Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Shoe Review
February 14, 2022
The Adrenaline is still a top stability contender
This max-stability fave gets a slightly softer midsole and a refreshed upper
Likes
- Stable and protective
- Smooth, versatile ride
- Comfortable upper
Dislikes
- Heavy
- Somewhat firm
- Lacking responsiveness
What's New
In its 22nd version, the Brooks Adrenaline remains one of the best shoes on the market for runners who overpronate. The Adrenaline continues to provide subtle yet trustworthy stability with the help of Brooks' signature GuideRail support system, which acts like bumpers at a bowling alley to keep all excess movement in check. Version 22 of the Adrenaline features minor changes, including an updated midsole with 100% DNA Loft cushioning, which feels significantly softer upon initial step-in and out on the road. It also has a new streamlined upper which is both supportive and stylish.
The Bottom Line
Simply put, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is one of those shoes you just can't go wrong with, regardless of your preferences. If you are an overpronator heading into a shoe store, it is very likely that the Adrenaline will be a top recommendation by the sales associate — for good reason too!
The Adrenaline stands out from the competition as one of the lightest models available in the maximum-stability category, and with the new extended DNA Loft foam midsole, it is now softer than any previous version of the shoe. That said, our testers found themselves wanting more in terms of protection and would recommend a different shoe for runs longer than 6 miles. The forefoot of the Adrenaline 22 is on the firmer side, and runners who love plush shoes may want to explore other options to get that super-soft feel. Furthermore, the Adrenaline also won't dazzle those looking for a super-responsive speed-day option, but given that the Adrenaline is a stability shoe designed to rack up daily miles, it is a solid pick that runners can rely on day-in and day-out.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium to Narrow |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 24 mm (Forefoot) | 12 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Maximum Stability |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Brycen: "I liked the plush heel collar but wished that the shoe was softer overall. The ride felt firm during my testing runs and did not provide a pillowy underfoot feel."
Kaleb: "The Adrenaline is soft in the heel but noticeably firmer in the forefoot. The heel was not at all mushy, and the soft-to-firm heel-toe differentiation helped smooth out the ride. The shoe was comfortable over shorter distances, but I wouldn't wear the Adrenaline for anything other than daily training runs."
Ride/Energy Returni
Brycen: "This shoe has a low energy return. I appreciated not being able to feel the ground underfoot, but the trade-off was a lack of responsiveness."
Kaleb: "The DNA Loft midsole lacked energy, but all things considered, the ride was enjoyable. I found myself wanting more energy return when I tried to add a little speed into my training runs. The Adrenaline is a trustworthy and versatile daily trainer, but it will not give you the speed to hit faster paces."
Underfoot Protectioni
Brycen: "Running in the Brooks Adrenaline 22 was like running on a platform, and at no point did I feel the ground. I struggle with Osgood-Schlatters, so I was happy when I did not need to ice my knee post-run. I would've liked the Adrenaline to be a little softer, but overall, the underfoot protection was great."
Kaleb: "With 36 mm of foam underfoot, the Adrenaline has sufficient protection. Combine that with Brooks' GuideRail holistic support system, and you get a very stable ride that moderate-to-severe overpronators will be able to enjoy for miles. Again, I would not recommend the Adrenaline as a long-distance trainer given the shoe's firmer forefoot, but it will offer all the protection runners need for daily training."
Flexibilityi
Brycen: "The Adrenaline 22 is not overly flexible, but it bent a little as I progressed through my gait cycle. Given that it is a stability shoe, I wouldn't expect it to bend a lot."
Kaleb: "The Adrenaline lacks flexibility, but the Omega Flex Grooves did create a nice little flex in the forefoot. This contributed to an overall smooth ride."
Upper Supporti
Brycen: "This shoe provided a structured hold that I found quite comfortable, especially with the plush heel collar design. My foot felt stable in the Adrenaline 22, and I had no fear of twisting my ankle."
Kaleb: "I found the upper to be very comfortable. The Engineered 3D Fit Print mesh was reasonably breathable and provided a secure wrap around the foot. The padded heel collar added a dose of plushness, and the updated heel counter always made me feel locked and loaded. The Adrenaline's upper is also stylish and made the shoe a great all-day option."
Men's Brooks Adrenaline Running Shoes
The Adrenaline is Brooks' best-selling everyday stability running shoe of all time. It provides runners with an incredible amount of stability and ample cushioning. The Brooks Adrenaline is ideal for runners seeking an industrty leading stability running shoe.
Women's Brooks Adrenaline Running Shoes
The Adrenaline is Brooks' best-selling everyday stability running shoe of all time. It provides runners with an incredible amount of stability and ample cushioning. The Brooks Adrenaline is ideal for runners seeking an industrty leading stability running shoe.
Individual Thoughts
Brycen7/10
Overall, I enjoyed running in the Adrenaline 22. I was happy with the level of comfort and stability the shoe provided but did wish it was a little softer and a little lighter. The shoe fits well, but the provided laces were a little short and could be lengthened moving forward. I also felt stable while running in the Adrenaline, and my knees felt fresh even after my longest testing runs. For the price point, I would recommend the Adrenaline 22 to anyone looking for a stability shoe.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Kaleb6.5/10
The Adrenaline is Brooks' go-to stability shoe to meet runners' daily training needs, and version 22 remains true to the shoe's origins. It is not going to blow runners' minds with otherworldly technology or performance, but it is a trustworthy daily trainer that has the versatility to accommodate any daily training run. Furthermore, with its GuideRail Holistic Support System, runners can enjoy a stable and supportive ride that will especially benefit overpronators. The new engineered upper is stylish, but more importantly, it is comfortable, providing a secure wrap that does not cause any hot spots or irritation. I think the Adrenaline 22 is an excellent choice for beginner runners, especially those who need added support for shorter runs.
