Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Review (2024): Top Stability Trainer?

Julien Guyod

Published on 02/19/2025

Brooks Running’s reputation for crafting quality shoes is well established. With popular series such as the Ghost and Glycerin, the brand is one of the top choices for most runners.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS is a very successful stability model (for overpronators) that offer a straightforward and nimble option.

This 24th edition comes with many changes.

Will they change the DNA of the series? Does it suit your runner profile and objectives?

That’s what we will cover in this in-depth review.

In a Nutshell

Cushioning

The midsole of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 gets a major upgrade with the new DNA LOFT V3 foam. The production process remains the same, with nitrogen injection into an EVA foam, except that it’s lighter and softer than the previous version.

The feel is very firm and may not suit everyone. Luckily, there’s a slight softness that makes the ride a bit more comfortable, allowing you to run long distances.

The stack height of 35.5 mm at the heel and 23.5 mm at the forefoot confirms this and ensures excellent shock absorption.

However, the heel-to-toe drop of 12 mm is a point of contention raised by some testers.

The shoe is clearly designed for heel strikers, who generally appreciate such feature. It may also make it more suitable for beginners (although it’s easy to argue the opposite and it can vary from one runner to another).

On the other hand, some runners thought the high drop prevented a smooth transitions and didn’t feel comfortable. They suggested moving to a more classic drop (e.g. 8-10 mm), and we can imagine Brooks may go ahead with this like ASICS did with its Nimbus..

Personally, I didn’t feel it too much and thought the rolling motion was fairly classic.

On the other hand, I was more bothered by the second point: the lack of cushioning in the front. I forefoot strike, and I have to admit I had a little more trouble extending the distance.

However, with the large majority of runners heel striking, I’m confident that the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 will be suitable for most people.

Energy return

The weight is stable at 277 g/9.7 oz (EU 42/US 9) and it’s fairly classic for such shoes.

The new foam is more responsive, but that doesn’t really mean the shoe is bouncy either. The rocker is faint, although transitions are fairly fluid.

This won’t be a problem for beginners, but more experienced runners will struggle to pick up the pace.

Support and stability

The foam on the inside of the heel reduces the foot’s inward orientation. On the outside of the ankle, the foam is firmer and higher, reducing the ankle’s outward tilt.

According to Brooks, this helps coordinate the knee and foot.

Fans of the brand are well aware of the GUIDERAILS support system, which consists of two durable foam pieces on either side of the ankle.

This allows better “coupling” between knee and ankle and ensures more natural pronation control.

While we’re skeptical about claims of this kind (without reliable scientific studies), we can validate excellent stability.

Foot lockdown

The Engineered Air Mesh upper is perfectly executed, as Brooks generally knows how to do.

It’s pretty thin, offering satisfactory breathability (although some have found it can get hot in summer), yet thick enough to protect in cold weather.

I found the breathability very good but didn’t run in them in very hot weather either.

In terms of fit, the shoe wraps around the foot very well without compressing it, with its stretchy side. The comfort is very good, with plenty of padding in all the right places — keeping it on for a long time is easy.

There’s a very good structure with lateral overlays on the midfoot. This is a stability model, and you can feel the great support at work.

The heel counter and gusseted tongue are equally effective.

In short, we can validate a safe and comfortable foot lockdown.

None of the testers reported any size problems – the shoe fits true to size.

In addition to the standard version, narrow and wide options are available.

Traction

The shoe’s outsole uses a new technology: RoadTack. This rubber and recycled silica mixture covers a large part of the surface, particularly in high-impact areas. Elsewhere, the foam is apparent.

The grip is good, even on wet pavement.

What’s more, the many flex grooves make the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 a flexible running shoe.

Besides road surfaces, you can use these shoes on most non-technical dirt/compact paths and trails.

Use

The Adrenaline’s excellent shock absorption makes it the ideal shoe for all distances at training.

The only potential limit will come from the firm underfoot feel, but it’s purely a personal preference as there’s plenty of protection.

Forefoot strikers may find it more difficult over long distances as the metatarsal area has less stack.

In my case, I found it hard to push beyond 20-30 km (12-18 mi).

Even though responsiveness is not the strongest point of the Adrenaline GTS 24, it’s quite satisfactory to tackle a wide range of paces as part of your training.

Nonetheless, this model’s sweet spot is low to moderate paces, e.g., endurance jogs and long runs.

This is not a fast racing shoe, but it can be a good pick for a half-marathon if your main criteria are comfort and stability.

Quality and durability

As is often the case with Brooks, we’re not disappointed in terms of quality. Like the Ghost, the Adrenaline delivers a sturdy outsole and a robust mesh.

So the Adrenaline GTS 24 offers excellent value.

The upper comes with 63 % of recycled materials, diverting on average 8 plastic bottles from landfills.

Finally, these shoes are vegan (they don’t contain any animal products).

Conclusion

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a sure bet that will please the fans of the series. With several improvements, notably to the foam and upper, the shoe is a very versatile and stable daily trainer.

It may not be for you if your goal is performance, but if you’re looking for stability and comfort, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is one of the best picks.

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use