Whether your weather is finally in a place where you are not drenched in sweat just from stepping foot outside, or just ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
Brooks Ghost Max
About:
What happens when Brooks decides to become a contender in the max cushioning realm? Building upon the legendary reputation of the Ghost series, Brooks introduced their latest innovation to the running world - the Ghost Max. A lower drop than their typical models, a softer midsole, and a rockered geometry: this trifecta signals a promising game-changer in shoe design.On the road, the Brooks Ghost Max flaunts its versatility. Despite its weight not looking particularly light on paper, the distribution of weight provides a surprisingly lightweight feel during runs. The wider base adds a sense of stability, as miles glide by effortlessly.
Let's start at the top and work our way down. Brooks has selected a mesh that's soft, flexible, and breathable, ensuring your feet stay cool and comfortable during your long runs. Plus, the ample padding around the collar and tongue provides a plush step-in feel. Although it's not gusseted, the well-cushioned tongue stays perfectly centered and locked in over your foot.
Beneath your feet, you'll find a generous stack of DNA Loft v2 foam, creating an overall comfortable shoe that seamlessly integrates with the GlideRoll rocker technology. The result? A seamless and smooth transition from landing to toe-off, showcasing the shoe's superior engineering and design. For those who seek lower-drop shoes or ones with a rocker to ease pressure on the knees and hips, the Ghost Max delivers brilliantly on both fronts. The shoe manages to maintain a responsive nature, ensuring that leg turnover doesn't require extra effort - a feature often missed in many max cushion shoes.
Underneath the midsole, the rubber outsole offers excellent traction and tackiness, thanks to its nearly complete coverage. This indicates promising durability for the long haul as you reach for these shoes over and over again.
In conclusion, Brooks has taken a bold leap into the max cushioning realm with the Ghost Max. It's not just another running shoe; it's a game-changer. From the moment you slip your feet into the well-padded upper to the smooth, efficient stride powered by the GlideRoll rocker, the Ghost Max delivers a running experience like no other. So, if you're looking to up your running game and put some extra cushioning under your feet, the Ghost Max undoubtedly deserves your first look. Brooks has indeed raised the bar with this exciting new release.
Things We Liked:
“I am a Brooks Ghost loyalist, and the Ghost Max's move to a less significant drop was something I really appreciated.”
“Finally, a max cushion shoe that doesn't steal my energy!”
Areas for Improvement:
“There was a little bit of tongue slippage at times, but nothing I'd take to Twitter to complain about.”
“Honestly....I can't think of anything I would change about this shoe. Some might say it can come down in weight, but they feel much lighter than the scale says. Brooks nailed it!”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
The Brooks Ghost is arguably the brand's most popular shoe. It's beloved by experienced and casual runners alike for its comfort and durability. However, while the Ghost largely stayed the same, with its larger drop and heavier weight, its competitors moved forward.
The debut of the Ghost Max changes the game.
If you have a lot of experience with Brooks running shoes, especially the Ghost line, the differences in the Max are immediately noticeable. The shoe is significantly lighter than its siblings, and the drop much less significant. As soon as you slide the shoe on, you know you're in for a comfortable ride. The increased cushioning, GlideRoll Rocker, and lower offset help facilitate a natural stride, and Brooks even touts these design elements as potentially being able to benefit those runners who suffer from benefit plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Morton's neuroma.
But it's the little details that make the Ghost Max stand out too. The final eyelets on the shoe have a bit of rubber on the outside that almost acts as a pseudo-synch to keep your laces in place while you run. Plus, the lace length is longer than other Brooks models and Ghost iterations, ensuring you have plenty of runway to ensure stability with a heel lock or the simple double knot method. Plus, did we mention it's only $150? In a world full of $200-plus carbon fiber running shoes, we think having a more affordable shoe on the market is just what the everyday runner needs.
While this shoe may not be your go-to on race day (or maybe it will—who are we to tell you what to do), it will be your steady companion as you put in the miles for whatever goals or races you're training for next.
Specs
Type: Road - Stability
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Max
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 9 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $150.00
Buy:
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
About:
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 strikes an impressive balance between support and cushioning, delivering a soft and smooth ride that's primed for all your running adventures.
The GuideRails® technology in these shoes makes them accessible for all. . It provides excellent support by keeping excess movement in check, ensuring that you maintain your natural stride even when fatigue sets in. Rather than forcing into position the guide rails serve as bumpers when the foot begins to over pronate. Thus, a runner could wear this shoe and never need the support until the last couple of miles. However, this support isn't just about your feet; it extends to your knees and hips, making every step comfortable and secure.
The new midsole with DNA LOFT v2 cushioning is a noteworthy feature. Unlike most stability shoes on the market with inches of stacked foam, it's incredibly soft without feeling overly squishy, and it adapts to your unique stride, offering a personalized level of comfort.
The engineered air mesh upper adds to the overall comfort and breathability of the shoes, while the 3D Fit Print provides essential structure.
Another plus is that these shoes come in wide sizes, ensuring a better fit for different foot shapes, and they offer a range of great colors to choose from. Overall, these shoes provide both comfort and style.
Whether a long time runner or just getting started, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a great choice to accentuate your training.
Things We Liked:
“I like that Brooks didn't change much in the fit and feel between the Adrenaline 22 and the 23. If it ain't broke…”
“Given the stability design it's responsive and has some cushioning under the ball”
Areas for Improvement:
“It would be nice if the Adrenaline featured the DNA Loft V3 foam found in the new Glycerin. The Adrenaline 23 has the V2 foam.”
“I would like a bit more support in the arch and flexibility in the base”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
For those unfamiliar with their nomenclature, GTS stands for “Go To Support” and indicates a stability shoe in the Brooks lineup. Essentially, the Adrenaline GTS is the stability version of the Brooks Ghost as the two are almost identical with the exception of the GuideRails that Brooks adds along both sides of the heel to encourage a more stable landing. What is unique to the way Brooks designs their stability shoes is that their stability technology doesn’t feel forced. The GuideRails are there when the runner needs them, but a more neutral runner might not even realize that he or she is running in a stability shoe. In addition, as the GuideRails support both sides of the heel, they allow each foot to be corrected independently for over-pronation or supination.
The GTS 23 retains the same fit, feel, and 12mm drop as the GTS 22, and runners happy with the previous version should feel right at home in these. One notable upgrade, though, is that Brooks is now using the DNA Loft V2 foam in the midsole as opposed to the V1 from the previous model, which is lighter than before. Also, similar to the previous iteration, Brooks continues to cater to just about every foot width by offering narrow (2A) up to extra wide (4E) versions so that the runner can dial-in the perfect size.
Specs
Type: Road - Stability
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Extra
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 9.1 oz
Drop: 12mm
Price: $140.00
Buy:
Brooks Catamount 2
About:
The Catamount 2 is an overall amazing trail shoe, performing well on everything from asphalt, dirt, gravel, grass, to technical trails with loose rocks, roots, streams crossing, and sand. The shoe has a comfortable fit, with plenty of space in the toe box, yet a snug and secure heel, and a well-fitted upper. These combine to create both a secure and roomy feeling all at once.
The Air mesh upper has a hydrophobic outer layer and soft inner layer that provide a comfortable feel and excellent breathability.. As a bonus, it is made from 100% recycled polyester fibers. Underfoot, the shoe offers just the right amount of cushion, structure, and support, while remaining light and nimble. The cushion is on the firmer side, which initially may feel a little less "cloud like" when first trying them on, however that firmer cushioning makes for a very efficient, effortless ride once moving.
In addition to the responsive cushioning, this newer version of the Brooks Catamount includes an all-new SkyVault propulsion plate, which promotes faster running and uphill propulsion. The inclusion of the plate paired with the shoe's lightweight and responsive feel make this a great choice for racing or hitting fast workouts on the trails. This shoe feels slimmed down and almost unbelievably nimble for a trail shoe, yet none of the important protective features of a serious trail shoes were spared, including a protective toe cap and sticky traction. This would be a fast and comfortable choice for shorter races as well as all day long ultra events.
Things We Liked:
“It's amazing to find a comfortable trail shoe that protects and cushions my feet, yet still offers a good amount of ground feel, which is necessary for me to feel confident while moving quickly over technical terrain.”
“This shoe fits like a glove. Once it's on, I dont even think about it an longer.”
Areas for Improvement:
“I think a little more arch support would make the shoe perfect.”
“The only setback with this shoe is the price. At $170 a pair, it's tough on the pocket book, when you need a fresh pair every few months.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
Brooks is known for their great running shoes and the Catamount 2 is no exception. It's a light and nimble trail shoe that can take on just about any terrain or condition. It has a grippy outsole with well positioned lugs. Your feet will be protected because of the rock plate and toecap. The gusted tongue stay in position and lays flat. It comes with slightly textured laces that don't come undone. The tight mesh upper keeps out the dirt, but these shoes also have an area in front of the tongue and on the heel to attach a gaiter for added protection.The best thing about wearing the Catamount 2 is you can truly enjoy running and not even think about the shoe.
Specs
Type: Trail
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Max
Fit: True to Fit to 1/2 Size Big
Weight: 8.6 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $170.00
Buy:
Brooks:Womens | Mens
Amazon:Mens
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
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Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
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