When trying to find your perfect running shoe there’s always a question of which brand is right for you. Brooks vs Nike running shoes is another comparison of proprietary technologies, fit, and feel. I’ll break down comparable models to see how each is different or similar to make your choice.
Both brands have a long history, things people love and things people dislike.
And like every running shoe brand they tend to have moments where they seem to be the dominant running shoe. This has a lot to do with marketing or getting lucky with a superstar athlete wearing their gear on a main stage performance (Olympics, NYC marathon, etc).
When it comes to these two brands, I think it’s key to know that both have continued to change an adapt. So if you’ve tried one previously without luck, you might need to be willing to test a new model.
Main Differences Brooks vs Nike
Nike and New Balance have a similar range of shoes, but a very different fit and feel. Maybe some of the difference is simply in the way that they market, which makes you feel differently about the gear.
I break down the differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:
Brooks Running Shoes
- Traditional running shoe with 6mm-12mm heel drop (a LOT of models at 12mm)
- Exclusively designs running shoes, with a huge variety of models
- Science-driven to accommodate rather than correct gait
- Has more fun holiday styled shoes than any other brand (Christmas, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, St Pat’s)
- Increasing focus on performance apparel
Nike Running Shoes
- More narrow fit, especially in the heel and midsole
- Tend to run smaller in width and length than many other brands
- A larger focus on newest and trendiest technology to “improve running economy”
- Known across a wide variety of sports and highly visible in competition
- Loves to be high fashion
- Has a large brand loyal following
Is Nike Better Than Brooks?
Nike has been dominating the elite running world for many years, so the question is do they have shoes for the rest of us?
100% they have a variety of shoes for different runners. And while you might see far more elite runners in Nike gear, Brooks is an equally great running shoe for most of us and has sponsored the Hanson elite team. The shoes worn by elite runners are often custom made, specific to a team or sponsored.
I’ve worn both brands and will add some personal thoughts, along with comparable models from each brand at the end.
Brooks vs Nike Feature Comparison
Both brands have been around for a very long time and are leaders in running shoe design. They both offer various technologies to aid with comfort, support, stability, and cushion.
They differ in both fit and technology.
Here is a breakdown of each shoe based on the components buyers need to consider when purchasing a running shoe.
It’s gonna get a little TECHY…so you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if I’m shelling out $150 for shoes, I kinda want to know why.
Durability
The lifespan of shoes from both companies is fairly comparable.
- Brooks shoes have a life expectancy ranging from 300 to 500 miles, or three to six months, depending on your monthly mileage.
- Nike’s Vapor Fly is only going to give you about 200 miles, but most shoes are in the 300-500 mile range
Determining when to replace running shoes, of course, all depends on your gait, weight, and whether you run mostly on trail or road.
Shoe Fit
Brooks shoes have a wider toe box than other traditional models, which makes them a great choice for runners with wide feet or bunions. The brand recommends that buyers go up a half size from their everyday shoe.
Brooks does a great job with online fit, the Brooks shoe fit finder will give you an idea of what to look for in a running shoe when you do visit your local store.
Nike running shoes are often reported to run small.
They do not offer the variety of widths that you’ll see with New Balance. But if you like the fit, you’ll find it fairly consistent across models.
This is an older, yet still very USEFUL graphic from the Huffington Post.
I forget we may not all know the lingo when talking about different components of the shoe and why they matter.
Cushioning
Brooks uses two types of cushioning in their designs, which allows for a wide variety of cushion from plush to more minimal.
- DNA LOFT – Soft cushioning, that adapts to a runner’s profile, stride, and speed
- BioMoGo DNA – also adapts to runner’s profile, stride, and speed, providing a more balanced experience with a bit of spring.
Nike started putting air in their shoes back in 1977 to improve cushioning.
“Nike Air technology consists of pressurized air inside a tough yet flexible bag and provides more spring without compromising the structure.”
And since the 90’s they’ve been recycling waste material from production in to new shoes. They continue to look at this sustainability in developing new shoes.
However now, their big thing is ZOOMX foam. I wrote about it in-depth on the Nike Invincible review.
Nike ZoomX cushioning is Nike’s latest innovation in running technology.
It’s a cushioning system that provides lightweight, responsive cushioning for a faster and more comfortable ride.
Made from a unique foam material that is 30% lighter than traditional foam and is designed to provide maximum energy return, allowing runners to go farther and faster. The foam also provides a softer landing and smoother transitions from heel to toe.
Stability
Rather than “fix” the way someone runs, Brooks technology helps to stabilize your stride based on how you naturally run. So in essence, both brands have the same take on stability. Just different technology.
Whether that’s a little bit more support in the arch or through the midline of the foot it helps hips, knees, and joints to move naturally, offering support when needed. Neutral runners may only require them to kick in when their stride is off.
Nike does say their stability shoes are slightly wider and also designed with a curve that will help with heel to toe transitions.
As you may know, I’m not a huge fan of stability shoes for most runners. I am not finding a big difference in brands, they are all focused on preventing that foot roll and often feel a little stiffer.
Affordability
Brooks running shoes prices range between $110 to $150, while Nike start at a slightly higher price at $120 to $180.
The most popular models for both brands are priced toward the higher range. Carbon fiber shoes and often trail shoes will go beyond those rates, like the Vapor Fly which is over $200.
You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. They know that the big box store can sell the shoe with less in it, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.
Nike Vs Brooks Running Shoe Models
Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.
Did you notice I even said the brands in reverse order this time…seriously no favorites, I have run in both brands many different times over the years.
Quick note, I absolutely encourage you to checkout Nike’s return policy! It makes it much easier to test out a shoe and return if it doesn’t feel right.
Stability Running Shoe
👉React Air Zoom Winflow 9
Another shoe utilizing their great react cushion and the wrap around feel of the flyknit upper.
It has a slightly higher arch and more room in the toebox than most Nike running shoes.
This is what they call a stability neutral shoe, which is probably more in line with what I’d recommend. It’s not a firm and will not be over correcting your foot strike. It has guiderails as most stability shoes do, but without losing the softness.
- 10mm drop
- 10 oz women’s, 9.9 oz men’s
- $100
I couldn’t finish the stability shoe section without mentioning the newer style that Nike has started promoting. The Nike Invincible!
I recently tested version 3 and I’ve honestly never found a stability shoe with so much bounce. It’s definitely benefiting from using the same foam as the Vaporfly racing shoes.
While the shoe is still narrow, per normal Nike, it has a much wider base and therefore offers a lot of stability with that cushion. Plus an outsole with grip for going from road to trail.
👉Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
The brand’s most popular road running shoe (GTS stands for go-to-shoe) just turned 22 and comes in a swath of colors. This supportive shoe is best for a medium to high arch, and is part of the cushion line.
This was one of the very FIRST shoes that I bought at a running store! I thought it was so incredibly cool my name was on the shoe…ha!!! But yes they were super duper bright white (as you’ll see below).
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS is going to grow in popularity as Brooks got rid of it’s two other stability models the Ravena and Transcend. So it’s a good thing that it has many years of very happy runners behind it. It’s definitely a firmer daily trainer, to help provide that necessary support for overpronation.
- 12mm drop – on the higher side, good for those with Achilles issues
- 9.0 oz women’s, 10.2 oz men’s
- $140
Neutral Running Shoe
👉Nike Pegasus 41
The Nike Pegasus has all the bells and whistles that a runner could ask for: just the right amount of cushion in midsole for maximum comfort, durable rubber outsole to withstand, and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet feeling fresh and dry.
But let’s get real for a second. The Nike Pegasus isn’t just a pretty shoe. It’s got substance too, with a firm heel counter that keeps your foot locked in place and a molded foam insole that provides extra support for those long runs.
This is a good option for your easy weekday runs or for the support of a marathon training run.
This is definitely a shoe that I like for those weekday training runs. Not over built, just enough cushion and a little roomier than other Nike’s.
- Weight: 10.4 oz men’s, 8.6 oz women’s
- Heel drop: 10mm
- $140
- Find it here on Nike.com for $140, so you can enjoy their 30 day trial policy!
- Read my detailed review of the Nike Pegasus
👉Brooks Ghost 16
The Ghost offers smooth transitions and soft cushioning for road running and is best for those seeking neutral support. Runners’ World has awarded this shoe several Editor’s Choice Awards.
I personally was so intrigued by those awards that I snagged myself a pair last year and they are nearing the end of their life, but have served me very, very well. Which is why I then upgraded to the newest model to see what might be different.
The heel-to-toe drop is a lot higher than I tend to like, but it’s a very standard traditional running shoe feel. So if you’re looking for that everyday run shoe, which can provide a moderate amount of cushion to go the distance, it’s a win.
- Heel Drop: 12mm – again higher than I recommend for most runners, we see more overstriding and IT Band issues.
- Weight: 8.8 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
- $140
- Available on Brooksrunning.com
- Read my full review of the Brooks Ghost 16 >>
Cushioned Running Shoe
👉React Infinity Run V 3
Another shoe utilizing their great react cushion and the wrap around feel of the flyknit upper. It’s super similar to the Epic React that I loved running in for many years, except it’s a stability shoe.
It has a slightly higher arch and more room in the toebox than most Nike running shoes.
This is what they call a stability neutral shoe, which is probably more in line with what I’d recommend. It’s not a firm and will not be over correcting your foot strike. It has guiderails as most stability shoes do, but without losing the softness.
- 8mm drop
- 9.2 oz women’s, 10.7 oz men’s
- $165
👉Brooks Glycerin 21
The plushiest model in the Brooks line features plenty of DNA Loft foam, plus the Ortholite sock liner. This is designed to be the plushest ride they have with not only their signature DNA, but a new nitro infused midsole.
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t understand all the technology, but what we do know is how it feels. And folks have been raving about this shoe long enough to get all the way to a version 20. Many say it’s ideal when you need to be on your feet a long time.
It’s a little higher heel and weight than some shoes, but when a shoe feels just right to you those are very small differences.
- 10mm drop
- 9.1 oz women’s, 10.1 oz men’s
- $160
Carbon Fiber Plate Shoes
Are they cool new technology, yes. Do they last as long as your other shoes nope.
So if you want to test these out use them for speed work and then race day! Thus far in my testing, they are a pricey piece of gear that can absolutely give you a boost.
For some runners they can also be useful in dealing with constant lower leg injuries.
👉Brooks Hyperion Elite
The Brooks Hyperion Elite is a lightweight, high-performance running shoe designed for speed and efficiency.The carbon fiber plate runs through the midsole to provide a responsive, energy-returning ride that helps runners go faster for longer.
Similar increase in stack height to add more cushion, while finding places to strip away weight like the tongue and a grove in the outsole.
My complaint with the newest version is it looks like an orthotic shoe in light grey. Come on. If I’m trying to go fast, make me feel fast!
- 8mm drop
- 8.1 oz unisex
👉Nike ZoomX VaporFly 3
Similar to the AdiPro this is another max cushioned carbon fiber plate. For me it just makes the shoe more accessible to the everyday runner who enjoys cushion. Though maybe at $250 accessible is the wrong word?!
This is one of the lightest shoes with cushion I’ve seen. This absolutely matters over the course of 26.2 miles where every second adds up to hit or miss your PR.
You will absolutely feel the bounce in this shoe, it’s dreamy. While the debate rages on who will benefit, I can say in my tests that I found my HR lower and thus was able to run faster.
- 8mm drop
- 5.8 oz women’s, 6.6 oz men’s
- $250
Read my full review of the Nike Vaporfly (hint…I love it).
And more importantly a comparison of the Nike Alphafly vs Vaporfly. Which is the right race shoe for you?
More About Brooks
Believe it or not, Brooks started out in 1914 making ballet slippers and bathing shoes. Since then, they have made everything from baseball and football cleats to roller skates.
It wasn’t until Frank Shorter won the marathon at the 1972 Munich Olympics that Brooks considered limiting its focus. The first running shoe debuted in 1974 and their most popular running shoe, the Adrenaline GTS first hit the market in 1999.
In 2001, Brooks decided to focus solely on running.
They introduced the Transcend in 2013, a shoe that used new biomechanics technology to create a GuideRails technology, allowing runners to run naturally without trying to correct their gait.
The Seattle-based company is also well known for its commitment to sustainability and giving back. Brooks donates time, gear, and money to companies that align with their values around diversity, equity, and inclusion and staff receive paid annual volunteer time.
More About Nike
Is there anyone who doesn’t know the story of Nike yet?? The brand actually started in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and didn’t take on the name of Nike the Greek Goddess until 1971.
If you haven’t read Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, it’s a wonderful book that gives you so much insight to the building of a company and a brand.
I fully understand not everyone loves Nike due to many of the practices we’ve seen with their athletes. I’m just here to provide details about the gear, you make those judgements.
In 1972, the Nike Waffle Racer was handed out at the Olympics and things really started to take off. One of these original pairs of shoes recently sold for almost $500,000!
From there they have continued to inovate and consistently produce new models of shoes for a variety of sports.
Nike has also dominated the marketing game.
How to Choose Nike or Brooks Running Shoes?
Nike and Brooks are two extremely well known running shoe brands, but more important than brand is the fit of the shoe.
Your gait and feet will change over time and you may need to change shoes.
This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.
And remember, just because these are two of the most well known brands on the market, there are still plenty of other shoe brands to select from if neither Brooks nor Nike has the right shoe for you.
Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair.
For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:
- Best Trail Running Shoes
- Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
- HOKA vs On Running
- ASICS vs Brooks
- Best Running Shoes
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