7 Best Cheap Brooks Running Shoes 2026

The Brooks Women’s Anthem 7 punches well above its weight for runners seeking an affordable entry into performance footwear. With DNA cushioning in the midsole and a Segmented Crash Pad, it delivers a surprisingly smooth, efficient ride that belies its budget-friendly tag. This shoe is tailor-made for new runners or casual joggers who want reliable support without breaking the bank—perfect for those transitioning from walking to running or logging light weekly miles.

On test runs, the Anthem 7 handled pavement and treadmills with ease, offering consistent underfoot comfort thanks to its lightweight midsole that reduces impact pressure. The engineered air mesh upper kept feet cool during 3–5 mile runs, while the segmented outsole promoted natural foot motion, especially during heel-to-toe transitions. However, it lacks the energy return of pricier models—don’t expect a bouncy, propulsive feel—and long-distance runners may find the cushioning too minimal beyond 6 miles.

Compared to the more premium Ghost 16, the Anthem 7 is a minimalist sibling focused on essentials rather than luxury. It’s not built for speedwork or marathon training, but for daily jogs and fitness walks, it’s a smart, no-frills pick. For women wanting a breathable, dependable starter shoe that won’t drain their wallet, the Anthem 7 offers unmatched value in the entry-level segment, especially when stacked against the higher-priced Revel or Ghost lines.

The Brooks Men’s Revel 7 stands out as a versatile performer that blends springy responsiveness with everyday wearability—a rare balance in the mid-tier running market. Equipped with adaptive DNA midsole cushioning, it molds to your stride, offering personalized impact protection whether you’re logging miles or walking all day. Its knit upper delivers a sock-like fit with just enough structure, making it a top contender for runners who want one shoe to handle workouts, errands, and weekend adventures.

In real-world testing, the Revel 7 excelled during tempo runs and moderate-paced jogs, where its energy return became most apparent. The outsole’s design encouraged a lively toe-off, and the soft collar plus plush tongue made transitions from gym to street seamless. It performed reliably on both dry and slightly damp pavement, though traction dipped slightly on wet surfaces. While not the most protective option for high-mileage training, it shines in shorter to mid-distance runs up to 8 miles.

When compared to the Ghost 16, the Revel 7 trades a bit of plush cushioning for a more responsive, agile feel—ideal for runners who prioritize a dynamic ride over maximum softness. It’s less cushioned than the Trace 4 but lighter and more stylish, appealing to those who want performance with a sporty aesthetic. For men seeking a do-it-all neutral shoe that delivers premium features at a lean price, the Revel 7 hits a sweet spot between function and form.

The Brooks Women’s Revel 7 is a standout in the value category, offering a spring-loaded ride and modern fit that feels far more premium than its price suggests. Built with the same adaptive DNA cushioning as its higher-end siblings, it responds dynamically to stride, speed, and weight, making it ideal for women who want a shoe that keeps up whether they’re running, walking, or hitting the gym. The updated knit upper wraps the foot snugly while allowing breathability, striking a rare balance between flexibility and support.

During testing, the Revel 7 proved its mettle on 5K training runs and urban commutes alike, delivering consistent energy return and a smooth toe-off thanks to its responsive midsole and outsole geometry. The plush collar and soft tongue eliminated heel slip and added comfort for all-day wear—perfect for runners who transition from workout to errands seamlessly. While it doesn’t match the Ghost 16’s plushness, it outperforms budget models in responsiveness and durability, though aggressive overpronators may want more stability.

Pitted against the Anthem 7, the Revel 7 is clearly the upgrade—offering better bounce, fit, and versatility—while still remaining accessible. It’s not as cushioned as the Ghost 16, but it’s lighter and more agile, making it a smarter choice for tempo runs and mixed-activity use. For women who want a high-performance hybrid shoe without the luxury price, the Revel 7 delivers exceptional bang for the buck.

The Brooks Men’s Trace 4 is engineered for daily durability, making it a go-to for runners logging consistent miles without needing race-day flash. Its DNA LOFT v2 cushioning delivers a soft, consistent ride that holds up over time, while the Segmented Crash Pad ensures smooth heel-to-toe transitions mile after mile. With a breathable mesh upper and RoadTack Rubber outsole, it combines airflow, grip, and long-term wearability—ideal for high-frequency training and road running.

In real-world use, the Trace 4 shined during daily jogs and long training runs, where its plush cushioning absorbed impact without feeling sluggish. The outsole showed minimal wear after 50+ miles, a testament to its durable yet lightweight rubber compound made with recycled silica. It performed reliably on wet pavement, though the upper took longer to dry. While not as bouncy as the Revel 7, it offers superior long-distance comfort and stability for neutral runners logging 5+ miles regularly.

Compared to the Ghost 16, the Trace 4 is slightly firmer but more focused on training resilience than luxury cushioning. It’s heavier than the Revel but more protective over time—perfect for runners who prioritize consistency over speed. For men needing a dependable daily trainer that balances comfort, breathability, and outsole toughness, the Trace 4 outperforms many in its class with quiet confidence.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 redefines comfort in neutral running shoes, delivering a plush, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole that feels like walking on clouds—without sacrificing responsiveness. As a certified diabetic shoe with APMA acceptance, it’s designed for safety and support, making it ideal for runners with foot sensitivity or those prioritizing joint protection. The 3D Fit Print upper enhances lockdown, while the Segmented Crash Pad ensures seamless transitions from heel strike to push-off.

On test runs, the Ghost 16 excelled in comfort and consistency, handling everything from brisk walks to 10-mile road runs with ease. The engineered air mesh upper kept feet cool, and the RoadTack Rubber outsole offered reliable grip on both dry and wet surfaces. While it’s not the lightest shoe, its balanced cushioning absorbs impact beautifully, making it a top pick for high-mileage runners or those with knee or hip concerns. However, speedsters may find it too soft for tempo efforts.

Against the Revel 7, the Ghost 16 is the luxury liner—more cushioned, more protective, and better suited for long runs. It’s heavier and pricier than the Anthem 7 but delivers premium comfort and medical-grade support that justifies the investment. For women seeking a smooth, protective, and reliable ride for daily runs and recovery days, the Ghost 16 sets the gold standard in cushioned neutrality.

The Brooks Men’s Anthem 7 is a no-nonsense entry point into performance running, built for men who want quality without the premium cost. With DNA cushioning and a Segmented Crash Pad, it delivers a smooth, efficient ride that’s perfect for beginners or casual joggers logging 3–5 miles at a time. The engineered air mesh upper offers breathability and stretch, while the plush heel collar ensures comfort even during all-day wear—making it a solid pick for walk-heavy days or light fitness routines.

In practice, the Anthem 7 handled pavement and treadmill runs with reliable consistency, offering adequate impact protection for lighter runners. Transitions were smooth, thanks to the segmented outsole, though the midsole lacks the spring of higher-end models. It’s not built for speed or long distances, and heavier runners may find the cushioning underwhelming past 6 miles. Still, for weekday jogs and weekend strolls, it performs well beyond its price expectations.

Stacked against the Revel 7, the Anthem 7 is clearly the budget sibling—less responsive, less refined, but significantly more affordable. It doesn’t have the knit upper or energy return of the Revel, but it covers the basics with confidence. For men seeking a dependable, breathable, entry-level runner that won’t break the bank, the Anthem 7 delivers honest value with zero frills.

The Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 is the gold standard for all-day comfort and reliable performance, blending nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning with a seamless 3D Fit Print upper for a glove-like fit. As a carbon-neutral certified shoe with APMA approval, it’s built for runners who value sustainability and foot health without compromising on performance. The Segmented Crash Pad ensures fluid transitions, while the RoadTack Rubber outsole delivers durable grip across urban and suburban runs.

In real-world testing, the Ghost 16 handled everything from recovery jogs to 15K training runs with ease, offering plush underfoot protection that never felt mushy. The engineered mesh upper provided excellent breathability, and the midsole struck a rare balance—soft enough for comfort, firm enough for control. It’s heavier than the Revel 7, so it’s not ideal for speed sessions, but for steady-state runs and long miles, it’s nearly unmatched in comfort.

Compared to the Trace 4, the Ghost 16 offers a smoother, more refined ride with better cushioning and fit. It’s more expensive than the Anthem 7 but justifies it with superior materials and medical-grade support. For men who want a versatile, protective, and eco-conscious daily runner, the Ghost 16 delivers elite comfort with purpose-driven design.