Introduction
Many runners are looking for some stability in their lives. Thankfully, Brooks has the answer for you. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is the latest in a long line of Brooks stability shoes which offer comfort and versatility. Furthermore, it offers the traditional and excellent Brooks fit along with their premium finish and feel. If you are looking for something to keep you on the straight and narrow, read on.
The shoe is long, narrow and comfortable
For decades, Brooks has been known for building comfortable shoes, and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 continues to uphold that reputation. The shoe offers a generous amount of padding, both in the heel area and on the tongue, ensuring a pleasant feel on the instep. Based on my experience, the padding feels somewhere between the Ghost 16 and the Glycerin 22. Interestingly, Brooks has even added some external padding around the heel. While I’m not entirely sure of its purpose—beyond perhaps enhancing the overall sense of comfort—it does contribute to the shoe’s cozy feel.
The mesh upper is soft to the touch and among the thicker materials I’ve encountered recently. It’s ideal for the current autumn conditions where temperatures are already below 10°C. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the thicker mesh leads to some overheating in the summer.
The tongue, while not gusseted, features two eyelets at the top to keep it securely in place. This solution works remarkably well, making it an excellent option for those who dislike gusseted tongues but still want a tongue that doesn’t shift during runs. The laces are of perfect length and perform reliably. While they aren’t the best I’ve seen, they are perfectly adequate for an affordable daily trainer.
The fit is perhaps my least favorite aspect of the upper. The shoe runs slightly long, but the midfoot and forefoot aren’t particularly wide. I’d say it fits true to size overall, but I’d caution those who already find Brooks shoes to feel long or narrow.
Overall, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 delivers on comfort, much like other Brooks models I’ve tried. It’s well-suited for autumn and winter conditions. While the slightly long fit might be a minor drawback, it’s hard to fault this shoe given its price point.
Stable by name, stable by nature. This lives up to its name
GTS stands for “Go To Support,” signifying that this shoe incorporates dedicated technology to enhance stability. Before delving into how the GTS system works and how I experienced it, I’d like to touch on the concept of stability in running.
It’s important to note that pronation is completely normal. A significant portion of the population—around 40-45% according to studies—are pronators. Pronation refers to the natural inward roll of the foot upon ground contact. The degree of pronation varies from person to person, and even elite athletes like Vincent Luis and Joshua Cheptegei are prominent pronators. This natural mechanism aids in shock absorption, particularly in the lower body. Without being a medicine or a podiatrist, I would strongly advise against opting for stability shoes unless recommended by a professional. Stability shoes are designed for specific needs and may not suit everyone.
So how does GTS technology work? The core technology lies in its unique midsole design. Unlike neutral shoes, the medial part of the midsole in GTS models is higher than the lateral side. When you put the shoe on, the midsole fills the gap that typically exists between the medial arch of your foot and the ground when barefoot. This feature serves two primary functions: 1. Reduce flexibility by adding stiffened material to control excessive motion. 2. Improve arch support by preventing your foot from sinking into a void, as the midsole aligns closely with or even touches the arch. Combined with a wider platform, this configuration makes the Adrenaline GTS a quintessential stability shoe.
How does it ride? If we focus on the foam only, the Adrenaline GTS 24 features Brooks’ DNA Loft v3. In my opinion, it’s on the stiffer side compared to other foams but feels softer than the Ghost 16 and similar to the Glycerin 21 or 22. While I generally prefer softer shoes, this foam is versatile enough for a range of training activities, from easy runs to endurance efforts, and even some tempo sessions—provided you’re not pushing faster than 4:30 min/km. At higher speeds, the energy return diminishes (or you will feel that you waste too much energy), making it less enjoyable. Interestingly, despite sharing the same foam technology as the Ghost 16, I found the GTS 24 softer and more responsive, which broadens its usability.
Now, onto my main concern—the ride as a whole. The shoe’s stability features work as intended, providing significant support and control during runs. However, this stability feels excessive for my natural gait. Normally, my ankles absorb part of the impact through natural pronation. With the GTS 24, the reduced pronation shifts more of the shock absorption to my knees. After two weeks and approximately 40 km in these shoes, I began experiencing knee discomfort. Moreover, I feel that it could lead myself to injury. Therefore, while I appreciate the DNA Loft v3 foam here, the geometry and stability features of the Adrenaline GTS 24 don’t align with my personal needs.
Confidence inspiring traction
Where I live, autumn has fully set in, bringing rain, fallen leaves, and the need to run on wet surfaces about 70% of the time (if not more). Despite these conditions, I’ve never experienced any issues with grip while wearing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. The traction inspires confidence, allowing me to run comfortably on wet roads and paths. I would not run on trails, but that’s due to the shoe’s stability and lack of agility rather than any shortcomings in grip. Brooks seems to have done an excellent job with the outsole, and the platform’s width, particularly in the midfoot section, undoubtedly contributes to the secure footing.
As for durability, the ample rubber coverage suggests this shoe will last a long time, consistent with the durability of most Brooks models. Unless you have an unusual foot strike or weigh more than 100kg, I’d expect these shoes to easily surpass 600 km (400 miles).
Conclusion: A shoe for a specific audience
Will I add the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 to my rotation? No, as it doesn’t suit my specific needs. However, am I disappointed in the shoe? Not at all—quite the opposite. I went in expecting a stiffer version of the Ghost but discovered a softer, more versatile option.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend this shoe universally. As mentioned earlier, it’s a highly stable model, and stability shoes aren’t suitable for everyone. But for those in search of a reliable, stable daily trainer, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is an excellent choice.
