Ever feel like you’re searching for the perfect running shoe, but it’s like finding a needle in a haystack? Brooks has so many great options for women, and figuring out which one fits *you* best can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve had shoes that felt just a little off, or you’re unsure about cushioning levels or support.
Choosing the right Brooks shoe is important. It can make your runs feel amazing or, well, not so great! We know you want comfort and performance on every step. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of Brooks Womens shoes today.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which Brooks model might be your new running buddy. We’ll break down what makes each shoe special so you can step out with confidence. Let’s find your perfect fit!
Top Brooks Womens Recommendations
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 24 provides support to every stride, now with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning for even more lightweight, plush comfort. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 23.
- GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: Our innovative technology supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
- DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam delivers soft, smooth cushioning that adapts to your unique stride for lightweight comfort mile after mile.
- ENHANCED UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper provides just right breathability, stretch, and structure for a comfortably accommodating fit.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: Newly designed outsole and midsole promote smooth transitions so you can do more, comfortably.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Prepare for smooth transitions with the Glycerin 22, featuring DNA Tuned, the latest midsole technology that seamlessly blends and integrates dual-size cells, ensuring a balance of luxurious cushioning and energetic toe-offs. This Glycerin 22 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Glycerin 21.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: Provides neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym, or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Glycerin 21. Look for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 for the same style with added support.
- DNA TUNED CUSHION: Cutting-edge cushion technology with larger cells in the heel to provide soft, plush landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot invite responsive toe-offs.
- ACCOMMODATING FIT: The newly engineered double jacquard knit upper delivers a flexible and accommodating fit, combining durability with exceptional breathability.
- SMOOTH, STABLE TRANSITIONS: The broad platform stabilizes your foot while the tuned heel and forefoot smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners or walkers focused on improving their fitness, the Revel 8 offers a smooth, distraction-free ride to power through your workouts. Its unique mesh upper combines style and performance, giving you the casual look you want without compromising on the support and comfort you need. This Brooks Revel 8 has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Revel 7.
- ENGINEERED FOR COMFORT: Adaptable DNA Loft v2 cushioning provides underfoot comfort for any activity that adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to help protect you by deflecting impact away from your body.
- BREATHABLE MESH UPPER: The updated engineered mesh upper offers superior structure, a sleek design, and enhanced breathability, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during every run or workout.
- ROADTACK OUTSOLE: The RoadTack rubber outsole is lightweight, durable, and designed for optimal rebound, providing superior traction and responsiveness to keep you moving with confidence.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: A sleek design that’s ready for both your toughest workouts and casual outings, effortlessly transitioning from run to rest while maintaining a stylish, modern edge.
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: A great introduction to performance running. The Anthem 7 combines comfortable DNA cushioning with flexible breathability for a streamlined running experience. The Segmented Crash Pad is designed to maximize efficiency and create smooth transitions. Predecessor: Anthem 6.
- PERFORMANCE CUSHIONING: Lightweight DNA midsole cushioning in the midsole is engineered to decrease underfoot pressure for an effortless run.
- BREATHABLE UPPER: Updated engineered air mesh upper delivers a balance of stretch and structure for an accommodating fit that provides breathability and increased comfort.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The Segmented Crash Pad adeptly adapts to your foot's landing, maximizing efficiency and delivering cushioning for seamless transitions.
- COMFORT HEEL FIT: The heel is designed for optimal comfort, offering increased plushness for extended, all-day wear.
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 17 is for runners and walkers alike looking for an everyday companion that provides smooth, reliable comfort. Now featuring an extra 1mm of DNA LOFT v3 in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot to help every mile feel as good as the first. This Brooks Ghost 17 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 17 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 16.
- SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: The Ghost 17 offers neutral support with premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight softness and feel-good comfort after every mile. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, travel, and the gym.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The newly designed midsole incorporates precise flex grooves that enhance the shoe's ability to promote smooth transitions. This innovative feature allows for a more natural flow during toe-off, enabling runners to maintain speed and momentum with ease.
- COMFORT & BREATHABILITY: The double jacquard air mesh upper provides premium comfort and breathability, while the kick-back collar adds support and structure. This design ensures optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry during intense activities, while adapting to your foot’s natural movements for a comfortable snug fit.
- RUBBER OUTSOLE: The innovative rubber compound, crafted with recycled silica, offers a perfect balance of durability, lightweight performance, and responsive rebound, making it ideal for any terrain.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 16 offers a refined 3D Fit Print to create a more seamless, secure fit. This Brooks Ghost 16 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 16 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 15.
- SOFT CUSHIONING: The Ghost 16 offers neutral support while providing soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight comfort. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad promotes an easy flow from landing to toe-off to provide distraction- free cushioning under your feet with every stride.
- BREATHABLE UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper blends stretch and structure with just-right breathability to keep you comfortable.
- ROADTACK RUBBER OUTSOLE: New, do-it-all rubber compound includes recycled silica and is designed to be durable, lightweight, and rebound.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: For runners seeking a versatile springy performance shoe with sleek, sporty style for workouts, weekends, and anything in between. Predecessor: Revel 6.
- COMFORTABLE RIDE: Adaptable DNA midsole cushioning technology that adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to help protect you by deflecting impact away from your body.
- RESPONSIVE FEEL: The bottom of the shoe is constructed to provide enhanced energy return through all your activities.
- COMFORT: Soft tongue and updated comfort collar design provides all-day comfort and a plush feeling against your foot.
- VERSATILE UPPER: Updated knit upper offers a sleek look and fit while providing the right blend of structure, stability, and breathability for all day comfort.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Prepare for smooth transitions with the Glycerin GTS 22, featuring DNA Tuned, the latest midsole technology that seamlessly blends and integrates dual-size cells, ensuring a balance of luxurious cushioning and energetic toe-offs plus GuideRails support keeps excess motion at bay to help stabilization. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe. Predecessor: Glycerin GTS 21.
- GUIDERAILS SUPPORT: The Glycerin GTS 22 is the more supportive version of the Glycerin 22, it features the innovative GuideRails holistic support system that supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
- DNA TUNED CUSHION: Cutting-edge cushion technology with larger cells in the heel to provide soft, plush landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot invite responsive toe-offs.
- ACCOMMODATING FIT: The newly engineered double jacquard knit upper delivers a flexible and accommodating fit, combining durability with exceptional breathability.
- SMOOTH, STABLE TRANSITIONS: The broad platform stabilizes your foot while the tuned heel and forefoot smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Brooks Women’s Running Shoes
Brooks is a top brand for runners. They make shoes for all kinds of feet and running styles. This guide helps you pick the best Brooks shoes for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy Brooks shoes, look closely at these parts. They make a big difference in how your run feels.
1. Cushioning Level
Brooks offers different levels of softness. Do you like a very soft, cloud-like feel? Or do you prefer a firmer, more responsive feel? Brooks uses names like “DNA LOFT” for soft cushion and “BioMoGo DNA” for a balanced feel. Choose what feels best for your feet.
2. Support Type (Neutral vs. Support)
Your foot’s natural movement matters.
- Neutral Shoes: These are best if your foot rolls normally or slightly outward. Most runners use neutral shoes.
- Support Shoes: These help runners whose feet roll too far inward (overpronation). Look for features like “GuideRails” in Brooks support shoes.
3. Shoe Drop (Heel-to-Toe Offset)
This is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot. A higher drop (like 10-12mm) is traditional. A lower drop (like 0-8mm) lets your foot feel closer to the ground. Beginners often start with a medium to high drop.
Important Materials in Brooks Shoes
The materials used determine how long the shoe lasts and how it feels.
Upper Materials
The top part of the shoe is usually made of engineered mesh. This material breathes well, keeping your feet cool. Good quality mesh lasts longer and stretches comfortably around your foot.
Midsole Cushioning
The midsole absorbs the shock of running. Brooks uses different foams. High-quality foams keep their shape longer, even after many miles. Cheaper foams can flatten out quickly. This flattening reduces protection for your joints.
Outsole Durability
The bottom rubber part is the outsole. Look for durable rubber in high-wear areas like the heel and toe. This rubber prevents the shoe from wearing out too fast on pavement.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all Brooks shoes are made the same. These factors affect the shoe’s quality and performance.
Factors Improving Quality:
- Seamless Construction: Shoes with fewer seams inside cause less rubbing and fewer blisters.
- Responsive Foam: Foam that “bounces back” gives you energy with every step.
- Durable Heel Counter: A firm cup around the heel keeps your foot locked in place.
Factors Reducing Quality:
Watch out for shoes that feel too light or flimsy. If the upper material feels thin, it might tear easily. Also, shoes with very soft, undefined cushioning might break down too soon.
User Experience and Use Cases
Choose a shoe based on what you plan to do in it.
Daily Training vs. Race Day
For everyday running, you need comfort and durability. Shoes like the Ghost or Adrenaline are excellent daily trainers. For fast races, you might want a lighter shoe with more responsive foam, even if it costs a bit more.
Road vs. Trail Running
If you run on sidewalks and roads, smooth outsoles work best. If you run on dirt paths and mud, you need Brooks trail shoes (like the Cascadia). Trail shoes have deeper treads to grip uneven surfaces.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brooks Women’s Shoes
Q: Which Brooks shoe is best for a beginner runner?
A: The Brooks Ghost is often recommended. It offers a great balance of soft cushioning and reliable support for new runners.
Q: How do I know if I need a Neutral or Support shoe?
A: A gait analysis at a running store is the best way. If you cannot go to a store, look at the bottom of an old, worn-out shoe. If the wear is mostly on the inside edge, you probably need a Support shoe.
Q: How long do Brooks running shoes usually last?
A: Most Brooks shoes last between 300 to 500 miles. After 300 miles, the cushioning starts to fade, even if the outside looks fine.
Q: Are Brooks shoes true to size?
A: Yes, Brooks generally runs true to size. However, many runners order a half size up to allow room for their feet to swell during long runs.
Q: What is the difference between DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA?
A: DNA LOFT is Brooks’ softest, most plush cushioning. BioMoGo DNA adapts to your pace and weight, offering a more balanced, slightly firmer ride.
Q: Can I wear my Brooks road shoes on light trails?
A: You can, but only for very short distances on hard-packed dirt. Road shoes lack the deep grip needed for serious trails.
Q: Are Brooks shoes good for walking?
A: Absolutely. Many Brooks models, especially the neutral ones like the Ghost, provide excellent support and cushioning for long walks.
Q: How should I clean my Brooks running shoes?
A: Gently hand wash them. Use mild soap and water. Never put them in a machine dryer, as the heat can break down the foam and glue.
Q: What is the ‘GuideRails’ technology?
A: GuideRails are support features built into the sides of the midsole. They act like bumpers to keep your knee and ankle in line, reducing extra movement.
Q: Do Brooks shoes come in wide widths?
A: Yes, Brooks is excellent for offering multiple widths. You can often find shoes in Narrow (B), Standard (D), Wide (2E), and sometimes Extra Wide (4E) for women.