Which Brooks Running Shoes Are the Best?
There are many different brands of running shoes, so it is important to know which ones are the best. For example, Brooks is one of the most popular brands of shoes in the industry, and the company is well-known for their innovative technologies that help runners achieve their goals. Below, you’ll find a review of some of their top products, including the Levitate 5, Glycerin 20, and the Adrenaline GTS 21.
Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14 is an excellent everyday running shoe that delivers comfort and stability. It is also an excellent choice for runners looking to add cushioning to their routine.
The Ghost 14 uses DNA Loft foam to deliver lots of cushioning. This foam, which has been inspired by the unique DNA of each individual, extends throughout the midsole to provide an incredibly smooth heel to toe transition.
Other notable features include a streamlined upper, a full-length platform and a segmented crash pad. The 3D fit print on the upper also helps to enhance the shoe’s fit and structure.
The Ghost 14 also boasts a new outsole. The outsole consists of two types of rubber. The first type is soft on the forefoot and the other is a harder carbon rubber on the rearfoot. These components work together to deliver an exceptional landing on each step.
For a more stable ride, the Ghost 14 also features a carbon-neutral footprint. The outsole is manufactured using at least 30% recycled materials.
One feature that the Ghost 14 doesn’t have is a rocker sole. A rocker sole has a tendency to allow the foot to roll through the toes, which can be uncomfortable for those who are looking for a stable and streamlined ride.
Another cool feature of the Ghost 14 is its 3D Fit Print technology. A 3D model is able to be printed directly on the upper for the exact shape of the foot. By balancing structure and stretch, the 3D fit print enables the shoe to adapt to your individual foot.
Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 has a firm midsole and firm ride. It is best suited for long-distance cruising. But it also works well for light trail running.
The Glycerin’s upper is breathable and supportive. But the outsole is not grippier, so it’s not ideal for wet sidewalks.
The shoe’s fit is more traditional than in previous models. The tongue has moved off the inner gusset and is now attached directly to the upper. This means the toe box isn’t as wide as it was in the old Glycerin.
However, it has plenty of room for toes to spread out and work while running. And the upper is made of plush padding.
In addition, the midsole is a full-length DNA Loft v3 material. That’s the same nitrogen-infused foam used in the Aurora-BL.
The heel is a little clunky, though. A transition groove helps maintain straight-line tracking during a gait cycle.
The interior has a soft lining and quilted tongue. There’s a small metallic trim on the heel. All of this, and more, helps make the Brooks Glycerin a very comfortable and a great daily trainer.
The sole is wider, too. The transition groove helps make the Glycerin’s ride less bouncy.
The new midsole is lighter than the old one. Brooks’s nitrogen infusion is crucial to keeping it light. Yet, it doesn’t make the shoe soft as much as the brand says.
Adrenaline GTS 21
If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive daily trainer that doesn’t require too much breaking in, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 may be the shoe for you. The updated design and midsole technology provide a smoother, softer ride, while GuideRails support provides lateral stability.
The new Adrenaline GTS 21 is heavier than the last two versions, but also has more cushioning. While the previous version’s midsole was made of a softer foam, the new model features a full length DNA LOFT cushioning system. This technology combines rubber, air, and EVA foam, which creates a smooth, responsive ride.
The Adrenaline GTS 21 has added stability and under arch support, and a higher heel to toe drop. It also has a wider midsole, allowing the foot to move more freely.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is a solid daily training shoe that is ideal for a variety of runs. The high stack height makes it feel sturdy. Plus, the upper is lightweight, breathable, and flexible.
Another feature of the new Adrenaline GTS is a flex groove in the outsole. In addition, Brooks’ GuideRails support system aligns your feet and keeps excess motion from occurring. This helps your foot strike feel smooth and precise, and it transfers a “plantar” feel throughout your legs.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21’s outer shell features an engineered mesh with high-density printing. Additionally, it has reflective bits for low visibility runs.
Tempo
Brooks Hyperion Tempo running shoes are made for athletes who want to go the extra mile. They’re lightweight, responsive and provide the optimal blend of cushioning and speed.
The Hyperion Tempo features a featherlight stretch-woven upper that’s breathable and secure. The midsole features a nitrogen-infused foam compound that reacts to the unique way you run. This provides optimal energy return and reduces fatigue.
The Hyperion Tempo is perfect for both fast tempo runs and interval workouts. It’s also great for longer training sessions and races.
In terms of cushioning, Brooks offers the hyperion temptr, which is a soft midsole, and the hyperion elite, which is a more cushioned shoe. However, there are some subtle differences between the two.
While the hyperion temp is a light running shoe, the hyperion elite is a heavier weight and a little more durable. Also, the Hyperion elite is unisex, but the Hyperion temptr is targeted at women.
The Hyperion Elite 2 is a good alternative to the Hyperion, but it’s more expensive. You may also wish to try the Ghost 90, which is a lightweight performance shoe.
The Hyperion Tempo is a great choice for running 5K and 10K races. It’s also a great option for a marathon.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo has a 7.3-ounce build. That’s about 2 ounces lighter than Brooks Launch 6 or 7. But it’s a little more than $50 more expensive than the Launch 6/7.
Levitate 5
The Brooks Levitate 5 is a comfortable, professional running shoe for men. It is designed for both fast and easy runs. This road running shoe offers 71% energy return and provides a plush ride.
This version of the Levitate 5 has an updated last and upper. The new last gives the shoe a more traditional look, but the upper remains soft and flexible.
This model has a softer, more breathable upper, and also features a full rubber coverage. While this means the shoe is heavier than the previous version, it also ensures good durability.
The midsole has a DNA AMP foam that delivers a high energy return. This technology reacts to each stride to maximize cushioning and energy return.
The Brooks Levitate 5 is available in four different variations. These include an overpronation shoe, a neutral shoe, a tempo shoe, and a GTS (“Go-To-Support”) shoe.
The outsole is made of a durable rubber that is layered with small hints of EVA foam. The outsole is designed to last hundreds of miles of daily runs. A directional arrow-point pattern on the outsole enhances the springy feeling.
The upper is a circular knit engineered mesh, which allows for a breathable fit. It is also super stretchy, which helps with lockdown.
The midsole is a Brooks proprietary DNA AMP foam. It is a polyurethane foam that provides a firm feel while absorbing force.
Transcend
The Brooks Transcend running shoes are a stable and plush option for mild to moderate overpronators. They also offer excellent support for long distance running and recovery runs.
Brooks uses GuideRails, which wrap around the side of the midsole under the foot, to stabilize the heel. This helps the runner’s gait to move forward more efficiently.
Brooks has also developed BioMoGo technology, which increases comfort and responsiveness. It also promotes sustainability.
The Brooks Transcend 5 has a 3D Fit-Print saddle that applies stretch to the Double Jacquard Mesh body. It is paired with a full-length DNA LOFT midsole. The material has improved from previous versions, allowing it to spring back for a smoother feel.
There is also a soft, 3D-printed tongue that is attached to the top of the lacing system. While it feels like a tongue, the material is actually a double-layer construction with smooth synthetic fibers that wrap around the foot.
The GuideRails in the Brooks Transcend 7 provide stability without restricting natural arch support. They work in synergy with the heel counter. As the shoe gets broken in, the GuideRails will become free and help to reduce pronation.
In terms of comfort, the Transcend is not quite as soft in the heel as the forefoot. However, this does not mean that the shoe will run clunky. The soft and well-designed upper of the Transcend makes it a good long-run shoe.
