Brooks Running is continuing to carve a renewed niche for itself in the lifestyle athletic footwear market with a reinvention of one of its oldest shoes.
Fifty years after its debut, the Brooks Vanguard is back for 2026 with a faithful recreation of the low-profile model. To celebrate five decades of the Vanguard, Brooks kept the design true to the 1976 original with a nylon base that’s structured with soft suede overlays at the toe and heel.
Available in five colors that span neutral blacks and burgundies to spring-like pastel shades, the Vanguard has also been stealthily upgraded with the same foam cushioning featured in many of the brand’s top-performing running shoes.
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Rather than altering the look of the ‘70s design, what makes the Vanguard’s update so effective is that it can’t be seen, but felt. The shoe’s midsole has been infused with the Seattle company’s DNA Loft cushioning, an inconspicuous change which makes the otherwise antiquated construction suitable for all-daywear. And as anyone who’s tried to wear ‘70s-era sneakers for extended periods of time can attest, a little extra comfort can go a long way.
With an otherwise no-frills aesthetic, the Vanguard is well-suited for spring and summerwear, offering an on-trend look that won’t punish your feet in the heat.
In February, Brooks employed a similar upgrade on its Adrenaline GTS 10 reissue. The 2000s runner saw the addition of nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam, effectively adding 2026 comfort to the nearly 20-year-old model.
Also in February, the company hired Claire Wood, a former New Balance and Sorel executive, as its new vice president of footwear product strategy.
The Brooks Vanguard is available now in unisex sizing from brooksrunning.com and select Brooks Running retailers for $130. Debut styles include Black/Coconut Milk, Mallard Green/Bone White/Port, Cloud Blue/Coconut/Larkspur, Grape Shake/Eggnog/Rose Brown and Port/Crepe/Odyssey.