Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 First Impressions
When I first took the Adrenalines out of the box, I immediately noticed the upper design of the new model. The silver mesh overlay with white and colored details were classic to the model, but freshly updated. The synthetic leather overlays are designed with reflective accents that run from the heel to the toe. Brooks’ DNA formula provides adaptive cushioning giving a smooth and even run. Immediately after putting on the shoe I noticed the “wrap around” cushioning. The medial post, colored in grey along the arch area allows maximum stability and gait balance.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Sole Unit
The sole unit of the GTS 12 is very similar to the one in the GTS 11. The stability and cushioning elements remained the same, with the biggest change to be found in the heel pad.
For the stability elements, the sole unit of the GTS 12 relies on two main components. The big, grey coloured insert of a harder foam compound on the medial (internal) side of the shoe is called Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar (PDRB) and it’s a traditional medial post, but with varying in hardness from soft to hard going from the heel towards the arch. The result? Different stability for different runners. Brooks calls this “pivot posting”.
Second element of stability is the plastic shank right below the arch (DRB Accel in Brooks’ terms).
Cushioning is provided by two units (one in the heel and one in the forefoot) of DNA. DNA is high-viscosity, non-newtonian fluid that is soft when the speed is low, but gets firmer when the pace gets faster. When you go slow you are longer in contact with the ground and want/need a softer landing, but when you go fast you want the sole to be harder in order to propel you forward. When walking or running at a slow speed, I noticed the DNA pods conform to the ground and remain soft. As my pace quickened, the DNA became firm, as intended, to guarantee faster energy return and providing a smooth run.
The main change versus the previous model is a better “landing crash pad”: the heel area is split in many different pods that compress differently according to the runner’s individual gait.
Although the sole unit is cushioned, it is very supportive. After running a few miles to break in the shoe, I was surprised to feel that lack of needing to “break in” the shoe.
The additional heel cushioning added maximum comfort and a firm back. It’s easily detectable as it matches the Brooks side logo on each shoe.
Its stacked foam Bio MoGo provides additional stability and reduces foot fatigue; perfect for low to mid arch runners and added custom fit. Additionally, Brooks boasts the foam core is biodegradable; an additional bonus to help Mother Nature.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Upper
The upper unit is very flexible and breathable due to the top mesh overlay. The mesh and interior polyester and nylon lining provide strong moisture management. With four newly added adjustable straps, the elasticity ensures a snug and secure fit.
The synthetic leather overlay adds additional structure along the top and sides of the shoe. Additionally, Brooks has designed a new lace tab, Tongue Tied, which keeps the tongue up while running. Although initially weary of the new Tongue Tied technology, I was surprised that the tongue not only stayed up during my run, but provided a more snug fit.
Overall the upper keeps the traditional look and feel of the Adrenaline, but improves in the sense that is lighter and more comfortable: the lacing system is more adaptive of the shape of the foot and locks the foot closer to the midsole, adding stability. The shoe fit is very similar to the Adrenaline 10 and 11.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Opinion
I have been running in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 model for the past year. I expected the shoe to be comfortable and durable, but to feel very similar to the GTS 10. It was surprising to immediately feel the differences between the two models. Not being the lightest of the shoes, the weight reduction comes as a very welcome news.
The added heel cradle gives extra cushion in the back, which keeps the shoe firm but at maximum comfort. There is a reason I am loyal to this model, and Brooks keeps showing me why through its continued ensured quality.
After running a half marathon in the shoes, as well as having logged over 60 miles in training, my feet still had breathability and were comfortable.
We thank the nice people at Brooks for sending us a pair of Adrenaline GTS 12 to test. This did not influence our review of the shoes, written after running more than 60 miles (and a half marathon) in them.
price comparison
 | Brooks Adrenaline Gts 12 Lady White/anthracite/silver/vividviola/black Holabird Sports Free shipping over 69.95$ | $69.95 |
 | Brooks - Adrenaline Gts 12 (bright Green/cactus Flower/black/ombre/blue) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $81.99 |
 | Men's Brooks Adrenaline Gts 12 Running Shoe - Silver/lime 10 RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. | $89.95 |
 | Brooks - Adrenaline Gts 12 (men's) - White/obsidian/brilliant Blue/dark Navy/silver Shoebuy Free shipping, free return shipping, price guarantee and no sales tax | $109.95 |
Written by Ashley Massis
Ashley Massis lives in New York City and works as a Buyer in the Fashion Industry. Although an active athlete through high school and college, she re-discovered her passion for running only a few years ago. She continues to be an active runner and has over 7 years of experience in the fashion and sports industry.
I have put many miles in the GTS 11. To me, the 12th edition is a considerably firmer and stiffer ride than the 11th edition. I like the upper of the GTS 12, but I much prefer the ride of the GTS 11. The GTS 12 is a good shoe, but the GTS 11 is a much better shoe for me.
I couldn’t agree more! I have had the exact same experience.
I replaced a pair of LunarGlide 3s with the GTS 12 and ended up swapping those for Ravenna 3s… I’m probably going to swap the Ravenna’s for either a pair of Inspire 8s or Nirvana 8s.
I overpronate, but at 150lbs.. the GTS 12 was way too jarring on my legs, and my feet would get numb! Then I was a fitted with a variety of shoes and opted for the Ravenna 3s, but granted they’re very comfy.. it feels (as another reader stated on a previous review) like I’m running on flat tires! Now I’m dazed & confused because I have a couple races coming up and I don’t have a consistent go to shoe (no pun intended).
I have to agree , I had the gts 11′s and much preferred them , my toes also went numb and they feel alot flatter than the gts11′s. I also felt my calves were working alot harder on my longer runs of 10 miles or more and my achilles tendon has started to act up which is a total nightmare, am wondering if the change in model has attributed to this
(
Other than what I am about to comment on, these wear very comfortable shoes.
I ended up returning them though because I developed achilled tendonitis after running four miles in them. At first I didn’t atribute it to the shoes because there were other factors I was considering.
However, after taking a week off of running and trying them out again with lower mileage, I developed the same achilles pain in my other foot.
I don’t know if the shoe makes my calf strained for whatever reason or what the deal is but something wasn’t right with this shoe for my foot.
Other than that issue for MY foot, the shoe was very comfortable and durable.
I replaced a pair of LunarEclipse with the GTS 12, and I am happy with GTS 12.
I overpronate with 180 lbs(81,5kg), and I run on short distances of 5-6km (3-4 miles). So far I am positive about these shoes.
I am very flat footed. I usually run very fast uphill for not more than 2 to 3 miles. This shoe works well for me. I went to the store and tries the other shoes on this site but this is the Only one than when I put it on did not hit me on the inside of my foot or the arch that I lack since being so flat footed but at the same time still gives me the support I need. This shoe really shines for me in the longer runs of 10 miles where I need the support but dont need blisters in my arch area. I feel this is a perfect blend for the flat footed runners that want to run fast and enjoy that feeling but at the same time want the comfort for the longer runs.
I’m a beginner, and neutral pronator, who jogs mostly on cement, but occasionally on grass or dirt roads. Would this shoe be a good choice for me, or do you have any other recommendations? I’m going shoe shopping this weekend, so would like to get an idea of what I want to try before going in.
Maggie,
wich running shoes did you buy?
Regards,
Walter Proetzel
After having 2 pairs of the 11′s I switched to the 12′s and only 170 miles in they feel dead already – the 11′s gave me at least 300 miles.
I have very flat feet and try to run 20 – 25 miles per week and typically run 2 half marathons/year. I need a shoe that’s going to last longer! Help
I can’t rate these because I wear Asics Kayano, which I was trying to switch from to Adrenaline for the same reason you noted: they are dead so quickly. Does anyone know of a good stability shoe that does not die out so quickly, especially for the money.
Being flat fotted and having a wide feet it’s hard to find pair of shoes that fits right. So my foot doctor told me about brooks that came with wide sizes, so I ended up buying the GTS 12 2E in width, this my first pair of brooks.
I took it for a short 3 mile run and I was surprise how soft it is when running pave roads, so today got to to wear them again and really put it to the test did a 16 mile run pavement and trail the only thing I say is brooks are true to their words “Run Happy” from start to finish IM A HAPPY RUNNER!!!
Worth every penny!!! I won’t buy any other shoes
I love my GTS 11′s, and I’ve been wearing Adrenalines for 6 years, in different models. I tried on the GTS 12 and hated it. They’ve changed the toe box, put a little tab over the big toe (I guess to prevent wear) but it presses against my toe. Even trying on a half size larger, the great feel of the 11′s was gone. Oh, I would give a lot to have a new pair of 11′s in a size 10.5–none to be had online or in stores. I’m bummed.
ok so i just started running and i only go low mileage since im a very big guy (250 lbs 5’4″). i went to a running store and they fitted me with the adrenaline 12s and i recently just did a test run on them. my foot hurt but only on the foot itself. i had no problem with the calves and ankles like i had with the nike lunarglide 3 but still. so my question (sorry for the long post) is when you get a good shoe that fits you are you suppose to feel no pain at all or minimal foot aches are okay. the lady from the store say that some of the pain maybe becsause my body is just getting used to running.
The shoes are light and comfortable, but i feel a little hot on the shoes in summer. and the sole is a little hard.
But in word, it is worth to buy.
I think Alfred brings up a good point that I’m always wondering about- is it normal for new running shoes to be painful in the beginning? Sorry, I know that’s really generalized, but it seems to always be the case when I buy a new pair. I had a recent experience where i purchased a neutral pair of Brooks (Ghost 3s)that felt sooooo good when I first put them on, like the glass slipper, but after running in them 3 times, I was having debilitating pain in my hell,thigh, and hip. My local store had advised that I get a stability or motion control shoe because I’m a tall, lunky(and lanky) guy and extremely flat-footed with some serious pronation. I had previously sported the Brooks Addiction(a motion control shoe), which I liked, but felt weren’t a perfect fit for me. So I decided to test the spectrum(of support) by buying the neutral Brooks. I promptly returned them. I’m currently in the pair of Adrenaline 12s, and they do hurt a bit. The heel build up is the most evident feature for me. It’s like the front of your foot falls off a cliff, and it’s a far drop to the turf for your toes. This is good for me somewhat, because I’ve recently had heel issues and they’re not present in this shoe(thus far). The down side is that it has completely changed my strike and I’m feeling some Achilles-realted pain in my ankles.
My point is, I just don’t know if there’s a shoe out there for me. You try one shoe and it causes one kind of pain, and another produces a different kind of pain. Then, you just got to decide which pain is less threatening or that you want to live with. I’ve tried many shoes and Brooks makes the best for me, but that still isn’t very close to what I need. The Beast is closer, but out of my price range a bit.
Hey Jeffrey.
Trust me, I know it’s difficult to find THE running shoes for you, and most of the time people need to compromise. Have you tried the Nike Structure Triax 15 yet?
I have not. In my experience with Nike running shoes, they’re mostly constructed for light-footed, neutral runners. I have lead pipes for legs with a heavy strike, and need some serious re-inforcement. I need support, not cushion. That being said, I’ll check the specs on those and see if Nike has been making some heftier products than I recall.
check the review, here http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2011/12/nike-zoom-structure-triax-15-running-shoes-review/
Hi Jeffery,
liked the way you write and know how you feel. i run marathons, am 44 and still havent found the perfect shoe.they just done exist simply because shoes and roads are both unnatural and humans havent evolved for a sufficient time to incorporate these additions to our genes.and most pains and aches are not because of the shoes but rather whats in them…i believe the human body(foot and legs included) have great adaptability to reconfigure themselves to different stresses and make the best out of them..
The shoes is light and breathy, I like running in the shoes.
I have been an ASICS GT2XXX fan for many years. The only model I wasn’t happen with was the 2150. anyway, when my 2160 looked to need replacing, I tried the new 2000 which was too narrow for my wide feet so the running shop guy suggested adrenaline 12. In the store they felt good, not too tight, not too loose. The video evaluation showed they provided what seemed to be the right amount of support to my pronating feet. Four runs and 20 miles later (so not a lot, by any means) and I have developed pain and soreness in my right achilles. I have NEVER in all my years of dance, aerobics, or running had any lasting problems with my achilles. This is definitely not the shoe for me.
Funny to read this since I am – at this very moment – wondering if GTS 12 might be a good shoe to replace my old Asics GT-2160 shoes (I’ve run almost 2000 km’s with two pairs, but can’t find any new ones anywhere anymore). I thought they should be perfect, but since I’ve started to run with GTS 12 shoes, I’ve got some problems with my achilles – the problems which I had gotten rid of with Asics 2160s! Not sure anymore if I should continue running with GTS 12 and your comment was very valuable for me.. thanks!
I have been an ASICS GT2XXX fan for many years. The only model I wasn’t happen with was the 2150. anyway, when my 2160 looked to need replacing, I tried the new 2000 which was too narrow for my wide feet so the running shop guy suggested adrenaline 12. In the store they felt good, not too tight, not too loose. The video evaluation showed they provided what seemed to be the right amount of support to my pronating feet. Four runs and 20 miles later (so not a lot, by any means) and I have developed pain and soreness in my right achilles. I have NEVER in all my years of dance, aerobics, or running had any problems with my achilles. This is definitely not the shoe for me.
I went to a running store and had my gait evaluated via video. The store owner suggested Brooks GTS 12. They felt good in the store. The minute I started real running in them, I could feel a pronounced thinness in the forefront. I could actually feel every twig and stone I stepped on through the cushioning. And, it felt like the shoe was throwing my foot off to the outside thus creating a jarring hit to the outer bottom of my foot. After 1 week of “trying to get used to them”, I developed a debilitating condition in the joint on the outside of my right foot. Had an x-ray and nothing was broken. The orthopedic said it may be a stretched ligament or an unusual case of plantar fasciatis (spelling?). I’m going to donate these shoes to the Kidney Foundation and I’m out $130. People, save your receipts.
Glad to hear it wasn’t just in my head. My GTS 10 were perfect; enough structure & not too much cushion. I have very flat feet and a hard strike, so the increase in material under the heel wreck my knees and back, exacerbating a prior lumbar condition.
I thought I just had to break them in, but ended up breaking myself (I couldn’t walk, let alone run, for nearly a month). Nearly 6 months later, I’m have lingering knee pain and can’t bare to run over a mile. Tried on my old GTS 10, and they feel amazing. Tried switching to Nike’s, but am having a similar issue.
Sigh…
I ran a long way in 2 pairs of Adrenaline 11s and then had to move up to these 12s, but for the last 3 weeks, I’ve had increasing pain in my calves and right achilles and have so far made 3 trips to the physio (costing me more than the shoes). The shoes are the only thing that has changed. I had full trust in my 11′s but now I’m back at Square one in finding a decent replacement shoe..
I;ve been wearing Brooks GTS for the past five years….my GTS 11 are on their last legs. I’m rough on shoes and they have lasted so well. Thanks for all the reviews – very helpful in deciding whether to go with the GTS 12 or 13 or whether I should look at other brands…wishing I had bought another pair of 11s at the time!
Compared to the 11′s, which I had been running in for some time, the 12′s just don’t compare. I don’t have any comfort problems with the heel, its the forefront of the shoe. It just doesn’t feel right. How sorry am I that I talked myself into buying these shoes saying, “you just need to break them in!” I miss you 11′s.
I feel a lot better after reading the reviews here – I had written off my GTS12s as a bad fitting at my local specialist store, as they were great in-store (and looked great in terms of control on the gait analysis video), but after 5 miles on the road my toes went numb and it felt like I was striking the road through the mesh rather than the sole. Clearly not just a size issue with hot feet by the sound of all the experiences on this thread! – I shan’t bother re-purchasing in a bigger size…