Best Brooks Running Guide

Brooks is one of the most-requested running brands we carry, and for good reason. Their lineup includes plush daily trainers and structured stability shoes, all built on nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT cushioning that adapts to your stride. With so many models on the shelf, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. Browse the full Brooks collection at DSW or read on for our picks.

How we Rank

Rather than lab-based reviews, our rankings reflect what real DSW shoppers experience day after day. We aggregate customer reviews, feedback, and return data across four criteria to evaluate every Brooks model we carry. This methodology helps shoppers match fit and function quickly at DSW.

Cushioning Feel

Customers consistently tell us whether a shoe feels plush and marshmallow-soft or firm and responsive underfoot. We categorize each model on this spectrum because cushioning preference is personal. A marathoner logging 50-mile weeks may want maximum softness, while a tempo runner may want snappy ground feel.

Stability and Support

Shoppers report how well a shoe holds the foot in place, especially through the midfoot and heel. For overpronators, this means noting whether guide rails or a medial post control inward roll without feeling rigid. Neutral runners report whether a shoe stays out of the way and lets the foot move naturally.

Width and Fit

What customers say about roominess matters. We track feedback on toe-box space, midfoot snugness, and whether the shoe runs narrow, true to size, or generous. We also note which models are available in wide and extra-wide options, because fit is the single biggest predictor of satisfaction.

Weight in Hand

How light or substantial a shoe feels is one of the first things customers mention. We capture these impressions because perceived weight influences confidence on long runs and daily wear. A shoe that feels featherlight in hand often translates to a shoe that disappears on the foot.

Best Overall: Brooks Ghost 16

The Ghost 16 is the shoe DSW customers reach for again and again. Now in its sixteenth generation, the Ghost is Brooks' bestselling model because it performs well across a range of uses without specializing. Customers report the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning feels balanced, soft enough for long walks and responsive enough for tempo runs.

Shoppers say it delivers a smooth heel-to-toe transition and appreciate the engineered mesh upper, which breathes well without feeling flimsy. At 9.6 oz, it balances lightweight agility with enough substance to feel durable. Customers find the Ghost 16 fits true to size, and DSW carries it in multiple widths.

Who it's for: Runners or walkers who want one versatile shoe that handles daily training, errands, and casual wear.

Best Stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

If you overpronate, meaning your foot rolls inward during your stride, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is the model DSW customers recommend most. Brooks' GuideRails support system keeps excess movement in check without the rigid feel of traditional motion-control shoes.

Customers report the Adrenaline GTS 24 feels supportive without being restrictive. It guides the foot rather than forcing it, which is why it's popular among runners recovering from plantar fasciitis or shin splints. The cushioning is moderate to high — not as plush as the Glycerin 22, but noticeably softer than the Launch models. At $140, it represents strong value for a stability shoe with this level of refinement.

Who it's for: Overpronators, flat-footed runners, and anyone who wants structured support that does not sacrifice comfort.

Best Cushioning: Brooks Ghost Max 3

For shoppers who prioritize a plush, pillowy ride, the Ghost Max 3 provides the most cushioning in the Brooks lineup. It features a higher stack of DNA LOFT cushioning than the standard Ghost 16, producing a softer, more absorbed feel underfoot.

DSW customers report the Ghost Max 3 is especially comfortable during long walks, recovery runs, and all-day wear. The rocker-shaped sole promotes a natural rolling motion that shoppers say reduces fatigue in the feet and lower legs. The trade-off is weight — at 10.8 oz, it is one of the heavier models in this guide. Customers who prioritize comfort over speed consistently say that trade-off is worth it.

Who it's for: Walkers, long-distance runners, and anyone who wants maximum underfoot cushioning for extended time on their feet.

Premium Plush Ride: Brooks Glycerin 22

The Glycerin 22 is Brooks' luxury neutral trainer, and DSW customers describe it as the softest shoe in the brand's road-running range. Its nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam provides plush, adaptive cushioning that shoppers say molds to their stride.

Where the Ghost Max 3 achieves cushioning through stack height, the Glycerin 22 achieves it through foam quality. Customers report the Glycerin feels more refined and form-fitting, with a sleek upper and a slightly lower profile. It is a premium shoe from $100, and shoppers who invest in it tend to be repeat buyers. The fit runs true to size with a comfortable, snug midfoot and adequate toe-box room.

Who it's for: Runners who want the softest possible ride in a streamlined, neutral package, and who do not mind paying a premium for it.

Maximum support: Brooks Defyance Max

The Defyance Max is Brooks' option for runners who need more pronation control than the Adrenaline GTS 24 provides. It combines GuideRails technology with a firmer medial post, giving it the strongest stability profile in this guide.

DSW customers who have struggled with severe overpronation report that the Defyance Max keeps their stride aligned without the stiffness found in other max-support shoes. The cushioning is moderate to high, so it does not sacrifice comfort for control. At 10.9 oz, it is the heaviest model here, but shoppers say the weight feels planted and secure rather than clunky. It is available in wide and extra-wide widths at DSW.

Who it's for: Runners with moderate to severe overpronation who need the highest level of structured support Brooks offers.

Best For Speed: Brooks Launch 12

The Launch 12 is the lightest shoe in this guide at 8.4 oz, and DSW customers say it feels fast. The BioMoGo DNA cushioning is firmer and more responsive than what you find in the Ghost or Glycerin, producing a snappy, road-connected feel.

Shoppers report the Launch 12 excels during tempo runs, speed work, and race day. It is not the shoe for a leisurely recovery jog, because the cushioning is intentionally minimal to keep you quick. Starting at $120, it is also one of the more affordable Brooks models, making it a good second-pair option.

Who it's for: Speed-focused runners who want a lightweight, responsive shoe for faster workouts and races.

Budget-Friendly Racer: Brooks Launch 11

The Launch 11 is the previous generation of the Launch line, and starting at $85, it is the most affordable shoe in this guide. DSW customers describe it as firm and direct, a no-frills racer that gets out of your way and lets you run.

Shoppers report the Launch 11 and Launch 12 feel similar, with the Launch 12 offering a slightly updated upper and a marginally lighter build. If you're looking for a reliable speed shoe at the lowest price point, the Launch 11 is a strong value. It runs true to size with a slightly narrower fit than the Ghost family.

Who it's for: Budget-conscious runners who want a fast, lightweight trainer without paying full price for the latest version.

Brooks for Flat Feet vs. High Arches

Choosing the right Brooks model depends on your arch type and pronation pattern. Here is how to think about it:

Flat feet / overpronation: The Adrenaline GTS 24 and Defyance Max are the two stability models in this guide. The Adrenaline suits mild to moderate overpronation, while the Defyance Max handles more severe cases. Both use GuideRails to control inward roll without a heavy medial post.

High arches / underpronation (supination): Neutral shoes with generous cushioning work best. The Glycerin 22 and Ghost Max 3 provide the plush, shock-absorbing ride that high-arched feet need.

Normal arches: The Ghost 16 is the versatile, neutral daily trainer that works for the widest range of foot types.

Do Brooks Run Narrow?

Shoppers say the Launch 11 and Launch 12 run slightly narrower through the midfoot, while the Ghost 16 and Ghost Max 3 offer a roomier toe box and a more accommodating fit. The Glycerin 22 is between those extremes, snug but not tight for most customers.

If you have wider feet, look for models available in wide or extra-wide widths.

Find Your Brooks at DSW

Every model in this guide is available at DSW with free shipping on qualifying orders, easy returns, and don't forget the VIP program. Whether you are upgrading your daily trainer or adding a speed shoe to your rotation, you can explore the full lineup, including wide and extra-wide widths, at DSW.com or head to your local DSW store. 

Not sure which model is right for you? Start with the Ghost 16 for versatility, the Adrenaline GTS 24 for stability, or the Ghost Max 3 for maximum cushioning. And check out our Ghost vs. Glycerin guide!