The 8 Brooks Sneakers We’d Give as Gifts

It dawned on me recently that I know so many people who have purchased running or walking sneakers for a loved one or themselves this holiday season—and some of those folks have asked for recommendations. While I was mining through our favorite picks, I noticed a theme: A lot of them are from Brooks Running. 

We’ve known that the running shoe brand makes so many incredible designs, but it made me realize that there’s really a pick for pretty much everyone. I went ahead and rounded up all of our favorites to make it easier for you to shop, and some are even on sale. Happy gifting! 

Brooks Running Gift Picks 

A Lightweight Pick: 

Ghost 16

The Ghost 16 is the best sneaker for someone who doesn’t like to know that they’re wearing sneakers. I reviewed this sneaker when it first launched, and the first thing I noticed was how incredibly lightweight they are. Based on my tests, I would say that they make for the perfect everyday walking shoe, and podiatrists agree. It has the perfect balance between stability and cushion to make it an all-encompassing find, which is why we ranked it as the best walking shoe. Shop it if you plan to go on more walks this year or if you know someone who plans to do the same. 

Best for Comfort: 

Glycerin Max

If you need to find a cushy pair that can help relieve impact, the Glycerin Max is a great option. Associate News and Trending Editor Danielle DeAngelis loves these sneakers for this reason. They helped relieve pain while she trekked throughout Philadelphia for hours on end, becoming an instant favorite. That’s all thanks to the shoe’s incredibly plush cushion, which works well for walks and runs. 

Great Stability Shoe: 

Adrenaline GTS 23 

We loved these running shoes for men thanks to their built-in stability technology. They’re perfect for anyone with flat feet because they help keep your gait in check. With wear, the shoes practically molded to our feet perfectly, and despite being unsure about it, the more rigid cushion aided the level of support the shoe offered. We think this is a great find for people who need a reliably stable shoe. We’re not the only ones who love it either: Jennifer Garner’s been spotted in the pair, too. 

An Updated Favorite:

Glycerin GTS 21 

The Glycerin GTS 20 aces our tests with flying colors, quickly becoming our favorite running shoe on the market. This updated model features slightly more cushion, so it’s great if you prefer a shoe with a comfortable feel. They have added support that makes them a little easier on folks who need more control, but not so much that the shoe is too stiff. Because of that, these are a great all-around pick for walks and road running. 

Budget-Friendly: 

Trace 3

We think the Trace 3 is a great value pick from Brooks. They’re extremely versatile, making for a safe buy for anyone who wants to run or walk and doesn’t have specific concerns (like plantar fasciitis or shin splints). They work seamlessly on treadmills, pavement, and other surfaces, so you can wear them for any situation. You can’t go wrong with the pair, especially for $100. 

Wishlist Find: 

Caldera 7

I couldn’t pass on including one wish list find of my own. This coming year, I really want to take better advantage of the trails and nature I have around me. I don’t have a great trail shoe, though. The pair I have isn’t cushioned enough for me, and I don’t love the feeling of stiff hiking boots. These Caldera shoes check every box for me because they were designed for long-haul comfort for running. While I’ll likely do more walking in these, I love that I have the option to run in them because they were made to absorb all of that impact. The mega cushion and high traction sole are two standout features, but there are many more that make these shoes attractive, too. 

Crowd-Pleasing:

Ghost Max 2

I fell in love with the original Ghost Max and wouldn’t stop talking about them to everyone I knew. My sister eventually picked up a pair of her own, and now both of us are fans of the sneaker. She wears them during her long shifts as a physical therapist and loves how comfortable they are. Because she cares about the performance of the shoe, she has already upgraded to the Max 2 and still loves them. While we love them for walking, we’ve also tested the Ghost Max shoes for running and loved them. They’re a true crowd-pleaser. 

Another Updated Favorite:

Ariel GTS 24

This is another updated favorite running shoe of ours, specifically for its focus on arch support. It combines a plush cushion with a supportive foundation to ensure you’re getting the perfect shoe for your needs. The 24 model has an updated upper to make it even more breathable, which we always love. It also still holds the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, that was a perk worth mentioning for us (many of the brand’s shoes do).