Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Review
By Matthew Klein
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25Price: $144.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.6 oz, 301 g (men's size 9), 9.5 oz, 269 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
Drop: 10 mm
Shoe Purpose: Moderate Stability Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Smoother Heel Transition. Secure Fit, Plush Heel, Great Heel/Midfoot Medial Support
Cons: Not Responsive, Forefoot firms up over longer miles, Average Durability
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a moderate stability daily training shoe for those who want classic medial stability with the smoothest heel transition the Adrenaline has ever had. An improved heel bevel and brand new 10mm drop make for a smoother rearfoot, although a less responsive but slightly softer midsole keeps this shoe best for easier and relaxed mileage. The upper is slightly thicker, providing a highly secure fit for those with normal-width feet. The stability, while adaptive over time, provides a noticeable amount of medial support in the heel and midfoot, best for those who like a medial post feeling and want support that will stay with you not matter how far you go. A great walking shoe and slower running shoe, despite some large changes, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 maintains its place as one of the most well-known moderate stability daily training shoes.
SIMILAR SHOES: Mizuno Wave Inspire 21
PAST MODEL: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The upper mesh fits normally, with a slight taper at the toe box and a thicker upper than previous. The forefoot fits normally with a little stretch to the upper. This transitions into a normal-width midfoot with a thick, non-gusseted tongue. The tongue does slip although it doesn't go to far and this can somewhat be fixed by tightening the laces. The laces stay really secure, but must be individually tightened or loosened. The heel fits normally to slightly snug thanks to the extensive heel collar cushioning. There is an incredibly stiff heel counter that is offset somewhat by the extra padding. I did notice the counter, so those sensitive heels still may not do well here, while those wanting a stiff counter will do well. The heel security is really good, although this comes at the expense of the padding pushing into the Achilles. Despite the tongue slippage, the security overall is quite good. The thicker tongue, laces that stay down (once appropriately finagled) and heel padding creates a highly secure fit that locks the foot in. The inner liner is comfortable, but there is exposed stitching at the rearfoot/midfoot transition and the internal toe guard is a little abrasive. For that reason, I would stick with socks when wearing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mild to Moderate Flexible
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mildly Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a moderate stability daily training shoe. The midsole is full-length DNA Loft v3, which provides a cushioned and slightly softer ride. Unlike some variations of this foam, the one used in the Adrenaline GTS 25 is not responsive at all but is better at providing moderate shock absorption. The weight is not light is average to heavier for a daily trainer in today's world, coming in at 10.6 oz for my men's size 10 (despite being listed at 10.6 for men's size 9). There is a 10mm drop, a first for the Brooks Adrenaline series that has traditionally been > 12mm. This is noticeable, especially when combined with the best heel bevel the series has ever seen. The rounded posterolateral bevel is moderate in size and compresses decently, although is offset a little by some posterior flare. This is the smoothest heel transition of any Adrenaline I have ever run in, although it isn't perfect. This transitions into a wider, slightly stiffer midfoot, then a mild to moderately flexible forefoot. Those with toe mobility issues will not find a stiff enough forefoot while those who want to mild flexibility up front will do well. Although the cushioning is the heel is slightly softer and decently cushioned, the forefoot tends to firm up on long runs.
I have 100 miles on my pair of Adrenalines GTS 25 and have found the midsole to firm up of this time. It has actually gotten less responsive with time and the forefoot material has compressed. This is fine over short to moderate distance runs, but is less comfortable over longer distances. I notice this especially on runs over 8-10 miles and now keep this shoe at or below that level. The midsole foam, despite having mildly soft cushioning, lacks responsiveness. If you want a consistent, albeit boring ride that isn't bouncy, this midsole will be perfect. If you are hoping for an exciting ride, this will not be it. I have struggled to use this shoe for anything but easy and recovery miles. For most new runners or those not looking to run quick, this is a decent shoe for relaxed runs. It will be best for road miles as the outsole traction is best for roads.The traction on wet surfaces is average but not terrible. The somewhat podular outsole does provide okay grip on smooth trails, but the exposed midsole can get torn up. The durability is also average as I have started to wear through the outsole pieces and the midsole has started firming up after 100 miles of use. I expect this shoe to last as long as most shoes. Overall, the heel transition and 10mm drop smooth out the heel transition but the midsole and ride is still best for easier efforts as a daily training shoe.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a moderate stability daily training shoe. There is a medial post and guiderails in this shoe. Although there are medial and lateral guardrails, the medial ones feel far more prominent than the lateral side. Additionally, the inner and outer parts of the midsole are shaped differently. The medial side is flare medially while the lateral aspect has a cut out that compresses more. This creates further lateral guidance. There is an obvious medial post in the midfoot and heel. This feels really aggressive at first, but breaks in after 30-40 miles to provide a moderate but consistent level of stability in that area. While the midsole tends to firm up and can be a little round over long miles, the medial support remains no matter how long I've been running or how long I've been standing/walking.
This is an excellent standing/walking shoe given the less responsive sole but consistent medial stability. In addition to the medial post, guide rails and midsole sculpting, there is also decent sole flare. This is present in the heel, with flare more prominent on the medial compared to the latearl side, and the forefoot, where it is present more on the lateral side than medial. This provides a lateral push at the heel and a medial push at the forefoot. The forefoot is more neutral with slight medial bias thanks to the lateral sole flare, which is in contrast to the heel/midfoot. This is meant to slow down pronation at the rearfoot but facilitate motion off the first ray at toe off. So those with moderate medial stability needs at the heel/midfoot and mild medial facilitation in the forefoot will do best in this shoe.
Thoughts as a DPT: Midsole Sculpting to Facilitate Motion
By Matthew Klein
While a large amount of attention is paid to what is happening in the midsole, what is happening on the outside can also make a large impact on what direction people deviate while wearing a shoe. We talk about sole flare, or how far the sole extends beyond where the foot sits, usually medially or laterally (inward or outward) and how it can facilitate motion in the opposite direction from which it extends. The opposite can be true, where a cutout of the side of a shoe can cause the shoe to collapse more and facilitate motion in the direction of the cut out. The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses this well, with a filled-in medial and flared medial heel and a cut out on the lateral side with less flare. This emphasizes the function of the medial post, further pushing the foot medially. This is great for those wanting some assistance with pronation motions but makes it less usable for those need supination support. This concept can occur anywhere along the foot.
Many shoes, although not the Adrenaline GTS 25, have a medial or lateral cutout in the midfoot. Wherever there is a cut out, the foot is more likely to travel that direction. This is exactly why I often complain about medially narrowed midfoot designs as the facilitate motion excessively in the medial direction. This can be great for those who want to go that direction (like Andrea) but will not work for those who need medial support like myself. So cut outs in the outsole and midsole can facilitate motion. If there is less material, the foot is more likely to go that direction. If there is more material, the foot is more likely to be facilitated in the opposite direction. While intentional in the Adrenaline series, it may not always be intentional for anything other than visual or weight savings in others. Paying attention to these details can help you predict how a shoe may feel for you regardless of how it is labelled.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Brooks Adrenaline series has continued to make improvements over its time. The heel transition is finally getting where it needs to be, the guiderails and post are getting better, providing great medial support while still facilitating individual movement patterns. The only challenges left at this time are the weight and responsiveness. This midsole feels dull. Prior, older Adrenalines actually had some snap to them, although that also may be because I also had more snap back then too, compared to now. Especially with the use of DNA tuned in many of their premium shoes and the snappiness of the new Ghost, I expect one of Brooks flagship shoes to have more bounce and liveliness with all the foam compounds and materials available now. Adding one of those will also help reduce the weight, further improve the transitions and help the midsole stay more resilient over longer miles. DNA Loft in this shoe is not exciting, which may be fine for certain people. For the general market, more pop is needed especially if the price point continues to increase. Outside of that, everything else is fairly solid. The upper is a little thicker than it needs to be but is secure and durable, so I can't complain about that. Just make the midsole a little more exciting.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a moderate stability, daily training shoe for those who want a secure fitting, mildly soft daily trainer for easy moderate mileage. The upper will fit those with normal to narrow feet best with a more snug heel thanks to extra padding. The midsole will do best for those who want a smoother heel and somewhat higher drop, with a consistent but not responsive midsole. The Adrenaline GTS 25 is best for moderate mileage, while options like the Glycerin GTS 22 and Glycerin max will be better for longer miles. This will remain a daily staple for many running at slower paces or looking for a supportive shoe for standing and walking. While the midsole is boring, the Adrenaline will keep its place among those used to this series, recreational runners or those who do not do well with responsive midsoles. While the changes are dramatic, with this version being the first to move away from a >12 mm drop (which anyone used to the previous versions will need to gradually transition into in order to get the calves/Achilles tendon to adapt properly), I still think it is time for the Adrenaline to get a little more bounce. I have made this joke before, but if the shoe's name is supposed to be "Adrenaline", I would expect a more exciting ride (my previous joke was that this shoe should be called the Brooks Oxytocin).
For the moment, Brooks is holding their ground even in this version, which somewhat makes sense given the large other updates to maintain those who have worn this series for a long time. I look forward to the eventual integration of DNA-tuned, or in the re-introduction of a lighter, faster stability shoe (RIP Hyperion GTS and Launch GTS). For now, the Adrenaline series does move forward with this version as I am surprised and impressed by the dramatically improved heel transition. Guess I'll just have to wait a little longer for more responsiveness.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Thicker but secure upper. Mild tongue slippage and overly cushioned heel collar but upper locks down well)
Performance: B- (DNA Loft v3 feels dead, Mild softness but not responsive at all, Only great for easy miles over short to moderate distances as the forefoot especially firms up over longer miles. However, heel transition is the best of any Adrenaline I've ever tried thanks to an improve heel bevel and a 10mm drop)
Stability: A [Moderate Stability] (Fantastic medial stability in heel/midfoot with post-like feeling that integrates well and keeps foot supported over any distance. Forefoot has medial bias and facilitates appropriate toe off)
Value: B (Lack of responsiveness, average durability and a price increase makes this a moderate value due to limited versatility but will still be popular among newer and some recreational runners)
Personal: B (I really want to like this shoe more with the improved heel bevel but the cushioning is killing me. Need a little more bounce to make the miles easier)
Overall Design: B
SHOP | SUPPORT DORBrooks Adrenaline GTS 25Price: $144.95 at Running Warehouse
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