Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Review

The word “adrenaline” can evoke feelings of intense excitement, the rush of free-falling into the air or the tingling anticipation of watching a terrifying horror movie. But for some runners, adrenaline comes from the simple act of lacing up and hitting the pavement day after day in pursuit of their goals. While the Brooks Adrenaline may sound like a shoe that’s engineered for top speeds and quick paces, it’s actually the sturdy, reliable workhorse you need to show up day after day, week after week to stack up the building blocks of fitness.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS has been around for 23 iterations, and it’s easy to see why. It offers ample cushioning from the road and stable support to keep runners from overpronating, the excessive inward rolling of a runner’s foot upon landing. As the years have gone by, the Adrenaline has evolved with the times. The latest version features a new midsole foam compound with the same trusted support system runners expect from the model. Read our Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 review to learn everything you need to know about the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 stays true to its roots as a moderately-cushioned stability trainer with Brooks’ signature GuideRail technology, a set of firm posts on the lateral and medial side of the heel and midfoot. It’s the same technology used in previous versions of the model, and reviewers appreciate the subtle yet sturdy support.

“The Adrenaline 23 feels more stable than other stability shoes I’ve tested recently, even though I couldn’t necessarily feel the GuideRails directly,” Max says. “The combination of modest stack height also helps me to feel more stable.”

The biggest update to the latest version of the Adrenaline is the use of DNA Loft v2 midsole foam, rather than the DNA Loft used in the previous version. DNA Loft v2 is designed to be softer and lighter than DNA Loft, but reviewers thought the Adrenaline 23 felt firmer than its predecessor.

“As soon as I put on the Adrenaline 23, I had to double check that it was the right shoe because they felt much firmer than the previous version,” Mandy says. “However, once I took the shoe out for some walk-run intervals, the cushioning sprang to life.”

We can’t say for sure if the DNA Loft v2 foam, a mixture of EVA foam, rubber, air and nitrogen, is what gives the Adrenaline 23 its firm feel. It could be a combination of the cushioning, the GuideRail technology and the moderate stack height that reviewers noticed felt low next to comparable models they’ve been testing. Regardless, the firm underfoot sensation lends to the overall stable feeling of the shoe.

“The Adrenaline 23 definitely felt firm on the run, but they came to life as I got moving,” Kate says. “Since they’re a stability shoe, they’re not very flexible, which is ideal for that category. They flex just enough in the forefoot to help my stride feel smooth on the run while remaining stable in the midfoot and heel. My initial run was on mixed terrain with a bit of road, sidewalk and packed dirt trail and the shoes felt comfortable for all of it.”

A durable rubber outsole makes the Adrenaline 23 a great choice to handle the bulk of your training miles and, as reviewers noticed, it’s grippy enough to handle varying terrain (within reason).

The supportive feel of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 continues up top with a smooth yet structured engineered mesh upper. Brooks’ 3D Fit Print process uses an innovative screen-printing process that applies engineered structure to the upper material. The result is a soft yet structured feel that hugs your foot in all of the right places.

“The smooth engineered mesh upper has some give to it while also locking my foot in,” says Nate. “Plus, I love how the padded, gusseted tongue stays firmly in place. These are things you’d expect in a premium daily trainer and Brooks certainly delivers on a comfortable, plush feel. The heel collar feels rigid, which adds to the sense of stability. The GTS 23 fits true to size and the 2E was perfect for my wide feet. I enjoyed a secure feel in the midfoot and plenty of room in the forefoot.”

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is more than just comfortable. It’s both accommodating, available in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide sizing, and eco-friendly, too. Each shoe is made with recycled materials equivalent to nine plastic water bottles, according to Brooks.

If you’re not sure about the width of your feet, be sure to head into your local Fleet Feet for an expert one-on-one outfitting. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height.

Looking at the tech specs above, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 and GTS 22 look almost identical. While they feel quite similar, the major difference lies in the midsole foam used. While the previous version used Brooks’ DNA Loft foam, the latest version gets an upgrade with DNA Loft v2 foam, designed to be softer and lighter. However, reviewers found the new version to feel quite a bit firmer, and the weights are almost identical save for .01 ounces in the men’s model. Nevertheless, the Adrenaline GTS 23 continues to provide the comfortable, reliable support the model is known for.

“The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a great shoe for those seeking ‘old reliable,’” says Caroline. “It’s got the classic stability technology via the Guide Rails, it has a moderate amount of cushioning and a tried-and-true fit.”

We took a look at some comparable models to see how the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 stacks up. Here’s what we found.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23, Saucony Guide 16 and Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 all fall into the same category within their respective brands’ lineups as a moderately cushioned stability trainer. While the Saucony Guide and Mizuno Wave Inspire offer more cushioning underfoot, reviewers thought the Adrenaline 23 still had plenty of cushioning to absorb the impact of harsh pavement. Plus, the medial and lateral Guide Rails offer more pronounced support than other stability shoes reviewers have tested.

“I always have about five to 10 shoes laying around at any given moment,” Max says. “But every time I wake up for my morning coffee run, I find myself reaching for the Adrenaline. They feel safe. My feet know what they’re getting with the Adrenaline, and I really enjoy walking and running in them.”

Thanks to a hefty dose of support and stability, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is ideal for runners who overpronate or who just prefer a structured feel.

“The firm midsole foam in combination with the Guide Rails provides plenty of guidance and support, making it a great option for those seeking a stable ride,” Nate says.

It’s also a great choice for runners who like a moderate amount of cushioning—enough to protect their feet from impact but not so much that they can’t feel the ground beneath them.

If you really enjoy the underfoot feel of the Adrenaline GTS 23, you’ll likely find your perfect fit thanks to a wide range of sizes and widths.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a great shoe to add to your lineup for easy, relaxed efforts. If you're looking for something peppier, check out the Brooks Hyperion Tempo. If you're looking for a propulsive race-ready shoe, check out the Brooks Hyperion Max.