GET TO KNOW THE BROOKS ADRENALINE GTS 25
Published: 16/01/2026 | Written by: Alex Courbat
If the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 were a person, it’d be that reliably solid friend who always shows up on time and actually gets stuff done – without making a fuss about it. After 25 years in the game, it’s earned that vibe. The days when “supportive” automatically meant stiff, heavy, and boring are long gone; this latest version feels much more polished the second you slip your foot in.
The headline tweak this year is the drop. Brooks has taken it down to 10 mm after years at 12 mm, which might not sound like a huge shift on paper, but you’ll notice it underfoot – especially if you’re used to past Adrenalines. It makes the shoe feel a bit more in step with current running shoe trends, and paired with a slightly higher stack of foam, you get more cushion overall without turning the shoe into something mushy. The midsole still uses Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 foam, and the ride comes off smooth and balanced – not too bouncy, not overly squishy, just steady and dependable.
The heel feel is one of the nicest surprises here. If past Adrenalines sometimes felt a bit abrupt when your heel hit the ground, the GTS 25 has softened that edge with a better‑shaped bevel and a more thoughtful crash pad. That means a smoother first step and a more comfortable roll into your stride – no surprise jolts if you’re a heel striker.
Up front, things stay a little on the firm side – more flexible than you’d expect from a classic stability shoe, but still not what you’d call plush. On easy days or moderate paces, it feels comfy and controlled. On longer efforts, you might notice that firmness more, which is just the shoe reminding you it’s built for reliable daily miles, not feather‑light race days.
The stability you get comes from Brooks’ GuideRails system – it doesn’t clamp your foot into place like a medical brace, but it does gently keep your motion in check so you don’t feel yourself wandering off your natural path. It’s supportive without feeling bossy, which is exactly what most runners want from this kind of shoe.
What ties the whole package to the road is the outsole. Brooks uses a RoadTack rubber compound with thoughtful coverage in the high‑wear zones, giving you dependable grip and smooth transitions from heel to toe on typical road surfaces – even in light wet conditions. That means confident traction and plenty of durability for regular miles.
In a market where every new model seems to be chasing the next softest or bounciest sensation, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is refreshingly uninterested in that race. It’s here to be dependable, comfortable, and trustworthy – the kind of shoe you reach for on Monday morning runs as easily as weekend miles. If you’re after a supportive daily trainer that’s been thoughtfully updated without losing its soul, this one still delivers.
