Brooks Glycerin Vs Adrenaline – Brooks Shoes Compared

Buying a running shoe can feel pretty difficult at times. There is no one shoe for everyone or every foot. Each foot is made up of 26 bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. It’s a complicated structure and everyone’s different! Do your homework. Take off your socks and look at your feet. Look at the running shoes that have worked for you in the past and the ones that have not.

In this article, we are looking at two models of cushioned Brooks running shoes. Cushioned running shoes are meant for people who do not have foot issues that require the shoe to have added support.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

I remember seeing this shoe on the shoe wall way back. This Brooks shoe model goes all the way back to 1996, not ancient but a long time for a model to stick around. From what I have found researching this model, it was designed to provide a shoe that was well cushioned and provided support, without being a chunky motion control or stiff supportive running shoe. 

The version 23 is just slightly lighter (10.1 compared to 10.2 ounces) but otherwise almost unchanged. The midsole has the same cushioning but a newer version of the Loft cushioning (Version 2) making it slightly softer and lighter.

I have seen the shoe change over the years but the core of it what it was supposed to be, has not changed. Brooks says that the shoe has become lighter and softer over the years, with smoother transitions (from heel to toe).

This is a well-cushioned neutral running shoe that still has some support for the foot that does not need an orthotic but likes a stable ride (if that makes sense). The shoe is said to be soft but not super soft or firm, somewhere in the middle, which might contribute to the stable feel of the shoe. softness.

To add to a cushion that is not too soft two plastic pieces that are inserted on either side of the heel cup. This added support is supposed to help hold the rear foot in a more stable, neutral position while you are running.

It's not categorized as a stability shoe but is just more stable than a softer cushioned neutral running shoe that does not have the extra support at the heel. Those plastic pieces are supposed to help stop any minor rearfoot “rolling in” or overpronation.

This article about running shoe types may provide you with more understanding of running shoe categories.

Who Should Try the Adrenaline GTS 23

You should pull this shoe out of the box to try it on if you feel unstable in other soft cushioned running shoes or have been told that you overpronate but very mildly. If you are a bigger runner and think you need a cushioned running shoe but want something a bit firmer and stable, then I would also suggest this Brooks running shoe.

Whether you need the slight added support or are a heavier runner looking for a more stable cushioned running shoe, this should be on your list to try.

Brooks Glycerin 21

The Brooks Glycerin is another neutral cushioned shoe in the Brooks running shoe lineup that has been around for many years. At $200, the Glycerin should offer a good deal of cushioning and that is what Brooks says it has, and soft cushioning, they even describe as super soft cushioning. 

The Glycerin uses a new version of the Brooks Loft cushioning and should be a softer feeling than last year’s model and shoes using Loft 2. The upper is soft and breathable and should conform comfortably to many feet. The company is also saying that they have redesigned the midsole and outsole to offer a widened platform for smoother, easier transitions.

Compared to the last model, the new shoe has 2mm more super-soft DNA LOFT v3 cushioning and differs from the regular Glycerin 21 with more stability because of the GuideRails support system.

Tip: Do your research but always feel free to ask your specialty running store staff (if not buying online) about how the shoe has been fitting and what other customers have thought of the shoe. More information is better than not enough.

Who Should Try the Glycerin GTS 21

You should consider this shoe if you are looking for a soft, well-cushioned training shoe for putting the miles in. It may not be your speedy race shoe or one you do speed work in, but it will probably be able to be used for long runs and easy days. It's a medium-weight, training shoe with a couple of width options for a foot that does not have any issues. The stability feature in the GTS version of the Glycerin makes the shoe more stable but not a stability shoe.

I think this shoe is a good everyday trainer with decent cushioning, not too light, not too clunky. The GTS version gives the option of having a mainly pure cushioned shoe but a touch more stable than the Glycerin 21. Both the 21 and GTS 21 should be tried on to see what works best for your foot.

The story of the Glycerin began in the 1990s — the name was actually inspired by the song “Glycerine” by the English band Bush. It may not make the shoe cooler, but it’s a neat fact!

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Reviews

From going online, it seems some seem to think the newest Glycerin is one of the best versions of the shoe, but they think it could have more cushion (that takes a while to feel right) and could be more responsive for such a pricey shoe.

Both these shoes are cushioned but the Adrenaline is firmer and uses an older version of the Brooks DNA Loft cushioning material. The Adrenaline has a higher drop and is more supportive than the Glycerin and it also comes in more width options.

So, both shoes are good, cushioned training shoes for everyday training but if you want something more stable and want more width options, which is also cheaper than the Glycerin, get the Adrenaline. If you want a softer ride than the Adrenaline and are not worried about stability, the Glycerin should be an option if it fits!

Brooks Sizing

Direct from their website! “Compared to other brands, we most often find that our shoes to fit slightly shorter. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 size to one size larger than what you wear in casual or dress shoes.”