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It’s best to think about what you will be doing in your shoes most often. For example, will your next pair be a gym shoe? Do you need a training shoe for a marathon?... The answer will give you an idea of the direction you should be looking.
Brooks isn't just a running brand — it has a history dedicated to helping people become the best version of themselves. Headquartered in Seattle, Brooks has grown into the biggest performance running brand in the U.S., and it's not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you're chasing a new PB, heading out for a casual jog, or just staying active day-to-day, Brooks is on a mission to be your go-to choice.
But it's not just about performance. Brooks is heavily focused on people and the planet, making thoughtful choices that support both the runner and the world they run in. From everyday trainers to running shoes, from walking to hiking to hitting the gym — if movement is your thing, Brooks likely has a shoe designed just for you.
We sat down with Daniel Roscoe, Education & Product Specialist at Brooks Running ANZ, to talk all things footwear — from the key differences across the Brooks range to how to choose the right shoe for you.
What are the key differences between each Brooks running shoe styles?
The differences in our key franchises come down to the experience they deliver. We don't just make shoes for the sake of it. There is some cross over, but each shoe has a particular target audience in mind.
Glycerin: Our most plush and cushioned running shoe. Think comfort and luxury meeting performance. It's a genuine high mileage running shoe.
Glycerin GTS: The support version of the Glycerin. Built for people that are prone to biomechanics that may increase their risk of injury.
Glycerin Max: Perfect for road running, featuring state-of-the-art cushioning technology. Its nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned midsole and GlideRoll Rocker ensure maximum comfort, responsiveness, and smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Ideal for both long-distance running and daily training, this shoe offers the ultimate in running performance.
Ghost: A trusted and reliable everyday shoe. Versatile and distraction free. Not quite as much cushioning as Glycerin but still enough to be able to get out there day after day. Also, a great shoe if you are using an orthotic.
Adrenaline GTS: Our number 1 selling shoe in Australia. It has all the features somebody could want in a shoe. Lightweight, great cushioning and very supportive.
Ghost Max: This shoe has a rocker sole that helps to reduce pain and discomfort in your daily life (e.g. walking the dog) as well as in your runs. The best choice if you're experiencing pain or reduced joint mobility.
Hyperion Max: This is a fast shoe. It has all the features of those carbon plated shoes you've heard about, but it is more accommodating of your calf muscle and Achilles. It's a shoe for events or if you want to run at a faster pace.
Beast: An industry leading, maximum support shoe. The most supportive shoe you will find on your shoe wall in any brand.
It's best to think about what you will be doing in your shoes most often. For example, will your next pair be a gym shoe? Do you need a training shoe for a marathon? Or are you looking for a good all-rounder? The answer will give you an idea of the direction you should be looking.
Which shoe should you wear for long runs and why?
If you prefer to run at a comfortable speed without having to focus on times and are looking for a shoe that does more of the work for you the Ghost Max is your best option.
Which shoe is good for tempo runs?
The Glycerin franchise will be your best companion here. It has the technology to provide excellent comfort but is still nimble enough to run at a target pace without getting in your way.
Which shoe is good for race/speed day runs and why?
If your goal is to run fast and far, Hyperion Max is the one for you. The nitrogen infused midsole and rapid roll technology are designed to support you in picking up the pace.
Are these shoes good for flat feet? Are these shoes good for wide feet?
What is wrong with having flat feet? Absolutely nothing. It was once thought that pronation was linked to injuries. That has now been shown to be untrue and in fact, it is the body's natural way of absorbing shock. Injury can come from training errors and deviating a long way from your baseline. A Brooks GTS shoe features a technology called a Guiderail.
This guiderail will help to keep you in a safe range of motion and assist improving your biomechanics. If this is something that concerns you, look for a shoe that has GTS in the name such as Glycerin GTS or Adrenaline GTS.
At Brooks we offer wide fitting shoes. For women this is a D width (B width is standard) and in men 2E is wide (with D being standard).
Are these good for plantar fasciitis?
No shoe from any brand is going to cure your plantar fasciitis (or any other condition). It is all about gradually building your tissue's tolerance to load.
However, shoes can help alleviate symptoms. The best Brooks shoe to assist in your treatment of plantar fasciitis is the Ghost Max. It's designed to relieve tension on the plantar fascia and reduce the workload required in walking and running.
Do Brooks shoes run true to size?
Yes, they do. Best to keep in mind that there are variations between brands and even between models within a brand. So, it is always advised to try a shoe in to find the right size for your foot. And remember, the actual number isn't important. The important part is finding the right fit for your foot shape.
What is it about Brooks that might be different to other running shoe brands?
Brooks utilise 2 key technologies that aren't found in other brands. First is our DNA cushioning. It is a non-Newtonian polymer. This means that it adapts to be specific to your needs.
So, a person that is 100kg is going to get a different response than somebody who is 60kg. Both people can be wearing the same model and know that they will be comfortable and protected due to the adaptable cushioning that is specific to them. It's not a one size fits all cushioning system.
The second is our guiderails. Our support system. In-shoe support hadn't evolved since we invented it in the late 70s. Guiderails is a smarter version of that support that is there to support you when you need it, but it won't impact you when you don't need it. It's like the bumper bars at ten-pin bowling. It works by keeping you in a safe range of motion to limit your risk of injury. It's a great technology and recently other brands have been starting to follow our lead in this space.
Ready to Shop?
Check out our entire range of Brooks shoes, or head in-store to speak to one of our friendly rebel staff to find the right fit and shoe for you.