Hey, I’m James, a foot and ankle specialist. I’ve tested all of Brooks’ top shoes and spent over $1,000, and today, I’m here to help you figure out which Brooks shoe might be the most comfortable for your feet. Whether you’re walking, standing all day, or want a plush everyday shoe, I’ll break down each model’s pros, cons, and key features. Let’s dive in!
1. Brooks Ghost Max 2: Maximum Cushioning and Comfort
Key Specs:
- Weight: 303g (Men’s US 9)
- Cushioning: 39mm heel, 33mm forefoot
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Cushioning Type: DNA Loft V3 nitrogen-infused foam
If you love that ultra-soft, cloud-like feel, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 might be your new favorite. It’s packed with plush cushioning, making it feel like you’re walking on pillows. Plus, it has a wide toe box and comes in normal, wide, and extra-wide options – perfect if you need a bit more room for your toes.
Why you might love it:
- Super soft and cushioned ride
- Lots of space for your toes
- Great for all-day comfort
A few downsides:
- It’s a bit on the chunky and heavy side
- The 6mm drop might not suit you if you have Achilles tendon issues
Best for: Long walks, standing all day, and anyone who needs a cushioned shoe with a roomy fit.
2. Brooks Ghost 16: The Classic Neutral Shoe
Key Specs:
- Weight: ~280g (Men’s US 9)
- Cushioning: 35.5mm heel, 23.5mm forefoot
- Heel Drop: 12mm
- Cushioning Type: DNA Loft V3 nitrogen-infused foam
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a go-to neutral shoe that offers a nice balance of plush comfort and responsiveness. It’s lighter and less clunky than the Ghost Max 2, making it great for daily walks. The 12mm drop could also be helpful if you’re dealing with Achilles discomfort.
Why you might love it:
- Soft but with a bit of energy return
- Lightweight and versatile
- Great for day-to-day walking
A few downsides:
- Less forefoot padding compared to max-cushion shoes
- The higher drop may add pressure to your forefoot
Best for: Daily walking, standing, and anyone looking for a dependable, neutral shoe.
3. Brooks Glycerin Max: The Plush Powerhouse
Key Specs:
- Weight: ~290g (Men’s US 9)
- Cushioning: 45mm heel, 39mm forefoot
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Cushioning Type: DNA Loft V3 foam
Looking for the softest, most cushioned ride? Enter the Brooks Glycerin Max. It has a ton of cushioning but still feels lighter than the Ghost Max 2. Plus, the aggressive forefoot rocker helps you roll smoothly through your stride, which might be helpful if you deal with forefoot discomfort.
Why you might love it:
- Maximum cushioning without feeling too heavy
- Smooth transitions thanks to the forefoot rocker
- Super comfortable for long walks
A few downsides:
- Only available in a normal width
- Might not suit you if you have wider feet
Best for: Those who want the ultimate comfort and plush feel for walking or standing.
4. Brooks Glycerin 21: Plush Cushioning with a Balanced Feel
Key Specs:
- Weight: ~280g (Men’s US 9)
- Cushioning: 38mm heel, 28mm forefoot
- Heel Drop: 10mm
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a great option if you want a little extra cushioning compared to the Ghost 16. It offers a softer, more plush feel while still being responsive. The 10mm drop makes it a balanced shoe that might help if you prefer a smoother ride with a bit of extra padding.
Why you might love it:
- Plush cushioning for long walks
- A bit more forefoot comfort than the Ghost 16
- Comes in normal and wide widths
A few downsides:
- Slightly stiffer midsole due to extra cushioning
Best for: Daily walking, longer walks, and anyone looking for a cushioned neutral shoe.
5. Brooks Launch 10: Affordable and Snappy
Key Specs:
- Weight: ~250g (Men’s US 9)
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Price: Under $100
On a budget but still want a quality Brooks shoe? The Brooks Launch 10 is your answer. It’s more responsive and firmer than the Ghost or Glycerin, making it great if you prefer a bit of energy return. It’s also lightweight, but keep in mind it has a narrower toe box.
Why you might love it:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and responsive
A few downsides:
- Narrower fit in the forefoot
- Less plush compared to other Brooks models
Best for: Shorter walks, daily activities, and budget-conscious buyers.
6. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: The Go-To Stability Shoe
Key Specs:
- Weight: ~290g (Men’s US 9)
- Cushioning: DNA Loft V3
- Stability Feature: Go-To-Support (GTS) system
If you need extra arch support and stability, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a top choice. The GTS system helps support your arch and keeps your foot centered. This shoe might be a great option if you deal with overpronation or need a bit of extra support during your walks.
Why you might love it:
- Excellent stability for overpronation
- Plush cushioning and secure fit
- Comes in wide sizes
A few downsides:
- The arch support might feel intrusive if you prefer a neutral shoe
Best for: Daily walking, standing, and those who need stability for overpronation.
Final Thoughts
Each of these Brooks shoes shines in different ways:
- Ghost Max 2: Ultimate comfort with a wide fit.
- Ghost 16: Classic, versatile, neutral shoe.
- Glycerin Max: Plush and cushioned for long walks.
- Glycerin 21: Balanced plush cushioning.
- Launch 10: Budget-friendly and responsive.
- Adrenaline GTS 24: Top-tier stability for extra support.
If you have any questions, drop a comment below! You’ll also find links to each shoe in the description. Buying through those links helps support the channel without affecting your price. If you found this helpful, like, share, and subscribe – it makes a big difference.
Thanks for reading, and happy walking!
