Finding the perfect pair of running shoes isn’t just about style or cushioning—it’s about matching your shoes to your unique foot type. Brooks offers a wide range of running shoes designed to cater to different shapes, stride patterns, and support needs. Whether you have flat feet, high arches, overpronation, or a neutral gait, there’s a Brooks shoe built for you.
Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the right Brooks running shoes for your foot type, ensuring better performance, greater comfort, and fewer injuries.
Understanding Your Foot Type
Before choosing a shoe, you need to know your foot structure and gait. These determine the level of support and cushioning you need.
1. Flat Feet (Low Arches)
Flat-footed runners typically overpronate, meaning their feet roll inward excessively with each step.
- What You Need: Stability or motion control shoes
- Recommended Brooks Models:
- Adrenaline GTS – Offers GuideRails® support to reduce excess movement
- Beast ’20 / Ariel ’20 – Maximum support and cushioning
- Glycerin GTS – Plush cushion with built-in stability features
2. High Arches
Runners with high arches often underpronate (or supinate), causing increased impact on the outer edges of the foot.
- What You Need: Neutral shoes with soft, shock-absorbing cushioning
- Recommended Brooks Models:
- Ghost – Balanced and soft, great for everyday runs
- Glycerin – Maximum cushioning for added comfort
- Launch – Lightweight and springy, great for faster-paced runs
3. Neutral Arches
If your foot strike is well-balanced and you don’t over- or underpronate, you likely have neutral arches.
- What You Need: Neutral running shoes with balanced cushioning and support
- Recommended Brooks Models:
- Ghost – Ideal everyday trainer with soft cushioning
- Launch – Lightweight with a smooth ride
- Levitate – Responsive with energy-returning DNA AMP cushioning
Identifying Your Gait Style
Understanding how your foot moves through each stride is crucial. A simple gait analysis—done at a running store or through Brooks’ online tools—can help.
Overpronation
- Foot rolls inward too much
- Often linked to flat feet
- Go for: Brooks shoes with GuideRails® support (e.g., Adrenaline GTS, Glycerin GTS)
Underpronation (Supination)
- Outer foot bears too much impact
- Often caused by high arches
- Go for: Cushioned neutral shoes (e.g., Ghost, Glycerin)
Neutral Pronation
- Balanced foot motion
- Go for: Versatile neutral shoes (e.g., Ghost, Levitate, Launch)
Consider Your Running Terrain
Brooks builds shoes for both road and trail running. Your terrain choice affects the model you should choose.
Road Running
- Best Brooks Options: Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, Levitate, Glycerin
Trail Running
- Best Brooks Options: Cascadia (stability and grip), Caldera (cushioning for long-distance trail runs)
Width and Fit Matter
Not all feet are the same shape. Brooks accommodates this with various width options.
- Narrow Fit: Look for models available in 2A (narrow)
- Regular Fit: D for men / B for women
- Wide Fit: 2E for men / D for women
- Extra Wide Fit: 4E for men / 2E for women
Shoes like the Adrenaline GTS, Ghost, and Glycerin are available in multiple widths.
Specialized Foot Needs
Plantar Fasciitis
- Look for: Cushioned heel and arch support
- Try: Brooks Glycerin, Adrenaline GTS
Bunions or Toe Issues
- Look for: Wide toe boxes and soft uppers
- Try: Ghost, Glycerin
Heel Strikers
- Look for: Cushioning in the heel
- Try: Glycerin, Ghost
Final Tips Before You Buy
- Try shoes on at the end of the day when feet are slightly swollen
- Replace running shoes every 300–500 miles
- Use Brooks’ online Shoe Finder Tool for guided recommendations
- Visit a local running store for a professional gait analysis if unsure
Conclusion: Fit Your Feet, Not the Trends
Choosing the right Brooks running shoe means listening to your body and understanding your stride. Whether you need plush cushioning, motion control, or lightweight speed, Brooks has tailored shoes for every type of runner. When you match your foot type to the right shoe model, you’ll notice less fatigue, fewer injuries, and more enjoyable runs.
Start with your foot type—and let Brooks do the rest.
