delivers when it comes to comfortable cushioned shoes for daily training. Brooks makes many of the best running shoes for beginners in particular, with the Ghost and Glycerin lines being dependable options.
It’s also improved its speedier options during 2026, with the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 being its best carbon plate running shoe yet, and the Brooks Ghost Amp being a lighter and more energetic daily trainer than we’ve seen in the Ghost line before.
All in all, Brooks makes some of the best running shoes whatever kind of trainer you’re seeking, and you’ll find more details on the range below. If you want even more info on a shoe then head to The Run Testers YouTube channel for our multi-tester reviews and comparisons with shoes from other brands.
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It’s our job to review products, so you can be sure our coverage is always completely impartial, and our recommendations are based on real-world testing as incredibly keen runners.
We’re confident our advice can help steer you in the right direction if you’re in need of new running shoes, or indeed one of the best running watches or a new set of running headphones.
The Best Brooks Running Shoes 2026
Brooks Glycerin 23
Price: £165/$175 | Weight: 9.2 oz | 261 g (UK 9) | Drop: 8mm
The Glycerin was once the cushiest shoe on the market, but times have changed and it’s now actually a relatively low-stack daily trainer compared with maxed-out monsters like the Glycerin Max.
It’s still very comfortable, of course, and the more traditional design means it’s a bit lighter and snappier than many cushioned shoes. The latest version of the Glycerin 23 has extra pep in its step thanks to the dual-density DNA Tuned midsole, which is designed to create soft landings and responsive toe-offs. It’s also lighter than the Glycerin 22.
We’ve been fans of the Glycerin for many years and it’s always a strong pick for new runners in need of a protective all-rounder, as well as more experienced ones looking for a comfortable daily trainer. That remains the case with the Glycerin 23.
If you’re a runner who needs a bit more support on the run, there is also the Glycerin 23 GTS in Brooks’ range, which has GuideRails on the sides of the shoe to provide more stability.
Read our full Brooks Glycerin 23 review
Brooks Ghost 18
Price: £135/$150 | Weight: 303g/10.7oz (UK 9) | Drop: 10mm
The Ghost line is designed to be a more affordable alternative to the Glycerin, and is generally a little less cushioned and often has a less impressive, older midsole foam than the Glycerin.
That’s the case with the Ghost 18, which doesn’t have the DNA Tuned midsole found in the Glycerin 23 and Glycerin Max 2, but the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam it does use is still quite energetic and also highly durable.
It’s a very dependable option that will work for a wide range of runners, but the Ghost 18 is not a particularly exciting shoe and it’s very similar to the Ghost 17, which is now in sales and offers better value if you do like the Ghost line. It’s also fairly heavy, and lacks the soft, springy ride you can find from other brands in lighter shoes with a similar stack height and price.
Read our full Brooks Ghost 18 review
Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Price: £180/$200 | Weight: 332g/11.7oz (UK 9) | Drop: 6mm
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has the same DNA Tuned midsole foam as the Glycerin 22, but a higher stack height and a lower-drop with a rocker design. It’s more in keeping with highly-cushioned shoes from most other brands, who have moved away from the high-drop design of the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 22, and it’s our favourite cushioned Brooks shoe overall, except maybe for the original Glycerin Max, which is similar but a tad lighter (and now often in sales).
We prefer the Max version of the Glycerin in general because the ride is smoother and more comfortable than with the Glycerin 22, and though the Glycerin Max is 2 quite heavy, it’s not completely out of its depth at faster paces. It’s one of the best marathon running shoes in particular, offering a high level of comfort and an enjoyable ride for training.
It’s more expensive than the Glycerin 22 though, and if you’re put off by that high price the Ghost Max 3 might be worth checking out as a more affordable option that also has a lower-drop and rockered design.
Read our full Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review
Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
Price: £250/$275 | Weight: 200g/7.1oz (UK 9) | Drop: 7mm
Brooks were one of the first brands to launch a carbon plate racing shoes after Nike changed the game with the Vaporfly 4%, but early models of the Hyperion Elite didn’t live up to the springy standards set by other super-shoes.
However, the Hyperion Elite 4 PB put them on the right track thanks to a new PEBA midsole foam called DNA Gold, and the Hyperion Elite 6 is the best racer yet from the brand, with a lightweight, aggressive ride that works well for races of any distance.
We’ve put that to the test with a variety of races in the shoe ourselves, including Kieran running mile and half marathon PBs in the shoe.
There are a couple of racing shoes from other brands we do rate a little more highly than the Hyperion Elite 6, most notable the incredibly light Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, but the Brooks is undoubtedly a fast shoe that you can use to target your biggest events.
Brooks Ghost Amp
Price: £135/$150 | Weight: 265g/9.3oz (UK 9) | Drop: 6mm
There are now three Ghosts to pick from in the Brooks line-up, and of these shoes the Ghost Amp is the best daily trainer in our opinion. It’s a lighter, lower-drop shoe than the Ghost 18 and has a more energetic ride thanks to the DNA Hype midsole, which is made from a blend of PEBA and EVA foams.
It’s a fun shoe for picking up your easy and steady runs, with a smoother feel than other Brooks shoes, and the Ghost Amp is also comfortable and durable. It’s a little outclassed by similar shoes from other brands, like the Asics Novablast 6 or Puma Deviate Pure Nitro, but it’s our favourite Brooks daily trainer right now.
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Price: £170/$200 | Weight: 308g/10.8oz (UK 9) | Drop: 6mm
The Hyperion Max 4 is Brooks’ max-stack ‘super-trainer’, which is a term used to describe training shoes that use similar tech as plated racing shoes. It has a nylon plate in the dual-density midsole, with the top layer of that midsole made from Brooks’ bouncy DNA Gold foam.
However, the Hyperion Max 4 doesn’t live up to its role as a speedy super-trainer, because it’s too heavy and ponderous on the run compared to other brand’s options in this category, like the New Balance SC Rebel v1. It’s a decent option for cruising through steady long runs, but even there we’d have options we prefer, like the Hoka Skyward X2. For now, Brooks lacks a top plated trainer in its line-up.
Read our full Brooks Hyperion Max 4 review
Brooks Glycerin Flex
Price: £165/$170 | Weight: 271g/9.6oz (UK 8) | Drop: 6mm
The Brooks Glycerin Flex is a daily training shoe designed to combine cushioning with a more natural, flexible ride. It uses DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused foam with a segmented midsole and flex grooves that allow the shoe to move with the foot rather than feel overly rigid.
The fit is true to size with a roomy toe box and comfortable midfoot and heel support, although the upper is softer and less structured than traditional Brooks models. On the run, the shoe excels during easy runs, long runs, and recovery sessions, offering a smooth, stable, and controlled feel.
It provides good grip and durability while remaining lighter and more flexible than many max-cushion trainers. The ride is comfortable but not especially energetic, making it less suitable for fast workouts or racing. Overall, the Glycerin Flex delivers dependable comfort with a innovation in flexibility, appealing to runners who want protection and natural movement.
Read our full Brooks Glycerin Flex review
Brooks Revel Max
Price: £110/$120 | Weight: 288g/10.2oz (UK 8) | Drop: 6mm
The Brooks Revel Max is a budget-friendly daily training shoe designed to deliver stability, comfort, and durability rather than performance-driven features. It uses DNA Loft V2 midsole foam, which provides a firm, steady ride with moderate cushioning and minimal bounce.
A Glideroll rocker geometry helps promote smooth heel-to-toe transitions, while the warp-knit upper offers a forgiving, breathable fit with generous padding around the ankle collar. The shoe fits true to size with an average-width profile and a comfortable, non-restrictive feel.
On the run, it performs best for easy to moderate-paced training and general mileage, offering a controlled and predictable ride without excelling in speed or responsiveness.
Its standout feature is the thick rubber outsole, which delivers strong grip and long-term durability, even in wet conditions. Overall, the Revel Max is a competent and reliable everyday trainer, but it lacks the energetic feel of newer foams and is best suited to runners seeking a practical shoe rather than an exciting or performance-focused option.