The Best Brake Shoes (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

There are different types of drum braking setups. Leading/trailing, duo servo, and twin leading setups are all different drum brakes and all three feature different shoe types. But for the sake of simplicity, we'll lump them all together under the category of drum brake shoes. These are what bring the vehicle to a stop under usual driving conditions. And while it does come in handy to understand the various types of shoes, a year makes model search, and the brakes' location on the vehicle will almost always be all you need to make sure you get the right brake shoes.

Even if you have disc brakes on all four corners, you probably still have drums on the rear of the car. Most parking brakes feature a Drum-in-Hat design with the rear rotor double as a disc and drum brake system. The disc is responsible for slowing the car as you press the pedal. At the same time, the drum is an independent system that works with a mechanical lever in emergencies or for parking. The primary difference between the shoes in a drum-in-hat system and those that exist in a primary braking system is that they are much smaller. We should also note that with an actual drum brake system, your rear brakes work as both the primary brake and the parking brake.

AC Delco has a history that dates back to the late-19th century. The company works out of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and is a known OE replacement parts supplier. The level of experience directly links to the parts' quality, which is precisely why we're proud to feature offerings such as the ACDelco 17960BF1 Professional Rear Drum Brake Shoe on our list. 

Here we have another company that's been in business since the 1800s. Bosch's brand is a staple of quality replacement parts, which might not be a surprise considering its headquarters is in Gerlingen, Germany. The Bosch BS589 Blue Drum Brake Shoe Set is a single example of the quality this company brings to the table.

Raybestos might not be as old as some others, but the company is far from green, considering it started back in 1909. The brand works out of McHenry, Illinois, and is a go-to brake parts supplier for street-driven vehicle owners. The  Raybestos Element3 Professional Grade Drum Brake Shoe Set is a fine example of why that is. 

Power Stop didn't step onto the scene until 1997. However, with the short amount of time in the industry, they've become a renowned supplier of performance brake parts. The company answers to the call of any kind of specialty driving. The Power Stop Replacement Rear Brake Kit quality is precisely what you can expect regardless of your application. 

You probably guessed that Wagner is yet another long-standing supplier of brake parts. The company works out of Southfield, Michigan, and has been hard at work since 1891. That said, it's hard to put together a list of good brake parts without including offerings such as the Wagner Quick Stop Brake Shoes. 

Just like with disc brakes, you have a choice of friction materials to select between. And just like with disc brakes, the same principles apply. Organic shoes offer the quietest ride, semi-metallic shoes provide the best performance, while ceramic shoes land right in the middle. What works best depends on the type of driving you to do and what friction material best matches it. 

For the most part, a simple year makes model search combined with picking the shoes for the proper location on the car is enough to get you where you need to be. However, some applications, old ones, in particular, can require you to jump through a few hoops. Even with a comprehensive search, you may come up with multiple options. Details like the brake drum size are essential to your selection. That said, you might run into the situation where you need to take these measurements to ensure you purchase the correct shoes.

That depends on the driving conditions you subject the vehicle to. Metallic pads and shoes generally offer the best performance and are a clear choice for track conditions. However, the quiet nature of ceramic pads or shoes and their good performance characteristics make them an excellent choice for a blend of performance and street driving.

You can usually get a good look at brake discs and pads without having to tear the vehicle apart as the rotor's surface is exposed. Any signs of abnormal wear on the rotor's surface is a clear indicator that it's time for a service. Drum brakes are a sealed system, though, meaning you need to take them apart for a visual inspection. However, odd signs and insufficient braking power are other signs that the shoes need to be replaced.

We cover this topic in-depth in our piece How Long do Brake Pads Last. But in most instances, under normal driving conditions, both brake drums and brake shoes should last you around 50,000 miles before needing service.

Again, our top pick goes to the Raybestos Element3 Professional Grade Drum Brake Shoe Set. We feel that the price combined with the quality and performance is very hard to beat for a daily-driver. But we can’t argue with those who prefer the Wagner Quick Stop Rear Brake Shoe Set cost. But that’s just our take on the matter. What shoes do you use on your vehicle? What materials do you think are the best for it? 

If you’re looking to learn more about brake systems, we encourage you to read the complimentary passages mentioned throughout this review. Consider diving into our Bike Brake Pads and Brake Caliper Grease coverage.