Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18

Editor rating: 9.5 / 10

User's rating: based on 2 user ratings

1 star

2 star

3 star

4 star

5 star

100%

Add your Rating

By Stacey O'Connor

All Brooks Shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Review Facts

See more facts

Watch Video Review

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 is the number one best selling shoe on the Brooks line. This shoe has gone through 18 iterations, and each one keeps getting better than the next. The key updates include a better upper that includes more breathability and adaptable stretch. The secret to the success of this shoe is that it is able to combine cushioning and support with a sleek and stylish design aesthetic. This shoe is able to provide runners with the high quality, running assistance but effortlessly transition from the track to a fashionable accessory that compliments any outfit. This shoe is offered in 20 different styling options, ranging from subdued to bright and vibrant. Not only is the shoe designed to look great, the engineers at Brooks developed the Adrenaline GTS 18 to help improve the runner’s overall health by ensuring the body is positioned and aligned appropriately. This shoe is reasonably priced and comes in right at the average price point of a high quality running shoe on today’s market.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

cushioned and supportive

affordable

offered in 20 different color and style options

number one best seller in the Brooks line

Cons

not suitable for runners looking for a minimalist feel

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 5.9 hours analyzing a total of 522 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

Heel support is the best, a marked improvment on the previous shoe. I have found that my previous issues with lack of heel support are righted by these shoes.
Best running sneakers I've owned, the cushioning is exactly right for me. I'm happy with the upgrade and thanks for the new upper, its got better breathability.
Fit perfect and feels great, the shoe gives nice stability even on tough surfaces. I'm a bit flat footed and this shoe sure gives me stability.
For me I find the arch support is set at a level which really works well for me compared to the previous shoe.
This upgrade is the most comfortable running shoe, for local jogging, I don't like too much cushion.
I had problems with arch support being to high so I tried this shoe and it takes the pain out of running.
Compared to the previous shoe this is now a superior fit and very very comfortable.
When I put on these shoes they fit like a glove, I love the feeling of stability from the new style uppers.
Best Adrenaline I ever ran with, nice firm sole with a comfortable amount of flexibility.
Awesome price, the shoe gets upgraded and I like the new uppers and the level of breathability.
I looked for a shoe with solid stability and great cushioning, the stability is there and the cushioning works really nicely for me.
It feels like a neutral running shoe with extra support, now I have tried this shoe I have even noticed some of the footaches I used to get are now gone.
I have long toes and for me their is lots of toe room for wide feet as my feet are also wide, these are a good result, happy I tried them.
Amazingly light, I expected a change when these were upgraded but the lightness came as a much appreciated surprise.
The shoe structure and the upper gives great support and I like the new style, I wear these for both running and socially.
Two nice surpises, 5 stars for fit, these shoes fit my wide feet perfectly , 4 stars for softness, the level of cushion for me seems much better than in previous version. These are a very comfortable ride.
I like the outsole it seems to be a mix of hard foam with plastic, great feeling of stability.
Nice new choice of colors, very snazzy and stylish, and the upper feels like my feet are kept cooler.
My first run in these were a pleasure, they were light and springy and a lot more comfortable than I expected.
I do a lot of local road running and this shoe can absorb the shocks nicely, been trying different shoes and I finally found one that works the way I like, less shock and lots of comfort.
My son is flat-footed and has struggled a lot to get the right shoe, this shjoe FITs him perfectly though he had to size up and no problems for him when running.
For me this is a super great mild pronation shoe, the cushion works really great, the upper gives a good feeling for stability and I love the sole, its gor grip
realy good on hard surfaces, I had issues with previous shoesbut the sole and cushion in these shoe sorted out my problems, really delighted.

Negative

I couldn’t get over the 12mm drop, I love this brand but this change is too dramatic for me, I'm not sure what this will do to my feet.
I ran for 5 months and I found the sole wears out fast. I run about 4 miles during the week each day, I'm thinking the sole could be better.
When I first ran in these they felt really unsupportive but I like the shoe so I added orthotics for more arch support. It worked out.
Black toe/his toe hit the top in toebox, what happened to the toe space in this shoe it has never been a problem for my husband before.
Ok I do run a lot but the heel seems to be wearing down and losing support for the rest of the shoe.
I have narrow feet and I found that the shoe folds into foot and the upper is showing signs of wrinkles.
I was surprised because I always use Brooks, the changes in this shoe has made it feel sloppy & too much slack, I'm going back to the previous version.
really frustrated, I ordered these in my size and they felt too tight and small, I had to send the shoes back and get a half size bigger, thats not convenient.
Maybe it's me but I blame the shoes, when I run it feels like the heel comes down way to early and scuffs the road and slows me down.
After three months a hole formed in the toe box, I love Brooks shoes and I really expected more durable life than this in the shoe. The rest of the shoe is fine but the hole gets bigger and bigger, tougher material please Brooks.
I think the upper mesh looks cheap compared to the previous shoe why is this change needed the upper looked great before.
So the shoe feels lighter but it feels like the arch support has gone and when I run the shoe has too much of a springy feeling.

8.6

Outsole

The responsive cushioning found throughout this shoe makes it a great choice for activities that require dynamic movement. The outsole of this shoe features an integrated crash pad. This crash pad features a beveled edge that not only creates a cool, stylish look, it is also great for any and all gait cycles. It creates a seamless gait cycle, from heel to toe. The various flex grooves worked into the durable rubberized outsole material create a more fluid, flexible ride for runners.

Midsole

Brooks engineers put a lot of work into this midsole, and it shows. The main midsole unit utilizes Brooks’s BioMoGo DNA cushioning. This midsole foam is designed to adapt to the unique shape and needs of each runner’s foot. Runners described the shoe as plush, but firm enough to provide the perfect amount of cushioning, especially to those who need additional arch support. Along the sides of the midsole, runners can find Brooks progressive diagonal rollbar. This midsole design helps to provide runners with proper alignment and added comfort. This added support in the midsole helps keep the foot straight, making it a good choice for activities that require lateral movements like Zumba or other dance based classes.

Upper

The upper of this shoe is one of the areas that received the most drastic updates from the previous models. Brooks worked hard in this new model to add more style and breathability to the running experience. The upper is constructed with a breathable mesh. The design uses an asymmetrical 3D fit Print that is secured with a TPU saddle to add extra support and stability. This provides a unique, stylish fit that is also functional too. This design locks down the heel and eliminates the risk of blisters and hot spots from unwanted movement.

Weight

This is not the minimalist shoe that some runners are looking for. Instead, this is a shoe for the runner who is looking for more cushioning and supportive features. Because of the added cushioning and protective elements, this shoe is not going to be listed as an ultra-lightweight running shoe. The women’s size nine is going to weigh 9 ounces while the men’s size nine is 10 ounces. This is by no means a heavy shoe, but runners who are looking for a true minimalist shoe will not find it in the Adrenaline GTS 18.

Breathability

The upper of the shoe is made with a breathable mesh material that allows for maximum air to flow freely into and around shoe. This helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe and keep the athlete cool and comfortable regardless of the conditions. The sides, as well as the top of the shoe, are covered in large ventilation holes. This material is also quick drying.

Comfort

Runners raved about the overall comfort of this shoe. The midsole material and the upper material are both designed to conform to the shape of the foot. The BioMoGo midsole foam is designed to be both cushioned as well as supportive, to help maintain a proper alignment. This will help to ensure that runners can avoid pain and injury as much as possible. The supportive elements designed for this shoe help to keep the foot locked in place, reducing the likelihood of friction that can lead to blisters. Runners reported that the high level of cushioning in the shoe makes it a great option for longer, slower runs as well as any activity that requires dynamic movement, like Zumba. Many also commented that this shoe is a good choice for folks who spend long hours on their feet each day.

Style

One of the key updates to the Adrenaline 18 GTS compared to its previous model is the sleek, fashionable upper design. The improved design is more fashionable and looks better as an accessory to your everyday outfit in addition to your fitness attire. Runners can now choose between 20 different color and styling options that range from sleek and basic like an all black and grey model to something funkier and fashion-forward like deep maroon.

Durability

In terms of durability, the part of the shoe that received the highest praise was the BioMoGo midsole foam. Although this foam provides the runner with a plush, supportive cushioning, it is also designed to withstand high mileage without losing its shape and effectiveness. Additionally, the outsole is also designed to withstand high mileage and even though the price is average for a high quality running shoe, runners reported that this shoe needed to be replaced much less frequently than some similar shoes on the market.

Protection

The entire design of this shoe is engineered to provide the runner with unmatched protection. The way that Brooks is able to do that is through the use of their patented Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. This detail is designed to correctly align the body, leading to fewer injuries and less pain. The upper of the shoe also features a TPU saddle. This saddle is designed to hold the foot in place and provide more support and security through the midfoot. The saddle locks the foot in place, eliminating unwanted friction that can lead to painful blisters and hot spots. Finally, the BioMoGo midsole foam is designed to absorb harmful shock in each footfall, reducing the risk of pain and injury to the joints.

Responsiveness

This shoe is designed to adapt to the runner’s movement. The Progressive Diagonal Rollbar is designed to respond to lateral movement from the runner and keep the foot in the correct position that provides the healthiest alignment. Although this shoe has a thicker, plushier cushioning in the midsole, runners reported that it was still able to respond quickly and effectively to changes in movement and pace.

Support

Many runners selected this shoe for its supportive details. For starters, the upper of the shoe is designed using an asymmetrical 3D Fit Print and a TPU saddle along the midsole. This TPU saddle works to keep the foot in the correct alignment and reduces the risk of unwanted side to side movement. It works to lock the heel into place so that runners do not need to worry about their foot slipping or sliding around inside of the shoe. The outsole of the shoe has an integrated crash pad. This detail comes with beveled edges that support a seamless gait cycle for all runners. This shoe is also suggested for runners who have high arches and may need additional arch support to keep them comfortable and free from injury.

Terrain

Although the outsole of this shoe is designed with a high quality, durable rubber, it is not suggested for off-road adventures. It does not have the rugged lug system that would make this a safe shoe for hiking. This shoe is best suited for more urban activities, indoor activities, and track workouts. The TPU saddle keeps the foot from moving too far in one direction or the other, making it a great choice for activities that include a good deal of dynamic, lateral movement like different dance/workout classes.

Price

Even though this shoe is loaded with some of the newest technology that is designed to protect the runner and provide superior comfort and cushion, it is still in the same price range as the average running shoe on today’s market. While this shoe is not priced for the runner on a tight budget, it certainly isn’t considered a luxury item. Plus, runners reported that this shoe holds up well against extensive mileage and needs to be replaced much less frequently than similar shoes.

Traction

If runners flip this shoe over they will notice the updated design that provides added traction and grip. In addition to the multiple flex groove, the underfoot is sectioned off and covered in small, square rubberized material that provides space for water to run around the shoe so that runners don’t slip. It also does an excellent job of gripping onto slippery terrain as well.

Flexibility

Although this shoe is known for providing support to runners, it is also surprisingly flexible for a shoe that provides this much cushioning and support. The upper of the shoe is made from a breathable mesh that adapts to the shape of the foot. Runners described it almost like a sock. The outsole of the shoe comes equipped with various flex grooves that promote a natural gait cycle from toe-off to heel strike.

Stability

This shoe is listed as a neutral running shoe. What that means is that runners who select this shoe do not have problems with their ankles and feet rolling inward or outward during this gait cycle. With that being said, there are supports built into this shoe that would help a runner with a slight overpronation. The shoe is designed to protect the runner by correctly aligning their entire body during the run. This helps to reduce the risk of injury and pain caused by misalignment during activity.

Drop

The average heel to toe drop for running shoes on today's market is 10 millimeters. This shoe comes in slightly higher than that at 12 millimeters. This is the highest heel drop that is offered in running shoes. Runners who are used to running in an average heel drop shoe may need a short amount of time to adapt to the higher heel drop. This shoe is suggested for runners with higher arches who may need more support. It is not suggested for runners who are looking for a barefoot running experience.

Key Features

-Number one selling Brooks shoe
-Engineered mesh upper for added breathability
-Progressive Diagonal Rollbar promotes proper body alignment
-20 different style and color options
-12-millimeter drop
-BioMoGo midsole foam adapts to foot and provides added cushioning
-Asymmetrical 3D fit Print along with the upper
-TPU saddle along the midfoot lock foot in place
-Integrated Crash Pad absorbs shock and reduces pain and the risk of injury
-Flex grooves along the outsole

Bottom Line

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 has been around for a long time and has been rated Brooks number one seller for a reason. Runners love the comfort and support that this shoe offers. It is designed to carry runners through their running workouts of any distances but is especially great for the long miles like a marathon or half marathon training and racing. Due to the adaptive midsole foam of the BioMoGo design, runners found that the shoe conformed to the unique shape of their foot, providing excellent support that didn’t lose its shape even after high mileage. The updates to the newest Adrenaline GTS include a resigned upper that is more sleek and stylish. Runners can find the shoe in 20 different color and styling options that will appeal to all aesthetics. Even though the shoe is durable and made with the newest technologies, it is reasonably priced, coming in right around the average running shoe on today’s market. This shoe does feature a high heel drop, so it is not suggested for runners who are looking for a minimalists or zero drop running experience.