Brooks Ghost vs. Adrenaline GTS (2022)

These two running shoes are among the most popular by the American brand Brooks Running. Their main difference is the level of support they provide.

Indeed, the Brooks Ghost 14 is a neutral shoe, while the Brook Adrenaline GTS 22 is a stability shoe for overpronation. Let’s note that GTS stands for “Go To Support.” This label applies to all the brand’s shoes for runners who need a more stable ride.

With a 36 mm stack height in the heel, the sole of the Adrenaline GTS has more cushion than the Brooks Ghost 14 (30 mm). The drop is high in both cases with 12 mm.

In practice, the underfoot feel is softer with the Ghost. Indeed, the Adrenaline is firmer to provide more structure and better stability.

The technologies of these two models are very similar. We find the following:

  • DNA Loft foam in the midsole (an older generation technology that the DNA Loft v3 should fully replace in the future)
  • Engineered mesh upper
  • Rubber on the outsole for better grip and abrasion resistance

Additionally, the Adrenaline GTS features the “Guide Rails Holistic Support System,” which translates into support units on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe to guide the foot and prevent it from rolling while running.

Ghost or Adrenaline: which one should you pick?

As you can see, these two shoes are very similar and differ primarily in terms of support type.

Overall, runners who overpronate or are looking for more support will choose the Adrenaline, while others will go for the Ghost.

Finally, it’s important to note that, while the difference in weight was noticeable with the previous models, it’s no longer the case! Both shoes are about equal weight (less than 10.2oz/290 g for the men’s version), so it’s no longer a decisive factor to differentiate them.

Of course, it’s best to try them on if you can. As always with running shoes, you might be surprised!

Side-by-side comparison

Brooks Ghost 14

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Technical Specs

TerrainRoadRoad
Pronation typeNeutralOverpronation
Drop12 mm12 mm
Heel stack height30 mm36 mm
Forefoot stack height18 mm24 mm
Weight (men)283 g/10.0 oz289 g/10.2 oz
Weight (women)249 g/8.8 oz249 g/8.8 oz
FeaturesVegan, carbon-neutralVegan
SizingTrue to size and suitable for wide feetTrue to size
Release year20212021

Technologies

OutsoleRubberRubber
MidsoleDNA Loft, Omega Flex GroovesDNA Loft, Omega Flex Grooves, Guide Rails
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)4 – Soft4 – Balanced
Bounce (1-5)3 – Moderate4 – Moderate

Use

SpeedSlow, moderateSlow, moderate
Distance10k, mid, half marathon, long, marathon10k, mid, half marathon, long, marathon
WorkoutDaily runningDaily running
Photo of author

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.