Brooks makes some of the most comfortable walking shoes available today, but choosing the right model isn’t always straightforward. Some offer maximum cushioning for long days on your feet, while others focus on stability, lighter weight, or a more responsive feel.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best Brooks walking shoes in 2026, based on real-world walking comfort, cushioning, stability, and fit.
I’ve personally walked in all of these models, so I’ll explain how each one feels underfoot, who it’s best for, and how they compare to each other. We’ll start with neutral and everyday options, then move into stability shoes and finally Brooks’ max-cushion models that work well for long walks or standing all day.
If you want a quick answer, here are the best Brooks walking shoes right now.
Quick Verdict: Best Brooks Walking Shoes
- Maximum cushioning: Brooks Glycerin Max 2 – the most cushioned Brooks shoe with a smooth rocker that makes long walks feel easier.
- Most stable neutral shoe: Brooks Ghost Max 3 – wide platform and excellent if you wear orthotics or want a very planted feel.
- Premium neutral comfort: Brooks Glycerin 23 – plush upper and balanced cushioning for all-day walking comfort.
- Best balanced everyday option: Brooks Ghost 17 – lighter and more responsive while still offering plenty of cushioning.
- Best stability shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 – subtle guide rail support for people who want mild stability.
- Maximum cushioning with stability: Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 – plush cushioning with added structure for flatter feet.
- Best lightweight budget option: Brooks Launch 12 – simple, lighter, and more affordable for everyday walking.
- Budget stability option: Brooks Defyance Max – a more affordable alternative to the Ghost Max with a firmer, stable ride that works well for everyday walking.
Best Brooks Walking Shoes Reviewed:
Brooks Glycerin 23: Premium Cushioning for Walking
If the Glycerin Max 2 feels a little too big or bulky, and the Ghost Max 3 feels slightly firmer, then the Brooks Glycerin 23 sits nicely between those two shoes.
You still get plenty of cushioning underfoot, making it very comfortable for long days of walking or standing, but it doesn’t feel quite as high or heavy as the max-cushion models. The midsole uses Brooks’ DNA Tuned cushioning, which is designed with larger cells in the heel for better shock absorption and smaller, denser cells in the forefoot to help with push-off. This gives the shoe a soft feel when your heel strikes the ground, while still keeping the ride stable and controlled as you walk.
Where the Glycerin really stands out, though, is the overall comfort of the upper. The engineered mesh wraps nicely around the foot, while the padded heel collar and tongue give the shoe a very plush feel when you step into it.
The fit is also quite accommodating through the forefoot, and it’s available in wide versions, which can be helpful if standard running shoes feel slightly narrow.
If you want a Brooks shoe that delivers premium comfort without the bulk of max cushioning, the Glycerin 23 is one of the best options in the lineup.
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Brooks Ghost 17: Balanced Cushioning with a Snappy Feel
The Brooks Ghost 17 has been one of the most popular Brooks shoes for years, and a big reason for that is how balanced and easy it feels on the foot.
Compared to models like the Glycerin Max 2 or Ghost Max 3, the Ghost 17 feels noticeably lighter and more flexible. It still provides plenty of cushioning underfoot thanks to Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 midsole, but the ride feels a little firmer and more responsive. That makes it a great option if you want comfort for longer walks without the bulky feel that some max-cushion shoes can have.
The geometry of the shoe also helps the foot transition smoothly from heel to toe, which many walkers find gives the shoe a more natural and efficient feel.
The upper is slightly less plush than the Glycerin range, but it still offers good overall comfort with a breathable mesh and a secure fit around the midfoot.
Because of this combination of moderate cushioning, lighter weight, and a stable feel, the Ghost 17 works extremely well as an everyday walking shoe for people who want comfort without too much softness.
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Brooks Glycerin GTS 23: Plush Cushioning with Added Stability
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 is essentially the stability version of the standard Glycerin, designed for walkers who want soft cushioning but with a little more structure and support.
Like the regular Glycerin, it uses Brooks’ DNA Tuned midsole, which provides a soft and protective feel underfoot while still remaining stable enough for long walks. The cushioning absorbs impact well, making it particularly comfortable if you spend a lot of time walking on hard surfaces.
What makes this version different is Brooks’ GuideRails support system, which runs along the sides of the shoe to help keep your foot centered as you walk. Rather than pushing your foot in a specific direction, the GuideRails act more like guardrails that limit excessive movement, which many people find feels more natural than traditional stability shoes.
The shoe also has a more structured heel counter and additional arch support, which can help if your ankles tend to roll inward or if you simply prefer a shoe that feels secure and supportive.
Because of this combination of plush cushioning and gentle stability, the Glycerin GTS 23 works well for people with flatter feet or anyone looking for a highly cushioned walking shoe with added support.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25: Reliable Stability with Balanced Cushioning
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is one of the most popular stability shoes in the Brooks lineup and has been a trusted option for walkers and runners for many years.
Unlike traditional stability shoes that rely on firm arch posts, the Adrenaline uses Brooks’ GuideRails support system, which runs along the sides of the shoe to help keep your foot centered as you walk. Rather than forcing your foot into a specific position, the GuideRails act more like guardrails that limit excessive movement, which many people find feels more natural and comfortable.
The midsole provides balanced cushioning that feels soft enough for long walks but still stable underfoot, making it a good option if you want support without the bulky feel of some max-cushion stability shoes.
Because of this combination of moderate cushioning and gentle stability, the Adrenaline GTS 25 works particularly well for people who feel their ankles roll inward slightly when walking or who simply prefer a shoe that feels a little more structured and supportive.
Brooks Ghost Max 3: Wide, Stable, and Orthotic-Friendly
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is one of the most stable neutral shoes Brooks makes and works extremely well for people who want cushioning with a more planted feel underfoot.
Compared to the standard Ghost 17, the Ghost Max sits slightly wider and lower to the ground, which immediately makes it feel more stable when you step into it. The shoe uses Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which absorbs impact well while still keeping the ride smooth and controlled when walking.
A big reason for that stability is the broad platform under the foot. The midsole stays wide through the midfoot rather than narrowing, and the raised sidewalls help cradle the foot slightly as you walk. This gives the shoe the feel of what many people describe as a stable neutral shoe.
The toe box is also quite accommodating, which makes this model a particularly good option if you have a wider foot or if you use orthotics or insoles.
Because of this combination of cushioning, stability, and a wide platform, the Ghost Max 3 is one of the best Brooks walking shoes for people who want comfort with a very secure and supportive feel.
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Brooks Defyance Max: Budget-Friendly Stability
The Brooks Defyance Max is a newer addition to the Brooks lineup and offers a more affordable alternative to shoes like the Ghost Max or Glycerin models while still providing a stable and comfortable platform for walking.
Instead of the newer DNA Loft v3 foam used in some of Brooks’ premium shoes, the Defyance Max uses DNA Loft v2 cushioning, which feels slightly firmer underfoot. That firmer feel actually helps create a more stable ride, making the shoe feel secure and predictable during longer walks.
You still get helpful design features like sidewalls along the midsole that cradle the foot, along with a moderate 6 mm heel-to-toe drop that helps keep the foot stable during the walking stride.
Compared to the Ghost Max 3, the platform is a little narrower and the toe box isn’t quite as spacious, but the trade-off is a shoe that feels slightly lighter and more streamlined.
Because of this combination of moderate cushioning, inherent stability, and a lower price point, the Defyance Max works well for walkers who want a supportive everyday shoe without paying for some of the more premium cushioning systems in the Brooks lineup.
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Brooks Glycerin Max 2: Maximum Cushioning with a Smooth Rocker
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 sits at the premium end of the Brooks walking shoe range and delivers one of the most cushioned rides in the lineup.
It uses Brooks’ DNA Tuned midsole, which combines larger cells in the heel for better shock absorption with denser foam in the forefoot to help with push-off. The result is a ride that feels soft and protective underfoot while still remaining controlled and stable when walking.
One of the standout features of the shoe is its rocker geometry, which helps guide the foot smoothly from heel to toe. This design reduces the amount your toes need to bend during walking, which can be particularly helpful if you have stiffness in the big toe joint or forefoot sensitivity.
Because of the high stack height and plush cushioning, the Glycerin Max 2 works especially well for people who spend long hours walking or standing on hard surfaces, such as healthcare workers, teachers, or retail staff.
However, because the shoe sits quite high off the ground, some people may prefer a slightly lower and more stable option like the Ghost Max 3.
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Brooks Launch 12: Lightweight and Budget-Friendly
The Brooks Launch 12 is one of the lightest shoes in the Brooks lineup and a good option if you want something simple, comfortable, and more affordable for everyday walking.
Compared to shoes like the Glycerin or Ghost, the Launch feels noticeably lighter and a little firmer underfoot. It uses Brooks’ DNA Flash v2 midsole, which gives the shoe a slightly more responsive feel when walking rather than the soft, plush cushioning found in some of the more premium models.
Because of that lighter and more energetic feel, the Launch works particularly well for shorter walks, commuting, or everyday casual wear where you don’t necessarily need maximum cushioning.
One thing to be aware of is that the toe box is slightly narrower than some other Brooks shoes like the Ghost or Ghost Max. However, the shoe still fits true to size in length, which makes it fairly straightforward to buy online.
If you’re looking for a lighter Brooks walking shoe that’s comfortable and more budget friendly, the Launch 12 is a solid everyday option.
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Final Thoughts
Brooks has done an excellent job creating walking shoes for different needs, whether you prefer maximum cushioning, added stability, or something lighter and more responsive.
If you want the most cushioning and a smooth rolling feel, the Glycerin Max 2 is the standout option. Walkers who prefer a stable neutral platform that works well with orthotics may find the Ghost Max 3 more comfortable. The Glycerin 23 offers premium comfort without the bulk of a max-cushion shoe, while the Ghost 17 remains one of the most balanced and versatile walking shoes Brooks makes.
For those who need a little more support, the Adrenaline GTS 25 and Glycerin GTS 23 provide stability without feeling overly corrective. And if you prefer something lighter and more budget friendly, the Launch 12 is a great everyday option.
If you’re still comparing different brands and models, you can also see our updated guide to the most comfortable walking shoes available this year, where we compare Brooks with options from brands like ASICS, HOKA, and New Balance.
