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Brooks road lineup

MenWomen
RoadTrail
Current lineup2026 edition

Shoe range map

Race day ↑↓ Daily training← Shorter effortsLonger distance →

Position is our reviewed read of each shoe’s distance and racing focus — editorial judgement, not a performance score or ranking.

Shoes by role

The full lineup with role explanations and buying advice
Shoe & specificationsWhy this roleIs it right for you?

292 g · 6 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Recovery

Easy days after hard sessions call for a high-cushion neutral shoe. The Ghost Max 4 is Brooks' high-cushion neutral option, listed for daily runs, long runs, walking and orthotics.

Also considerDefyance MaxGlycerin FlexGlycerin 23
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Glycerin Flex Women's is the reviewed alternative: reviewers say it gives plush cushioning without feeling disconnected from the ground, thanks to a flexible midsole. Pick it for that grounded, flexible cruiser; pick the Ghost Max 4 Women's for the walking and orthotics use Brooks lists. Men wanting to spend less can look at the Defyance Max at $120.

Choose if

  • You want a high-cushion neutral shoe for slow days and walks.
  • You wear orthotics, which Brooks lists the Ghost Max 4 for.
  • You want a lower drop, like the Ghost Max 4's 6 mm.

Skip if

  • You need a support shoe; look at the Adrenaline GTS 25 instead.
  • You want one shoe that also handles faster running; look at the Ghost Amp.
  • You want the most cushion Brooks makes; look at the Glycerin Max 2.

300.5 g · 8 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Cushioned daily trainer

Most weekly miles are easy, and a high-cushion neutral trainer covers them. The Glycerin 23 is Brooks' premium cushioned daily shoe.

Also considerGhost Max 4
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Ghost Max 4 is also a high-cushion neutral trainer. Pick the Glycerin 23 as Brooks' premium cushioned daily shoe; pick the Ghost Max 4 for its lower drop, lower price and the walking and orthotics use Brooks lists.

Choose if

  • You run most days at easy pace and want the Glycerin 23's high cushion.
  • You prefer the Glycerin 23's 8 mm drop to the Ghost Max 4's 6 mm.
  • You want reviewed, forgiving daily miles from the Glycerin 23 Women's.

Skip if

  • You want a shoe for pace work; reviewers say the Glycerin 23 Women's is not built for pace.
  • You need a support shoe; look at the Glycerin GTS 23.
  • You want to spend a little less; the Ghost Max 4 costs $165.

255.1 g · 6 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Versatile daily trainer

Many runners want one shoe for easy miles and faster pickups. The Ghost Amp does both, and reviewers single out its forefoot pop.

Also considerLaunch 12Glycerin FlexGhost Max 4
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Launch 12 Women's is the budget pick at $120; reviewers call it a light, no-frills responsive trainer for easy and uptempo miles. Choose it to save money, or the Ghost Amp for its forefoot pop. The men's Launch 12 is also $120 with an 8 mm drop.

Choose if

  • You want one shoe for daily miles and tempo pickups.
  • You like a soft-but-peppy shoe with forefoot pop, as reviewers describe the Ghost Amp.
  • You want something faster-leaning than the standard Ghost.

Skip if

  • You want maximum cushion for long, slow days; look at the Glycerin Max 2.
  • You need a support shoe; look at the Adrenaline GTS 25.
  • You want a plated shoe for hard workouts; look at the Hyperion Max 4.

300.5 g · 10 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Stability daily trainer

Runners who want guidance need a support shoe for daily miles. The Adrenaline GTS 25 is Brooks' everyday support trainer.

Also considerAddiction GTS 15Glycerin GTS 23Ghost Max 4
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Addiction GTS 15 and Ariel GTS 26 Women's are Brooks' higher-support options for orthotics and walking. The Glycerin GTS 23 adds high cushion to a support shoe at $180. Pick the Adrenaline for everyday use, the others for more support or more cushion.

Choose if

  • You want a support shoe for everyday road runs and walks.
  • You are new to running; Brooks calls the Adrenaline GTS 25 a go-to for beginners.
  • You want support without a heavy medial post, as reviewers say of the Adrenaline GTS 25 Women's.

Skip if

  • You run in orthotics and want added support; look at the Addiction GTS 15.
  • You want a neutral shoe; look at the Ghost Amp or Glycerin 23.
  • You want a lower drop than the Adrenaline GTS 25's 10 mm.

320 g · 6 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Max-stack long run

Long runs put the most time on your legs, so this role goes to the most cushion in the range. The Glycerin Max 2 is Brooks' max-cushion neutral shoe for road long runs.

Also considerDefyance MaxGlycerin Flex
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Ghost Max 4 and Glycerin Flex are high-cushion rather than max-cushion. Pick the Glycerin Max 2 for the longest runs; pick the Glycerin Flex Women's if reviewers' plush-but-grounded description suits you, or the Defyance Max to spend $120.

Choose if

  • You want the most cushion Brooks makes for long road runs.
  • You want leg protection over speed, as reviewers say of the Glycerin Max 2 Women's.
  • You are fine paying $200 for the Glycerin Max 2.

Skip if

  • You want a lighter shoe for everyday runs; look at the Glycerin Flex.
  • You want pace in your long runs; look at the Hyperion Max 4.
  • You need a support shoe; look at the Glycerin GTS 23.

286.3 g · 6 mm drop
45 mm heel stack

Tempo / workout

Workouts and tempo runs go better in a shoe with a plate and tall cushioning. The Hyperion Max 4 gives both with a nylon plate, not carbon.

Also considerLaunch 12Hyperion 3
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Hyperion 3 is lighter at 233 g and plate-free at $140. Pick it for quicker, simpler sessions; pick the Hyperion Max 4 for cushion and a plate on longer efforts.

Choose if

  • You want a plated shoe for fast workouts and long efforts.
  • You want the Hyperion Max 4's 45 mm heel stack and nylon plate.
  • You want one fast-day shoe rather than a race specialist.

Skip if

  • You want a true race shoe; reviewers say the Hyperion Max 4 lacks that punch.
  • You want a lighter, plate-free workout shoe; look at the Hyperion 3.
  • You want to spend less; the Launch 12 costs $120.

233 g · 8 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

5 km / 10 km race

Short races reward a light, simple shoe. The Hyperion 3 is a light, plate-free neutral shoe with moderate cushion.

Also considerHyperion Max 4
Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Hyperion Max 4 adds a nylon plate and tall stack, but reviewers call it a fast-day trainer, not a race specialist. The Hyperion Elite 6 is the carbon option for racing.

Choose if

  • You want a light shoe for 5 km and 10 km racing.
  • You prefer no plate, like the Hyperion 3.
  • You want race shoes for $140, the Hyperion 3's price.

Skip if

  • You want a carbon plate; look at the Hyperion Elite 6.
  • You want more cushion for longer efforts; look at the Hyperion Max 4.
  • You want a lower drop than the Hyperion 3's 8 mm.

192.8 g · 7 mm drop
Heel stack not listed

Half / marathon race

Half and full marathons are where a carbon super shoe pays off. The Hyperion Elite 6 is Brooks' dedicated race-day shoe.

Where it overlaps with other shoes

The Hyperion Max 4 also has a plate, but reviewers call it a fast-day trainer rather than a race specialist. Train in it; race in the Hyperion Elite 6.

Choose if

  • You are chasing a road PR in the half or full marathon.
  • You want the Hyperion Elite 6's carbon SpeedVault+ plate.
  • You want a light racer; the Hyperion Elite 6 is 192.8 g.

Skip if

  • You want a shoe for daily training; look at the Hyperion Max 4.
  • You don't want to pay $275 for the Hyperion Elite 6.
  • You mostly race shorter distances; look at the Hyperion 3.

Specs are from manufacturers. Role explanations are editorial judgement.