With the Brooks Adrenaline GTS being one of the brand’s biggest-selling shoes (in fact, one of the best-selling shoes full stop in running speciality stores) is the new version, the GTS 24 better than the 23?
Often when a running shoe model is updated the previous version can be found at bargain prices, which leads us to ask, is the upgrade worth it? Here, I will look at the difference between the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 and the new model, the GTS 24.
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The Fit
The fit of all Brooks shoes is excellent and the sizing is not only consistent across models in the range, but also from one generation of shoe to the next.
Another big advantage of many Brooks models, including the Adrenaline GTS 23 and GTS 24 is the availability of width options. The shoes are available in narrow, regular, wide and extra-width fit options for both men and women. There’s also a wide range of colours available which means something for every foot shape and size as well as personal taste!
Stats
Brooks | Adrenaline 23 | Adrenaline 24 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Everyday running | Daily trainer with support |
Support | Mid-level support | Mid-level support |
Cushion | Mid level cushioning DNA Loft V2 | Mid level cushioning DNA Loft V2 |
Stack Height | 35mm heel | 36mm heel |
Drop | 12mm | 12mm |
Weight | Men's Women's | Men’s |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 | $140 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
Support
Brooks themselves describe how the GuideRails, their unique support system, work as being similar to the rails at a bowling alley that can be used for young players. The rails keep the ball in the lane and so too, the GuideRails keep the foot centred within the shoe.
The lateral and medial sides of the midsole cushioning extend up around the heel of the shoe to create the GuideRails. When the foot lands on the lateral side of the heel, the GuideRail ensures it doesn’t supinate.
As the foot naturally pronates, the medial GuideRail ensures the foot doesn’t overpronate. The system works very well and provides a very natural level of support for a wide range of runners making the shoe a versatile option.
The GTS in the name of the Adrenaline (and other support shoes from the brand) stand for ‘Go-To-Support’, to help identify their supportive models.
Adrenaline GTS 23
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Adrenaline GTS 24
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The Technology
In the Adrenaline GTS 23 we get the brand’s DNA Loft v2 midsole.
While the cushioning isn’t supershoe level, the DNA Loft v2 foam does do a great job at this price point and offers good levels of cushioning and durability.
While in the new Adrenaline GTS 24, Brooks has introduced their DNA Loft v3, the brand’s nitrogen-infused foam. A supercritical material injected with nitrogen, DNA Loft v3 provides lightweight cushioning that has a little more ‘energy return’ and is a little more durable than EVA-based materials. We previously saw this material in the Glycerin 21, so at this price point it’s a big win and great value for money.
Adrenaline GTS 23 v GTS 24
At first glance, the GTS 24 and the previous generation model seem very similar and share similar stack heights and the same heel drop. The GTS24 actually gains 1mm of additional cushioning while managing to come in a little lighter. This is thanks to the reduced weight of the nitrogen-infused midsole.
Cushioning
The improvement in the cushioning thanks to the nitro foam midsole makes the GTS24 feel significantly better in my opinion. While the GTS23 offered great value for money and was a runner favourite, the GTS24 takes the cushioning to the next level at the same price point.
Okay, the Glycerin GTS 22 moves the cushioning to the next level, but that’s a more expensive model and to get the similar nitrogen-infused foam at this price is amazing.
Control
In the new GTS 24, the GuideRails look and actually feel a little more substantial. On the lateral side of the heel, the ‘rail’ appears to be part of the main midsole, whereas on the medial side, there is a definite join in the midsole and GuideRail.
It appears to me that the medial rail is firmer and constructed in a separate piece. This would allow a firmer density of foam to be used and it would account for the new model being more supportive.
Having used video gait analysis for hundreds of runners wearing both the GTS 23 and GTS 24, the ability of both shoes to control overpronation is among the best in the business, but the GTS 24 does have the edge and is a slight improvement over the GTS 23. This is in terms of stabilizing not only those runners who overpronate but also helping those who supinate a little to appear more neutral.
Extended Wear Tests
I’ve covered more miles in recent versions of Brooks Adrenaline perhaps more than any other shoes. I’ve always found them a great go-to option for any type of run and they can adapt to my various paces should I feel I want to pick up the speed a little mid-run.
I’ve run tempo sessions and intervals in the shoes and even a couple of Parkruns (a weekly timed 5k ‘race’ here in the UK). Whatever the session, the shoes have always performed well enough that they’ve maintained their presence in my shoe rotation.
The GTS23 was a great value shoe and for the brand to make the improvements they have to the GTS24 only serves to make it one of the best value support type shoes on the market today.
If you can pick up a pair of GTS23 at a bargain price, then you won’t be disappointed, but even at full retail price, the GTS24 represents great value for a shoe that can easily turn its hand to anything.
My Verdict
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS24 is certainly an improvement over the GTS 23 and worthy of a try if you haven’t already put some miles in a Brooks support-type shoe. If this price point is where your money is at, go for it, it won’t disappoint.
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