Saucony vs Brooks
Transparency Note
- OD's Designer Clothing stocks Saucony — we are an authorised UK stockist
- We do not stock Brooks
- This comparison uses publicly available Brooks specifications and independent running reviews
- We'll tell you where Brooks has the advantage — this is an honest comparison, not a sales pitch
Saucony and Brooks are two of the most respected running brands in the world — and the cushioning debate between them is one of the most discussed topics in the running community. Both use proprietary foam technologies. Both have category-leading models. And both attract fiercely loyal runners who swear the other brand is inferior. Here's the technical truth.
1 | Brand Origins — Pennsylvania vs Washington
Saucony — Kutztown, Pennsylvania, 1898
One of the oldest running brands in the world. Named after the Saucony Creek. Made general footwear before pivoting to performance running in the 1970s. Now owned by Wolverine World Wide alongside Merrell and Sweaty Betty. Strong heritage in road and track running with competitive racing pedigree — Saucony made shoes worn at the Boston Marathon before the Boston Marathon was famous.
Brooks — Seattle, Washington, 1914
Started as a manufacturer of ballet and bathing shoes, gradually evolved into running. Made a defining pivot in the 1990s to become a running-only brand. That focus — no lifestyle, no trail, just road running — is their differentiator. Brooks Running is now owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Their singular focus on road running shows in the DNA foam technology development and the depth of their stability range.
2 | PWRRUN — Saucony's Foam Technology Explained
Saucony's cushioning technology has evolved significantly over the past decade. The current generation uses three distinct foam formulations across the range:
PWRRUN
The standard foam — found in the Ride 18, Triumph 22, and Kinvara 15. Balanced cushioning with a medium-firm feel. 15% lighter and 28% more responsive than the EVA it replaced. Saucony's workhorse — the foam most daily trainers use.
PWRRUN PB (Performance Bio)
The premium performance foam — found in the Endorphin Pro 4 and Speed 4. A PEBA-based compound (polyether block amide) delivering exceptional energy return. Bouncy, lightweight, and tuned for faster running. Comparable in feel to Adidas' Lightstrike Pro and New Balance's FuelCell.
PWRRUN+ (Plus)
Found in the Triumph 22 and Guide 17. Softer, more plush than standard PWRRUN. Extra cushioning at the expense of some energy return. The comfort-focused option — better for easy days, recovery runs, and long slow distance running.
What Makes PWRRUN Different
PWRRUN's key advantage is consistency — it doesn't degrade rapidly in cold weather the way some foam technologies do. UK runners training through winter find that PWRRUN maintains its responsive feel at lower temperatures better than several competing foams.
3 | DNA — Brooks' Foam Technology Explained
Brooks' DNA foam system is their answer to the universal cushioning problem — different runners need different cushioning responses. Their solution is foam that adapts to the individual runner's weight, pace, and footstrike.
DNA Loft v3
Brooks' standard cushioning foam. Softer and more plush than most competitors' standard foams. Found in the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21. The DNA Loft name conveys the key property — a noticeably soft, sinking feel that many runners love for easy days.
DNA Amp
A responsive, energy-returning foam found in the Glycerin Max and Hyperion Max. Designed for faster running where energy return matters more than soft cushioning. Competitors directly with PWRRUN PB in the performance-oriented cushioned shoe category.
DNA Flash v2
The nitrogen-infused foam used in the Hyperion series. Lightweight, responsive, designed for speed work. Comparable to the PEBA-based racing foams from other brands, though slightly less energy-returning at the extreme performance end.
GuideRails Technology
Unique to Brooks — not a foam technology but a stability system. Instead of posting the midsole, GuideRails adds support at the sides of the heel to keep excess movement in check without changing the natural foot motion. Highly regarded for overpronators who don't want the stiff feel of traditional stability shoes.
4 | Cushioning Philosophy — The Key Difference
This is the most important distinction between the two brands — and it's not about which foam is "better". It's about what they believe cushioning should do.
Saucony's Philosophy
Responsive cushioning. Saucony believes a shoe should cushion the landing and return that energy propulsively. Their foams are engineered to compress on impact and spring back quickly — giving a lively, energetic feel even in highly cushioned models. The Ride feels cushioned but still fast.
Brooks' Philosophy
Plush, protective cushioning. Brooks believes a shoe should absorb impact and provide a consistently soft, cushioned landing at any pace. DNA Loft is notably softer underfoot than PWRRUN. The Ghost 16 is deliberately plush — it's designed for runners who prioritise comfort over energy return.
The Practical Difference
Saucony feels bouncier and more energetic. Brooks feels softer and more protective. Neither approach is objectively better — it comes down to what you want from your daily trainer. Faster runners and those who value energy return tend to prefer Saucony. Runners who prioritise maximum cushion comfort — particularly those with joint issues or coming back from injury — often prefer Brooks.
5 | Best Models Head-to-Head
Daily Trainer: Saucony Ride 18 vs Brooks Ghost 16
Ride 18
PWRRUN foam. Balanced cushion-to-responsiveness. Runs true to size. Versatile for daily training at various paces. Slightly firmer feel than Ghost. Better energy return for faster easy runs.
Ghost 16
DNA Loft v3. Softer, more plush. One of Brooks' best-selling shoes for a reason — consistent, comfortable, and forgiving. Better for very slow easy runs and runners who want maximum cushion at all paces.
Max Cushion: Saucony Triumph 22 vs Brooks Glycerin 21
Triumph 22
PWRRUN+ foam with a high stack. Plush but still retains the Saucony energy-return characteristic. Better for runners who want max cushion without sacrificing all responsiveness.
Glycerin 21
DNA Loft v3 with the deepest stack in the Brooks range. Maximum softness. Better for runners who prioritise comfort above all else — the archetypal "cloud" feel that the max-cushion category is known for.
Performance: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 vs Brooks Hyperion Max
Endorphin Pro 4
PWRRUN PB PEBA foam + carbon fibre plate. One of the most highly rated race-day shoes available. Exceptional energy return. Widely considered the stronger performer for marathon racing against the Hyperion Max.
Hyperion Max
DNA Flash v2 foam. Lighter than the Endorphin Pro but slightly less energy-returning at the extreme racing end. Better for half marathon and below where weight matters more. Strong but not the Endorphin Pro's equal for marathon distance.
6 | Neutral vs Stability Running Shoes
Saucony Stability
The Guide 17 is Saucony's main stability daily trainer. Uses PWRRUN foam with a structured post. Less aggressive stability than traditional Brooks options — better for mild to moderate overpronation. The Tempus offers a more modern stability approach with a rocker geometry rather than a hard post.
Brooks Stability
Brooks has a historically stronger stability range. GuideRails technology (in Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS) is widely regarded as one of the most effective and comfortable stability solutions available. If you need significant overpronation support, Brooks' depth of stability options is a genuine advantage over Saucony's range.
On stability shoes specifically, Brooks has a clear advantage in range depth and technology maturity. If overpronation support is your primary need, Brooks' stability range — particularly the Adrenaline GTS — is the benchmark. Saucony's stability range is strong but narrower.
7 | Which Should You Choose?
Choose Saucony If:
- You want a responsive, energetic cushioning feel rather than pure plushness
- You run across a range of paces and want one shoe that works for easy and moderate efforts
- You want class-leading race-day performance (Endorphin Pro 4)
- You want cushioning that maintains feel in cold UK winter conditions
- You want an authorised UK stockist you can visit in-store — OD's stocks Saucony at St Helens
Choose Brooks If:
- You prioritise maximum plush comfort over energy return
- You need significant overpronation support (Brooks' stability range is broader)
- You run primarily at easy, conversational paces where feel matters more than performance
- You've tried the Ghost before and love it — brand loyalty is a valid reason
Shop Saucony at OD's
Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY to try Saucony in person. Mon–Sat 9am–5pm. Call 01744 730985 with questions. Or browse online: shop all Saucony at OD's.
Shop Saucony at OD's
Every pair below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist. Free Click & Collect from 44 Barrow Street, St Helens.