Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Review (2022): The Top Stability Pick?

Published on: 08/09/2022

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is the brand's flagship stability shoe that has proven itself over the years and continues to impress!

The Consensus

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Complete Review Analysis

Introduction

The Adrenaline GTS is Brooks Running’s flagship stability shoe. It’s a very popular model because it’s both classic and modern, with a relatively light design for this type of shoe despite decent cushioning.

This new version of the Adrenaline doesn’t revolutionize the series, but there are still some notable improvements.

Are you looking for a stability shoe? Let’s find out the critical points of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 to see if it’s right for you.

Cushioning

The Adrenaline GTS 22 has a relatively high stack, but we wouldn’t call it max cushion. The heel height is the same as before (30 mm) with a high heel-to-toe drop of 12mm.

According to the testers, the feel is soft with a touch of firmness. Indeed, the midsole uses a combination of BioMoGo DNA (balanced density) and DNA Loft (softer), which gives a pleasant cushioning, especially under the heel.

The configuration is almost identical to the previous versions. Surprisingly, Brooks didn’t opt for its new DNA Loft v3 foam, but it will probably be the case next year.

In terms of stability, the shoe uses a classic guidance feature with the famous GuideRail system. These are firm units on the medial and lateral parts of the shoe, plus arch support. They are part of the GTS (Go To Support) system, which aims to “guide” the foot to prevent it from rolling while running. The correction level is medium, making the shoe suitable for overpronation and neutral runners.

Also, note that the notion of “guiding” rather than “controlling” pronation is interesting. It gives more balanced stability that, unlike a classic “medial post,” can be compatible with supination (the opposite of pronation movement).

Overall, we still have a simple configuration that is effective and accessible to all. The shoe also boats a good level of energy return, as we will see further down.

Lockdown (upper)

Here again, we find a simple but proven design: a one-piece engineered mesh (3D Fit Print) with few overlays. The upper is even more streamlined and modern than the previous model. The design is still appealing, but it’s still fairly functional.

Testers liked the snug fit and precise lockdown. They especially enjoyed the padded heel counter that locks in the heel without bothering the Achilles tendon.

The gusseted tongue also cradles the top of the feet in the shoes while running. The flat laces have a good length and are easy to handle.

The shoe runs true to size and can accommodate different foot shapes. The toe box is not necessarily wide, but it’s stretchy enough to be suitable for runners with wide feet. Check it out, though. The shoe is also available in a wide version for those who need it.

Overall, there’s a good balance between comfort and precision. A shoe of this type needs to keep the foot in place through the different stages of the gait cycle, but in this case, it’s not at the expense of comfort.

Finally, note that the shoe weighs 289 g/10.2 oz in the men’s version and 253 g/8.9 oz for the women’s model. It’s a little less than the Adrenaline GTS 21 and remains reasonable for a stability model (the Guide Rails and the general structure improve the stability but tend to weigh down the shoe).

Grip and durability

The outsole of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 displays a good amount of blown rubber to protect the platform and maximize traction.

This type of softer rubber allows durability and flexibility for added comfort. In addition, there are flex grooves to help the sole bend with movement.

Everything works well on this end, and the shoe proves to be grippy (even on wet floors) and durable. Testers say this shoe should easily go beyond 500 miles, making it a great value.

The ride

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS was so successful in its ability to balance an easy, smooth ride with good stability and cushioning.

The BAGTS22 follows suit with relatively responsive cushioning. Also, the 12 mm heel-to-toe drop contributes to easier transitions without a rocker and will especially appeal to heel strikers.

Thus, testers note that the Adrenaline is ideal for daily training and recovery but can also prove enjoyable for faster sessions (e.g., uptempo) thanks to their slight bounce.

Conclusion

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 continues to be one of the star stability shoes on the market. We could criticize Brooks for not making a significant effort to modernize this collection. Indeed, as a result, this Brooks Adrenaline remains a bit heavy, especially if you compare it to the Saucony Guide 15 (20 g/0.7 oz less).

But overall, it’s a functional running shoe that can suit most runners looking for stability (beginners and advanced).

Facts

Technical Specs

Technical Specs

Terrain	Road
Pronation type	Overpronation (stability)
Drop	12 mm
Heel height	30 mm
Forefoot height	18 mm
Weight (men)	289 g/10.2 oz
Weight (women)	253 g/8.9 oz
Features	Vegan, Wide feet, Recycled materials
Athletes
Release year	2022
Price	Check prices

Cushioning

Softness	Soft
Responsiveness	Medium

Technologies

Outsole	Blown rubber, Omega Flex Grooves, Segmented Crash Pads
Midsole	BioMoGo DNA, DNA Loft, Guide Rails Holistic Support System
Upper	Engineered Mesh

Use

Speed	Slow, Moderate
Distance	Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon
Workout	Daily running, Recovery

Reference: Brooks's official site

Comparisons – Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 vs.:

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Honestly, there’s little difference between the two models. The GTS 22 loses a few grams compared to the GTS 21. The main changes are in the sole (same technologies but slightly different layout) and the upper (simplified design).

If you can find the previous version during promotion periods, don’t miss it!

Brooks Glycerin GTS 20

The Glycerin is more cushioned and responsive with its DNA Loft v3 foam. However, in its classic version (non-Stealthfit), the lockdown is less precise, and the shoe is heavier. See the comparison.

Brooks Ghost 14

The Ghost is a neutral shoe, making it lighter and more responsive. Check out which one is best for you with our comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)