Overview
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is the latest edition of Brooks’ flagship stability running shoe, known for delivering reliable support to overpronators. It’s often called the “Go-To Support” shoe (hence GTS) and has a loyal following for its consistent performance and comfort.
In this 24th iteration, Brooks introduces key updates – like a new DNA Loft v3 midsole and a revamped upper – while preserving the ultra-reliable ride that Adrenaline fans love. The result is a stability trainer that feels familiar yet refined, ready to shine on your daily runs.
It’s easy to see why so many runners keep coming back to the Adrenaline series. The Adrenaline GTS 24 (part of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS collection) continues this legacy. It offers a cushioned yet controlled ride with Brooks’ signature GuideRails® support system to keep your gait aligned.
Overall, the shoe remains a go-to choice for runners seeking a blend of support, cushioning, and durability. (For those interested, you can find Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 at Alexandra Sports.)
Fit and Comfort
Brooks has fine-tuned the fit of the Adrenaline GTS 24 to enhance comfort on the run. The shoe features an engineered mesh upper that balances softness and security. This updated upper is highly breathable, with large mesh vents that keep your feet cool and dry. Runners have praised the airy upper for its comfort – no reports of blisters or hot spots, even on longer runs.
The lacing system and padded heel collar lock in the midfoot nicely, so your foot feels securely cradled without irritation. Additionally, the tongue is plushly cushioned, adding to the comfy step-in feel (though note, it isn’t gusseted, which we’ll discuss in cons).
In terms of fit, the Adrenaline GTS 24 runs true to size and accommodates a variety of foot shapes. The toe box is a medium width that provides ample room for most runners, though those with very wide feet might find it slightly snug across the top.
Fortunately, Brooks offers multiple width options – from narrow to extra wide – so you can get a version that suits your foot if needed. The overall interior volume is snug and supportive, which helps reduce any sliding inside the shoe.
Once laced up, the foot stays put, reducing the risk of discomfort on the run. The combination of a well-padded interior and a breathable, supportive upper makes the GTS 24 exceptionally comfortable for daily training.
Performance
On the road, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 delivers a steady and confident ride. This shoe shines as a daily trainer for easy to moderate runs, where its stability features and cushioning work together for a smooth experience. The midsole is made of Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 foam – a nitrogen-infused cushioning that feels responsive and slightly firm. This means you get a touch of bounce and high rebound, but with a firmer underfoot feel that keeps you feeling supported rather than overly soft.
Heel strikers in particular will enjoy this setup; the generous 39 mm heel stack and 12 mm drop provide excellent impact protection and a very smooth heel-to-toe transition. In fact, tests show the shoe’s stability features excel at keeping your foot aligned, as the GuideRails and a medial post work to prevent any excessive inward roll (overpronation). The result is a controlled, stable ride that inspires confidence on each stride.
The Adrenaline GTS 24 isn’t designed for all-out speed, but it performs admirably for its intended purpose: high-mileage stability and support. The firmer midsole helps prevent your arches from collapsing during long runs, and it absorbs impact reliably to reduce joint stress.
Thanks to the improved foam and geometry, the ride is smoother than the GTS 23, with quicker transitions through the gait cycle. The outsole grips well on pavement – the durable rubber (Brooks’ RoadTrack outsole) provides secure traction on wet and dry roads, so you can feel confident running in varied conditions.
Moreover, the shoe’s build quality is top-notch. Reviewers highlight its durability; from the sturdy outsole to the resilient upper, the GTS 24 is built to handle heavy training use without breaking down. That pretty much sums up the GTS 24’s performance: not flashy or ultra-fast, but incredibly dependable for logging miles with support and comfort.
Key Features
- GuideRails® Holistic Support System: Integrated support rails along the midsole help keep your feet aligned by reducing excessive inward movement. This technology gently guides your stride, making the Adrenaline GTS 24 a stability standout for overpronators.
- DNA Loft v3 Cushioning: Brooks’ new nitrogen-infused midsole foam offers a responsive yet controlled cushion. It feels springy and “bouncy” underfoot while still being firm enough to provide stability and protect the joints on impact.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: The upper is made of engineered Air Mesh that has been redesigned for better breathability and fit. It’s lightweight and features oversized vents for airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable on long runs.
- Durable Road Outsole: A rubber RoadTack outsole (now incorporating some recycled materials) delivers reliable grip on asphalt, whether it’s wet or dry. This outsole is also known for its longevity – it resists wear and gives the shoe a long life even with daily training.
- 12 mm Drop, Segmented Crash Pad: The shoe’s 12mm heel-to-toe drop and segmented crash pad in the heel work together to cushion heel landings and smooth out transitions. This high drop caters especially well to heel strikers, helping each stride feel natural and fluid.
- Weight: Approximately 10 oz (283 g). Despite the supportive structure, the shoe manages to feel moderately light on the foot.
- Multiple Widths Available: Brooks offers the Adrenaline GTS 24 in a range of widths (Narrow, Regular, Wide, Extra Wide), allowing runners with various foot profiles to find a comfortable fit. This inclusive sizing means you don’t have to compromise on fit or comfort.
Comparison with Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
The Adrenaline GTS 24 brings several thoughtful updates over its predecessor, the GTS 23, while maintaining the same core mission of stability and comfort. One of the biggest changes is the midsole: the GTS 24 introduces the DNA Loft v3 foam, whereas the Adrenaline GTS 23 used the previous DNA Loft v2 cushioning. The new foam has a slightly different feel – runners have found it more responsive and springy, which adds a bit more “bounce” to the ride.
In practical terms, many will find the GTS 24 a touch more lively underfoot compared to the GTS 23. If you found the 23 a bit stiff, the 24 might feel a little more forgiving; if you loved the stable feel of the 23, the 24 still delivers that, just with a modernized foam compound.
Brooks also overhauled the upper for the Adrenaline 24. The engineered mesh upper on the GTS 24 is more breathable and offers an improved fit over the GTS 23.
The newer model’s upper has better ventilation (thanks to those larger mesh openings) and a slightly updated shape that feels secure yet accommodating. Doctors of Running noted the GTS 24 has a “wider but lower volume upper”, translating to a fit that’s comfortable but may require careful lacing for a perfect lockdown. Essentially, the toe box in the 24 is a bit more accommodating width-wise than the 23’s, but the overall shoe still feels snug and supportive.
Runners with wider feet who may have gone up a half-size in the 23 might be able to stick true to size in the 24, or opt for a Wide width option.
Another update is found underfoot: Brooks subtly tweaked the outsole and platform. The Adrenaline GTS 24 has a slightly higher stack height (more foam) than the 23, which contributes to a smoother ride.
Despite adding a millimeter or two of cushioning, the weight change is minimal – the GTS 24 gained only about 0.15 oz, keeping it around the 10 oz mark. That’s a negligible difference that most runners won’t notice, and it’s impressive given the added cushioning and foam upgrade.
The outsole rubber now includes recycled materials and has been formulated for even better durability and traction. However, the overall outsole configuration and the trusty GuideRails support system remain similar between the two models.
Both the GTS 23 and 24 excel at guiding your stride and preventing overpronation. Longtime Adrenaline users will be happy to know that the ride character is very much in line with what you expect from this series – stable, consistent, and comfortable.
In summary, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is an evolutionary upgrade: you get a fresher foam, a breezier upper, and tiny improvements in smoothness, all while the shoe stays true to the Adrenaline heritage of dependable stability. For most runners, these tweaks make the GTS 24 an even better version of an already great shoe, rather than a dramatic overhaul (so no need to fear that your favorite stability trainer changed too much).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Stability and Support: The holistic GuideRails support and firmer midsole make the GTS 24 ultra-reliable for controlling overpronation and supporting your stride. It keeps you running comfortably even when fatigue sets in.
- Comfortable, Breathable Upper: An improved engineered mesh upper with “oversized vents” offers excellent breathability. The plush padded tongue and heel collar add step-in comfort, making it great for long runs or all-day wear.
- Durability for High Mileage: From the sturdy outsole to the quality foam, this shoe is built to last. Testers report good outsole durability and no early wear, so it can handle lots of miles (and the price remains unchanged from the previous model).
- Multiple Widths & Good Fit: Available in 4 width options (Narrow through Extra Wide) to accommodate different foot shapes. Most runners will find the fit true to size; the secure lacing and stable platform mean fewer blisters or irritation issues.
- Heel Striker Friendly Cushioning: The generous heel cushioning and 12mm drop provide a smooth ride for heel strikers. Landings feel soft yet controlled, and transitions are very smooth, which is ideal for those who land on their heels.
Cons:
- Midsole Might Feel Firm: The cushioning leans toward the firmer side. If you prefer a very plush, marshmallow-soft ride, the Adrenaline GTS 24 may feel a bit too stiff underfoot – though the flip side is better stability and responsiveness.
- High Heel-Toe Drop: With a 12mm drop, it’s great for heel strikers but might not suit everyone. Runners who strike midfoot/forefoot or those sensitive to a steep drop could find it “too steep” and may need time to adjust.
- Toe Box Height Slightly Low: While the width is decent, the toe box depth (vertical room) is a bit low. Some runners with taller toes or orthotics might feel the upper above the toes is a little restrictive. Trying a half-size up or a wider size can mitigate this if needed.
- Non-Gusseted Tongue: The tongue, though nicely cushioned, isn’t gusseted (sewn into the sides). This means it can occasionally shift during runs, and getting a perfect lockdown may require careful lacing. A gusseted tongue would have added more midfoot security.
- Not a Speed Demon: (Minor gripe) The Adrenaline GTS 24 is not intended for fast tempos or racing. Its supportive structure and weight (~10 oz) make it less nimble than neutral lightweight trainers. It’s best used for its purpose – stability and comfort – rather than expecting a springy speed shoe. (This is a trade-off most are willing to make for the support it provides.)
Final Verdict
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 solidifies its place as one of the top stability running shoes on the market. Brooks has taken a beloved model and polished it with smart updates, delivering a shoe that runners (both long-time Adrenaline fans and newcomers) can trust for daily training.
It provides the classic support and guidance that overpronators need, wrapped in a package that’s now more breathable, just a bit more responsive, and every bit as durable as before. The shoe excels as an everyday trainer for easy miles, long runs, and recovery days when you want dependable cushioning and stability.
In summary, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is a winner for runners seeking a stable, comfortable ride. Its combination of firm support and moderate cushioning hits a sweet spot: it’s supportive without feeling clunky, and cushioned without feeling mushy.
If you enjoyed the Adrenaline GTS 23, you’ll likely love the 24 even more for its small but meaningful improvements. And if you’re new to the Adrenaline line or shopping for a reliable stability shoe, the GTS 24 should be at the top of your list.
It’s a shoe that makes running feel easy and supported – letting you focus on your miles instead of worrying about your feet.
Final verdict: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a well-rounded stability trainer that lives up to its legacy, offering a positive, confidence-inspiring running experience for those who need extra support. Don’t hesitate to give this trusted workhorse a try – your feet (and knees) will thank you.
You can check it out along with other Brooks models at Alexandra Sports. Happy running!