Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Glycerin GTS 23 – Which One Wins?

Adrenaline GTS 25 Cushioning

The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses Brooks’ DNA Loft V3 nitrogen-infused foam midsole. Nitrogen foams are now becoming very widely used by running shoe brands, and they offer high-quality, responsive cushioning that proves to be very durable.

A common theme for many new and updated models of running shoes for 2026 is the increase in cushioning. The Adrenaline GTS 25 is no different, with 3mm more nitrogen foam cushioning in the forefoot compared to the GTS 24, and 1mm more in the heel. The shoe has a higher stack height as a result, but the heel-toe drop has been reduced from 12mm to 10mm. These changes result in a more cushioned, softer and balanced ride.

Adrenaline GTS 25 Control

The ‘GTS’ in the name of the Adrenaline GTS 25 stands for ‘Go To Support’, or, as Brooks is shifting towards for 2026, GuideRail Technology System.

The GuideRails are extensions of the cushioning in the rearfoot of the shoe that extend up around the heel on both the medial and lateral sides of the midsole cushioning. These have 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.

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

Glycerin GTS 23 Cushioning

The standout feature of the Glycerin GTS 23 is its cushioning, and once again, here it’s the brand’s DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused midsole foam. Whereas the Adrenaline GTS 25 uses a single-density foam, the Glycerin’s ‘tuned’ version has larger cells in the heel area and small cells in the forefoot. The result is soft heel cushioning on impact and more responsive cushioning in the forefoot on toe-off.

With an additional 2mm of foam in the forefoot midsole compared to the previous version of the Glycerin GTS, the shoe feels softer and plusher yet retains the same level of responsiveness on toe-off. The additional forefoot cushioning also results in a slightly lower 8mm drop.

Glycerin GTS 23 Control

Once again, the support and control comes from the GuideRail Technology System (GTS). As seen in previous models, as well as the Adrenaline.

The GuideRails provide support on both the lateral and medial aspects of the midsole. Should the foot roll laterally or medially (supinate or overpronate), the GuideRails help reduce roll and control stability.

Performance

Okay, so by looking at the stats for each shoe and the technology used, they seem pretty similar. They are both aimed at the same runner after all, so how exactly do they differ?

In terms of cushioning, the Glycerin GTS 23 not only has a higher stack height, but the feel of its cushioning is better. The DNA Tuned midsole provides a different running sensation in the heel and forefoot, resulting in a more versatile experience.

The soft cushioning in the heel really soaks up the initial ground contact impact, while the responsive nature of the forefoot gives the shoe a little added ‘pop’ on toe-off. This becomes more apparent as the pace picks up, resulting in a livelier feel.

The Adrenaline has the single-density foam, and while it’s softer than the previous generation model and certainly feels great for a shoe at this price point, it doesn’t quite match the plush, more premium feel of the Glycerin.

What Support Do You Need?

Both shoes use the same GuideRail Technology System to provide support and control pronation. The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses a new co-moulded design, incorporating the GuideRails into the midsole unit seamlessly. The Glycerin’s GuideRails are manufactured separately from the midsole and joined in the production process.

While the new co-moulding process in the Adrenaline GTS 25 was no doubt designed to reduce manufacturing processes as well as cost, it isn’t quite as effective as previous versions of the Adrenaline or the Glycerin GTS 23. The support provides reasonable control, but now sits in the ‘mild’ level of support, with the Glycerin being more supportive and what could be considered to offer ‘moderate to high’ levels of control.

For those seeking a mildly supportive shoe, the Adrenaline GTS 25 will absolutely do the job, but for runners requiring a more definite amount of stability or control, the Glycerin GTS 23 is the best option.

Fit

Both the Adrenaline and Glycerin provide great, breathable, very accommodating and comfortable fits.

The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses a double jacquard knit upper while the Glycerin GTS 23 uses a triple jacquard version. The difference is that the triple jacquard construction adds another degree of shape in the manufacturing process, resulting in a slightly more shaped and gently padded fit.

Both shoes have neat, well-padded tongues and ankle collars that give the shoes a plush overall feel.

My Verdict

For 2026, the Glycerin GTS 23 steps up a notch and, even at a higher price, feels the clear winner here.

The DNA Tuned midsole provides soft, plush cushioning and a really smooth, responsive toe-off. This makes the Glycerin GTS 23 feel a more versatile option suitable for any distance of run as well as any pace.