The 6 Best Brooks Shoes for Walking, Tested By Style and Fitness Editors

Reported by Women's Health Magazine.

Not all walking shoes are created equal — and if you've ever finished a long walk with aching arches or blistered heels, you already know that the wrong pair costs you more than just comfort. According to Women's Health Magazine, six Brooks styles are worth your attention right now, and the differences between them matter depending on how and where you move.

At the top of the ranking sits the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, which earned first place in WH's 2026 Fitness Awards for walking shoes. The update trims the heel-to-toe drop from 12mm to 10mm — a meaningful change that can reduce strain on hips and knees over time — while adding slightly more midsole cushioning without compromising the stability the line is known for. Its GuideRails technology, a nitrogen-infused foam system flanking the heel, keeps the foot locked in without feeling rigid. Beauty editor Nicole Saunders noted it worked especially well for flat, wide feet. One caveat: at 9.5 oz., it runs heavier than its predecessor. For anyone who prefers a barely-there feel, the Glycerin Flex — the lightest pick on the list at 8.0 oz. — delivers a flexible, bouncy ride with FlexZone grooves in the outsole that mimic natural foot movement. The tradeoff is less structure, so it's not the move if you need serious stability support.

When You Want Cloud-Level Cushion

The Glycerin 23 goes all in on plush — testers walked nearly 10 miles in it without foot fatigue, crediting its sock-like knit upper and wide platform for keeping things stable even on uneven terrain. That said, it's not engineered for overpronation or plantar fasciitis; those dealing with specific foot mechanics should stay in the Adrenaline lane. For maximum cushioning with stability, the Ghost Max 3 — which also features GuideRails tech and a rocker-bottom sole — topped WH's most comfortable sneakers guide. Style contributor Lily Wohlner called it her most-reached-for shoe for both walks and runs. Its sibling, the Ghost Max L, shares the rocker sole and high-stack cushioning but skews more toward leisurely walking — testers found it slightly destabilizing at faster paces. Meanwhile, the Ghost 18 earns its place as the true all-rounder: upgraded with a new sockliner, roomier toe box, and a seamless flat tongue that fitness contributor Korin Miller praised for hugging the ankle without chafing. It handled everything from long walks to festival days on concrete.

The right Brooks shoe isn't about brand loyalty — it's about matching the shoe's engineering to your actual foot, your actual mileage, and the miles your body has already logged.

Read the original at Women's Health Magazine.