Brooks Glycerin 22
Pros
- DNA Tuned improves shock absorption
- Stable ride
- Highly-breathable upper
- Increased stack height
- All-around comfort
- First-class durability
- Perfect for everyday miles
- Awesome for heel strikers
- Great as an everyday shoe
Cons
- Needs to lose some weight
- Low toebox height
- Price increase
- Not the most energetic ride
Key Features
- Dual-Size Cells Technology: The Glycerin 22 features DNA Tuned midsole technology that seamlessly blends two sizes of cells for luxurious cushioning and energetic toe-offs.
- Neutral Support: This shoe provides excellent neutral support while maximizing cushioning, making it versatile for diverse activities.
- DNA Tuned Cushion: Designed with cutting-edge cushion technology, larger cells in the heel deliver soft landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot facilitate responsive take-offs.
- Accommodating Fit: The newly engineered double jacquard knit upper offers a flexible and accommodating fit, ensuring both durability and breathability.
- Smooth Transitions: A broad platform stabilizes your foot during movement, promoting smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Foam, Fabric
The Glycerin 22 is designed for individuals seeking a comfortable walking and running experience. Its gentle cushioning and flexible midsole facilitate ease during daily mileage, while its durable construction is evident in lab assessments.
The outsole demonstrates significant wear resistance, evidenced by a durometer reading of 84.0 HC compared to the average of 79.2 HC. In our Dremel test, it sustained only 0.5 mm damage, indicating a reduction of 54.5% compared to typical results.
This 22nd iteration stands out as the most cushioned Glycerin, featuring a stack height of 38.5/28.2 mm that supports extended use without causing muscle fatigue. The shock absorption performance is rated at 133/109 SA, contributing to its overall comfort.
Despite its substantial stack height, the shoe allows for adequate foot flexibility, needing a near-average force of 15.0N to achieve a bend of 30 degrees. This feature enhances its versatility for varied activities.
A notable drawback is the limited toebox height, which may not accommodate those with high-volume feet or those preferring a more relaxed fit. Users seeking additional space in this area might consider wider alternatives.
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable and secure upper
- Solid durability overall
- Impressively stable
- Finally modern aesthetics
- Perfect for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Versatile enough to wear as a sneaker
- Luxuriously padded tongue and heel collar
- Reasonable price for a max-stack shoe
- Best for slow runs
Cons
- Heavier than most rivals
- Foam lacks energy and responsiveness
- Less suitable for heel strikers
- Not enough shock absorption in the heel
Key Features
- High-Fidelity Textile Upper: Designed for breathability and comfort, the upper combines soft materials with engineered mesh, ensuring a well-ventilated fit throughout the day.
- Nitrogen-Infused DNA Loft v3 Cushioning: This advanced cushioning system minimizes underfoot pressure while allowing for natural movement, thus enhancing your overall stride and lowering injury risks.
- Stable Ride: A wide base supports stability during runs and walks, with raised sidewalls improving bending stiffness for a snug fit.
- GlideRoll Rocker Technology: This feature promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions, facilitating effortless steps and enhancing stride efficiency.
- Eco-Friendly Certification: The Ghost Max 3 is recognized as a carbon neutral product, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Nylon
The Ghost Max 3 is a walking and running shoe best suited for those seeking comfort, stability, and durability. During testing, it demonstrated a reliable performance with notable cushioning and longevity, making it a leading choice among Brooks walking-running shoes.
Featuring an above-average stack height of 38.5/31.2 mm, the cushioning ensures ground impact is gentle. The rear section provides exceptional shock absorption, as verified by its high 134 SA rating, which is particularly advantageous for heel-strikers during walks.
The Ghost Max 3 has a broad base design with a central groove to enhance stability. Measurements confirm generous dimensions of 119.1 mm in the forefoot and 101.5 mm in the heel, both significantly exceeding average values.
The outsole shows minimal wear after extensive outdoor testing, indicating significant durability. In our lab analysis, it surpassed the average in the Dremel abrasion test, sustaining only an insignificant 0.8 mm dent.
With a weight of 10.7 oz (303g), the Ghost Max 3 may feel heavy for some users, especially for running. If this weight is a concern, it may be worth exploring lighter shoe options.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Pros
- Stack height upgrade!
- Reliable support
- Breathable mesh with oversized vents
- Price remains unchanged
- Available in 4 width options
- Good durability
- Plush tongue for top comfort
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Foam upgrade to DNA Loft v3
Cons
- Firmer-than-expected midsole
- High drop may feel too steep
- Toebox height is a bit low
- Non-gusseted tongue
Key Features
- Guidance System: The Guiderails Holistic Support System helps guide your body in its natural motion path, preventing excess movement.
- Dynamic Cushioning: With nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam, enjoy soft and adaptive cushioning for a luxurious running experience.
- Enhanced Upper: The engineered air mesh upper provides breathability, stretch, and structural support for a comfortable fit.
- Smooth Transitions: A newly designed outsole and midsole enhance smooth transitions during your run.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Inner material: Nylon
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is ideal for heel strikers seeking stability in their running shoes. Its design features a balance of cushioning and rigidity, ensuring each landing remains secure.
The rear section of the shoe is notable for its performance. The heel counter received a stiffness rating of 4/5, providing a steady hold without excessive harshness. Additionally, the heel's landing base measures 95.0 mm, which surpasses the average by 4.3 mm.
In terms of comfort, the heel stack height is a significant 39.0 mm, compared to the average of 34.2 mm, delivering ample support for repetitive impacts. With a drop of 13.5 mm, the shoe enhances transition smoothness, making it particularly suitable for rear strikers.
The inclusion of GuideRails technology is an essential feature that helps maintain foot positioning. This design element contributes to stability, allowing for greater control during runs.
A potential drawback is that the shoe feels somewhat firm, prioritizing support over plush cushioning. Runners who favor a softer feel may want to explore other options.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption
- Improved energy return with DNA Gold foam
- Massive stack height
- Impressive knit upper
- Ideal for long runs
- High-quality materials
- Leapfrogs over previous Hyperion Max models
- Avoids a bulky feel underfoot
- Can be used for daily runs too
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Could be a bit cheaper
- Limited stability
- Drop differs from stated
Key Features
- DNA GOLD Cushioning: The lightest, softest, and highest energy-return foam Brooks has created, providing ultimate comfort and propulsion.
- Airy Fit: A secure upper that utilizes breathable mesh for enhanced comfort even during extended runs or intense workouts.
- SpeedVault Plate: Enhances stability and provides propulsion, contributing to smoother transitions and overall efficiency in your run.
- RapidRoll Rocker: Curved geometry that assists in heel-to-toe transitions, promoting quicker turnover for a faster pace.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Nylon
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is designed for neutral runners seeking a highly cushioned and protected ride over long distances. With a significant stack height, this shoe delivers notable energy return and a smooth running experience, enhancing confidence during each stride.
Our measurements indicate a stack height of 45.6/35.0 mm, which contributes to exceptional comfort throughout runs. However, the substantial foam layer reduces ground feel, and we recorded impressive shock absorption scores of 151 SA in the heel and 133 SA in the forefoot, ensuring protection for all foot strikers, particularly during endurance training.
The DNA Gold foam provides strong responsiveness with energy return scores of 63.9% in the heel and 66.2% in the forefoot. Additionally, the SpeedVault plate enhances stride snappiness without introducing excessive stiffness, as confirmed by our bend test showing it is only 11.8% stiffer than average.
With an aggressive rocker in the forefoot, the Hyperion Max 3 promotes forward momentum and assists in achieving smooth transitions. Its compact platform maintains agility despite the added height; however, this design compromise results in reduced stability.
As such, we recommend the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 primarily for neutral runners due to its lack of additional stability features, which may not suit those requiring extra support.
Brooks Cascadia 19
Pros
- Softer, more responsive DNA Loft v3 foam
- Outstanding stability
- Enhanced flexibility
- Highly versatile for both running and hiking
- Reliable traction
- Well-crafted, plush tongue
- Excellent outsole durability
- Best Cascadia to date
- Good airflow
Cons
- Still on the heavier side
- Narrow toebox limits toe splay
- Slight price increase
Key Features
- TrailTack Green Outsole: Made from 25% recycled content, this outsole offers excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions.
- DNA LOFT v3 Cushioning: Enhanced cushioning in the heel and forefoot ensures a soft yet responsive feel while running.
- Trail Adapt System: An upgraded system provides stability and adaptability across challenging terrains.
- Durable Upper: The breathable air mesh upper features 3D print overlays for added protection against debris.
- Reinforced Toe Cap and Mudguard: These features enhance durability and protect the shoe from wear-and-tear during intense runs.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Nylon, EVA
The Brooks Cascadia 19 is a trail running shoe that excels in off-road conditions, making it well-suited for runners seeking versatility across mixed terrains and varying weather. Its robust design features well-structured lugs and the Trail Adapt system, which contribute to its notable performance.
During our testing on steep and uneven paths, the moderately-sized 3.8 mm lugs provided a high level of agility. These lugs vary in shape and size to enhance functionality, with rear lugs designed for braking, midfoot lugs for water and debris shedding, and forefoot lugs for improved grip during ascents.
The Trail Adapt system enhances stride stability and protects against underfoot debris, resulting in a firm sensation that contributes to a steady ride on rugged terrains. Additionally, the broad landing platform measures 121.5/101.3 mm, further promoting stability during runs.
In our breathability assessment, the upper received a score of 4/5, outperforming many typical trail shoes by effectively keeping feet cool even in sunny conditions. This feature is significant for maintaining comfort over longer distances.
However, the focus on protection and stability also means that the Cascadia 19 offers less cushioning than some runners may prefer. Those prioritizing plush comfort might want to consider alternative options.
Brooks Revel 7
Pros
- Exceptional value
- Highly breathable upper
- Impressively low weight
- Gusseted tongue
- Ideal for new runners
- Great for heel strikers
- Robust durability
Cons
- Ride lacks excitement
- Low energy return
- Forefoot cushioning
- Slippery when wet
Key Features
- Comfortable Ride: The Adaptive DNA midsole cushioning adjusts to your stride, weight, and speed, providing protection by absorbing impact.
- Responsive Feel: Designed to enhance energy return, the shoe's construction ensures you feel rejuvenated with every step.
- All-Day Comfort: The soft tongue and updated comfort collar offer a plush sensation against your foot, making it suitable for extended wear.
- Versatile Upper: The updated knit upper not only provides a stylish look but also balances stability and breathability for optimal comfort.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Inner Material: Nylon
At $100, the Revel 7 is notable for its versatility, comfort, and durability, making it an excellent choice for runners seeking a budget-friendly option. It offers qualities typical of more premium shoes, such as a light feel during runs, supported by lab results confirming it as the best budget Brooks running shoe.
The adaptability of the Revel 7 enhances its suitability for various activities, including walking and gym workouts. The midsole works in harmony with the foot's natural movement, as demonstrated by our flex test, which indicates it is 30.9% more flexible than average. Its weight of 9.1 oz (258g) contributes to increased agility compared to the average road-running shoe weight of 9.4 oz (265g).
The cushioning provides a supportive experience for shorter distances, with our durometer measuring the foam at 19.5 HA. This balance effectively dampens landing impact without excessive compression. Additionally, the outsole measures 79.5 HC, ensuring reliable grip during runs while demonstrating minimal wear, showing only a 0.7 mm indentation in our Dremel test.
However, the ride may feel unexciting for those seeking more energy return during their runs. Enthusiasts looking for greater responsiveness might want to explore other options. Overall, the Revel 7 presents a solid choice for runners prioritizing affordability without sacrificing essential performance features.