Choosing the right pair of running shoes is essential to meet your training goals. However, the ideal shoes can differ from person to person. Your natural running gait, training style, goals, and fit preferences can all impact your decision.
Two of the top running shoe brands on the market are Brooks and Saucony. Both brands are known for their comfort and performance while using innovative materials that make them stand out.
Which brand and type of shoes are best for you? We’ll provide a full breakdown here of the top options in key training categories:
Stick around for all the details about the best Brooks and Saucony running shoes compared head-to-head.
Everyday Trainers: Brooks Ghost 18 vs Saucony Ride 19
The Brooks Ghost 18 and Saucony Ride 19 are versatile everyday trainers that work for a variety of training styles. Both are considered neutral running shoes that work best for those with a natural running gait and minimal pronation (inward roll of the foot). Who is each one best for?
Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a sturdy pair of running shoes best for those who prefer slow to moderate-paced long-distance running. Some key areas where the Ghost 18 differs from the Ride 19 are:
- Weight: The Ghost 18 is slightly heavier, coming in at an average weight of 10.2 ounces in men’s shoes and 9.2 ounces in women’s shoes. It’s a balanced weight that provides enough cushioning and durability while still allowing you to pick up the pace when needed for training variety.
- Offset: It offers a slightly higher offset at 10 mm, which benefits those who heelstrike a bit more and need extra cushioning to handle the impact.
- Flexibility and support: This shoe isn’t quite as flexible in the midfoot and forefoot, but that extra stiffness offers really good support for those who need it over a long distance.
Saucony Ride 19
During our Ride 19 review, we found it was a lightweight and versatile training option. The place where it stood out against the Ghost 18 was during uptempo training. Here’s how it stacked up in key features:
- Weight: The Saucony Ride 19 is slightly lighter, with an average weight of 8.9 ounces for men’s shoes and 7.7 ounces for women’s shoes. Lowering the weight slightly helps keep your strides bouncy and feet propelling forward during uptempo training.
- Offset: It has a lower offset of 8 mm, which is better for those with more of a natural midfoot strike or those who prefer less heel cushioning.
- Flexibility: The midfoot and forefoot feel more flexible than the Ghost to keep your strides feeling free and light, but it doesn’t offer quite as much sturdy cushioning and support.
Final Thoughts on the Brooks Ghost 18 vs Saucony Ride 19
Both these shoes are very durable and versatile for many training styles. If you need a single pair for several uses, either is a solid choice.
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a stand-out for those who want extra sturdiness in their running shoes and prefer slow to moderate-paced distance running.
The Saucony Ride 19 offers a lighter and more flexible option that’s a great choice for both easy miles and uptempo training.
Stability Trainers: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs. Saucony Guide 19
Those who overpronate (foot rolls inward excessively on each stride) will benefit from a good pair of stability trainers. Both the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and the Saucony Guide 19 provide effective support that places the foot back into a neutral position. However, they do so in different ways and have a few features that make them better for certain training styles.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The Adrenaline GTS 25 is great for those who want extra cushioning and support for moderate to long-distance training. Some key ways it differs from the Guide 19 are:
- Support system: The Adrenaline prevents overpronation with GuideRails technology on each side of the shoe. It essentially cups the foot, preventing it from rolling too much to one side or the other. The shoe provides great support for overpronation and may even be recommended for those who supinate slightly (foot rolls outward too much).
- Weight: The Adrenaline GTS 25 weighs a bit more, averaging 10.6 ounces for men’s shoes and 9.5 ounces for women’s shoes. That extra weight comes primarily from additional cushioning and support, making them feel sturdy and durable underfoot.
- Offset: This shoe has a higher offset at 10 mm, making it better for those who heelstrike more and need extra cushion to reduce the impact.
Saucony Guide 19
While testing the Guide 19, we found this shoe was a lighterweight, more flexible option that effectively supports overpronators without feeling too stiff or overcorrective. It particularly stood out for uptempo training against the Adrenaline GTS 25. Features that differentiate it are:
- Support system: The Guide 19 uses CenterPath technology which offers an angled support structure, high sidewalls, and a wide, stable base to support the feet and prevent the arches from collapsing inward.
- Weight: This shoe is slightly lighter at 9.7 ounces for men’s shoes and 8.9 ounces for women’s shoes. It still has solid cushioning underfoot while offering more of a bouncy feel during uptempo training.
- Offset: It has a lower offset of 6 mm for those with more of a natural midfoot strike that requires less heel cushioning.
Final Thoughts on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs. Saucony Guide 19
Both the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and the Saucony Guide 19 provide effective support for overpronation.
The primary decision will come down to which support system feels better to you. Do you prefer the Adrenaline’s GuideRail design that locks your feet in place, or the Guide 19’s subtle CenterPath system? You should try them both out to see which feels best for your feet and running gait.
Additionally, the preference can differ by training style.
The Adrenaline GTS 25 offers more stable cushioning and support for long-distance running, whereas the Guide 19 is lighter and more adaptable for long runs or uptempo training.
High Cushion Shoes: Brooks Glycerin 23 vs. Saucony Triumph 24
Need more cushioning for recovery runs? The Brooks Glycerin 23 and Saucony Triumph 24 are both great choices with slight variations in features that align with different running needs.
Brooks Glycerin 23
Overall, the Brooks Glycerin has consistently provided reliable yet plush comfort. It feels a bit more stable and energetic than the Triumph 24, although both shoes excel on long runs and recovery days. Some aspects that stood out are:
- Width: This shoe is slightly narrower. Those running at faster tempos or using it for a wider variety of training may prefer that design compared to the bulkier feel of the Triumph 24.
- Cushioning: The DNA Tuned cushioning in the Glycerin 23 is designed to feel plush but still responsive. You can feel it propelling you forward as you roll through your stride and toe-off.
- Design of the soles: The Glycerin 23 doesn’t have a rocker design on the sole and instead opts for more balance throughout. It’s great for those with more of a midfoot strike who prioritize a natural ride.
Saucony Triumph 24
Those who want more width and softness during slower-paced runs may prefer the Triumph 24. Essential features that stand out are:
- Width: This shoe is a bit wider, especially along the base. It’s great for those wanting more stability and a stronger base while planting their feet.
- Cushioning: The IncrediLUX midsole foam is very soft for an extra cushioned feel. It doesn’t feel as firm or responsive as the midsole in the Glycerin 23, but it offers extra comfort for those with naturally harder foot strikes.
- Design of the soles: The Triumph 24 features a curved rocker sole that helps ease the transition from heel to toe. Those who heel strike more may prefer the rocker profile and high drop to naturally roll their foot forward through each stride.
Final Thoughts on the Brooks Glycerin 23 vs. Saucony Triumph 24
These shoes are very similar, with a comparable weight, stack height, and offset. Therefore, you can’t go wrong with either for recovery runs.
The Glycerin 23 is more balanced and springy for a wide variety of runs.
On the other hand, the Triumph 24 provides a wide, stable, and soft feel for those who want a wide base with a higher heel-to-toe offset.
Speed Shoes: Brooks Hyperion 3 vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
You want to pick up the pace and need a lightweight, snappy, high-performing shoe. Both the Brooks Hyperion 3 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 can fit the bill, depending on your preferences.
Brooks Hyperion 3
The Brooks Hyperion is a great choice for those who like a traditional speed shoe or want something more versatile for daily runs. It’s low to the ground, lightweight, and offers all the basic features you need for great performance. Some key things that stood out to us were:
- Weight: This shoe is very lightweight for fast-paced running. It comes in at an average of 8.2 ounces in men’s shoes and 7.3 ounces in women’s shoes.
- Non-plated midsole: Many speed shoes will feature a nylon or carbon-fiber plate in the midsole to make them quickly snap back into place after bending to propel you forward. However, some runners prefer something more flexible, so this is a good choice for a more traditional feel. Instead of relying on a plate, Brooks uses a nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 midsole foam to deliver a fast and responsive ride.
- Versatility: While this is a great speed shoe, it’s also highly versatile. It performs well during slow, moderate-paced, and long-distance runs to fit many training needs. The versatility makes it a good choice for interval training, where you go at different paces throughout the workout.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a great choice when you want something geared specifically to speed training. It can even double as a great race day shoe as well. Elements that stood out to us were:
- Weight: This shoe is similar in weight to the Brooks Hyperion 3, with an average weight of 8.3 ounces for men’s shoes and 7.2 ounces for women’s shoes.
- Plated midsole: The Endorphin Speed 5 features a winged nylon plate in the midsole for extra rigidity that makes it snap back quickly after the shoe bends. This effect keeps you propelling forward on each stride at fast paces. However, because of this plate, it’s not quite as flexible as the Brooks Hyperion 3.
- Versatility: It’s not as versatile as an overall daily trainer like the Brooks Hyperion 3. That said, you can use it for both speed training and as an effective pair of race day shoes with its high-performing design. It’s especially great for sprints or faster-paced distance running.
Final Thoughts on the Brooks Hyperion 3 vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Both shoes make excellent speed trainers for the right person.
Those who want a traditional, low-to-the-ground, and lightweight option for versatile daily training at fast paces will enjoy the Brooks Hyperion 3.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a dedicated speed trainer that you can also use as a race day shoe, you can’t go wrong with the responsive design of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
Race Day Shoes: Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 vs. Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
When you need a high-performing shoe on race day, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 and Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 are both terrific choices. How do they compare?
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is a well-rounded race day shoe with great stability and cushioning. Qualities that stood out to us were:
- Weight: This unisex shoe is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at 6.9 oz. Brooks manages to pack lots of lightweight PEBA cushioning underfoot, all while maintaining this light feel.
- Stability: During our testing, we found this shoe offered more stability than the Endorphin Elite 3. It has a really solid base to feel confident with each footfall.
- Carbon fiber plate and responsiveness: The carbon fiber plate in the midsole feels very sturdy. However, it wasn’t quite as bouncy and responsive as the Endorphin Elite 3.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is lightweight, highly responsive, and a great performer at long distances. Here’s how it stacks up in key features:
- Weight: Like the Hyperion Elite, this shoe is incredibly lightweight. The Unisex sizing weighs an average of 7.2 oz. Your feet will feel very free and light with each each stride, which will help you keep up the pace during long-distance races.
- Stability: The Endorphin Elite 3 wasn’t quite as stable as the Hyperion Elite 5. You could feel a little give side to side if you don’t plant your foot quite right. However, this shoe is very soft and responsive, and you usually give up a little stability when that’s the case.
- Carbon fiber plate and responsiveness: It’s a very fast and responsive shoe. You’ll really feel it propelling you forward as you pick up the pace and start planting on the forefoot more.
Final Thoughts on the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 vs. Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Both of these carbon-plated shoes are great choices on race day.
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is great for those who value stability and consistency on each stride. It’s especially a great performer during shorter races like 5Ks and 10Ks.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is best for those who want to maximize explosiveness and keep up the pace over long distances. It’s a great performer for half-marathons and marathons.
Try on These Brooks and Saucony Running Shoes at Marathon Sports
We offer each of the Brooks running shoes and Saucony running shoes discussed in this article at Marathon Sports.
You can buy them through our convenient online store and have them shipped straight to your doorstep.
Otherwise, stop in at one of our retail locations to try them on. One of our footwear experts can help you pick the right shoes for your needs with a professional gait analysis and recommendations based on your training goals.
We’re here to assist if you have any questions!
