This is the story all about how… Brooks finally sponsored me.
Cue the Fresh Prince theme if you must.
Brooks – It’s About Time.
Thank you to all at the Brooks UK team.
For those of you who’ve followed my journey across continents, through every country in the world and into the depths of marathon madness you’ll know there’s been one quiet constant through it all: my shoes. Specifically, Brooks shoes. They’ve cushioned, cradled, and carried me across nearly every mile I’ve ever run. And yet, until recently, not an ounce of sponsorship had passed between us.
It wasn’t personal. It just... never happened. Perhaps their marketing strategies were pointed elsewhere. Perhaps I didn’t chase hard enough. Honestly, I didn’t need to. I wore their shoes because they worked. End of story. For context, I’ve spent thousands and thousands of miles in the 2021 edition of the Brooks Adrenaline—loyal to the last lace hole. They’re the only shoes I’ve ever trusted to protect my ankles, knees, hips, and back. That trust became non-negotiable somewhere around mile 40,000.
Now, as I inch towards the hallowed 100,000-mile mark (all-time mileage), I’ve developed a profound understanding of what my body needs and more importantly, what it doesn’t. A reliable shoe isn’t a luxury at this stage. It’s a necessity. In fact, during my 100 marathons in 100 days across Italy, I credit the stability of my Brooks with helping me recover from a fractured tibia. These shoes didn’t just get me to the finish line they got me through the healing. I started running with ON Cloud shoes, and I just didn’t get on with them, and I subsequently blamed them for the tenderness I felt from my feet to my hips. I switched, and the problem went away. Take from that what you will.
Then, just the other week, I found myself on a call with the head of marketing at Brooks UK. We chatted about the last decade (lots of running chat of course), and how the stars had finally aligned. I made a few jabs about how long it had taken. He laughed and we both agreed, it’s about time.
That call felt like a full circle moment. A tip of the cap to persistence. Or stubbornness. Or just loving a shoe so much you wear it for 15 years without a sponsorship cheque in sight. In a world where we runners analyse carbon plates, heel drops, toe boxes, cushioning, stack height, pronation control, and all the rest, my approach was blissfully simple: Brooks worked for me, so I wore them. The end.
Let me put it this way: during Run Britain (my double marathon a day run around the UK) I was getting through a fresh pair of Brooks every ten days. Ten. Days. That’s how hard I ran them, and how reliably they kept me moving. No bruised soles. No achilles tantrums. No bloodied ankles. Just consistent, dependable support. Yes if you’ve read the book you’ll know I got injured… but the shoes, I have no doubt, they got me through the injuries and out the other side, while continuing to run.
I’ve tried other brands over the years. Some looked flashier. Some promised more. Many left me disappointed. Brooks never did. They’ve never been the trendiest shoes on the shelf. But they’ve always been the best long distance shoes on my feet.
So this is my little love letter. And a thank you note.
To Brooks: I’m thrilled to officially join the family. I’m looking forward to lacing up in your latest trail options, colour drops, and innovations. Even more exciting I no longer need to panic buy a new pair every 550 miles. That’s worth celebrating. I honestly get the feeling that I’m welcomed into the family with a spring in my step. Thank you
Running Happy
For me, running although once was about pace and podiums, it’s lately been about perspective. It’s about healing, exploring, enduring, and, ultimately, finding joy in motion. That’s why Brooks’ mantra, Running Happy, resonates so deeply. It’s not some hollow tagline; it’s a philosophy I’ve lived mile after mile, continent after continent. When you’ve run through storms, deserts, cities, and silence, you learn that happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a rhythm. A breath. A moment. And the shoes that carry you through it matter. Brooks has always been that quiet, reliable partner in the background, the one that doesn’t shout for attention but shows up, mile after mile, and lets you focus on the joy of the run.
What I love about Running Happy is that it embraces the full emotional spectrum of running, not just the high fives and finish lines, but the 5 a.m. starts, the gritty climbs, the solo tears, the breakthroughs. It’s about staying grounded in gratitude, no matter what the route throws at you. That philosophy mirrors my own: running as a vehicle for life, not just fitness. After nearly 100,000 miles, 196 countries, a few broken bones, and countless sunrises on the move, I can say with certainty, happiness is a choice, and Brooks helps make that choice easier. It fits not just my feet, but my soul. See my recent article about why Running is food for the soul, and is proven by scientists doing science stuff.
A Few Lessons from This Shoe Sized Full Circle:
1. Persist.
Every now and then, I’d drop Brooks a nudge. A message here. An email there. It probably took dozens. But eventually, it worked. Want something enough? Stay at it.
2. Patience.
Not my strongest trait. I often believe in speeding things up, bulldozing the roadblocks. But this reminded me: some things arrive when they’re meant to. Patience, like endurance, has its place and indeed pace.
3. Preference.
In a world where sponsorships pay the bills, it’s easy to say yes to the wrong partner. But I held out. I stuck to my choice. And today, that preference feels like a win. Thank you.
The Future with Books
I’ll be sharing more about my favourite Brooks gear, the new ranges, and spoiler alert some major expeditions on the horizon. (Let’s just say, I’m not done putting these shoes to the test.)
Let’s be clear here - when people ask me, “What’s the best running shoe?” my answer hasn’t changed. It’s not about hype. It’s about what works for you. Comfort. Consistency. Confidence. If that’s Brooks, great. If not, find the one that is.
But for me? It’s always been Brooks.
And now, finally, they’ve made it official. Thank you Brooks. Here’s to the next 100,000 miles.
The Rise of Brooks Running: From Ballet Slippers to Global Game Changer
If you’ve spent any time pounding pavements or trail hopping through mountain passes, chances are you’ve seen the distinctive logo of Brooks Running. It’s a brand synonymous with comfort, durability, and biomechanics driven design. A truly runner’s runner brand. But how did this company become one of the most trusted names in long distance running? And why does it continue to thrive in an industry constantly chasing the next big thing?
Let’s lace up and take a journey into the story of Brooks. A company that started not with marathons, but with ballet shoes.
From Humble Origins to Global Recognition
Founded: 1914
Founder: Morris Goldenberg
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
Parent Company: Berkshire Hathaway (since 2006)
Annual Revenue (2023): Over £1 billion
Primary Market: Performance running (road, trail, track)
Brooks began over 110 years ago in Philadelphia, making ballet slippers and bathing shoes. Yes, bathing shoes. By the 1930s, they had expanded into baseball cleats, roller skates, and football boots. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that the company found its stride, literally, in running.
During the first American running boom (sparked in part by Frank Shorter’s gold medal in the 1972 Olympic marathon), Brooks pivoted heavily into performance footwear. In 1975, they released the Villanova, one of the first shoes with EVA foam cushioning. A few years later, Brooks made history with the Vantage, the first running shoe to be named the " Number 1 Running Shoe" by Runner’s World in 1977. That accolade catapulted Brooks into the competitive spotlight.
Innovation as Philosophy
One of the key reasons Brooks has maintained its position among the elite running brands is its obsession with biomechanics and injury prevention. Their motto isn’t just about performance it’s about running happy. That mission led to the development of several technologies that have become signature features of their shoes:
DNA Loft and DNA Flash Cushioning: Adapts to your stride and weight, giving a custom feel with every footfall.
GuideRails Holistic Support System: Helps reduce excess movement and maintain natural motion while stabilising the knees.
3D Fit Print Uppers: Lightweight, breathable mesh overlays that create a secure but flexible fit.
In a market flooded with carbon plates and flash marketing, Brooks continues to focus on the fundamentals: support, durability, and comfort, especially for everyday runners who log real world miles on real world roads.
The Brooks of Today: Market and Culture
Today, Brooks is the top-selling running shoe brand in the U.S. specialty run market, according to NPD Group data. As of 2023, they command nearly 21% of the specialty running market, ahead of giants like Nike and ASICS in certain performance segments.
A big driver of this success is Jim Weber, who joined Brooks in 2001 as CEO and helped shift the brand from a general athletic shoe company to a laser-focused performance running brand. Under his leadership, Brooks eliminated distractions like basketball shoes and cleats, doubled down on research, and started building the brand for runners, by runners.
This clarity of purpose, combined with the financial stability of being owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway since 2006, gave Brooks the freedom to grow steadily and responsibly.
They’ve also taken strides in sustainability. By 2030, Brooks aims to make 100% of their products climate-neutral and reduce carbon emissions significantly across their supply chain. Shoes like the Ghost 15 are now being produced with recycled materials and carbon offsets.
Top 5 Brooks Running Shoes Right Now (2025 Edition)
If you're new to Brooks or wondering which model suits your training needs, here are the standout stars from their latest lineup:
Remember. Whatever works for you.
1. Brooks Ghost 16
Best for: Everyday comfort and cushion
The Ghost series has long been Brooks’ flagship neutral trainer, and the 16 improves on the previous version with a lighter upper, updated DNA Loft v3 cushioning, and enhanced heel-to-toe transitions. Ideal for beginners and seasoned marathoners alike.
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Best for: Stability with cushioning
A crowd-favourite for over two decades, the Adrenaline GTS remains one of the best-selling running shoes globally. The 24th version refines the GuideRails system for even smoother support and less knee strain. It’s a reliable workhorse for runners who need gentle structure.
3. Brooks Hyperion Max 2
Best for: Speedwork and tempo runs
Lightweight and responsive, the Hyperion Max 2 offers elite-level cushioning with DNA Flash foam. It’s perfect for runners chasing PRs or needing a race-day shoe that can double as a fast trainer. Think of it as the quiet assassin in the Brooks lineup.
4. Brooks Cascadia 18
Best for: Trail running
The updated Cascadia is a tank with a soul. Ideal for rocky, uneven trails and ultra-distance efforts, it features a redesigned TrailTack outsole, rock plate, and improved breathability, all while keeping the legendary mid foot stability intact.
5. Brooks Glycerin 21
Best for: Plush, max-cushioned long runs
If you want softness, this is your shoe. The Glycerin 21 features the most DNA Loft v3 cushioning of any Brooks shoe to date. It's luxury on legs, ideal for recovery runs and slow miles.
Brooks’ Place in the Running World
More than a brand, Brooks has become a cultural symbol within the running community. It’s not the loudest voice, nor the most glamorous. But it’s the reliable partner. The friend who shows up, run after run, race after race, from your first 5K to your tenth marathon.
Their ambassador program is built not just around elite athletes, but real runners with stories, purpose, and community spirit. From run clubs in London to trail crews in Colorado, Brooks supports runners at every level, and now, finally, me too.
Useful Links:
Brooks Sustainability Goals
Brooks Shoe Finder Tool
History of Brooks Timeline
In Review
Brooks’ journey from ballet shoes to billion dollar performance gear is a story of adaptation, innovation, and laser focus. They’ve quietly built one of the most respected reputations in running, and done it with integrity and consistency.
As the company continues to grow, backed by loyal runners and high performance products, it’s clear they’re not just keeping pace, they’re setting it, and i’m proud to be along side for the joy of running happy.
Whether you’re a seasoned ultra marathoner, weekend park runner, or someone chasing their first mile, there’s a good chance Brooks will be worn by a fellow runner next to you.
I hope my own brand Run Weekends can achieve even half of what Brooks has.
Thank you for reading this.
