Best Brooks Replacement Insoles & Top 5 Brooks Running Shoes

Brooks Running has long been a titan in the industry, synonymous with reliability and the "Run Happy" philosophy. Whether you are cruising in the Ghost 17, seeking the plush embrace of the Glycerin, or relying on the stability of the Adrenaline GTS, your shoes are masterpieces of engineering.

However, there is a hidden expiration date inside every pair that most runners ignore: the factory insole.

In the North American and European running communities, the conversation around "Brooks insole replacements" has evolved from a niche medical necessity to a standard performance upgrade. Why? Because while Brooks’ DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA midsoles can last 500 miles, the thin foam liners inside them often collapse by mile 200.

This full guide walks through everything you need to know when choosing the right replacement insoles for your Brooks Running shoes.

If you're a runner, walker, or someone who loves all-day comfort, Brooks has once again raised the bar in 2026. Known for their unbeatable cushioning, innovative technology, and superior durability, Brooks shoes continue to be a top choice for athletes and casual wearers alike. But with so many great options, which ones truly stand out?

We've narrowed it down to the top five best Brooks shoes of 2026, from high-performance running shoes to ultra-plush everyday trainers. Whether you're chasing a new PR or just looking for the perfect blend of support and style, this list has something for everyone. Let's dive in.

Even top-tier footwear can lose its edge when the liners deteriorate. Upgrading your running insole is far from a mere indulgence; it is a necessity. To maintain consistent comfort, structural support, and protection against injuries, a fresh pair of inserts is vital for every runner.

1. Restore the Classic "Brooks Feel"

Brooks footwear is celebrated for its fluid transitions and reactive padding, yet that iconic comfort begins at the insole level. With consistent use, the factory liner thins out and loses its spring. If your gait feels sluggish or the underfoot support seems "spent," installing a fresh orthotic can bring back the plush impact protection and energy return that first drew you to the brand.

2. Make Your Shoes Last Longer

A premium insole offers more than just comfort; it shields your midsole from early degradation. View it as a form of "preventive care": by minimizing the impact on the foam foundation, a fresh insert helps maintain your Brooks’ integrity, potentially adding 100–200 km to their lifespan. This extra layer lowers the physical toll on your joints and muscles during demanding training sessions.

3. Keep Injuries Away While Building Mileage

Depleted running insoles fail to stabilize the arch and heel, causing poor posture and frequent stress injuries such as shin splints, knee strain, or plantar fasciitis. An upgraded insole featuring deep heel cradles and robust arch reinforcement ensures correct skeletal alignment, shields your joints, and promotes long-term foot wellness during high-intensity training.

4. Customize Fit and Support for Your Foot

Brooks creates shoes for a global market, but your personal foot structure is one of a kind. Whether you manage flat feet and overpronation, high arches, a specialized orthotic, or a high-quality insert provides tailored reinforcement in key areas. It’s the best way to turn a standard shoe into a customized tool optimized for your specific stride.

5. Brooks Doesn’t Offer Retail Replacements

Brooks does not offer standalone insoles for purchase. Unless you are eligible for a warranty claim, you must look toward third-party options engineered to complement Brooks’ unique geometry. Aftermarket insoles provide more than a simple swap; they are precision tools intended to boost efficiency, speed up recovery, and soothe foot discomfort. For countless athletes, adopting a structured insert has been the key to staying on the road. As one runner noted, "Thanks to PCSsole, I finished my training block without any recurring pain."

Since Brooks footwear is meticulously engineered for performance, your replacement insole must complement the shoe’s existing geometry. Here are five essential factors to evaluate when making your selection:

1. Arch Support Alignment

• Begin by assessing your foot's anatomy. Whether you have low, neutral, or high arches, the wrong support level can cause instability or premature fatigue.
• Flat feet require robust medial support to manage overpronation.
• High arches require specialized cushioning to redistribute impact forces.
• Medium arches thrive with semi-rigid designs that offer a blend of flexibility and stability. To find your match, perform a "wet test" at home or use Brooks' digital tools for a professional gait analysis.

2. Cushioning Balance and Stack Height

• Brooks midsoles offer specific density levels, so your insole should enhance this feeling without adding excessive bulk.
• Neutral models (like the Ghost or Glycerin) pair best with lower-profile inserts that feature plush top layers for maximum comfort.
• Speed-focused shoes (like the Hyperion) should be fitted with ultra-light, thin inserts to maintain a responsive feel. Avoid "overstacking" your shoes; adding too much height can disconnect you from the ground and decrease stability.

3. Stability Integration and Heel Security

• For those using Brooks’ GuideRails technology (found in GTS models), your insole must support rearfoot alignment without obstructing the shoe’s correction system.
• Prioritize deep heel cups that center the heel bone for a locked-in fit.
• Select semi-rigid structures that provide support while allowing for a natural range of motion. Steer clear of thick gel inserts in stability shoes, as they can create a "mushy" platform that undermines the effectiveness of GuideRails.

4. Airflow and Hygiene Features

Managing moisture is critical for preventing blisters during high-mileage training. When selecting a PCSsole replacement, look for these specific technical features:

• High-Performance Breathability: PCSole inserts feature an advanced BK fabric top cover that effectively wicks sweat and neutralizes odors, keeping your feet fresh.
• Heat Dissipation: Many PCSsole models feature perforated EVA foam and specialized venting in the forefoot to encourage heat to escape. The integration of these breathable layers works to regulate temperature, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable even during intense, high-impact sessions.

5. Custom Trimming and Sizing

Aftermarket inserts are often manufactured in broad size ranges and require a custom trim. To ensure a perfect fit:

• Always trace the shape of your original Brooks sockliner onto the new insole for the most accurate template.
• Trim only from the toe area, never the heel or arch, to maintain the integrity of the support system. A precise trim prevents the insole from sliding and ensures your toes have enough room to splay naturally during impact.

While other brands offer great individual features, PCSsole Running Flexible Performance stands out as the most comprehensive replacement for Brooks factory liners for several reasons:

• Superior Structural Integrity: Brooks shoes are built for high mileage. PCSsole uses medical-grade EVA that matches the durability of the Brooks DNA Loft midsole, ensuring the insole doesn't flatten out before the shoe does.
• Enhanced Realignment: If you use Brooks for overpronation, PCSsole’s high-arch design provides the firm medial bracing needed to prevent the inward rolling that standard factory liners allow.
• Integrated Breathability: The use of BK fabric is a significant upgrade over basic foam. It manages the heat buildup common during long runs in Brooks’ plush uppers, keeping the foot cool and reducing friction-based blisters.
• Versatile Fit: PCSsole offers a deep heel cup that perfectly seats the foot within Brooks’ "Crash Pad" heel geometry, improving shock absorption from the moment your foot hits the pavement.

Nov. 5: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 continues its legacy as one of the best stability running shoes, offering the perfect blend of support, comfort, and performance. Designed for runners and walkers alike, this latest edition features nitrogen-infused DNA Loft V3 cushioning, delivering an ultra-soft yet lightweight feel with every step.

Whether you're tackling long runs, daily walks, or standing on your feet all day, this shoe provides the plush comfort you need without compromising responsiveness. One of its standout features is the GuideRails holistic support system, which helps keep excess movement in check, reducing strain on your knees and ensuring a smooth, natural stride. The engineered air mesh upper enhances breathability while adapting to the shape of your foot, providing a secure yet flexible fit. Thanks to a newly designed outsole and midsole, transitions feel smoother than ever, making every run or walk feel effortless.

Beyond its technical performance, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is also a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, reinforcing its reputation for foot health and support. Priced at $140, it offers premium stability and comfort for those who demand the best from their footwear, whether you're training or simply seeking all-day support. This shoe is a top-tier choice for 2025.

Nov. 4: Brooks Glycerin 22

The Brooks Glycerin 22 is the ultimate choice for runners seeking unmatched softness and a smooth, responsive ride. Designed with DNA Tuned technology, this shoe features nitrogen-infused cushioning that adapts to every stride, delivering a plush yet energetic feel. Larger cells in the heel ensure ultra-soft landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot provide a lively push-off, making every step feel effortlessly smooth.

Whether you're logging miles on the road, hitting the gym, or simply looking for all-day comfort, this neutral running shoe delivers an unbeatable experience. The newly engineered double jacquard knit upper enhances breathability while offering a flexible and accommodating fit, wrapping the foot in supreme comfort without sacrificing durability. The broad platform design provides additional stability, ensuring seamless heel-to-toe transitions for a consistently fluid ride, perfect for runners who prioritize both cushioning and responsiveness.

The Glycerin 22 strikes the ideal balance between softness and support. Certified as a PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe, it meets high standards for foot health and comfort, reinforcing its commitment to top-tier performance. Priced at $165, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is a premium choice for those who want to feel limitless on their runs, whether you're training for your next race or enjoying a daily jog. This shoe offers the perfect combination of luxury and performance.

Nov. 3: Brooks Hyperion Max 2

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is built for speed, making it the perfect companion for runners who crave fast, efficient training sessions and race-day performance. Featuring an upgraded nitrogen-infused DNA Flash V2 midsole, this shoe delivers an ultra-lightweight, highly responsive ride that propels you forward with every stride. The cushioning is not only softer and more protective but also nearly 10% more responsive than its predecessor, ensuring you get the most out of every workout.

Designed to enhance transitions, the Speed Vault plate and Rapid Roll Rocket technology work together to create a seamless toe-off, allowing you to maintain momentum with minimal effort. Whether you're pushing your limits on tempo runs or chasing a new personal best, the Hyperion Max 2 is engineered to keep you moving efficiently and comfortably. Breathability is also a key feature, with a lightweight mesh upper that increases airflow while maintaining a secure fit no matter how intense your training session gets.

This shoe keeps your feet cool and locked in place for optimal performance. Priced at $180, the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is an excellent choice for runners looking to train hard and race fast. With its dynamic combination of speed, cushioning, and smooth transitions, this shoe is designed to help you reach peak performance every time you hit the pavement.

Nov. 2: Brooks Glycerin Max

The Brooks Glycerin Max takes cushioning and comfort to an entirely new level, delivering an ultra-plush, responsive ride for runners who want the best in soft landings and smooth transitions. Featuring dual nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned cushioning, this shoe seamlessly blends two types of cushioning into one dynamic midsole, ensuring every step feels both airy and energetic.

Whether you're logging long miles or simply enjoying a casual run, the Glycerin Max makes every stride effortless. Designed for supreme comfort, the sleek knit polyester upper provides a snug yet flexible fit, wrapping your foot in breathable support. The nylon lining adds a smooth, irritation-free feel, while the EVA insole enhances overall comfort for all-day wear. With an elevated round toe design and a strategically designed rubber outsole, this shoe offers superior grip and durability, ensuring confident strides on any road or track.

Not only does the Glycerin Max prioritize softness, but it also delivers exceptional energy return, making each step feel lighter and more responsive. Priced at $200, it's a premium choice for those who refuse to compromise on cushioning, comfort, or performance. If you're looking for a shoe that makes running feel effortless and luxurious, the Brooks Glycerin Max is your ultimate pick for 2026.

Nov. 1: Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB is built for runners who demand maximum speed and peak performance on race day. Designed with elite racing in mind, this lightweight powerhouse delivers an unrivaled combination of energy return, propulsion, and comfort. Featuring 100% PEBA DNA Gold cushioning, the softest and most responsive foam Brooks has ever made, it absorbs impact while delivering an explosive toe-off, ensuring you stay fast and efficient mile after mile.

At the heart of this high-performance racer is the Speed Vault Plus carbon fiber plate by Aris, meticulously fine-tuned to match each shoe's size. This technology optimizes bending stiffness and weight distribution, providing a propulsive feel that enhances your natural stride and helps you push past your limits.

Whether you're aiming for a personal best in a 5K or conquering the grueling miles of a marathon, this shoe is designed to give you a competitive edge. The breathable upper locks your foot in place, preventing excess movement while maintaining a lightweight feel.

Every detail of the Hyperion Elite 4 PB is crafted for speed, from its ultra-responsive cushioning to its aerodynamic design. Priced at $250, it's an investment in performance for serious racers. If shaving seconds off your time is your goal, this shoe is your ultimate race day weapon.