Why Brooks is their go-to sneaker brand.

First Responder-Loved Brooks

• First responders agree that Brooks is a favorite sneaker brand.


• Shop the Brooks Glycerin Max, Brooks Glycerin 23 and Brooks Launch.


• Plus, find out why they love these models and when they wear them.

I’m new to Brooks shoes. Historically, I’ve been loyal to other big-name brands. But you know how, when you get a new car, you suddenly see that make and model everywhere? Or you learn a new word and, boom, you hear it nonstop? (That’s the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon, also known as the frequency illusion, if you’re curious.)

That’s been me with Brooks. Now I can’t unsee them, especially at my gym. Case in point: my girl squad. But they’re not just my workout crew—a few of them are first responders: a police officer, a nurse practitioner and a nurse, to be exact.

Turns out, Brooks has a built-in following among people who spend long hours on their feet. (In reporting this story, I also learned that first responders can join the Brooks Community Heroes Ambassador Program for free and receive 25% off eligible items on BrooksRunning.com.) So when I noticed Brooks in all of their rotations, I had to ask: Which styles do they love—and why? Here’s what they said.

The Best Sneakers, According to First Responders

• Brooks Glycerin 23 Shoe$134 (was $175)


• Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Shoe$174 (was $200)


• Brooks Launch 11 Shoe$90 (was $120)

Brooks Glycerin 23

$175 $134 at Amazon

Morgan is a nurse, dedicated runner and at-home Peloton user. She also sometimes suffers from plantar fasciitis. She typically works the night shift, and her go-to sneaker is the Brooks Glycerin. “They are comfortable and wear well. I feel like they are roomy, offer good arch support and my knees don’t hurt when I wear them. I pair them with compression socks, and they are a win for work and running to me,” she says. Morgan sometimes runs in barefoot shoes, so the neutral fit of the Glycerin is ideal for her runs. And the nitrogen-infused midsole cushion keeps her feeling good when she’s spending long hours on her feet.

Brooks Glycerin Max 2

$200 $174 at Amazon

My friend Audrey is a traveling nurse practitioner and an avid fitness fanatic. She wears the Brooks Glycerin Max mostly for running, and occasionally for HIIT-style workouts. In fact, she wore them for a Hyrox competition a few months ago, and though the “glideroll” rocker sole took some getting used to, she plans to wear them again this weekend for another Hyrox competition—their grip performs better than other shoe brands she’s been testing. Her only complaint is that the toebox is snug for her wide feet, which seems to be an intentional design on Brooks’ part for “quick, electric toe-offs” when running.

Brooks Launch 11

$120 $90 at Amazon

Grace is a police officer, a runner and is in the gym seven days a week. She has tried a couple of Brooks sneakers and landed on the Brooks Launch as her go-to walking shoes. “I like them for walking because they’re light and comfortable,” she says. “But they’re not wide enough for me to run in.” Weighing just over 7 ounces, the Launch is the lightest shoe on this list; the upper is designed to be breathable, and the cushioning is soft, yet lightweight.

Shop More Brooks Sneakers We Love

Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX Trail Running Shoe

$180 at Amazon

Brooks Ghost 17 Running Shoe

$150 $120 at Amazon

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running Shoe

$154 at Amazon

Brooks Revel 7 Running Shoe

$100 $75 at Amazon

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