Loved for 25 Generations for Its Outstanding Stability! Run Injury-Free with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

Founded in the USA in 1914, BROOKS is a veteran running shoe brand with a history spanning over 110 years. While it once operated as a general sports brand, creating cleats for baseball and American football, it pivoted in 2001 to specialize exclusively in running shoes.

Brooks now holds the top market share in specialty running stores across the US, where the Adrenaline GTS series is especially popular.

The original Adrenaline GTS, which debuted in 1999, was developed based on requests from specialty running shops for "a shoe that offers stability while remaining flexible and responsive." It has since become a go-to stability model for countless runners. So, what kind of evolution does the latest iteration, the Adrenaline GTS 25, bring to the table?

A Hugely Popular Stability Model in the US

When you think of Brooks running shoes, what's the first model that comes to mind? For many in Japan, it's probably the "GHOST" series. This long-time favorite, which debuted in 2008, has racked up countless industry awards. It's cherished by a vast number of runners as their go-to daily trainer.

The "Glycerin" series, now in its 22nd generation, is another household name. Its spinoff, the "GlycerinMAX," has become a bestseller not only in Japan but also in China and Korea.

This means that the "Adrenaline GTS," now celebrating its 25th model, has an even longer history than the "Ghost" or "Glycerin."

"In the United States, there are numerous specialty running stores where expert staff assist runners in finding the perfect shoe. Since the very first model was created based on feedback from these shops, the Adrenaline GTS and its superior stability have made it an incredibly popular choice," explains Katsuaki Kuriiwa from Achilles Corporation, the official distributor for Brooks in Japan. "While it's a favorite among runners, it's also widely used as a walking shoe."

Exceptional stability is a hallmark of the "Adrenaline GTS" series. The "Adrenaline GTS 25" features Brooks' proprietary support system, the GuideRails technology. This design incorporates higher sidewalls on both the inner and outer parts of the midsole. It works to limit overpronation (the excessive inward rolling of the foot on impact) while guiding the foot through a natural, low-stress motion from landing to toe-off for an ideal stride.

"Think of it like the bumpers in a bowling lane that are put up to prevent gutter balls, especially for kids. That's a close analogy," he adds. "The GuideRails help curb excessive movements that could lead to injury and support a smooth forward momentum, all without restricting your natural motion."

An Update for Even Greater Cushioning

Like its predecessor, the midsole features DNA LOFT v3, a lightweight, soft cushioning material created by infusing liquefied nitrogen gas into the foam through a supercritical fluid process. This foam not only delivers a higher energy return than traditional materials but is also exceptionally lightweight and durable. It's one of Brooks' signature technologies, also found in the popular "Ghost 17" model.

"While the midsole material itself hasn't changed, we've increased the stack height. The forefoot is 3mm thicker and the heel is 1mm thicker than the previous version, boosting both cushioning and energy return," he notes.

The "Ghost" underwent a similar update from version "16" to "17," with an identical increase of 3mm in the forefoot and 1mm in the heel, which adjusted the heel-to-toe drop from 12mm to 10mm. The "Adrenaline GTS" mirrors this change in sole thickness and drop, which makes sense, as it is positioned as the more supportive counterpart to the "Ghost."

Improved Upper Fit and Heel Hold

The upper features a breathable engineered mesh. A flat knit material in the heel area provides a snug fit while enhancing ankle support. Extra padding around the ankle collar boosts overall comfort. Another neat feature is the new heel tab, making it easier than ever to slip the shoes on and off.

"I believe the Adrenaline GTS has enjoyed long-term success, especially its popularity in American specialty running stores, because stability models are incredibly important for runners, particularly beginners. I highly recommend this shoe for anyone concerned about leg strength or wanting to continue running injury-free. It's also a great option for runners with knock-knees or bow-legs."

As soon as you start running in the Adrenaline GTS 25, its exceptional stability is immediately apparent. Landings are solid with no wobbling or excessive sinking. The transition from landing to toe-off is smooth and stable, and with the heel held securely, you feel a real connection between your foot and the shoe.

While high-cushion models with a soft ride and high-bounce models with a springy feel have been popular lately, stability shoes are a reliable ally when you want to run long distances while minimizing stress on joints like the knees and hips. The Adrenaline GTS 25 lacks the rigidity of old-school stability models and offers an incredibly comfortable fit.

Admittedly, compared to high-cushion or high-bounce models, it might feel less "exciting" to run in. But that straightforward reliability is the very charm of a stability shoe. For runners concerned about their legs and lower back, or beginners who are still building up leg strength, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is a must-try.