Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Behold, stability running friends, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is here. Hailed as one of the most popular stability running shoes out there on the market, this newest addition to the Adrenaline lineup brings more cushioning, more stability, and a lot more style.
There’s a lot to discuss with this shoe, so let’s get started!
Our Conclusion
Behold, stability running friends, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is here. Hailed as one of the most popular stability running shoes out there on the market, this newest addition to the Adrenaline lineup brings more cushioning, more stability, and a lot more style.
There’s a lot to discuss with this shoe, so let’s get started!
There’s a lot to discuss with this shoe, so let’s get started!
Where to Buy
See Deal
Pros & Cons
Pros
GuideRails help create a nice and even gait cycle
Segmented crash pads absorb the impact when running on hard surfaces
3D Print Saddle locks your feet in place
Breathable mesh upper
Modest lugs work well on sidewalks as well as trails
Reinforced HPR rubber heel is ideal for heel-strikers
Great for running long-distances
Ideal for heavier runners or overpronators
Steep 32 mm stack height with a 12 mm drop
Available in wide size options
Cons
Midfoot runs slightly narrow
Heavier than expected
Key Features
Key Features
MIDSOLE
The midsole of this shoe is composed of premium DNA Loft cushioning that is Brook’s softest cushioning in their entire lineup. It is composed of a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. The EVA foam contours to the shape of your foot and delivers soft cushioning that you can feel the moment that you slip your foot inside of the shoe.
The addition of rubber to the DNA Loft blend ensures that your stride is always bright and energetic and never mushy or dense.
For stability, this midsole also includes Guiderails to ensure that you achieve a nice and even gait cycle. If you overpronate, it means that you put undue weight on the inside of your foot which can lead to pain in your knees and joints.
The GuideRail system is composed of hard TPU walls the push up against your foot and prevent them from leaning inwards to ensure that your weight is evenly distributed. This feature helps to keep your joints nice and happy and your stride as straight as an arrow.
What I also love about this highly cushioned stability trainer is that it has a very steep 12 mm drop (perfect for heavier runners or heel-strikers), and an ample 32 mm stack heigh for a super cushioned and supportive ride.
OUTSOLE
The outsole of this shoe is built to tackle just about anything. It is composed of blown rubber throughout the outsole that is grippy and durable, and ideal for running on wet or dry sidewalks. The lugs on this running shoe are deep enough to tackle modest trailheads, but shallow enough to shine on paved surfaces as well.
What transforms this outsole into a high-end stability trainer is the additional features that are built into the rubber. The heel, for instance, is composed of HPR rubber that is insanely durable and well as responsive.
When landing on your heel, this rubber not only absorbs the impact on hard surfaces but also adds an extra spring to your step. For heel strikers, the built of the heel counter is a breath of fresh air!
The outsole is also built with segments crash pads that look like a caterpillar that wraps around the outside of the shoe. These crash pads work like little shock absorbers that decrease the impact made with the ground to keep your joints nice and projected.
By utilizing segmented crash pads, runners achieve high impact absorption without hindering your full range of motion.
UPPER
The stability features of this shoe don’t end with the midsole and outsole. While this upper is incredibly lightweight and breathable, it also offers subtle stability features that help keep your feet locked in place. It boasts an engineered 3D print mesh upper that melts into your feet and offers vented panels that help move hot air up and away from your feet.
Unlike previous versions of the Adrenaline GTS series, the upper of this edition is more flexible and lighter, which offers more agility and movement without affecting stability.
What I also love about this upper is that it hosts a 3D Print saddle that helps to cradle your feet in place to provide a locked-in and even gait cycle. The heel collar is quite stiff, yet is wrapped in soft cushioning that prevents rubbing and chafing on those long-distance runs.
I also love that the tongue provides just enough padding for a comfortable fit, but it isn’t too heavy to limit your full range of motion.
PERFORMANCE
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is geared primarily for the stability running crowd. While it offers excellent cushioning, the advanced stability features make it a little too stiff and cumbersome for neutral runners.
Ideally, this shoe is built for heavier runners that are hard on their running shoes, heel-strikers, or runners that overpronate. The high-end cushioning and super durable outsole are perfect for those grueling long-distance runs, or tempo runs. Plus, the slightly more aggressive lugs can easily transition from paved sidewalks to trails with ease.
As a stability running shoe, this design is made only for running. If you like to switch up your workout routine with things such as weight training or Cross Fit, this shoe won’t provide much in terms of lateral movement. While the upper is very flexible and breathable, the outsole and midsole keep your foot locked in place.
This is a shoe that is made for running and nothing else. If you are on the hunt for a more versatile stability trainer, I suggest checking out the Brooks Beast which is a cross between a stability shoe and a cross-training shoe.
FIT
Overall, I found that this shoe runs a little small. When in doubt, it is best to purchase a half size larger than you would normally wear. While it boasts a nice and roomy toe box that allows your toes to naturally splay for added stability, the midfoot tends to run a little narrow.
This narrow build is by design because it helps to boost your overall lockdown, but it may be a little too narrow for some runners. The good news is that this shoe is also offered in wide and extra-wide options.
If you have the option, I highly suggest heading down to your local shoe store to give these shoes a try before you make your final decision. This sizing of this shoe isn’t like your typical shoe, and some runners may benefit from either selecting a wide fit or simply sizing up a half size.
If you can’t make it to a shoe store, be sure to take ample measurements of your feet and compare them to Brook’s detailed sizing chart.
PRICE
I was pleasantly surprised by the price point of these shoes. With 21 iterations of the Adrenaline GTS in Brook’s rearview mirror, they are clearly doing something right. Hailed as one of the best stability shoes out there on the market, the price point of this stability trainer is very reasonable.
While it’s not exactly considered budget-friendly, it is incredibly affordable for a high-end pair of stability shoes that pack in a lot of extra performance features.
The extended durability of the outsole and the plush and responsive cushioning make this shoe an excellent overall value that is worth a look.
It may cost a little bit more than you are used to spending on trainers, but it is an investment worth making!
The midsole of this shoe is composed of premium DNA Loft cushioning that is Brook’s softest cushioning in their entire lineup. It is composed of a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. The EVA foam contours to the shape of your foot and delivers soft cushioning that you can feel the moment that you slip your foot inside of the shoe.
The addition of rubber to the DNA Loft blend ensures that your stride is always bright and energetic and never mushy or dense.
For stability, this midsole also includes Guiderails to ensure that you achieve a nice and even gait cycle. If you overpronate, it means that you put undue weight on the inside of your foot which can lead to pain in your knees and joints.
The GuideRail system is composed of hard TPU walls the push up against your foot and prevent them from leaning inwards to ensure that your weight is evenly distributed. This feature helps to keep your joints nice and happy and your stride as straight as an arrow.
What I also love about this highly cushioned stability trainer is that it has a very steep 12 mm drop (perfect for heavier runners or heel-strikers), and an ample 32 mm stack heigh for a super cushioned and supportive ride.
OUTSOLE
The outsole of this shoe is built to tackle just about anything. It is composed of blown rubber throughout the outsole that is grippy and durable, and ideal for running on wet or dry sidewalks. The lugs on this running shoe are deep enough to tackle modest trailheads, but shallow enough to shine on paved surfaces as well.
What transforms this outsole into a high-end stability trainer is the additional features that are built into the rubber. The heel, for instance, is composed of HPR rubber that is insanely durable and well as responsive.
When landing on your heel, this rubber not only absorbs the impact on hard surfaces but also adds an extra spring to your step. For heel strikers, the built of the heel counter is a breath of fresh air!
The outsole is also built with segments crash pads that look like a caterpillar that wraps around the outside of the shoe. These crash pads work like little shock absorbers that decrease the impact made with the ground to keep your joints nice and projected.
By utilizing segmented crash pads, runners achieve high impact absorption without hindering your full range of motion.
UPPER
The stability features of this shoe don’t end with the midsole and outsole. While this upper is incredibly lightweight and breathable, it also offers subtle stability features that help keep your feet locked in place. It boasts an engineered 3D print mesh upper that melts into your feet and offers vented panels that help move hot air up and away from your feet.
Unlike previous versions of the Adrenaline GTS series, the upper of this edition is more flexible and lighter, which offers more agility and movement without affecting stability.
What I also love about this upper is that it hosts a 3D Print saddle that helps to cradle your feet in place to provide a locked-in and even gait cycle. The heel collar is quite stiff, yet is wrapped in soft cushioning that prevents rubbing and chafing on those long-distance runs.
I also love that the tongue provides just enough padding for a comfortable fit, but it isn’t too heavy to limit your full range of motion.
PERFORMANCE
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is geared primarily for the stability running crowd. While it offers excellent cushioning, the advanced stability features make it a little too stiff and cumbersome for neutral runners.
Ideally, this shoe is built for heavier runners that are hard on their running shoes, heel-strikers, or runners that overpronate. The high-end cushioning and super durable outsole are perfect for those grueling long-distance runs, or tempo runs. Plus, the slightly more aggressive lugs can easily transition from paved sidewalks to trails with ease.
As a stability running shoe, this design is made only for running. If you like to switch up your workout routine with things such as weight training or Cross Fit, this shoe won’t provide much in terms of lateral movement. While the upper is very flexible and breathable, the outsole and midsole keep your foot locked in place.
This is a shoe that is made for running and nothing else. If you are on the hunt for a more versatile stability trainer, I suggest checking out the Brooks Beast which is a cross between a stability shoe and a cross-training shoe.
FIT
Overall, I found that this shoe runs a little small. When in doubt, it is best to purchase a half size larger than you would normally wear. While it boasts a nice and roomy toe box that allows your toes to naturally splay for added stability, the midfoot tends to run a little narrow.
This narrow build is by design because it helps to boost your overall lockdown, but it may be a little too narrow for some runners. The good news is that this shoe is also offered in wide and extra-wide options.
If you have the option, I highly suggest heading down to your local shoe store to give these shoes a try before you make your final decision. This sizing of this shoe isn’t like your typical shoe, and some runners may benefit from either selecting a wide fit or simply sizing up a half size.
If you can’t make it to a shoe store, be sure to take ample measurements of your feet and compare them to Brook’s detailed sizing chart.
PRICE
I was pleasantly surprised by the price point of these shoes. With 21 iterations of the Adrenaline GTS in Brook’s rearview mirror, they are clearly doing something right. Hailed as one of the best stability shoes out there on the market, the price point of this stability trainer is very reasonable.
While it’s not exactly considered budget-friendly, it is incredibly affordable for a high-end pair of stability shoes that pack in a lot of extra performance features.
The extended durability of the outsole and the plush and responsive cushioning make this shoe an excellent overall value that is worth a look.
It may cost a little bit more than you are used to spending on trainers, but it is an investment worth making!
Comparison to Previous Versions
A running shoe doesn’t get 22 versions because it’s a bad shoe. The Adrenaline series remains a consistent fan favorite in stability running circles because it gets the job done.
Previous versions of this shoe delivered high-end support, comfort, and durability, and all of those features remain intact with the 22nd edition of the Adrenaline GTS. It also retains a very similar style, yet with a sleek and more modern facelift.
Brooks didn’t want to mess with perfection too much, but they did make some changes to make this shoe a little more cushioned and responsive. Instead of using a blended midsole, the Adrenaline GTS 22 is composed of 100 percent DNA Loft foam for a lighter and more responsive ride.
They also tweaked the fit of the 3D print upper to be more flexible and achieve a higher range of motion when compared to previous designs.
Previous versions of this shoe delivered high-end support, comfort, and durability, and all of those features remain intact with the 22nd edition of the Adrenaline GTS. It also retains a very similar style, yet with a sleek and more modern facelift.
Brooks didn’t want to mess with perfection too much, but they did make some changes to make this shoe a little more cushioned and responsive. Instead of using a blended midsole, the Adrenaline GTS 22 is composed of 100 percent DNA Loft foam for a lighter and more responsive ride.
They also tweaked the fit of the 3D print upper to be more flexible and achieve a higher range of motion when compared to previous designs.
Verdict
If you are on the hunt for one of the very best stability shoes out there on the market, you have come to the right place. For years, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS series has led the pack in high-end stability trainers that almost do the running for you.
It offers a steep 12 mm drop that is perfect for heel strikers, and a 32 mm DNA Loft midsole that is soft yet still offers an extra spring to your step.
For overpronators, the Guiderail system, segmented crash pad, and 3D print saddle lock your feet in place and promote a healthy and even gait cycle. When your stride is nice and even, it prevents excessive pressure on your knees and joints that allow you to run for longer distances pain-free.
It may cost a little bit more than your average running shoe, but the high-end stability features and cushioning are well worth the investment!
It offers a steep 12 mm drop that is perfect for heel strikers, and a 32 mm DNA Loft midsole that is soft yet still offers an extra spring to your step.
For overpronators, the Guiderail system, segmented crash pad, and 3D print saddle lock your feet in place and promote a healthy and even gait cycle. When your stride is nice and even, it prevents excessive pressure on your knees and joints that allow you to run for longer distances pain-free.
It may cost a little bit more than your average running shoe, but the high-end stability features and cushioning are well worth the investment!
Where to Buy
See Deal
