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10 Best Brooks Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Peacoat/Raspberry/Apricot - 10 Medium

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 is a neutral running shoe designed especially for runners seeking a smooth and comfortable ride without distractions. Its standout feature is the soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which makes each step feel lightweight and plush, ideal for road running, walking, or gym workouts. The shoe provides neutral support, meaning it’s great for those without specific foot issues like overpronation. Fit-wise, the refined 3D Fit Print design helps the shoe hug your foot securely while the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool during activity.

This model excels on road or paved surfaces thanks to its durable RoadTack rubber outsole, which combines lightweight feel with good rebound and toughness. The Segmented Crash Pad in the sole ensures smooth transitions from heel to toe, enhancing comfort on every stride. As a bonus, the Ghost 16 is certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association and suitable for diabetic foot care, which highlights its thoughtful design and comfort.

The shoe is primarily built for neutral support and road running, so it may not offer enough stability for those needing extra arch support or for rough trails. Also, while durable for road use, it may wear faster on very rugged or uneven terrain. The Brooks Ghost 16 serves as a reliable, comfortable option for everyday runners and walkers who want a cushioned, breathable shoe with a secure fit that performs best on paved surfaces.

#2

Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Grey/Estate Blue - 9 Medium

Rating
10.0
Cushioning
Support
Fit

Most important from
3816 reviews

Cushioning
These shoes are incredibly comfortable and provide excellent arch support, making them ideal for long hours on your feet.
Support
These shoes are incredibly comfortable and provide excellent arch support, making them ideal for long hours on your feet.
Fit
The wide toe area is a standout feature, offering comfort without compromising on fit.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe is designed for runners seeking a comfortable and smooth ride. It provides soft cushioning thanks to its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3, which ensures lightweight comfort. This makes it well-suited for various activities including road running, walking, and gym workouts.

The shoe's neutral support is particularly ideal for those who need stability without additional arch support. Its 3D Fit Print offers a seamless and secure fit, complemented by a breathable engineered air mesh upper that keeps feet cool and comfortable during runs. The soft midsole along with the Segmented Crash Pad ensures smooth transitions, enhancing the running experience by reducing distractions from the impact of each stride.

Additionally, the RoadTack rubber outsole, which includes recycled silica, is designed to be durable and lightweight while offering good rebound, making it resilient for road terrain. Durability is generally commendable, but like most running shoes, it may show wear over time with extensive use. Certified as a PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and granted APMA Seal of Acceptance, it also stands out as a certified carbon neutral product, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Rating
10.0
Cushioning
Support
Fit

Most important from
3816 reviews

Cushioning
These shoes are incredibly comfortable and provide excellent arch support, making them ideal for long hours on your feet.
Support
These shoes are incredibly comfortable and provide excellent arch support, making them ideal for long hours on your feet.
Fit
The wide toe area is a standout feature, offering comfort without compromising on fit.
#3

Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony - 11 Medium

Rating
9.8
Cushioning
Fit

Most important from
2389 reviews

Cushioning
The cushioning strikes the perfect balance—soft and responsive without feeling overly squishy, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Fit
The fit is true to size with just the right amount of room in the toe box, allowing natural foot movement without tightness.

The Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, smooth-running shoe mainly for road use. It excels in cushioning thanks to its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, which feels soft and lightweight, making your runs or walks feel easy on the feet. The shoe is designed with a neutral support level, so it’s best if you don’t need extra stability for overpronation. Its 3D Fit Print upper offers a snug yet breathable fit, keeping your feet secure without feeling tight or hot. The Segmented Crash Pad helps your foot transition smoothly from landing to toe-off, reducing distractions while running.

The outsole is made of durable Roadtack rubber, which should hold up well on pavement and gym floors, though it’s not built for rough trails or off-road terrain. A plus is that this model is certified diabetic-friendly and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating good foot health design. If you’re looking for shoes with heavy-duty support or for trail running, the Ghost 16 might not fully meet those needs. Its lace-up design and medium width fit most feet comfortably, but if you have very wide or narrow feet, it might be worth trying them on first.

In essence, the Ghost 16 is ideal for runners and walkers who want reliable cushioning and a smooth ride on hard surfaces with a comfortable, breathable fit.

Rating
9.8
Cushioning
Fit

Most important from
2389 reviews

Cushioning
The cushioning strikes the perfect balance—soft and responsive without feeling overly squishy, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Fit
The fit is true to size with just the right amount of room in the toe box, allowing natural foot movement without tightness.

Buying Guide for the Best Brooks Shoes

Choosing the right pair of Brooks shoes involves understanding your specific needs and preferences. Brooks offers a variety of running shoes designed for different types of runners and running styles. To find the best fit for you, consider factors such as your running terrain, foot type, and the level of cushioning and support you need. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
CushioningCushioning refers to the amount of padding in the shoe, which impacts comfort and shock absorption. Brooks shoes come with different levels of cushioning: minimal, moderate, and maximum. Minimal cushioning is lighter and more responsive, suitable for runners who prefer a natural feel. Moderate cushioning offers a balance between comfort and responsiveness, ideal for everyday training. Maximum cushioning provides the most comfort and shock absorption, perfect for long-distance runners or those with joint issues. Choose the level of cushioning based on your comfort preference and running distance.
SupportSupport in running shoes helps to stabilize your foot and prevent overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). Brooks shoes offer neutral support for runners with a natural gait and stability support for those who overpronate. Neutral shoes are flexible and allow your foot to move naturally, while stability shoes have added features like medial posts to correct overpronation. Determine your foot type and gait by visiting a specialty running store for a gait analysis or by observing the wear pattern on your old running shoes.
FitThe fit of the shoe is crucial for comfort and performance. Brooks shoes come in various widths and sizes to accommodate different foot shapes. A proper fit should have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes, a snug fit around the midfoot, and a secure heel. When trying on shoes, wear the socks you plan to run in and consider the time of day, as feet can swell throughout the day. Ensure there is about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
TerrainThe terrain you run on affects the type of shoe you need. Brooks offers road running shoes for pavement and smooth surfaces, trail running shoes for off-road and rugged terrain, and hybrid shoes for mixed surfaces. Road running shoes are lightweight and designed for speed and comfort on hard surfaces. Trail running shoes have more aggressive outsoles for better grip and protection against rocks and roots. Hybrid shoes provide versatility for runners who switch between road and trail. Choose a shoe based on the primary surface you run on.
DurabilityDurability refers to how long the shoes will last before needing replacement. Brooks shoes are made with high-quality materials, but the durability can vary based on the shoe model and your running habits. Heavier runners or those who run on rough terrain may need more durable shoes. Look for features like reinforced outsoles and durable upper materials if you need shoes that can withstand more wear and tear. Keep track of your mileage and replace your shoes every 300-500 miles to maintain optimal performance and prevent injuries.

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