Beyond the Shoe: The Technology BEHIND Brooks

A Look Inside Brooks’ New Cushioning Platforms and Four-Category Support System

Every Brooks shoe on the wall looks familiar — that signature swoosh, the same trusted names like Ghost and Glycerin. But underneath, Brooks has been quietly rethinking how support and cushioning actually work. With the arrival of the Fall 2026 Ghost lineup and the Spring 2026 and 2027 Glycerin lineups, Brooks isn’t just releasing new colors and small updates. They’re introducing new foam platforms and moving away from the old “neutral vs. support” way of thinking altogether.

Here’s what’s actually changed, what it means for your feet, and how to figure out which Brooks technology fits the way you move.

The Big Shift:

Four Categories of Support

For years, running shoes were sorted into one of two buckets: neutral or support. Brooks is retiring that binary. Starting with the Glycerin line, every shoe now falls into one of four support categories, each built around a different way of guiding your stride.

The takeaway: you no longer have to guess whether “neutral” is code for “no support” or whether “support” means a stiff, corrective shoe. Each category tells you exactly what the shoe is designed to do for your stride.

The Cushioning Lineup:

Three Foams, Three Feels

Support is only half the story. The other half is what’s actually underfoot — and Brooks now builds around three distinct cushioning platforms, each tuned for a different kind of ride.

DNA LOFT v3 — The Everyday Standard

DNA LOFT v3 is nitrogen-infused, which simply means tiny nitrogen gas bubbles are worked into the foam during production. The result is a softer, more compliant cushion that holds its shape mile after mile instead of packing down and going flat. It’s the foundation of the Ghost 18, Ghost 18 GTX, Ghost Max 4, Ghost Max Slip Resistant, and Ghost Trail.

DNA HYPE — The New, Livelier Option

DNA HYPE is brand new for Fall 2026, debuting in the Ghost AMP. It blends PEBA — a lighter, more energetic foam material — with EVA, and it’s also nitrogen-infused. The blend is designed to feel springier and more responsive underfoot than standard cushioning, without giving up the plush landing Ghost wearers expect.

DNA TUNED — The Glycerin Signature

DNA TUNED shows up in every Glycerin model, regardless of support category. It’s engineered specifically for soft landings and powerful toe-offs, which is why Glycerin has built its reputation as one of Brooks’ most luxurious rides. Whether you’re in the Flex, the 23, the GTS 23, or the Max 2, DNA TUNED is the common thread.

Built-In Motion Assists

Beyond foam, several Brooks models now build the assist directly into the shoe’s geometry, rather than relying on cushioning alone.

• GlideRoll Rocker — A curved sole shape found in the Ghost Max 4 and Glycerin Max 2 that actively helps guide your foot from landing to toe-off, so the transition takes less effort.
• SpringRamp — New forefoot technology in the Ghost AMP designed to help you push off the ground with more forefoot pop and momentum.
• GuideRails Technology System — The structured support system in the Glycerin GTS 23 that keeps excess movement in check during the run, rather than locking the foot down.

Ready for Whatever Weather the Day Throws at You

Not every Brooks update is about the run itself — a few are about where and how you’ll actually wear the shoe.

• Waterproof protection: The Ghost 18 GTX adds a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane and a wet traction outsole for rainy-day runs without sacrificing the Ghost 18’s balanced ride.
• Slip resistance: The Ghost Max Slip Resistant uses VersiGrip rubber on the outsole, tested to meet the ASTM F3445 slip-resistance standard for water and oil surfaces — built for anyone on their feet all day at work.
• Off-road grip: The Ghost Trail swaps in TrailTack Green outsole rubber for traction on dirt, gravel, and uneven terrain, while keeping the familiar Ghost fit.

Where to Find Each Technology

“You don’t need to know what nitrogen-infused foam means to feel the difference — but understanding what’s underfoot helps you know why one Brooks shoe feels completely different from another. That’s exactly what our fit process is built to sort out.”

— Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

What’s Next:

The Glycerin Line Keeps Evolving

Brooks isn’t slowing down with the Glycerin family. From what we’re hearing through industry channels, a next-generation Glycerin Max is in the pipeline, built around a lighter, more responsive version of DNA TUNED foam — aimed at addressing the one common critique of the current Max 2: its weight. From there, the rest of the Glycerin lineup — the GTS and Flex — are expected to see their own updates follow not long after.

Nothing is official from Brooks yet, so treat all of this as an early look rather than a confirmed release date, but here’s the shape of what’s ahead:

We’ll share real specs, colorways, and pricing as soon as Brooks makes them official — for now, this is worth keeping on your radar if you’re already a Glycerin fan waiting on your next pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between DNA LOFT v3, DNA HYPE, and DNA TUNED?

DNA LOFT v3 is Brooks’ everyday nitrogen-infused foam, used across most Ghost models, while DNA HYPE is a newer, springier PEBA-EVA blend debuting in the Ghost AMP. DNA TUNED is the foam used exclusively in every Glycerin model, tuned for soft landings and strong toe-offs.

Why did Brooks move away from “neutral” and “support” labels?

The old binary only described whether a shoe added stability features or not. The new four-category system — Flexible, Balanced, Structured, and Max Support — describes how each shoe actually guides the stride, giving a more accurate picture than a simple yes-or-no label.

Which Brooks technology is right for me?

It depends on how your foot moves and what you need from a shoe. That’s exactly what a proper fitting is for — our staff can look at your gait and current footwear wear patterns to point you toward the right support category and cushioning platform, rather than guessing from a spec sheet.

Are these new Brooks technologies available at Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.?

Yes. As each model becomes available, you’ll find it at brownsshoefitco.com and in-store at any of our 73 locations.

Why Buy Yours From Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.?

With 73 locally owned and operated locations across the Midwest, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. has been a trusted name in footwear since 1911. Known for our personalized service and commitment to quality, Brown’s Shoe Fit is the go-to destination for comfortable, quality footwear for all ages. Each of our stores offers a footwear selection unique to the needs of our communities, with a knowledgeable staff trained to give every customer the best fit possible. To learn more about us, visit brownsshoefitco.com or find a store near you!