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

If you’re after a walking shoe that’s super cushy, the Brooks Glycerin 23 is it. I’ve tested these on nearly 10-mile walks through nature preserves and standing for hours at the DMV (ugh). I never once felt like my feet were sore or that I needed to rush to sit down—these things felt like walking on pillows.

But the cushioning isn’t the only win here. The Glycerin 23’s knit upper gives this shoe a sock-like feel that hugs your foot without squeezing. It’s smooth, stretchy, and breathable, making it one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn on long walks. The shoe has a mild heel drop that helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduces foot fatigue, which I sometimes experience with other walking shoes. While I wouldn’t quite describe the shoe as sleek or minimalist, it balances its plush cushioning with a more understated silhouette (aka it doesn’t veer into chunky dad shoe territory).

I also appreciate how well this shoe performs on uneven surfaces thanks to its wide platform and ample traction. The durable outsole covers plenty of ground, and the traction has a complex, winding tread pattern. I never feel like I’m going to slip, even on slick pavement.

So far, the Glycerin 23 does a great job of keeping my feet locked in despite its super thick cushioning—but it’s not designed for max stability. Those with specific foot problems, like plantar fasciitis or issues with overpronation, may want to pick a slightly less cushioned, more supportive shoe, like the Adrenaline GTS 25.

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The Brooks Ghost Max 3 took home the top spot in our guide to the most comfortable sneakers for its perfect balance of maximum support and cushioning. It keeps my feet comfortably locked in, even after hours of wear, and my ankles never feel wobbly, which often happens with plush shoes like this one.

“Out of all the sneakers I’ve tried, I find myself wearing the Brooks Ghost Max 3—it’s the newest addition to the Ghost Max series—the most when I want to feel comfortable during walks or runs (yep, it can do both!),” says style contributor Lily Wohlner. I agree. That’s because the rocker bottom sole, which has a slight curve to it like a rocking chair, helps propel my foot forward with less energy. Wearing it almost feels like walking on a moving runway at the airport.

Even for a max cushioned shoe, it’s super stable thanks to its signature Guardrails tech (the same found in the Adrenaline GTS 25). The outsole also has a broad base, which reduces rolling of the foot inward and outward and cradles the foot in place without interfering with your stride. Fitness contributor Talene Appleton says these features are great for high arches. After hours of walking, she doesn’t feel one ounce of pain or discomfort. And if you have wide feet or bunions, you’re in luck—this shoe comes in both wide and extra-wide options.

During testing, we did notice some wear and tear on the upper pretty early on (after a few months). While it was a bit of a bummer, the elite combo of cushion and support keeps this kick high on my list of Brooks sneakers.

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Think of the Glyceric Flex as Glycerin 23’s lighter, more flexible counterpart. The upper and outsole are both made from super bendy materials that give the shoe an almost barefoot feel.

I’m a big fan of this shoe for walking, long periods of standing, running, and plyometric workouts. It's incredibly versatile, thanks to ample nitrogen-infused cushioning and a flexible midsole. The FlexZone technology—a strategically placed groove in the center of the shoe’s outsole—helps enhance the shoe’s flexibility and allows the foot to move naturally. Combined with the pods under the front of the foot (which reminds me of On’s signature CloudTec system you see on most of the brand’s outsoles), the shoe has a super bouncy feel without feeling wobbly.

Bonus: at only 8.0 ounces, it's the lightest shoe on this list, so your feet won’t feel bogged down. But it still falls in Schaeffer’s recommended weight range (eight to 10 ounces), so it's hefty enough to keep your foot locked in. Plus, the flat knit upper is super soft, breathable, and—yes—flexible, which adds to its airy feel.

But the shoe’s lighter weight means it offers less heft and a less supportive feel. If you need more structure or have specific stability needs, these might not be your best bet. But, if you’re into a flexible, responsive shoe that doesn’t weigh you down—this one’s tough to beat.

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The Brooks Ghost Max L offers a super plush, easygoing stride. The high-stacked cushioning is next-level—soft but stable, like walking on a marshmallow. It has an outsole with a curved bottom, like a rocking chair, to help propel you forward so each step takes a bit less energy.

I didn’t expect to notice the rocker bottom that much, but I totally get the hype. Schaeffer says he actually prefers rocker-bottom shoes for walking, especially as we get older, because they help take pressure off joints. That said, the same rocker technology makes me feel a little off-balance when I try to run or power walk in them, so I keep these strictly for leisurely walks and casual wear.

Looks-wise, I’m team Ghost Max L all the way. Some might say the stacked foam gives grandma shoes, but I think it strikes that perfect balance of chunky and cool—especially when styled right. I like to wear mine with a wide-leg pant and a blazer on top. It’s got just the right amount of bulk to feel trendy without being clunky, and pairs well with everything from athleisure to workwear.

However, this shoe runs small. Definitely size up if you’re in between sizes or like a little wiggle room. I could have used a half size larger than what I wear in the rest of my Brooks shoes for a little more comfort, but I still get a lot of casual wear out of them regardless.