By Paul Freary
Aimed at the same type of runner, with the same type of running gait, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS24 and Saucony Guide 18 are two of the best-selling running shoes around in running specialty stores.
For those runners requiring a mild level of support and control in a training shoe designed for everyday miles, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS and Saucony Guide are safe bets, but which should you choose and how do they differ?
As I’ve said in other reviews of similar shoes, these two models aren’t particularly the sexiest of shoes or models that influencers and YouTubers get hyped about, but in running speciality stores, they are the bread-and-butter models that are bought by runners day in, day out.
Let’s take a closer look.
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Being the 24th generation, you can be assured that the Adrenaline has a loyal following of happy customers.
The Adrenaline is a model that runners return to season after season thanks to its reliable level of cushioning and control.
The GuideRails provide all-around control and help with both overpronators and, to a lesser extent supinators. They create a ‘cup’ in the rear of the shoe, in which the heel sits and helps keep it in a neutral position.
Stats
Running shoes | Adrenaline | Guide 18 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Those seeking mild levels of support | Daily training |
Support | Mild support | Support/Control shoe for overpronators |
Cushion | Mid-level cushioning and support shoe | Mid-level, responsive cushioning |
Stack Height | 35mm heel 23mm forefoot | 35mm heel |
Drop | 12mm | 6mm |
Weight | Men 283.5g (10.0oz) Women 250g (8.8oz) | Men 272g (9.6oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 / £135 | £130 / $140 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating |
GuideRails Support
The ‘Go-to-support’ system is a raised section of the midsole around both the lateral and medial sides of the rear foot. On heel strike, the foot remains neutrally placed within the GuideRails providing a dynamic support that’s very effective and works for a wide range of runners.
DNA Loft v3 Midsole
The latest generation of the brand’s DNA Loft foam now uses a Nitrogen-injected foam to provide a lighter, softer, springier and more durable ride.
Previously reserved for range-topping Glycerin models, and more recently in the Ghost 16. Brooks now has brought this premium-level cushioning into their most competitively priced shoes.
PWRRUN Foam
The cushioning in the Guide 18 remains the same as the 17, with PWRRUN foam at 35mm deep in height in the heel with a drop of 6mm to the 29mm deep forefoot.
PWRRUN PB Sockliner
A PWRRUN PB sock liner adds a little more cushi0oning directly under the foot for added step-in comfort.
Geometry
For a few years, many Saucony models were sat at an 8mm drop. Now it appears more and more of them are shifting towards a 6mm drop.
A straighter last on the medial side of the shoe creates the brand’s CenterPath technology. This geometry contributes to the overall shape of the midsole with a broader base, higher sidewalls and an asymmetric profile. It removes the need for a medial post and makes the shoe a little lighter and more natural to run in.
The flared geometry of the midsole creates a wider platform and adds stability. The foot sits deeper within the midsole cushioning in a similar manner to other shoes featuring ‘Guide rail’ type support systems.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
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Saucoy Guide 18
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Fit
Both the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 and Saucony Guide 18 fit true to size in terms of length and width in relation to other models from their respective brands.
Performance
The difference between the two shoes comes down to the method by which they control pronation.
Control
The Adrenaline uses the brand’s GuideRail system and the Saucony, the CentrePath design. Both shoes no longer use a medial post, relying on the newer systems to provide control and reduce pronation.
The Brooks GuideRails are effective in controlling both lateral and medial roll, whilst the Saucony only controls overpronation.
* It should be noted that supinators should try the Adrenaline in-store first as it ‘cups’ the foot a little rather than being a specific shoe aimed at this gait style.
Cushioning
The shoes are both designed to be daily training shoes and as such offer durable cushioning for what are essentially mid-range models.
The new nitrogen-injected foam used in the Adrenaline is probably just a little more durable than the Saucony, although the Saucony’s PWRRUN foam feels slightly softer when new.
My Verdict
Both shoes provide excellent levels of cushioning and control, weigh similarly and are priced very closely. They are also among the most competitively priced shoes on the market as a whole.
Both shoes are so closely matched in the effectiveness of controlling pronation that those requiring support can easily opt for either model with confidence.
I’d score both shoes equally at 8.5 out of 10.
There are more premium models available from both brands; the Glycerin GTS from Brooks and the Hurricane from Saucony, both of which improve on these models thanks to more premium cushioning. But both these shoes are more expensive.
So, in conclusion, there isn’t a wrong choice here so take both for a spin and decide which fits and feels best to you.
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