Brooks may be best known for its incredible running shoes, but have you ever considered sporting the brand’s footwear in a more casual (and less sweaty) setting, like running errands or strolling around a park? If you haven’t, consider this as your sign to invest in a new pair of walking shoes from the more than a century-old company. Think about it: If a shoe is comfy enough to withstand the demands of a high-impact exercise like running, surely it will support you as you go on leisurely long walks with your dog or play tourist in new cities.
Brooks engineers various shoe models designed to support every type of walker, from those struggling with plantar fasciitis flare-ups to those working on their feet all day (thank you, healthcare workers!). The brand also offers a wide variety of styles, colorways, and fits — meaning you have several options to choose from.
Below, you’ll find the best Brooks walking shoes, backed by our testing and insights from an NYC-based podiatrist and a Seattle-based product line manager at Brooks. With the help of these experts, we determined which shoe may be best for each type of walker, including those who require a bit more support.
Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: 39 mm | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10 oz.
The Ghost Max SE is equipped with the exact same beloved foam and midsole as the Ghost Max 2, but has a luxe suede finish that gives it a little more pizazz, says Brittany Gleaton, Brooks’ product line manager. Why did we rank it as the best choice overall? The lifestyle/running shoe combo is extremely supportive — walking in these genuinely feels like you’re bounding across clouds. We wore them out for several hours at a time and our feet didn’t feel sore or achy at all. And at no point were we dying to take them off.
What sold us on this shoe model in particular is how lightweight it feels for the amount of cushioning that’s packed into it. Gleaton attributes the footwear’s ultralight feel to new and improved foam technology: “The Ghost Max SE is updated to feature plenty of lightweight cushioning crafted from Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam that provides a protective feel and easy landings during walks,” says Gleaton.
She adds that the Ghost Max SE is a great choice for either everyday wear or running as it’s specifically designed to promote a smooth heel-toe transition and “for an effortless feeling as you move.” Not to mention the suede texture pairs well with many different pants options.
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Image: Shape.
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![Brooks Ghost Max 2]()
Image: Shape.
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Springy yet firm
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Many color combinations
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Grippy outsole
Sizes: 5–13 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: Unlisted | Drop: 12 mm | Weight: 8.8 oz.
Many people deal with mild cases of plantar fasciitis. However, if you’re prone to more intense flare-ups, the Adrenaline GTS 4 is hands down the best walking shoe for you, says Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. It’s also the top option for someone whose feet naturally overpronate, or have low arches, because, as Cunha points out, overpronation is often the main contributing factor to plantar fasciitis.
“Designed with a focus on comfort and stability, [this shoe] includes a soft, cushioned midsole, sturdy heel support, and innovative GuideRails technology to help manage overpronation,” he says. We can attest that these shoes are ultra-comfy to walk around in: They strike the perfect balance between springy and firm, making it a great fit for long-distance walks, hikes, or walk/jogs.
Pro tip: Walkers who love the Adrenaline GTS 23 may want to upgrade to the 24. Why? This updated model offers a softer, more padded upper (the part of the shoe that covers the top of your foot) and a slightly wider toe box for a snugger fit, Gleaton explains. “The mesh upper provides breathability, structure, and stretch for a comfortable fit.”
Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard, Wide, Extra Wide | Stack Height: 39mm| Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.7 oz
If you’re somebody who wants maximum support and cushioning for their walking shoes, you’ll want to check the Ghost Max 2 out. They have a whopping 39mm stack height designed to provide relief to any achy muscles or joints. Not a fan of feeling the rough cement under your feet? You won’t have to worry about that in these babies. They’re among the best running shoes with arch support, too.
“The Ghost Max 2 is a popular choice for runners with high arches — who are more likely to supinate—featuring nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam in the midsole,” says Dr. Cunha. “This advanced cushioning provides exceptional support, responsiveness, and durability for smooth steps, soft landings, and effortless toe-offs during long runs.”
Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: Unlisted | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.5 oz
These Shape Fitness Award winners are ideal for anyone, but especially those with one specific foot condition. “The Glycerin Max is the ideal sneaker for bunions (or for those who typically have wider feet), due to its DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused foam for cushioning and pressure relief, breathable mesh that adapts to foot shape, and spacious toe box that prevents irritation and discomfort and prevents bunions from worsening,” says Dr. Cunha.
“They look at feel like the Michelin Man,” says Summer Cartwright, Shape’s senior commerce editor and resident marathon runner. “I love wearing these on recovery runs when I don’t want to put my joints through the usual terror of road running. You can hardly feel any impact or pounding of the ground in these.”
“The Glycerin Max introduces Brooks’ next generation of nitrogen-infused foam, with large cells in the heel that create plush landings and small cells in the forefoot for responsive toe-offs,” says Gleaton. “The shoe’s high stack helps protect your body from impact and provides comfort with every step.”
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Durable
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Slip resistant
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Firm cushioning
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Stiff fit
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Squeaks as you walk
Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra Wide | Stack Height: Unlisted | Drop: 12 mm | Weight: 12.9 oz.
OK, we’ll just cut to the chase: The Addiction Walker 2 is by no means a sexy shoe (the white shoes could seriously benefit from a different stitching color). But, as far as comfort goes, these kicks are top-notch —especially if you prefer a firm feel. “The Addiction Walker 2 is the best choice for seniors, as it provides excellent support, stability, cushioning, and a slip-resistant sole, making it perfect for daily activities while reducing the risk of falls,” Dr. Cunha says.
This shoe is designed to stabilize the foot and ankle, Gleaton notes. This added boost in stability may help prevent potential consequences from excess motion around the foot and ankle (think: rolling your ankle and losing balance). The Addiction Walker 2’s firm exterior and cushioning sets it apart from most of Brooks’ shoes, making it a great option for those who don’t like the bouncy sensation that softer-fitting models offer. “This shoe is perfect for any type of walking surface and for long-haul days where you’ll be on your feet for hours,” Gleaton adds.
Of course, there are two major pitfalls of this shoe’s firm exterior. For one, you really have to pull back the shoe tongue to comfortably slip your foot in. Second, you’ll notice these shoes tend to squeak as you walk in them — something to keep in mind if little noises get on your nerves.
Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: Unlisted | Drop: 12 mm | Weight: 8 oz.
These Brooks walking shoes are flexible, breathable, and feel supremely light on your feet, which is why they’re perfect for someone who spends most of their day standing. “The Trace 3 is an excellent choice for nurses, as it features a lightweight, well-cushioned design that provides comfort and responsiveness during long shifts of standing or walking,” Dr. Cunha says.
The shoe has a flexible outsole with deep grooves, Gleaton adds, “Providing excellent grip and stability on various surfaces.” Not to mention, it’s not overly cushioned, which makes it ideal for someone who doesn’t need a whole bunch of support. “Its balanced cushioning and smooth ride make it ideal for long walks, helping to reduce foot fatigue and promote a natural walking motion,” Gleaton says.
What to Know About the Best Brooks Walking Shoes
- Cushion: Brooks has three levels of cushioning: standard, more, and most. The definitions for each vary depending on the support type it accompanies. Generally speaking, if you tend to have aches and pains in and around your joints, a plusher cushioning option is the way to go.
- Support: Brooks offers three support levels: neutral, support, and maximum support. The easiest way to assess which one you may need? If the wear pattern in your shoes is consistent throughout the outer soles, that means you don’t have many imbalances, aka, you distribute your body weight evenly with each stride. In this case, a neutral support shoe is likely best for you. However, if there’s notable wear toward the inside edge of your shoe, a more supportive shoe model may help you stabilize your feet and ankles as you walk (or run).
- Features: There are several features and technologies used that amp up comfort and promote stability as you walk:
- Brooks DNA LOFT cushioning, found in the Trace 3, helps you “Adapt to your stride for optimal comfort,” Gleaton says.
- Brooks GuideRails Support, also known as GTS or “Go-To-Support” is found in the Adrenaline GTS 24 and designed to “Support your body through its natural motion path,” Gleaton says, making for a stable ride.
- Brooks DNA LOFT v3 foam, found in the Ghost Max SE and Adrenaline GTS 24, is a technology that “delivers soft, smooth cushioning and adapts to your unique stride,” Gleaton says.
- Brooks GlideRoll Rocker, featured in the Ghost Max SE, “Actively promotes smooth heel-toe transitions for an effortless feeling as you move,” Gleaton explains.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Brooks good for walking?
Because Brooks shoes are engineered for comfort and support, Dr. Cunha highly recommends them for walking — no matter what level of support or cushioning you may need. “They provide a good balance of stability and flexibility, making them a popular choice for walkers of all levels,” he says. It’s worth noting that Brooks earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting foot health, he adds.
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Are Hokas or Brooks better for walking?
Both Hoka and Brooks produce great walking shoes, Dr. Cunha says. Whether you choose to walk in Hokas or Brooks comes down to your personal preferences. “Hoka provides plush cushioning, lightweight construction, and meta-rocker technology, which offer superior shock absorption and joint relief—making them ideal for long walks,” he says. “Brooks, on the other hand — or foot, pun intended — focuses more on support and stability, offering reliable arch support and a traditional fit.”
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Which Brooks shoes are most comfortable?
Only you can answer which shoes are most comfortable on your feet. However, Dr. Cunha says two models in particular continue to be favorites to many. “The Glycerin and Ghost are generally the most comfortable models, they’re designed to have more cushioning and soft upper materials, which offers a softer walking experience,” he says.
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What Brooks shoes do podiatrists recommend for walking?
“Podiatrists commonly recommend the Brooks Ghost, Brooks Glycerin, and Addiction Walker for walking due to their supportive features, cushioning, and overall foot health benefits,” Dr. Cunha says.
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What Brooks shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
When you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, the main things you want to look for in a shoe are correct heel-to-toe drop and substantial cushioning. “I recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 for people with plantar fasciitis as it offers a perfect combination of comfort and stability, featuring a cushioned midsole for soft landings, reinforced heel support, and GuideRails technology to reduce overpronation,” Dr Cunha says.
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Why do podiatrists like Brooks shoes?
Dr. Cunha says podiatrists appreciate the anatomical design of Brooks shoes, which promotes proper foot alignment, offers cushioning that reduces impact, and provides stability features that support various foot types. These are the qualities that earned Brooks the These qualities have APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting overall foot health, he explains.
Why Trust Shape
Cheyenne Buckingham is a journalist and editor who specializes in nutrition, hormonal health, fitness, food policy, and the relationship between chronic disease and diet. For this article, Cheyenne tasted the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, Trace 3, Ghost Max SE, and Addiction Walker. For this article, she interviewed the following Brooks walking shoe experts:
Summer Cartwright, Shape’s senior commerce editor, edited this article and tested the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and Glycerin Max shoes. She’s a 3-time marathon runner who specializes in running shoe reviews.
Read the full article here