If you’ve run in the Brooks Adrenaline before, you’ll know it’s a bit of a cult classic: a reliable daily stability shoe for runners who want guidance.. In this Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 review, we’ll look at what’s changed for the 25th anniversary model, how it feels on the run, and who we’d recommend it for based on our experience fitting it in store.
If you’d like to try it for yourself, you can see the full range of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 models here:
👉 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 collection
Key Specs
Type
- Support / stability road running shoe
- For mild–moderate overpronation
Midsole & support
- DNA Loft v3 midsole (nitrogen-infused foam)
- GuideRails® holistic support system
Stack & drop (men’s)
- Approx. 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
- 10 mm drop (reduced from 12 mm in the GTS 24)
Weight (approx.)
- Men: ~300 g (UK 9)
- Women: ~269 g (UK 7.5)
Best for
- Daily miles and easy runs
- Runners needing support
- Walkers and long days on your feet
- Runners with mild–moderate overpronation
👉 Shop Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25:
https://www.alexandrasports.com/collections/brooks-adrenaline-gts-25
Who Is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 For?
If you:
- Tend to roll inwards (overpronate)
- Want support that feels natural, not like a hard post digging into your arch
- Prefer a smooth, steady ride over something super snappy
- Do most of your running on the road or light paths
…then the Adrenaline GTS 25 should absolutely be on your shortlist.
For many runners, the Adrenaline GTS 25 really comes into its own as a versatile all-rounder: it works nicely for beginners starting a couch-to-5K who want a bit of guidance, holds up well through half and full marathon training where you’re clocking lots of easy miles, and doubles as a comfortable option for work, walking and general day-to-day wear.
If you’re not sure how your foot actually moves when you run, the best starting point is a proper gait analysis. Our team use video and pressure mapping to look at how your foot loads, then match that to the right shoe:
➡️ Learn more about our Gait Analysis & Biomechanical Assessment
➡️ Book an appointment
What’s New vs the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24?
The Adrenaline GTS 25 isn’t a total reboot, but there are some meaningful tweaks:
More cushioning
- Slightly higher stack than the GTS 24
- A touch more DNA Loft v3 underfoot
- Landings feel softer and more protected, especially for heel and midfoot strikers
Lower drop
- Drop reduced from 12 mm to 10 mm
- Helps the shoe feel a bit more modern and balanced, especially if you land nearer the midfoot
Updated upper and heel collar
- Engineered mesh upper with a more padded tongue and collar
- Heel feels secure and plush, almost like a mini pillow around your ankle
- Some runners will love the extra comfort; those who run hot may find it a little warm in summer
Same GuideRails support concept
- Support still comes from the GuideRails system rather than a traditional medial post
- The idea is to gently guide your knee and ankle into their natural path, rather than forcing a fixed motion
Should You Upgrade from the Adrenaline GTS 24?
If you’re already in the Adrenaline GTS 24, you’ll probably get on well with the GTS 25 if you like the overall feel but fancy a bit more softness and underfoot protection, especially if you’re also using your shoes for walking or long work shifts as well as running.
The 25 also makes sense if you’re curious about a slightly lower drop and don’t mind a touch more “plush” around the ankle collar.
On the other hand, you might prefer to stick with (or track down) the GTS 24 if you really enjoy its firmer, more responsive ride and favour a more stripped-back, breathable upper with less padding.
If you’re stuck between the two, pop in for a comparison or give us a call and we can talk you through which version matches your training best.
Upper & Fit: Comfort First, With Room to Breathe
On foot, the Adrenaline GTS 25 feels immediately familiar if you’ve worn Brooks before: secure midfoot hold, slightly structured heel, and a shape that will suit a lot of everyday runners.
Fit notes from our testers
- Length: Runs true to size for most
- Width: Standard width feels a shade roomier than GTS 24, especially in the forefoot
- Toe box: Nicely spacious, with enough room for toe splay and swelling on longer runs
- Midfoot hold: Good lockdown when laced properly, but very narrow, low-volume feet may want to test half a size down or a thicker sock
Heel collar & tongue
- Plush, well-padded collar that hugs the ankle
- Padded tongue helps spread lace pressure, especially if you like to lock-lace
- The trade-off: that plushness can feel a little warm in hotter conditions
If you’re unsure how your running shoes should fit, this is a useful read:
➡️ Shoe Fitting Fundamentals
Midsole & Ride: Smooth, Steady and Unfussy
This is where the Adrenaline earns its reputation as a “do-it-all without drama” kind of shoe.
DNA Loft v3 midsole
- Nitrogen-infused foam that balances softness and stability
- Feels cushioned but not marshmallow-soft
- Enough responsiveness for steady runs, but this is not a tempo or race shoe
On the run, our testers noticed:
- Easy runs: Where the shoe feels most at home. Landings feel protected, and transitions heel-to-toe are very smooth.
- Steady state / moderate pace: It happily rolls along, but doesn’t really “wake up” as a faster shoe.
- Intervals / tempo: It will cope, but if speed is your primary goal, you may want something lighter and more responsive.
GuideRails support
- Support is subtle, you don’t feel a hard block under the arch
- Instead, it almost feels like the shoe “nudges” you back into line when you start to roll in
- Great for runners who need help but hate the feeling of aggressive posting
This makes the Adrenaline GTS 25 a strong match for runners following frameworks like 80/20 training, where most of your miles are easy and you just want something comfortable and dependable for the bulk of your running.
You can explore more on training structure in our training advice section:
➡️ Training Advice on the Alexandra Sports Blog
Outsole & Durability
The outsole uses a durable rubber compound designed for road use, with enough coverage in high-wear areas to cope well with everyday mileage.
Grip & terrain
- Confident on tarmac, pavements and typical UK paths
- Handles light parks and canal paths just fine
- For muddy trails or very uneven terrain, you’ll still want a dedicated trail shoe
Durability
- Rubber coverage and pattern suggest a typical lifespan of 300–500 miles for most runners
- Heavier runners, or those who scuff their heels, may see wear earlier at the rear outer edge – as with most road shoes
If you’re unsure whether your current shoes are past their best, this is a helpful deep dive:
➡️ Choosing the Best Trail Running Shoes (also useful for understanding wear patterns)
Real-World Testing: How Our Team Found It
While individual experiences will always vary, here’s a flavour of how our team and customers have been using the Adrenaline GTS 25 so far:
Staff impressions
- “Exactly what I want for recovery runs – soft enough to forget about, but still stable when I fatigue.”
- “I’ve been wearing it for full shop shifts and it’s great for all-day comfort, especially on hard floors.”
- “Compared to the GTS 24, it feels a touch softer under the heel and a bit more relaxed in the upper.”
If you’re dealing with discomfort around the knees or are worried about staying healthy as you increase your mileage, our in-depth knee guide is a great resource:
➡️ Understanding Knee Pain: A Complete Guide to Common Injuries
How Does It Compare to Other Support Shoes?
Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Adrenaline GTS 24
- Cushioning: 25 is a touch softer and slightly higher stacked
- Drop: 25 is 10 mm vs 12 mm on the 24
- Fit: 25 feels a bit roomier with a more padded collar
- Ride: 24 feels a bit firmer and “snappier”; 25 is smoother and more relaxed
If you loved the GTS line already and just want a softer, more modern take, the 25 is an easy yes.
Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Glycerin GTS
- Glycerin GTS: More of a max-cushion experience – even plusher and a bit more luxurious underfoot
- Adrenaline GTS 25: Slightly firmer, more traditional daily trainer feel
Choose the Glycerin GTS if you want maximum plushness for long, easy miles and don’t mind the extra softness. Stick with the Adrenaline if you prefer a more stable, “grounded” feel.
Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Saucony Guide
- Saucony Guide: Tends to feel a little lighter and slightly more responsive
- Brooks Adrenaline: More of a comfort / stability workhorse with a very predictable ride
If you like Saucony’s springy feel but want a bit more guidance, the Adrenaline sits nicely alongside it as a more cushioned alternative.
Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Mizuno Equate
- Mizuno Equate: Classic Mizuno feel – a touch firmer, with a distinctive “snap” from the Wave plate
- Adrenaline GTS 25: Smoother and softer, with a more “cloud-like” land and roll
The Equate is great for those who enjoy a firmer, traditional ride; the Adrenaline is a better match for runners prioritising softness and all-day comfort.
Sizing & Buying Advice
To get the most out of the Adrenaline GTS 25, we’d generally suggest going with your usual running shoe size, considering a wide fit if you have broader feet or often struggle with forefoot pressure in other models, and pairing them with a good technical running sock to help reduce friction and keep moisture under control.
If you’re unsure which support level you need, or whether you should be in a support shoe at all, the best thing you can do is let us watch you run:
➡️ Book a Gait Analysis & Biomechanical Assessment
➡️ In-store services overview
And of course, you can browse and buy online here:
👉 Shop Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Softer, more cushioned ride than the GTS 24
- GuideRails support that feels natural and not intrusive
- Roomy toe box that works well for longer runs and swelling
- Excellent all-rounder for running, walking and general wear
Things to be aware of
- Not the most “exciting” or responsive shoe if you love fast sessions
- Upper and heel collar can feel warm in hot weather
- Very narrow or low-volume feet may need careful lacing to avoid movement
Final Thoughts
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel and that’s exactly why so many runners will love it. It keeps the dependable, supportive character that’s made the Adrenaline line so popular, adds a bit more cushioning and a slightly lower drop, and wraps it all in a comfortable, secure upper.
If you’re a runner who:
- Wants reliable stability for everyday training
- Needs a shoe that’s as happy on an easy 5K as it is on a long Sunday run
- Likes the idea of a softer, more cushioned update to a classic
…then the Adrenaline GTS 25 is absolutely worth trying on your next visit.
