The 8 Best Brooks Running Shoes, Tested by Real Runners

Our editors have tested running and outdoor gear for years, and Brooks remains one of the best footwear options for runners — here are our top picks. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Whether you're just starting out on the treadmill or training for your first marathon, shoe choice is critical, and there's no one doing it like Brooks.

While the wrong shoes can dampen your performance and, in some cases, even cause injuries like shin splints, Brooks is a long-time favorite for runners due to their across-the-board reliable support and plush cushioning. Need a pair of trail shoes that can handle rocky terrain, or a pair that can support your high arches? They've got you covered from the starting line to the last few miles.

In fact, Brooks has a shoe for just about any type of runner, from springy and responsive sneakers for speed training to extra-padded options for long-distance runners. While it's almost impossible to declare a definitive best Brooks running shoe once and for all, we have a lot of runners on our staff, and they all have their preferences. Finding that Goldilocks pair of running shoes is no easy task, especially with a brand that's been around as long as this one, with countless best-sellers like the Ghost, the Glycerin, and Adrenaline GTS (which was released back in 1999).

To help get you started, we've narrowed down the best Brooks shoes for your specific running needs, picked from personal testing and well-rated and loved favorites. So lace up those sneakers, and get ready to find that new personal best! Note Remember that running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles as support degrades with use.

If you're still using an old pair, it might be time to upgrade. Below are some of our favorite pairs of Brooks running shoes, including options for beginners, pros, trail runners, and everyone in between. We've thoroughly tested several of these running shoes ourselves and researched other expert and non-expert opinions on each pair to make this list, evaluating based on comfort, shoe construction, performance, and flexibility.

I'm partial to Brooks' longstanding Ghost line because they helped me go from newbie to serious running enthusiast as a teenager. I've never been a fan of the ultra-plush daily runners, and the Ghosts offer exactly the amount of cushioning I want. They're supportive and soft for long runs, but you still feel plenty of responsiveness when picking up the pace or navigating sidewalk traffic.