Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Review (2026): The Best Choice for Overpronators?
The Adrenaline GTS is back this year for its twenty-fifth edition! Clearly marketed by the brand as a stability shoe for “pronators,” it’s one of the top models in its category.
This 25th edition comes with a few changes. Do they alter the series’ DNA? Is this model a good fit for your running profile and goals?
That's what we'll be looking at in this comprehensive review.
Why should you trust me?
With a personal best of 2:38 in the marathon and a substantial weekly training volume, I test a lot of running shoes, and it feeds straight back into my own training.
I put the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 through its paces during various types of workouts to evaluate its comfort and how it feels while running. I also consulted with other runners of different skill levels to validate my impressions and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our verdict
A great shoe designed for comfort and stability during daily training.
- Weight: 290 g / 10.2 oz (men's size 42)
- Foam: DNA LOFT v3
- Height: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 10 mm
- Training, all distances
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is part of the American brand’s iconic series. This new version features DNA LOFT v3 foam, but in greater quantities (the stack height is higher). The result is excellent shock absorption, allowing you to run longer distances with comfort.
The shoe feels firm (as you’d expect from a stability shoe) but significantly less so than the previous version. The result is a very well-balanced feel that should appeal to many runners. The Guiderails system stabilizes your stride to prevent overpronation.
The new engineered mesh upper offers the series’ signature fit and breathability for excellent comfort. Finally, the RoadTack outsole rubber ensures good traction, even on wet surfaces.
In short, this new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 features a few changes that further enhance the comfort of this traditional stability shoe.
Pros
- Improved shock absorption to extend long runs
- Very comfortable, well-ventilated, and well-fitting upper
- Stability System That Really Works
- Good traction on all surfaces
- Lower drop, more in line with market standards
Cons
- This texture may be too firm, depending on personal preference
- Shoes with poor responsiveness
Cushioning
After a major upgrade to version 24, it seems quite logical that the brand would continue to use the same foam in this Adrenaline GTS 25, namely DNA LOFT V3.
For those who aren't familiar with the process, it involves injecting nitrogen into EVA foam. Except that this foam is lighter and softer than in the earlier versions.
While the foam remains the same, the dimensions have changed: the thickness is now 37 mm under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot (an increase of 1 mm at the back and 3 mm at the front).
Feel underfoot
Is it this change that’s altering the feel? Or is it a different foam formulation? It’s hard to say. In any case, I find the feel much softer (and more pleasant) than in the previous version.
The feel is still slightly on the firm side (which is normal for an anti-pronation shoe, you need a sturdy structure that doesn't collapse), but it's still very well balanced and should suit a wider range of runners. Note that it may still be too firm for some, so it’s up to you to decide based on your preferences.
By way of comparison, I find the feel to be quite similar to that of the latest Ghost, maybe even a little softer.
Combined with its large size, the shoe offers excellent shock absorption, allowing runners of all types to extend their long-distance training sessions.
Drop
The change in dimensions brings about another change: the drop. It has been reduced from 12 mm to 10 mm. To be honest, I hadn’t really noticed the 12 mm drop on the v24, so I didn’t notice any real difference in that regard.
This new configuration is in line with industry standards and has the advantage of requiring no adjustments if you're a beginner. Another direct result is that there is more protection under the forefoot.
A heel striker might not notice it, but for me, since I strike with my forefoot, it’s a very welcome change: it’s made it much easier for me to increase the distance without it “hitting” the front of the shoe.
Energy Return
Unfortunately, the taller stack does make the shoe heavier: it now weighs 290 g / 10.2 oz in size 42 (which is 15-20 g more). Can you really tell the difference? It all depends on how you use the shoe.
We need to be clear on this point: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is not a shoe designed for speed, nor was it intended for that purpose. At moderate paces, it’s hard to tell a real difference between it and the GTS 24.
The foam is still fairly responsive, but unsurprisingly, responsiveness isn't this shoe's strong suit. That said, transitions are still fairly smooth (despite a mild rocker).
In short, the energy return is moderate and will suit a large portion of the group for training.
Support and Stability
The GUIDERAILS support system has been around for many years and enjoys a good reputation among runners. It consists of two sturdy foam pieces on either side of the ankle that, according to Brooks, help improve coordination between the knee and the foot.
On the inner side of the heel, the foam reduces inward rolling of the foot. On the outer side of the ankle, the foam is firm and higher, which reduces outward rolling of the ankle.
This allows for better “coordination” between the knee and the ankle and ensures more natural control of pronation. Although we are skeptical about the impact of this type of technology on injury risk in the absence of reliable scientific studies, we can confirm that it provides excellent stability.
Foot lockdown
New versions keep coming out, and brands are always touting that their latest model has a more breathable, better-fitting, and more comfortable upper. But when the upper is as well-designed as the one in the previous version, it’s not a criticism to say that the feel is similar.
The new engineered mesh upper is also very well made. It offers excellent breathability in hot weather (thanks to the numerous micro-perforations) and sufficient warmth in cold weather, so you can wear these shoes no matter what the weather is like.
Comfort is also excellent, thanks to the ample padding and the shoe’s “sock-like” feel when putting it on. Unsurprisingly, the shoe is very comfortable to wear, even during long workouts.
The shoe offers excellent structural support thanks to the reinforcements on the sides and midfoot. It’s a stability shoe, and you can really feel that in the secure support it provides for your foot.
The heel counter does its job and provides good support for that area; the loop at the back makes it easy to put on (which isn't always easy with the sock-like design), and the standard laces work well.
What disappointed me was the lack of a tongue, which was included on the v24. I didn't experience any slipping, but I imagine that could happen quickly if you have narrow feet.
Overall, I'd say it provides excellent foot lockdown and is very comfortable.
Sizing and Fit
The fit is also excellent.
The upper is more flexible than in the previous version, and that may be why some runners found the shoe too narrow for wide feet (consider the wide version if in doubt).
Personally, I think the GTS 25 will suit a wide variety of feet, since the fit adapts as the shoe stretches over time. So you can just go with your usual size.
Traction
The outsole still uses RoadTack, a blend of outsole rubber and recycled silica. It covers a large portion of the surface, particularly in the impact zones, the layout is very slightly different from the previous version.
Traction is excellent: even on wet surfaces, there’s plenty of grip, no slipping!
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is quite flexible thanks to its numerous micro-grooves, which ensure good flexibility.
It's a road shoe, but it also handles most dry, non-technical trails.
Usage
The Brooks Adreline GTS 25 is a versatile training shoe. Thanks to its excellent shock absorption, it lets you tackle any training challenge at any distance.
The main limitations apply to most similar training shoes ("daily trainers"):
- With its soft cushioning, considerable weight, and limited responsiveness, this isn't the best option for picking up speed. In short, interval workouts (whether short or long) won't always be easy for experienced runners.
- Along the same lines, there are better choices for racing, such as the Brooks Hyperion Elite
- And even more high-end models for those who want even more cushioning, like the Brooks Glycerin (also available in the GTS version)
That said, it's important to keep things in perspective: these shoes will meet the needs of the vast majority of runners. If comfort and stability are your top priorities, this is an excellent choice.
Comparisons
Quality and Lifespan
The outsole rubber is durable (although this may vary depending on the surface, your stride, and your weight).
Personally, I haven't noticed any premature wear on the upper or any sagging of the shoe (the foam retains its properties well).
The shoe is therefore very durable, making the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 a great value for money.
The upper is made from 66.2% recycled materials, and the shoe contains no animal-derived materials (vegan).
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs. 24
The following changes are worth noting in this new version:
- Larger dimensions (+1 mm at the heel, +3 mm at the forefoot) for a higher stack height and better shock absorption
- The drop is reduced from 12 mm to 10 mm
- A new technical mesh upper
- More padding for the heel collar
The new version 25 offers (slightly) more protection and a softer feel. These two models are very similar, so feel free to go with the 24 if you find it on sale.
Conclusion
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is quite similar to the previous version, but it offers more protection and an enjoyable ride.
It remains a reliable training partner for runners looking for comfort and stability. It’s undoubtedly one of the best shoes for pronators, right up there with the Asics Gel Kayano.
Our Field Test on Video
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Overpronation (stability) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel height | 37 mm |
| Forefoot height | 27 mm |
| Weight (men) | 290 g/10.2 oz |
| Weight (women) | 262 g/9.2 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials, Rocker |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2026 |
| Price | Check Prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | RoadTack Rubber |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT v3, GuideRails |
| Upper | Technical knit |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Reference: Brooks official website
