Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Review
The Adrenaline Never Looked So Good
Likes
- Excellent stability
- Protective cushioning
- Comfortable structured fit
Dislikes
- Could use more energy return
- 12-mm drop takes getting used to
- They have a break-in period
What's New
Brooks has not completely reinvented the 21st version of the Adrenaline GTS. But then again, why should they deviate from the awesome attributes that have made it one of the most popular stability shoes on the market? The Adrenaline 21 will once again deliver the protective support that runners know and love with a few alterations to improve overall performance and feel. The most significant update has been made to the midsole, with an extension of the DNA Loft cushioning along the entirety of the lateral side of the shoe, creating softer landings without sacrificing responsiveness. Minor updates to the upper retain its structured feel while improving the shoe's overall comfort, security, and breathability.
The Bottom Line
The Adrenaline has long been a staple in the Brooks running shoe lineup, and over the years, it has grown to become one of the running industry's most trusted stability options. With slight improvements to the midsole design and upper mesh construction, the Adrenaline GTS 21 once again promises to keep runners comfortable, protected, and supported during all their daily training runs. With a surprisingly responsive ride for a stability shoe, the Adrenaline delivers high quality support to all levels of overpronators, even those who only need minimal stability. Although the Adrenaline's 12-mm drop and notable break-in period may not work for every runner, this shoe will make an excellent addition to most runners' rotations, especially those looking for a no-fuss 10K training shoe.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.0oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 35 mm (Heel), 23 mm (Forefoot) - includes removeable sockliner | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Max Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The Adrenaline is well known for its ample cushioning and soft feel, and the 21 does not deviate from this fan-favourite formula. The newly extended DNA Loft midsole delivers spongy cushioning on every run and comfort over longer distances.
Ben: "Running in the Adrenaline 21 feels like I'm running on pillows. I have no trouble wearing them all day after a run, as my feet literally sink into the sole."
Mark: "This update rides a bit firmer than the previous iterations. I would've liked to see this shoe built a bit softer given the line's history of plush stability."
Ride/Energy Return i
With large amounts of plush foam, the Adrenaline GTS 21 is not the most explosive shoe on the market, but for a stability shoe in the daily training category, it has a surprisingly springy energy return. Our testers were impressed with the Adrenaline 21's ride and would recommend it for just about any type of training run, but they noted that the shoes were best suited for longer runs.
Ben: "Built as a maximum stability shoe, the Adrenaline 21 is not designed to have lots of energy return. However, I still experienced an adequate amount of energy return at moderate paces, and the shoes did not feel clunky or awkward. I was able to run a 5:49 mile pace in these Adrenaline 21s, though I would not say that the shoes assisted me much at this faster pace."
Mark: "This shoe surprised me a bit with how springy it felt for a stability shoe. I definitely don't feel as if I'm lugging them around on the daily runs."
Underfoot Protection i
With a 35mm stack in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot, the Brooks Adrenaline 21 offers all the protection you could ask for in a daily trainer. The DNA Loft foam will keep runners feeling fresh so that they can lace up day in and day out.
Ben: "The DNA loft cushioning absorbs much of the energy from the ground. In my testing, I did a 16 kilometre run in them without any joint pain. I believe that I could do a 32 kilometre run on the road with these and be totally fine."
Mark: "The Adrenaline 21 is protective enough for just about any run, from short slow jaunts to longer weekend adventures."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Adrenaline is a maximum stability shoe, which tends to limit flexibility, but despite falling into the stability category, the Adrenaline GTS 21 is relatively flexible. The GuideRail Holistic Support System adds slight stiffness to the midsole without being intrusive, and it can accommodate neutral runners along with extreme overpronators. This is why the Adrenaline continues to be an industry-leading stability shoe as well as an easily recommended choice for those new to the world of running.
Ben: "Like many stability shoes, the Adrenaline GTS 21 feels inflexible in the heel but more flexible toward the forefoot. This gives them a stable ride that reduces my overpronation without feeling too rigid."
Mark: "The Adrenaline 21 has a decent amount of flexibility for a stability shoe. I can still get a proper toe-off without it feeling like the entire motion of my foot is being controlled."
Upper Feel i
The simple air mesh upper design is the perfect complement to the midsole and outsole of the Adrenaline GTS 21. This no-frills upper provides a structured hold that offers runners further support when needed. The toe box is particularly roomy in the forefoot, offering plenty of space for toes to splay. Finally, top-notch breathability further adds to the excellent on-foot feel of the Adrenaline GTS 21.
Ben: "The upper provides structured support without being too narrow, and the heel counter fits securely without being tight. The mesh construction also allows for sufficient breathability."
Mark: "The upper wrap on this shoe may have been my favourite part. The lacing system is comfortable, and my foot has space to breathe. It also locks it down comfortably for the duration of my run without any hot spots."
Men's Brooks Adrenaline Running Shoes
Women's Brooks Adrenaline Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
After wearing the Brooks Adrenaline 21, I understand why this model has survived since the end of the last century. This shoe provides a comfortable and cushioned ride for a moderately paced run. They stabilise my overpronation without being overbearing. Additionally, the upper provides a secure fit as well.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I feel like the Adrenaline 21 is a solid workhorse shoe. It has a ton of upside and very little room for disappointment. And while it doesn't seem to have any "wow factors" that separate it from the upper-tier competitors, the assisted gait cycle is phenomenal for those looking for extra support when their legs are feeling tired. If you're the runner looking for a blue-collar stability shoe to get the job done, the Adrenaline 21 is the shoe for you.