The ‘Run Happy’ slogan is a staple at Brooks and they pride themselves on making shoes that are comfortable for all runners. They have a huge road line with different fits and levels of stability.
The newest models in this category are light, responsive, and fast. They are equipped with deep aggressive lugs and extra protection to help you rip through unfriendly terrain.
The History of Brooks
Brooks’s “Run Happy” slogan stems from a commitment to design footwear that maximizes runners’ comfort. Incorporating the company’s DNA AMP technology, which provides energy return with a lighter weight midsole and outsole, along with its GuideRails support system that recognizes a runner’s unique Habitual Motion Path and only intervenes when it goes beyond normal, has helped to create comfortable, durable shoes.
The company, which began in 1914 making ballet slippers and bathing shoes, branched out into other types of athletic footwear during the running craze of the 1970s. But the brand overextended itself, entering an array of markets and securing big-name professional athletes as endorsers to help lure consumers.
By the end of the 1990s, sales grew steadily in specialty running stores and other retail locations, but the financial losses incurred by Brooks’ parent company, Wolverine World Wide Inc., weighed on the executive team. Rockey was brought in to oversee sweeping changes, including dropping non-running markets and trimming operating costs. Rockey also reengineered the product line and focused marketing on serious runners, the core group of the company’s traditional customer base. This refocus helped to turn around the company’s fortunes and set it up for sustained success. But the saga wasn’t yet over. In March 1999, just a few months after setting sales records in specialty running stores, Brooks’ founder and CEO announced she was leaving the company to join Birmingham, Alabama-based retailer Just For Feet Inc. as president and CEO.
Brooks Technology
Brooks designs all of their shoes with the average runner in mind. They use technologies like BioMoGo DNA to provide dynamic cushioning that adapts to the unique movement path of each runner. This gives each runner a semi-custom shoe that feels great and is a perfect fit for their fitness goals and running style.
Some of their most popular shoes include the Ghost and Glycerin line for cushioned runs, the Energize and Revels lines for a bit more firmness in daily training, and the Speed and Trail shoes for workouts and race day runs. They also have a wide range of stability options from motion control for severe overpronators to less stable shoes designed for neutral runners.
Another big technology they offer is the GuideRails support system. This is a series of bumpers on the sidewalls and medial posting that encourage your foot to stay centered and move forward as opposed to rolling inward. The brand also uses a gel mold for their heel cup that helps reduce heel slippage and provides a soft feel underfoot.
For those looking for a lightweight racing or workout trainer, look no further than the Hyperion Max 2. This is Brooks’ version of a plated racer and features their newest midsole stack with nitrogen-infused EVA foam and plastic plate for a super responsive run. The shoes are incredibly durable and work well for logging lots of miles for both long distance and high-intensity training.
Brooks Cushioning
Brooks shoes are a great option for neutral runners who want a cushioned, everyday running shoe. Many of their models feature a full height plastic heel cup and GuideRail technology to provide support and reduce overpronation. This is important because overpronation can cause pain in the knees, hips, and ankles. The GuideRail technology consists of flexible pods that connect from the midfoot to the heel to help your foot move in a more natural way.
In addition, the majority of Brooks shoes have a 8-12 mm drop which is optimal for beginners and most runners as it allows your heel to hit the ground first before the arch compresses and reshapes, then pushes off from the end of the big toe. However, some runners prefer a lower drop to minimize the shock impact on their feet and legs.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a boost, check out the Glycerin Max. It features DNA Tuned cushioning that uses larger cells in the heel and midfoot for cushioning and softness, while smaller pods in the forefoot give it more of a bounce. We also love that it maintains a high level of energy return, despite being more cushioned than previous versions of the shoe. This makes it ideal for easy paced running miles or for a recovery run.
Brooks Fit
If you speak to a lot of runners about what they love about their Brooks shoes, chances are it will involve the word “comfortable”. This commitment to comfort is something that Brooks has long been committed to with their Run Happy slogan and 90-day wear and return policy.
This commitment to running comfort extends to their wider brand ethos. For example, their Blueline lab is a unique research facility that uses a variety of biomechanists to experiment with technology for future footwear. This is in addition to their dedication to incorporating research on preferred movement pathways and the comfort paradigm into the shoes they make.
Brooks also has a commitment to sustainability. Their reStart program for used shoes is a great way to reduce waste and provide a new life for running shoes. They also work to reduce the amount of carbon in their shoes by using a high percentage of recycled materials.
If you’re interested in trying out a pair of Brooks running shoes, check out our online shoe finder or visit your local running store. Most models will fit true to size but we recommend going up a half size if you have a wide foot or bunions. Prices are comparable to other big running shoe brands like On with the most popular models starting at around $150.