Brooks Beast vs Adrenaline – Battle for Support

Similar Stats, What’s Different?

At first glance, both the Beast GTS 24 and Adrenaline GTS 24 appear very similar. Both have the same cushioning stack and heel drop and both now use the same midsole foam: DNA Loft v3, the brand’s Nitrogen-infused foam.

The Beast is around 65g heavier than the Adrenaline. The additional weight comes from the formulation of the midsole foam and the volume of it.

DNA Loft v3 is the brand name for their particular type of nitrogen-infused foam, but it is somewhat of an umbrella term and different models in their lineup use varying formulations of the same materials.

As with compression moulded EVA foams, the amount of air or, in this case, nitrogen injected into the foam will create a varying-density material.

The DNA Loft v3 used in the Beast is denser, slightly firmer and, as a result, a little heavier. The overall volume of the cushioning in the Beast is also a little large compared to the Adrenaline. The Beast is a little broader in the heel forefoot and slightly straighter lasted, so it simply has a little more material under the foot.

A Question of Control

While both shoes carry the GTS prefix, denoting that they fall into Brooks’ ‘go-to-support’ category, they do offer slightly differing amounts of control.

Both shoes feature GuideRail technology. These ‘rails’ are extended sections of the midsole which rise up around the rearfoot on both the medial and lateral side of the foot. These rails create a cupped fit around the foot and help control pronation.

Like the guard rails at a bowling alley help to keep a bowl in the lane should it veer to one side, the GuideRails help keep the foot centrally placed within the cushioning in a neutral position.

Beast Has Greater Support?

The GuideRails in the Beast extend a little further along the foot, in particular on the medial side of the shoe in the Beast 24. By doing this, they add more support should it be needed.

In the Adrenaline GTS 24, the GuideRails have been revised from the GTS23. The GTS24 now uses the new DNA Loft v3 foam, as mentioned above and I think perhaps Brooks thought that as a softer foam, a revision to the GuideRail might be in order.

While on the lateral side of the midsole, the GuideRail remains part of the main midsole, on the medial side, it appears to be a separate, denser material.

The revised GuideRail on the medial side of the Adrenaline 24 certainly makes the shoe more supportive than the previous version and in comparison, to other competitor brands, the Adrenaline makes a great support shoe choice.

Fit and Feel

Both shoes fit true to size in terms of length and width. Both shoes are available in width fittings, too, so you should have no trouble finding a great fit, whichever you choose.

The upper of both the Beast and Adrenaline is the usual Brooks high-quality construction. The engineered mesh design of both shoes offers excellent breathability and durability and has a small degree of stretch to it. It’s this stretch that usually allows Brooks shoes to easily accommodate any small ‘lumps and bumps’ that individuals may have, meaning the shoes fit very well for the vast majority of people.

All this said, the Beast generally has a slightly higher volume to its upper. This accommodates those with a higher instep easily and generally larger heavier runners.

Weight

As its name suggests, the Beast (women's model Brooks Ariel) is quite literally a beast of a shoe. It’s big and chunky, quite clunky and a little heavier than many shoes.

These features make the shoe naturally a little more suited to heavier runners simply because they are putting a little more weight through the shoe and its cushioning.

The Beast is geared towards more force and impact and handles it very well. The extra weight of the shoe is a small price to pay for its durability.

Comfort

On the run, there is no question that the Adrenaline GTS 24 is more comfortable than the Beast, but that doesn’t make the Beast a bad shoe.

I must admit that before writing this review and video (watch our Brooks Beast video here), I had worn a pair of Beast. But, when trying them, I was quite pleasantly surprised, in fact, I was amazed by the level of comfort. For such a supportive shoe, the Beast really is a shoe that I could easily wear all day – and I am a 68kg runner!

The Adrenaline is softer, lighter, more flexible and more responsive than the Beast but isn’t as supportive.

Which One to Choose?

Okay, it’s crunch time. Which shoe are you choosing?

Both shoes provide support and are suitable for daily training. I think there are two main factors when making your selection.

This isn’t hard and fast, but I’d say if you weigh over 100kg, then the Beast will offer the best support. If you are under 100kg, then the Adrenaline should provide a better experience. When making this point, I am also considering the durability of the shoe and the lifespan of its cushioning.

If you run easy miles at a steady pace, the Beast will be fine, but if you want a shoe to pick the pace up a little, then the Adrenaline provides a more flexible and responsive ride.

My Verdict

The Beast also works well for those requiring a durable shoe for use throughout the day. Those who spend long periods standing and those who may cover many miles going about their daily work. The shoe’s stability and high-quality cushioning doesn’t ‘give way’ and provides day-long support.

The Adrenaline has long been one of the best-selling shoes in running specialist retail, not just in the support category but full stop. It’s easy to recommend the Adrenaline to any runner, not just those requiring support, because it is simply one of the best all-around running shoes on the market.

The Adrenaline 24 is a great update to the model and the DNA Loft v3 foam brings the shoe up to date to hold its own among the competition, which use the latest high-tech foams.

You simply can’t put a foot wrong in the Adrenaline GTS 24.

Ultimately, the Beast provides all-out support and control and the Adrenaline control and versatility.