Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Vs Adrenaline GTS 24 – Top to Bottom Changes

Design

With 3mm more cushioning in the forefoot of the GTS 25 compared to the GTS 24, and 1mm more in the heel, the shoe has a higher stack height, but the heel-toe drop has been reduced from 12mm to 10mm. The result is a more cushioned and balanced ride.

We saw a similar change from the brand’s neutral option earlier this year. The Ghost 17 made the same increases in stack height and a small reduction in heel drop.

The result for both models is a softer feeling forefoot, which gives the shoes an overall improved cushioning feel.

Co-Moulded GuideRails

The ‘GTS’ in the name of the Adrenaline GTS stands for ‘Go To Support’, and that support comes from the brand’s GuideRail system.

The GuideRails are essentially extensions of the cushioning in the rearfoot of the shoe that cup up around the heel on both the medial and lateral sides of the midsole cushioning. This had the effect of keeping the foot central within the shoe and in a more neutral position.

 The GuideRail system is highly effective and helps keep overpronators in a neutral position. I have also seen instances where supination is reduced thanks to the GuideRails.

In the GTS 25, a new manufacturing process co-moulds the GuideRails in one piece with the midsole cushioning. This results in the same level of control but with a smoother, more natural feeling level of support.

DNA Loft V3 Nitrogen-Infused Foam Midsole

The DNA Loft v3 midsole cushioning remains in place from the GTS 24; only in the GTS 25 do we see an increase in stack height. The heel has 1mm more cushioning and the forefoot 3mm. This results in a higher stack, but lower drop. The heel-to-toe drop has been reduced from 12mm to 10mm.

Upper

The Adrenaline GTS 25 has a new double jacquard engineered mesh upper, which gives the new model an elevated fit and feel around the foot. There’s more padding in the upper, ankle collar and tongue, making the shoe feel much plusher.

The tongue of the GTS 25 is noticeably more padded than that of the GTS 24. While some people may find this a little too much, personally, I prefer the plusher feel here as I can tie the laces securely while at the same time not having any pressure on my instep.

The new upper feels more like that of the more expensive Glycerin GTS model, and with a new design to the ankle collar and Achilles area, the shoe also resembles the Glycerin GTS.

Outsole

The outsole of the new model has been revised, and while there are no figures quoted by Brooks, I’d say the outsole rubber is at least 1mm thick, so it should improve durability. The outsole design now takes on a ‘pod-like’ styling, which has plenty of flex grooves and makes the shoe feel very nimble in the forefoot area.

Fit

The fit of the GTS 25 is consistent with the GTS 24 and other models from the brand, which is something you can usually depend upon with Brooks. The GTS 25 fits true to size in terms of length and width.

The toe box in the new model does feel to have a little bit more volume, but that’s no bad thing and allows just a touch more ‘wiggle room’.

Otherwise, the GTS 25 just feels very plush and has dialled up the notch a touch in overall comfort scales.

Performance

Let's be clear, the Adrenaline GTS 24 was a great shoe that offered good levels of durable cushioning and excellent all-around support. The introduction of DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam in the shoe truly elevated its feel from previous versions.

Brooks has made a similar step forward here, with the GTS 25. While the nitrogen-infused midsole remains the same midsole material, the addition of just a few mm of additional stack gives the shoe a noticeably improved feel.

A slightly lower heel-to-toe drop isn’t really too noticeable, after all, it’s only a 2mm difference, but the shoe feels much softer, especially in the forefoot. A more flexible outsole design may contribute to this feel, allowing the shoe to flex more freely.

Support continues to be very effective, and having seen several runners in the shoe, it manages to control overpronation well. The co-moulder GuideRails make the support feel a little more natural and the transition from heel to forefoot is balanced.

The geometry of the midsole has been tweaked a little, too, with a concave shape to the lateral wall of the midsole, allowing it to compress a little with heel strike. On the medial side, a flare and convex shape create a little more stability, contributing to the overall supportive nature of the shoe.

My Verdict

The GTS25 sees a small increase in the price, but I think that this is justified given the improvements.

Cushioning is better. It’s a little softer and plusher feeling. Support is similar, if a little more natural and balanced feeling. The quality of the upper is improved, and overall, the shoes feel a little nimbler, making it a slightly more versatile daily trainer.

The improvements are a small evolution in each area, pushing the quality a little without the model feeling too different to make it feel significantly different for fans of the previous model.