Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Review

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is our go-to for those looking for a shoe that is stable and supportive. With GuideRail technology that adds firm, supportive rails along the sides of the shoe, you will feel planted and surefooted each time your foot hits the ground. Plenty of stability through the heel allows for your ankles, knees, and hips to all feel stable offering you confidence throughout your run.

Combined with durable upper materials and outsole rubber, this feels like one of the most durable and well-built shoes in our lineup. Of course, these materials increase the weight, also making this one of the heavier shoes in our lineup, but we are still impressed with the ability to keep this shoe around 10 ounces. This design is traditional and doesn't have many of today's trends such as heel rocker and thick compressive foam, but if you are looking for a stable platform for everyday use, this is the model for you.

Performance Comparison

Cushioning and Landing Comfort

Cushioning has seen some of the biggest advances in running technology in recent years. Many shoes today have thick, springy foam in the midsoles. Shoes that used to be considered high cushioning are now considered stiff by some users. The Adrenaline 22 has a more traditional cushioning platform that will feel familiar to people who have been running for a while. The cushioning is still noticeable, but not as impressive as some other models.

The Adrenaline's cushioning is compressive but returns less energy and is less springy than some other models, leading to a slightly duller feeling. If you don't have the need for the stability features of this shoe, you may want to stick with something a bit less rigid. This helpful blend of compression and stability allows your feet to feel fresh and snappy at the start of a run, but also well-supported when the fatigue sets in and your form starts to deteriorate. Shoes that offer this balanve are generally ones that we end up wearing on a daily basis.

Responsiveness

This model feels a bit more planted and doesn't feel like you are being sprung forward. Today's most responsive models typically achieve their responsiveness by having a carbon or nylon plate, super springy foam, or being super lightweight. Since this shoe doesn't have those features, it is a bit slow when returning energy after toeing off and we don't get the same feeling of power transfer that we find with the lighter models.

When running faster, you may feel the supportive features of this model absorb too much energy, limiting the energy rebound on the return. Responsiveness is this model's lowest-scoring metric, but we wouldn't read too much into this if you're primarily focused on support and stability. We think this shoe has more than adequate responsiveness but doesn't quite propel us forward as some of the lighter-weight models.

Upper Comfort

High-quality materials and great comfort make this upper one that is both appreciated and familiar. This upper design is traditional and doesn't contain many of the new 'trends' such as knit uppers or ultrasonically sealed seams. This is largely in our opinion because it doesn't need them. This is up there as one of the most comfortable uppers we tested and our only complaint is that the thicker materials are less breathable.

The upper holds the heel well, and the footbed is mostly flat leading towards the most stable platform possible. We don't mind the thicker tongue because it works well at compressing the upper foot and wraps sufficiently. We think this model is best for all types of feet and is not nearly as narrow as some of the other models. We experienced no hot spots or blisters from our first run to our final run. This is another reason why we think this model is great for long runs and all-around use; users that want a more speedy feel may find that a tighter fitting upper gives them a bit more confidence to run fast.

Lateral Stability and Support

This is the most supportive model we tested and should be your pick if you desire stability and support. Using the signature GuideRails technology, teh Adrenaline 22 helps your feet feel sure-footed and planted. Starting with a rigid heel cup allows for lateral stiffness that makes your entire running form feel locked in and precise.

Your ankles, knees, hips, and upper body all feel firm and supported thanks to the stable platform. If your body shape or running style doesn't require this support and stability, this shoe could come across as slightly unnatural. With a lower stack height and higher heel drop, there is support for both your form and muscles, which should lessen your body's need to compensate for issues relating to the ankles and knees.

Weight

While a few ounces heavier than our lightest model, we are impressed with the ability to provide so many features in a 10.4-ounce (men's size 9.5) shoe. Durability and comfort are the main benefits of this added weight. We are happy about the extensive outsole rubber which provides grip in all conditions and leads to confidence on various types of surfaces. The upper is also built with substantial materials which in our experience leads to greater longevity. We often find a worn-out upper to be the reason our shoes need to be replaced.

If you don't find the supportive features necessary for your running style, we would suggest a lighter-weight model. This will engage your muscles and will be less weight on your feet. Brooks is well known and loved for their supportive shoes, so you could find a lighter model in their lineup that might suit you better.

Should You Buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22?

Out of all of the models we tested, you could argue that Adrenaline has the most features and we think it's one of the most durable designs. If stability and support is what you're seeking, we think this decision is a no-brainer. This is the model for you. If you don't need supportive features, we think you should find a shoe that is a bit less rigid laterally and that is a bit lighter. Regardless, we think this is one of the best all-around shoes in our lineup and would be great for anything from long runs to daily workouts.

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