By Paul Freary
The Brooks Adrenaline has long been one of the best-selling support category running shoes on the market. With its GuideRail support system, it provides a subtle yet highly effective amount of support that helps control excessive pronation in an easy-to-get-on-with package.
The latest version, the 24th, demonstrates what a popular model the Adrenaline has become and is sure to continue its position as a best seller.
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With a midsole update being the main change for the Adrenaline GTS 24, it now benefits from the introduction of DNA Loft v3 cushioning, the brand’s Nitrogen-infused foam midsole technology. Nitrogen-infused foams (DNA Loft v3) are now used by Brooks in all their ‘core’ running models, the Ghost 16, Adrenaline 24, Glycerin 21 (and Glycerin GTS) and Ghost Max 2.
Stats
Brooks | Adrenaline GTS 24 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily trainer with support |
Support | Mid-level support |
Cushion | Mid/High-stack cushioned |
Stack Height | 36mm Heel / 24mm Forefoot |
Drop | 12mm |
Weight | Men’s 284g / 10oz Women’s 250g/ 8.8oz |
Suggested Retail Price | £135 /$140 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
Fit
The fit of the Adrenaline GTS 24 is true to size and in keeping with the brand’s usually high-quality construction. In terms of both length and width, the shoe fits exactly as expected.
The upper construction is a soft, engineered mesh construction and as with many other Brooks models, it has a small degree of stretch to it, enabling the shoe to easily accommodate the small difference in individual foot contours.
It is also worth noting that the Adrenaline GTS 24 is available in width fittings for both men and women, making it easy to find a size that works for you.
Adrenaline GTS 24
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Tech
GuideRails, as found on other ‘GTS’ models from the brand, such as the Glycerin GTS, provide the support as they did with the previous generation model.
Now preferred over medial posts, the ‘rails’ work similarly to the rails at a bowling alley. Should your ball veer off-centre, the rails help keep it in the lane. It’s the same here; the rails help keep the foot central within the cushioning in a more neutral position.
GuideRails work effectively for a wide range of foot types and offers a dynamic level of support that I find works very well for a wide range of runners.
Pronation
It is worth noting that pronation is the natural moving of the foot. Striking the ground when running on the lateral (outside edge) of the heel, the foot is essentially giving itself a little extra space under the arch in which to absorb impact.
The amount of ‘movement’ or pronation is then dictated by the flexibility of the foot. A more ridged foot will remain ‘supinated’ (on the outside edge), while a flexible foot will roll in a little more and overpronate.
The GuideRails simply reduce excessive movement and help to keep the foot in a more neutral position.
DNA Loft v3 is the Brooks term for their 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.
Used across the Brooks range, DNA Loft v3 is becoming the standard for the brand in terms of cushioning and we are even beginning to see more advanced versions of it in models such as the Glycerin Max.
Brooks 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.
Of course, the GTS 24 uses the latest DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused midsole with the same GuideRail support system.
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.
Performance
Adrenaline GTS, so the stack and drop are familiar, as is the DNA Loft v3 cushioning.
The step-in fit and feel are great and exactly as expected from the shoe.
On my first run, the shoes felt a little more supportive than the previous model and I think this is due to the construction of the GuideRails. As I mentioned above, the medial ‘rail’ feels a little firmer and it controls the foot more. My feet felt very stable and the shoe did an excellent job of support and control.
Many support shoes have recently reduced the amount of support they provide and used midsole geometry and foam density to control excessive movement. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is retaining the GuideRails and they make the shoe all the better for it.
If you need support, it’s good to be confident that the shoe is providing it positively and in a straightforward manner.
Comparisons
There are many competitors in this important sector of the market. Firstly, the price point is perhaps the most popular point of all running shoes on sale and models with support are highly sought after.
Glycerin GTS 21
From Brooks themselves, the Glycerin GTS 21 is an option. It features the same GuideRail technology and uses the same DNA Loft v3 midsole. Okay, the Glycerin is a higher stack, so it’s a little more cushioned, but it’s more expensive too.
Now that the Adrenaline takes advantage of the nitrogen-infused midsole, the gap between the two models is getting narrower.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
From New Balance, the Fresh Foam X 860v14 closely matches the GTS 24 in terms of cushioning and control.
The New Balance is similarly priced but feels a little softer and its Fresh Foam X midsole isn’t quite as durable as nitrogen foam models from other brands. The support provided by the 860v14 is good, but the new GTS 24 edges it with a more obvious level of control.
Saucony Guide 17
The Saucony Guide 17 is another model that has been refreshed for 2024 and has become a better shoe for it.
Saucony removed the plastic medial post found in the Guide 16 and instead remodelled the geometry of the shoe’s midsole to control pronation and, as its name suggests, ‘guide’ the foot through the gait cycle.
A combination of heel and forefoot rockers, a midsole flare and a straighter lasted medial aspect to the Guide 17s midsole have made it a light, well-cushioned and highly effective support shoe.
My Verdict
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a definite winner.
Its combination of cushioning and support makes it a great choice for those requiring control and wanting a highly capable, everyday training shoe.
Brooks may be considered by manner to be a very ‘safe’ brand, but it is that safety that means new models are mild updates and a gentle evolution of models rather than a revolution.
With the Adrenaline GTS 24, you know what to expect and thanks to the introduction of the DNA Loft v3 midsole, the shoe exceeds expectations.
The shoe feels good from the first steps and keeps delivering with a smooth, supportive and reasonably responsive ride mile after mile.
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