By Paul Freary
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS have been running shoe staples for me for several years. Both from a personal perspective and from that of being a running shoe store owner, they have always proved reliable options for runners requiring a good combination of cushioning and support for daily training.
If you click, or buy from, links on this page, we may receive compensation. Learn more
For many years, the shoes offered a relatively similar running experience, the only difference being that the Glycerin offered slightly more cushioning.
In the Adrenaline GTS 24, Brooks swapped out the EVA-based midsole for a nitrogen-injected material as used in the Glycerin GTS 21.
While making this change, the midsole cushioning of the Glycerin GTS 22 was improved in both stack height and performance.
The latest versions of both shoes are the best yet, but they offer a different running experience. Let’s look at what these two great shoes have in common as well as how they differ.
Brooks Glycerin Vs Brooks Adrenaline
Brooks | Adrenaline GTS 24 | Glycerin GTS 22 |
|---|---|---|
Weight | Men’s 284g / 10oz, Women’s 250g/ 8.8oz | Men’s 303g / 10.7oz, Women’s 269g/ 9.5oz |
Drop | 12mm | 10mm |
Stack Height | 36 mm heel 24 mm forefoot | 38 mm heel 28 mm forefoot |
Cushioning | Mid-height cushioning stack with support, DNA Loft V3 Nitrogen-infused foam | High-stack cushioned with support and new dual-cell Nitrogen-infused foam |
Softness of Cushioning | Medium Softness | Super-Soft Cushioning |
Level of Support | Cushioned Support | Support with extra cushion |
Fit | Classic Fit | Classic Fit |
Available in Widths | Yes | Yes |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 | $165 |
A Matter of Support
Both the Adrenaline and Glycerin share the GTS initials in their names. The GTS stands for Go To Support. This support is provided by the brand’s GuideRail technology.
Brooks themselves describe how the GuideRails, their unique support system, work as being similar to the rails at a bowling alley that can be used for young players. The rails keep the ball in the lane, and so too, the GuideRails keep the foot centred within the shoe.
The lateral and medial sides of the midsole cushioning extend up around the heel of the shoe to create the GuideRails. When the foot lands on the lateral side of the heel, the GuideRail ensures it doesn’t supinate.
As the foot naturally pronates, the medial GuideRail ensures the foot doesn’t overpronate. The system works very well and provides a very natural level of support for a wide range of runners, making the shoe a versatile option.
Adrenaline GTS 24
Shop Now at
Glycerin GTS 22
Shop Now at
Cushioning
It’s a great update to the model, and fans of the Adrenaline won’t be disappointed. It provides a great ride and good support and is without doubt one of the best value for money shoes in this category.
The Glycerin GTS 22 uses the new DNA-Tuned midsole foam. The midsole foam uses different-sized cells to provide a different feel in the heel and forefoot of the shoe.
The rearfoot, larger cells make for a softer, more cushioned initial impact. In the forefoot, small cells give the shoe a more responsive, energised toe-off.
As well as the difference in the midsole foam, the Glycerin offers a larger stack of cushioning, being 2mm thicker at 38mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot.
The Glycerin has a lower, 10mm drop than the 12mm of the Adrenalin.
Fit and Feel
Both shoes fit true to size for me in terms of length and width, but the uppers have slightly different fits.
The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a touch more breathable and feels a bit more dialled in around the midfoot. The Glycerin GTS 22 has a more spacious, plush upper; it’s a little roomier in the toe box and has a little more natural wiggle room. Overall, the Glycerin feels more relaxed with a plusher, general feel due to its double jacquard mesh upper.
Stability and Support
Both shoes feature Brooks’ GuideRails system as mentioned above, which helps keep excessive movement in check. The difference is in how noticeable that support is.
In the Adrenaline GTS 24, the GuideRails feel a bit more active. There’s this gentle steering happening, especially when I start to fatigue and my form breaks down. It doesn’t correct me harshly; it just keeps me on track.
The Glycerin GTS 22, by contrast, feels more passive in its stability, perhaps due to being a plusher fit. The support is there, but it fades into the background and is less noticeable. This said, I think the Glycerin is now a little better at controlling overpronation, it just does so without being noticeable while running in it!
Opening Miles
Right out of the box, the Glycerin GTS 22 feels plusher, like stepping onto a pillow that still somehow knows how to hug your arch. It’s noticeably softer, and that continues through the first few miles. The DNA Loft cushioning is rich, smooth, and absorbs impact incredibly well.
The Adrenaline GTS 24, on the other hand, feels a bit firmer and more structured. It’s not uncomfortable, not by any means, but it gives off a more responsive, slightly more locked-in sensation when you first lace up.
Which One to Choose?
Both shoes offer a great combination of cushioning and support for everyday miles. If value for money is your main concern, then go for the Adrenaline GTS24. It continues to be one of the best shoes on the market in this price bracket.
If you can stretch the budget to the Glycerin GTS 22, then you should go for it. You will not regret it! The ride is a little softer, more cushioned and at the same time offers a slightly more energised feel.
Verdict
The Adrenaline GTS 24 is stable, efficient, and just a little nimbler.
The Glycerin GTS 22 is softer, smoother, and built for comfort.
Both are excellent shoes, especially if you need a touch of stability. But how they feel really depends on what kind of run you’re doing.
Personally, I will continue to have both in my rotation; they complement each other well, and between them, I’m covered for pretty much any kind of run.
Leave a Reply