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 Glycerin Max
Pros
- Massive impact dampening
- Luxurious yet breathable upper
- New DNA Tuned midsole
- Eye-catching look
- Surprisingly stable
- Can be used as a walking shoe
- Premium materials
Cons
- Too heavy
- Midsole lacks bounce
- Poor rubber coverage
- High price tag
Key Features
- Maximum Soft Cushion Technology: The Glycerin Max ensures every step feels effortless thanks to its high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned Cushion in the midsole.
- GlideRoll Rocker: Features a sculpted heel bevel and toe spring geometries for smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making it easier for you to push forward.
- DNA Tuned Foam: This next-generation foam uses dual-size cell technology to protect your body from impact while providing a comfortable ride.
- Comfort Fit: The unique Linear Last construction offers more volume, accommodating all foot shapes and allowing use with orthotics.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Inner Material: Nylon
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a running shoe designed for individuals seeking comfort during their training sessions. It excels in providing significant support and cushioning, making it suitable for underpronation runners.
This model features a substantial stack height of 42.3/35.7 mm, which effectively absorbs shock and minimizes stress on joints and muscles. With a high 148 SA score, it offers 16.5% more protection than the average running shoe.
Despite its elevated stack, the Glycerin Max maintains notable stability through a stiffened midsole. Our manual assessment revealed a high degree of torsional rigidity, resulting in a score of 4/5.
The upper material provides impressive comfort and breathability, handling heat-intensive runs effectively. This performance is confirmed by a maximum rating of 5/5 during our breathability test.
One drawback of the Glycerin Max is its focus on comfort, which may leave some runners desiring a more dynamic, springy feel from the midsole. Runners looking for an energized ride may want to consider alternatives.
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 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 Beast GTS 24
Pros
- Wear-resistant, durable outsole
- Comfortable upper
- Exceptional for heel strikers
- Doubles as a versatile lifestyle shoe
- HIgh-quality build
- Innovative tongue
- World-class stability
- Stability-focused footbed
Cons
- Limited breathability
- Not for forefoot strikers
- Extra-firm midsole feel
- It's still too heavy!
Key Features
- Maximum Support and Comfort: The Beast GTS 24 offers superb cushioning thanks to its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 that adapts to your individual stride.
- GuideRails Technology: This innovative feature helps keep your body aligned by controlling excess movement, which can reduce the risk of injury.
- Resilient Cushioning: The soft cushioning not only enhances comfort but also provides durability for longer-lasting wear.
- Trusted Stability: The linear last construction of the midsole and outsole supports your foot's natural shape and movement.
- Secure Fit: The engineered upper ensures a roomy fit while maintaining lockdown for improving performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Nylon
The Beast GTS 24 is designed for individuals with arches and overpronating feet, offering notable support through its GuideRails technology. This shoe is built to endure beyond a thousand miles, earning recognition as the best stability walking-running shoe from Brooks.
The cushioning provides significant support with its firm foam, which has a durometer measurement of 30.1 HA, making it 43.3% firmer than average. Its solid platform contributes to a stable ride.
Central to the Beast GTS 24 is the GuideRails technology, which helps guide foot alignment by limiting excessive movements. Additionally, the extra width in the heel measures an impressive 11.2 mm, enhancing stability further. The midsole also maintains flexibility, as indicated by our bend test, showing it is 7.0% more malleable than average, making it suitable for walking.
Equipped with a durable rubber outsole, this shoe is capable of enduring extensive mileage. Laboratory tests reveal that it is tougher and thicker than average, measuring 85.5 HC and 4.8 mm respectively. Its durability is further confirmed by outstanding performance in our abrasion test, with only 0.7 mm damage compared to the 1.0 mm average.
However, those who prefer lighter footwear may experience leg fatigue earlier due to its weight of 12.6 oz (357g). This weight can feel cumbersome during faster paces or extended wear.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Pros
- Unmatched stability and arch support
- Broadly recommended by podiatrists
- Incredible abrasion resistance and durability
- Thick and lasting cushioning
- Wide and steady platform
- Great for cold and drizzly days
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- True to size and fit
- Can match formal work attire
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Quite stiff, needs breaking on
- Not as slip-resistant as claimed
- Not breathable
Key Features
- Responsive Cushioning: Equipped with BioMoGo DNA cushioning which adapts to your weight, speed, and stride, ensuring personalized comfort while absorbing shock at every step.
- Enhanced Stability & Alignment: The Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) helps guide your stride, promoting natural motion and providing crucial arch and pronation control.
- Built for Longevity: Constructed with a robust outsole and durable materials, this shoe is designed to withstand everyday wear while maintaining its structure and performance.
- Sleek Leather Upper: Features a full-grain leather upper that not only offers a classic look but also ensures long-lasting durability, making it suitable for both casual and work-ready outfits.
- Certified Performance: The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance, demonstrating its health-conscious design.
- Non-slip Outsole: The innovative non-slip outsole (ASTM 144: 2011 certified) ensures superior traction, preventing slips and falls during your daily activities.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Fabric
- Inner Material: Manmade
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is designed for individuals who spend long hours on their feet and require superior arch support. Through extensive wear tests and lab assessments, this podiatrist-approved shoe has demonstrated its capability to alleviate foot pain effectively.
This shoe excels in providing security and stability, thanks to its robust construction, stiff posts, and well-balanced cushioning. The Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar in the midfoot and a strong arch-supporting post work together to prevent inward foot rolling. While some may view these features as traditional compared to newer designs, they have proven to be highly effective and reliable in our assessments.
We evaluated the torsional rigidity of the AW2 by attempting to twist it manually, finding it highly resistant and earning a perfect score of 5/5. Beyond support, comfort is essential in a work shoe, and the AW2 delivers with an above-average stack height of 35.7/23.5 mm. The foam used in this shoe maintains its shape under heavy pressure, making it particularly suitable for individuals with specific foot conditions.
The balanced cushioning is verified at 25.9 HA, contributing to overall comfort during extended wear. However, this level of support comes with a weight consideration; at 13.7 oz (388g), the AW2 is 39.6% heavier than average. Those seeking lighter alternatives may want to explore other options.
Brooks Trace 3
Pros
- Still lightweight
- Foam upgraded to DNA Loft
- Massive value at just $100
- Good heel cushion
- More spacious toebox
- Fantastic durability
- Versatile
Cons
- Upper downgrade
- Slight weight gain from v2
- Not for forefoot strikers
- Lacks grip on wet surface
Key Features
- Soft and Dependable: Tailored for runners who prefer a cushioned feel underfoot.
- Smooth Transitions: Features a segmented crash pad that absorbs impact, ensuring a seamless heel-to-toe movement.
- Updated Fit: Engineered air mesh provides enhanced breathability while offering a secure fit.
- Enhanced Cushioning: Equipped with DNA LOFT cushioning that adapts to your stride, offering lasting comfort.
- Breathable Upper: The air-mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry during runs.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Trace 3 is a suitable option for those seeking an affordable walking-running shoe, priced at $100 and offering a significant discount of 28.6% compared to the average Brooks running shoe in our lab. It stands out for its overall comfort and versatility during runs.
We observed notable comfort and flexibility with the Trace 3, as its midsole easily conforms to the foot and measures 24.5 HA. The inclusion of DNA Loft technology provides a pleasant bounce that enhances the overall experience. Our flex test indicated that it is 30.2% more flexible than the average shoe, contributing to its lightweight design of 9.1 oz (257g), making it versatile for various activities such as walks and daily wear.
This model is particularly beginner-friendly, featuring a wide 93.1 mm heel that promotes stability for heel-strikers. Additionally, its steep 11.9 mm drop supports rear strikers, which means we do not recommend the Trace 3 for mid or forefoot strikers due to its specific design characteristics.