Brooks Shoe Sizing Guide: Do They Run Small?
Brooks runs slightly large — a half-size more generous than the average running brand — and it offers one of the broadest width ranges in performance footwear. Start by checking half a size down from your usual US size, or stay true to size if you like room at the toes. The Ghost is the reference model for a reason: it is one of the most consistently fitting shoes in running.
Across our data Brooks runs large: 8% of wearers report it runs small, 62% true to size and 30% large.
Brooks sizing philosophy
Brooks has been making running shoes since 1914, and the brand's identity has always been about fit and biomechanical support rather than style. Its lasts are built around the needs of everyday runners — not race-day specialists — which means a slightly roomier, more forgiving profile than the performance-first cuts from brands like On or Saucony's racing line. The result is a shoe that runs slightly large and feels accommodating right out of the box.
The width philosophy mirrors New Balance: Brooks offers D (standard), 2E (wide) and 4E (extra-wide) on its major training models, including the Ghost, Adrenaline and Glycerin. That range matters more than the length label for most buyers with non-standard feet — solving a width problem with a wider grade is always better than solving it with a longer shoe.
How Brooks models differ
There is no single "Brooks size" — different lines are graded on different lasts. Here is how the key models compare:
- Ghost (neutral daily trainer)
- The brand's defining shoe: slightly large, forgiving, and available in multiple widths. The reference fit for "what does Brooks sizing feel like."
- Adrenaline GTS (stability)
- Same generous platform as the Ghost, with added GuideRails support. Half a size down from your usual US size is the common advice.
- Glycerin (max cushion)
- The most voluminous Brooks — even roomier than the Ghost. Particularly forgiving for wide feet even in standard D width.
Practical sizing advice
If you normally wear US 9, start by checking Brooks in US 8.5 — the generous construction often fits comfortably at a half size down. Or stay at US 9 if you prefer toe room or plan to wear thick socks.
If your feet are wide
Brooks is one of the best brands for wide feet in performance footwear. The Ghost, Adrenaline and Glycerin all come in 2E and 4E widths, and Brooks's standard D width is already more generous than many competitors. Pick a wider grade rather than sizing up — the difference is real.
If you wear US 9, start by checking Brooks in US 9
This table starts from the US size you wear in a true-to-size brand, converts it to a foot length, and applies Brooks's measured fit so you can see the first size to check — plus the UK, EU and CM equivalents.
| You normally wear (US) | Foot length | Check Brooks (US) | UK | EU | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US 7 | 246mm | US 7 | 6 | 37 | 24.5 |
| US 8 | 254mm | US 8 | 7 | 38 | 25.5 |
| US 9 | 262mm | US 9 | 8 | 39 | 26 |
| US 10 | 271mm | US 10 | 9 | 41 | 27 |
| US 11 | 279mm | US 11 | 10 | 42 | 28 |
| US 12 | 288mm | US 12 | 11 | 43 | 29 |
EU sizes are always rounded to a whole size — there is no exact half-size equivalent. The recommended Brooks size applies this brand's average fit; individual models still vary, so check the model notes above.
Full Brooks size conversion
For the complete Brooks size chart with US, UK, EU and CM by foot length, the reported-fit distribution and our sources, visit the Brooks brand hub.
Brooks size guide & converter →
Brooks offers wider widths (2E, 4E) — see the brand hub for the full width breakdown.