Brooks Running has a successful, top-selling shoe in the Adrenaline GTS series. My first encounter with the shoe was the Adrenaline GTS 15 version, and it changed my mind about running. As an outsider who preferred mountain biking at the time, I didn’t much care for running until I tried the Brooks shoe.
Over the years I wore different brands of shoes, ran less (and sat more) and kind of forgot about the Adrenaline shoes.
Recently I rekindled the love affair with the classic stability shoe with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. GTS stands for “Go-To-Support”, which now employs the use of medial and lateral GuideRails – raised midsole edges to support the foot – across their stability lineup of footwear.
“Dedicated biomechanics scientists here at Brooks have performed extensive research to understand how forces on the body affect the runner,” said Brooks spokesperson Jazmine Graham. “They found we each have our unique motion paths or our habitual motion path. When runners deviate from this path, there is a great chance of injury. Therefore, our footwear engineers developed advanced GTS technology that doesn’t ‘fix’ your run but optimizes it.”
Hit the Road
I put the Adrenaline GTS 22 to the test through a variety of distances on road and indoors on the treadmill. The GTS 22 was the perfect match for the 5K I ran in Alabama. For me, it was everything I remembered the Adrenaline GTS 15 iteration to be – comfortable, versatile, and stable. I fell in love all over again.
I paired the shoes with a pair of Brooks Glycerin Ultimate Cushion Socks. The socks feature heel and toe cushioning as well as arch compression. An upper-foot mesh zone provides ventilation and decreased weight. Left and right construction provide a perfect fit.
The GTS 22 is reported to have a firmer midsole than the 21, and that includes a stiffer inner GuideRail. If you don’t load the midfoot, this shouldn’t be a concern. I tend to heel strike, and the 12mm heel drop, segmented crash pad, and thicker heel stack felt very supportive and comfortable. Just what I expected from the Adrenaline GTS. I also have extremely flat feet. Running has traditionally been a struggle for me because of my overpronation. The GuideRails provide excellent guidance for my overpronation, and knee and lower leg pain during and after running was nonexistent.
GTS 22 Construction
Brooks claims “soft cushioning” in the GTS 22, and I agree with the claim, even as the shoe maintains firmness. The midsole cushioning is firm and supportive and made of “DNA Loft,” – an EVA foam blend that is manufactured on the firm side and provides a flatter ride.
The GTS 22 upper is an engineered mesh in the forefront and midfoot that breathes well but is backed with an inner sleeve to prevent the shoe from being chilly during the winter months. The heel features a good contour and doesn’t slip.
The GTS 22 was sized true to my size 10 foot, and the Brooks insoles featured molded flares to provide a secure fit – no need for aftermarket inserts here. The toe box was roomy – an overall great fit.
As I logged miles in the GTS 22s, the shoes broke in quickly and became my favorite – again. The GTS 22 is best suited for those looking for a moderate stability shoe for daily training and easy-going miles.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Low-Down
Best For: Added support, soft landings, every day runs
Midsole Drop: 12mm
Weight: 10.2 ounces
GuideRails: Support more than arches; They aid feet, knees and hips
Updated Midsole: 100 percent DNA Loft soft and durable cushioning doesn’t feel too squishy and provides a soft, smooth ride
Segmented Crash Pad: Teams with the new soft midsole, so no matter how your foot strikes the ground the shoe transitions smoothly from landing to toe-off to ensure comfort
