Shoe Brand Deep Dive

Author: Wildfire Sports & Trek  Date Posted: 27 February 2026

Discover why Brooks has been a leader in specialised sports footwear since 1914. Shop our curated collection of neutral and stability Brooks shoes at Wildfire Sports & Trek and find your perfect fit today.

 

With the philosophy of “Run happy”, Brooks prioritises comfort and durability regardless of whether you’re an everyday runner or an elite athlete. Brooks running shoes can be considered “old faithful” due to their enduring reliability without flashy features and their versatility for different running needs. 

But what makes Brooks a good shoe brand, and how are Brooks different from other shoe companies? Come with us on another deep dive into one of our most popular shoe brands at Wildfire Sports & Trek.

What’s Special About Brooks Shoes?

Being referred to as a ‘workhorse’ may make Brooks sound ‘worn-out’, but actually, the opposite is true; in an industry of ‘more is more’, the defining feature of Brooks is durability. Not only is the company committed to increasing sustainability and reducing the environmental impact across their entire value chain, but they are also building running shoes to be more durable to wear. This means that you can use your shoes for longer before needing to replace them at the end of their life. 

Brooks has been making shoes since 1914, however, while they originally started with ballet slippers and bathing shoes (an essential consideration in the 1900s to protect swimmers’ feet from hazards at the beach, and more importantly to complete a modest bathing ensemble for ladies), they soon moved into specialised sport shoes. 

Baseball cleats, roller skates, football boots and softball cleats were the beginning of Brooks focusing on sports in particular, however the focus became more narrow with the rise of running in the 1970s. From the 70s to today, Brooks has been continually working away on improving their technology and shoe design for all runners.

 

 What Is The Technology In Brooks Running Shoes?

Brooks was the first shoe manufacturer to use EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) in shoes, replacing the heavy rubber with a lightweight, durable foam that has superior shock absorption and cushioning. EVA is still very much at the heart of Brooks shoes and can be found in several of their patent technologies. 

  • DNA Loft:  Soft, plush, cushioning foam made of EVA, rubber and large air pockets for cushioning. There have been multiple generations of DNA Loft, with the current version being DNA Loft v3. Models include: Brooks Ghost, Ghost Max and Brooks Adrenaline GTS.
  • DNA Flash:  Lightweight, high-energy-return, nitrogen-infused foam. Models include: Brooks Hyperion, Hyperion Max.
  • DNA Tuned: Nitrogen-infused foam that is made up of large cells for plush landing and small cells for responsiveness. Models include: Brooks Glycerin, Glycerin Max.

In addition to foam, Brooks also utilises GTS technology. What does Brooks GTS refer to? A highly scientific material or innovative technology? No, it’s Go-To Support, designed for overpronation (often experienced by flat or low-arch foot types) by offering unobtrusive stability. This name can be found on any Brooks running shoe with GuideRails support, making it easier to distinguish between neutral and stability shoe technology. 

In 2018, Brooks changed their approach to support shoes from trying to overly control a runner’s foot in the way it lands, rolls and pushes off, to instead using guidance technology which only intervenes when a runner exceeds a motion path that could lead to further injury, e.g. overpronation. 

Brooks aims to create stability running shoes that respond to each runner’s pace, weight and gait by utilising various foams and guiding technology. This effectiveness can however, depend on individual biomechanics, specific shoe models and the fit, so we do recommend that you come to our Brisbane store to find what works best for you, or to contact our running shoe experts. 

For those of you who don’t need stability shoes, Brooks also has a range of neutral running shoes that are free of guidance technologies.

 

What Model Of Brooks Shoe Is Best For Running Or Walking?

Every foot type is different, so depending on your individual biomechanics, support needs and fit requirements, the “best” shoe may not necessarily be the best for everyone. However, we have created a list of the most popular Brooks shoes that cater to a range of foot types and that we are always asked about at Wildfire Sports & Trek. If you want to find the best Brooks running shoes or walking shoes for your feet, come in store and try them out!

 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS: Since 1999, the Adrenaline GTS has been designed to be flexible in the forefoot, smooth in heel-to-toe transitions and have grooves that provide traction and support. With GuideRails technology working in harmony with the soft cushioning, the Adrenaline GTS is a good all-rounder for walking and running. 

 

 

Brooks Cascadia: A constant sought-after Brooks trail running shoe for good reason. The Cascadia provides neutral support with medium cushioning, allowing for a more grounded feeling that paves the way for quick responses on technical trails. 

 

Brooks Glycerin: Available in 3 variations, the Brooks Glycerin series provides shock-absorbing cushioning for your daily training. Whether you need support (Brooks Glycerin GTS) or even more cushioning (Brooks Glycerin Max), the foam combinations aim to provide plush landings and responsive toe-offs.

 

Brooks Ghost: Similar to the Glycerin in that the Ghost is also available in a max cushion version, the Ghost is generally firmer through the midsole with medium cushioning. Ideal for both walking and running.

 

Brooks Addiction Walker: One of our most popular Brooks walking shoes, the Addiction is a stability shoe that comes in black leather, making it ideal if you spend a large part of your day walking or standing in professional environments. 

 

Whether you need walking or running footwear, we would love to see you in store at Wildfire Sports & Trek to show you the latest Brooks shoes. We’re passionate about finding a fit that works best for you.

Can’t make it in-store? No worries, our Try 2 Anything upgrade allows you to shop online in Australia confidently. Buy 2 or more models or sizes to try on from the comfort of your own home, with hassle-free returns. 

Any questions? Contact our running shoe experts for friendly guidance and fitting advice. 

 

Rachel has a Bachelor's in Food and Nutrition Science with a passion for bread, whole foods and getting creative in the kitchen. Rachel traded cycling for running after injury and is currently focusing on training for her first half-marathon. Whilst the bread is proofing, she’s either out running or spending time with her Kelpie, Tilly.