Editor’s Note: We have updated this review with the inclusion of the Glycerin GTS 19. Scroll down for our coverage of the Glycerin 19’s stability equivalent.

However, the latest rendition combines better placement of GuideRails onto newly formulated DNA midsole material, with a super-supportive yet not-so-restrictive upper, all of which is softer and more flexible without sacrificing necessary support. Let’s begin with the fact I have never run in a version of the Brooks Transcend, so I had no idea what to expect, except for no medial post (which I greatly appreciate). I have a buddy that runs in them and seems to like them, so why not give them a shot? This just in: the Brooks DNA LOFT midsole, which lives up to its claim of “soft, luxurious” comfort underfoot “without losing responsiveness or durability”. THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners who want pure luxury right at their feet. Super-soft cushioning, innovative support and a plush fit add up to maximum comfort. This is Brooks most cushioned shoe for feet that are looking for support! Like the Ghost, it has a high drop, which may feel a bit clunky to runners used to lower-drop shoes. Even so, the plush heel cushioning softens impacts, and the thinner forefoot has good flexibility for snappy toe-offs. The air mesh upper breathes well and features lots of padding around the collar for comfy fit, and the high-coverage rubber outsole is grippy and tough enough to withstand high-mileage training routines.

Testers with lingering pain from old running injuries found the Glycerin’s cushioning supportive and beneficial to rebuilding their base. One suffering from mild plantar fasciitis commended the shoe’s comfort and support under her arch. But softness is not sequestered to the midsole alone; the bootie-like interior provides surrounding comfort. Finding the Perfect Fit

The Ghost has been a favorite in the Brooks lineup for years, and the latest design is one of our favorite shoes of 2023. This versatile cushioned trainer is a go-to for everyone, from beginner runners to experienced marathoners looking for a reliable workhorse shoe. In RW testing, the Ghost 15’s DNA Loft v2 cushion served up a firm feel underfoot, or “an excellent ride with firm yet spongy cushioning,” as one tester described it. I attempted to test a 10 in Brooks because that used to be my size—but no,” said a tester who ran in the Ghost the previous testing cycle. “It’s a bit too snug, and so a 10.5 would’ve been better. I haven’t run into this problem with other shoes recently, just Brooks, so I'm not sure what they’ve done to their sizing, but that is my main complaint.” The RW Takeaway: Lace up in the responsive and generously cushioned Glycerin 19 and Glycerin GTS 19 for all kinds of runs. Their luscious feel didn’t weigh us down as we pushed the pace during training. DNA Flash, like DNA Loft v3, is nitrogen-infused EVA foam, but it’s optimized for low weight and high energy return. It also offers some softness to absorb impacts. It’s Brooks’ lightest cushioning material, giving shoes like the Hyperion Tempo their propulsive, energetic ride. It’s the foam you want under your feet if you’re focused on speed training or racing.

The Bad

The objective weight of Transcend makes it suitable for Clydesdales, however the propulsion design and soft-stable function make Transcend 6 work well for all runners: the ride is soft, supported, and feels light.

The Rails on 6 are softer (on the lateral side only) and put more emphasis toward the lateral heel, thereby working together with the upper’s heel counter to rein in movement. If that sounds helpful, look for Brooks models with a “GTS” in the name, which stands for “Go-to Support.” Brooks makes GTS versions of many of its shoes, including the Glycerin and Launch. It isn’t the most plush shoe on the market, and its high drop may feel uncomfortable for some runners. But the Ghost does a great job of absorbing impact forces, and the footbed feels supportive—ideal for a day-to-day training shoe. Its upper is made with a breathable engineered mesh for good temperature regulation, and the shoe has a great overall fit: The midfoot is relatively wide, so it won’t constrict your feet. The padding around the collar creates a comfortable feel. Testers reported no issues with hot spots or rubbing. Overall, the Ghost 15 is an approachable, capable shoe that works well for a wide range of runners. The Launch 10 swaps in a revamped knit upper that creates a more secure fit around your foot—always important when going fast—and the collar is designed to pull away from your heel, so it won’t rub and cause irritation. The outsole has plenty of rubber, giving it excellent traction and durability.

Sizes

The stability here is not for severe pronation but more for those who just would like a little extra support some days. Transcend 7 needs 20+ miles to break in Fun bicolor patterns peek through breathable holes in the forefoot; a top-notch heel counter rounds out the posterior and works synergistically with the now better-positioned GuideRails, to direct foot motion. You might want to size up before making a commitment and heading out for your first run in the Glycerin. The shoe felt quite snug, with separate tester evaluations reporting slightly crammed toes, chafing by the Achilles, and a midfoot that was too narrow, causing pins and needles.

DNA is the brand’s most basic EVA foam. Its primary attribute is softness, which it brings to entry-level shoes across all three shoe categories. While DNA doesn’t have the pillowy feel or high energy return of Brooks’ more advanced foams, it’s a tried-and-true option that creates dependable cushioning. If you just need a basic trainer and don’t want to spend a lot of money, DNA will work well for you. The shoe is put together well and its heightened level of cushion and plushness will allow these to last for a long time which is good because the Transcend 7 is ideal for long distances. Excellent grip on dry and wet roads After my first run, I re-weighed the shoe, to make sure it really was as heavy as I’d initially found it (it is), since the ride is much lighter than ASICS Gel-Fortitude (which was .3 oz. lighter), New Balance 1260 v6, and adidas Supernova ST, the latter two of similar weight. With the Revel, you can save money without sacrificing performance. While it doesn’t have quite enough cushioning for long-distance running, it’ll be a great workhorse trainer for speedwork and short day-to-day runs. I took them on both short and medium distance runs of about 8-9 minute pace, with two of them being double runs after workouts. I wore them feeling somewhat fresh, and I wore them feeling beat up after a 5 x 1-mile workout that morning.In RW testing, the Hyperion Max proved itself to be a capable performer in a variety of scenarios: “I could wear this shoe for almost every aspect of training,” said one tester. Need one shoe that can keep up with a variety of workouts? The Hyperion Max should be at the top of your list. Like I said earlier, this is a lot of shoe, and that is a positive or a negative depending on who you ask. Now let’s get into the good, the bad, and the meh of the Transcend 7, shall we?