Choose Brooks if you want a familiar, balanced ride, widely recommended beginner shoes like the Ghost and returns with no shipping or restocking fee. Choose ASICS if you want its stability heritage (Gel-Kayano), a plush Gel-Nimbus or a lighter, more energetic daily shoe like the Novablast. Both offer a 90-day return window, so the risk of trying either is low. We have not tested these shoes ourselves; this comparison is based on brand-published policies and the consensus of expert and owner reviews. If you are stuck, choose by the support you need and use the trial window.
Brand vs brand
Brooks vs ASICS (2026): Which Is Better?
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Quick verdict
At a glance
| Brooks | ASICS | |
|---|---|---|
| Known for | Running-only brand known for reliable daily trainers (Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline GTS) and wide-width and stability options. | Technical running shoes (Gel-Kayano, Gel-Nimbus, Novablast, Superblast) with a stability heritage. |
| Price tier | Mid | Mid |
| Return window | 90 days | 90 days |
| Guarantee / trial | Run Happy 90-day trial | — |
| Shipping | Members get free shipping; no dollar threshold on the returns page. | — |
| Size range | not verified | not verified |
| Founded | 1914 | 1949 |
Their best products, head to head
Running shoes
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | ASICS Novablast 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $155 |
| For | Men & women | Men & women |
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Fabric | — | — |
| Weight | 300 g (10.6 oz) | 242 g (8.5 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 37 mm | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 27 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Soft |
| Support | Stability | Neutral |
| Widths | Narrow, Regular, Wide, X-Wide | Regular, Wide |
| Plate | None | None |
| Best use | Daily | Daily |
| Comfort (our rating) | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Performance (our rating) | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Durability (our rating) | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Value (our rating) | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Returns | 90 days | 90 days |
| Check price | Check price |
Brooks and ASICS are two long-established running specialists. This guide compares the brands, not a single model.
Price
Both sit in the mid tier for daily trainers, with higher prices on racing and plated shoes. Prices vary by model and sale, so check each brand's page. We did not verify specific prices today.
Cushioning and ride
Brooks's Ghost is a balanced daily trainer, the Glycerin is plusher and the Adrenaline GTS is the stability option. Reviewers commonly describe a smooth, traditional ride.
ASICS's Gel-Nimbus is the plush neutral shoe, the Gel-Kayano is its long-running stability shoe, and the Novablast is a lighter, bouncier daily trainer. Reviewers commonly describe the Novablast as energetic and the Nimbus as soft.
Fit and sizing
We did not verify widths on either brand today. Owners commonly say both offer multiple widths on core models, but check each product page. Use our running shoe finder to filter by support and width.
Stability and support
Both brands have well-known stability shoes: Brooks's Adrenaline GTS and ASICS's Gel-Kayano. Which feels better is personal. If you have persistent foot pain, shoes may help comfort but you should see a podiatrist.
Running shoes head-to-head
- Beginner daily trainer: Brooks Ghost.
- Plush neutral: Brooks Glycerin vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus.
- Stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS vs ASICS Gel-Kayano.
- Energetic daily: ASICS Novablast.
See our running shoes hub for reviews as they publish.
Best for...
- First-time runners: Brooks Ghost is a common recommendation.
- Stability seekers: both; try each.
- Bouncier ride: ASICS Novablast.
- Max softness: Glycerin or Nimbus.
- Free returns by mail: Brooks, since ASICS charges nonmembers $4.99.
Returns and policies
Brooks offers a 90-day trial run with "no shipping or re-stocking fee," per its returns page. Members get free shipping. The page does not list return conditions.
ASICS accepts returns within 90 calendar days of purchase. Items must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered in original packaging with tags. For non-OneASICS members returning by mail with a prepaid label, a $4.99 return shipping fee is deducted from the refund. Returns are free for OneASICS members and in ASICS stores. Shipping fees are not refundable.
Verdict on policy: equal windows. Brooks wins on no fee; ASICS is free for members.
| Brand | Return window | Policy in brief | Guarantee / trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vuori | 120 days | Vuori accepts returns for gear bought on its website and in Vuori retail stores within a 120-day period, refunded to the original form of payment (the help-cen… | Help-center article title: 'Investment in Happiness' (120-day return policy) |
| ASICS | 90 days | Returns accepted within 90 calendar days of purchase; items must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered, in original packaging with tags. Returns are free for OneASICS… | — |
| Brooks | 90 days | 'Take your Brooks gear for a 90-day trial run' under the Run Happy guarantee ('If you're not happy, we're not happy'). The page states 'no shipping or re-stock… | Run Happy 90-day trial |
| Nike | 60 days | 'We give you 60 days to try out your Nike purchase.' Returns or exchanges within 60 days of online delivery or Nike store purchase; proof of purchase required.… | 60-day return window to try your purchase |
| Reebok | 60 days | 'We offer free returns within 60 days of your delivery.' Items go back in original box or any available box with the trackable UPS label provided; exchanges on… | — |
| New Balance | 45 days | Returns accepted in new condition within 45 days of shipment (online) or purchase (in store); receipt, order confirmation or packing list required. In-store re… | — |
| Rhone | 45 days | US returns must be within 45 days of purchase; items must be unworn, non-final sale, with original tags attached (shoes, undergarments and accessories in origi… | — |
| Alo Yoga | 30 days | Alo accepts returns of unworn and unused items within 30 days of purchase for a full refund; items must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered, with tags and proof of … | — |
| Athleta | 30 days | Online purchases can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of delivery in original condition (unwashed, unworn); Encore Premier members get 45 days and All-A… | Give-It-A-Workout Guarantee: 'If it doesn't perform, return it within 30 days of the delivery date.' |
| Beyond Yoga | 30 days | Returns must be initiated within 30 days of purchase with a valid receipt (outside the window reviewed case by case). Items must be unworn, unwashed, unaltered… | — |
| CRZ Yoga | 30 days | Returns must be requested within 30 days of delivery; items unworn, unwashed, tags attached, original packaging. Bulk Sale and Final Sale items are not eligibl… | — |
| Girlfriend Collective | 30 days | Returns must be within 30 days of ship date (the page says the period is being extended to 60 days due to recent developments); items must be unworn and unwash… | — |
| Gymshark | 30 days | Online orders can be returned within 30 days of delivery, unworn, unused and unwashed (care label must not be cut out). Underwear, swimwear, bottles and person… | — |
| HOKA | 30 days | 'Fly for 30' guarantee: send items back within 30 days of the original purchase for a full refund or exchange, 'no questions asked'; HOKA may deny requests it … | Fly for 30 Guarantee (30 days; 60 for members) |
| Lululemon | 30 days | Purchases can be returned or exchanged within 30 days (from delivery for online orders, from purchase date in store). Items must be original, unworn and unwash… | — |
| NOBULL | 30 days | Send items back within 30 days of delivery; worn or used items are eligible during the 30-day trial period. Gift cards and final sale cannot be returned. Retur… | 30-day trial; worn items accepted |
| Saucony | 30 days | Unworn items can be returned free within 30 days of when they were shipped, in the original shoebox or apparel bag. Gift cards and final sale items cannot be r… | — |
| Skechers | 30 days | Skechers' US site accepts returns of unworn items in original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Check the brand's returns page for current conditions, as t… | — |
| Ten Thousand | 30 days | Page states 'a complimentary 30 day return policy' for US orders; request within the window and mail back within 14 days (strict). Items must be unworn, unwash… | — |
| Adidas | Unverified | General US return window and conditions could not be read (policy pages loaded without text). The 30 Day Guarantee for performance running shoes says to 'Retur… | 30 Day Guarantee for performance running shoes (worn returns allowed within 30 days) |
| Fabletics | Unverified | Return window for non-members is not stated on the membership page. VIP members get 'free returns and exchanges for qualifying orders' and free shipping on qua… | — |
| On | Unverified | US return window could not be read. On's 30-day run trial page says members can test running shoes for 30 days with a full refund, but it states the trial is o… | 30-day Run Trial for members (page states Switzerland/UK only) |
| Outdoor Voices | Unverified | Return window and conditions could not be read (returns page showed only a heading). | — |
| Panache | Unverified | No official policy read. Retail partners (e.g. Title Nine, Fleet Feet) sell Panache Sport; their own return policies apply. | — |
| Under Armour | Unverified | Return policy text could not be read (help-center article failed to load). A site banner shows 'FREE Standard Shipping on orders $99+ & FREE Returns'. | — |
As stated on each brand’s policy page when we checked (October 2026). Policies change — confirm at checkout.
Real-life scenarios
A first-time runner starting with three short runs a week usually wants a shoe that feels familiar and forgiving; Brooks's Ghost is a common recommendation, and the 90-day trial gives time to find out. A runner who has been told they need support, or whose current stability shoe was discontinued, can compare the Adrenaline GTS against the Gel-Kayano side by side. A runner who finds most trainers dull might try the Novablast for a livelier feel.
Whichever you try, wear the shoes on your normal route for several runs before deciding, keep the box, and check the current return conditions for worn pairs before relying on them, since Brooks's page does not list conditions and ASICS requires items to be unworn and unwashed.
Bottom line
Pick Brooks for the familiar balanced ride and fee-free trial; pick ASICS for stability heritage and a livelier daily option. Also read Hoka vs Brooks for the plush alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brooks or ASICS better?
Neither is better for everyone. Brooks is known for a balanced, familiar ride; ASICS is known for stability heritage and a livelier daily option. Pick by support need and feel, and use the 90-day windows to test. Neither is better for everyone, and both brands make shoes across cushion and stability categories, so check the exact model.
Which has the better return policy?
Both give 90 days. Brooks says no shipping or restocking fee. ASICS charges non-OneASICS members $4.99 for mail returns, deducted from the refund, but returns are free for members and in stores. Check each page for current terms before ordering, because policies can change, and keep your receipt either way.
Which is better for stability?
Brooks's Adrenaline GTS and ASICS's Gel-Kayano are both well-known stability shoes. Which suits you is personal. For persistent foot pain, see a podiatrist rather than relying on shoes alone. Which one feels better is personal, so use the generous 90-day windows rather than relying on reviews alone.
Do Brooks and ASICS run small?
Fit varies by model. Owners commonly report true-to-size fit with roomy toe boxes on Brooks cushioned shoes. We did not verify widths on either, so check product pages and reviews. Always check the exact model's width options and read recent reviews for your size before you order, since fit changes between versions.
Which is better for beginners?
Many reviewers suggest the Brooks Ghost for beginners, though ASICS's Novablast and Nimbus are also popular. Use the 90-day trial on either to confirm comfort. Our running shoe finder narrows picks. The 90-day trial on either brand gives you time to confirm comfort over several runs before deciding to keep them.