Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Introduction

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS reaches a major milestone in 2025 with the release of its 25th edition. Outside of the ASICS Kayano, it’s hard to think of another stability trainer that has remained in production for this long. That longevity speaks to a shoe built on a strong foundation, one that has continued to evolve over the years while maintaining its place as one of the best-selling stability shoes on the market.

The Adrenaline GTS remains Brooks’ flagship moderate-stability trainer. In the current Brooks lineup, it sits alongside the Glycerin GTS, which serves as the brand’s max-stability option. While Brooks has introduced several other stability models over the years, the Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS are the two that have consistently stood the test of time.

Retailing at $155, the Adrenaline GTS 25 competes directly with models such as the ASICS GT-2000, Saucony Guide, and HOKA Arahi.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 First Impressions

The last version I reviewed was the 23rd edition, so opening the box of the GTS 25 was a bit of a surprise. The shoe looked noticeably different from the last pair I ran in. The midsole appeared larger, and overall, the shoe had a sleeker, faster look. The colorway I tested struck a nice balance of white and black, and for those who prefer more options, Brooks offers eight additional colorways.

It had been a while since I last slipped on a pair of Brooks, and the initial step-in feel stood out immediately. The level of plushness was higher than I expected. Historically, Brooks shoes have leaned more toward responsiveness out of the box, but that wasn’t the case here. The Adrenaline GTS 25 felt noticeably softer underfoot. Another immediate standout was the heel collar—it felt quite different from a traditional design, which I’ll touch on more later.

The maiden run in the Adrenaline GTS 25 was a 5K, and it proved to be a smoother, more comfortable experience than previous versions. The responsiveness is still present, but it’s now layered beneath additional cushioning. The shoe also felt more broken-in right away, reducing that “new shoe” stiffness. The heel collar took some getting used to, but overall, the ride was smooth, controlled, and comfortable.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Upper

The upper of the Adrenaline 25 has received a noticeable update. Visually, it looks more modern, sleeker, and faster. Brooks uses a double jacquard mesh for the upper, which strikes a strong balance between breathability and warmth. I tested the shoe during the transition from fall to winter, and my feet stayed comfortably warm without overheating. The mesh provides an ideal amount of structure—flexible enough to move naturally with the foot, yet supportive enough to keep everything securely in place.

The heel design, however, looks and feels quite different from previous versions. A flat-knit collar has been added, and the best way to describe it is like a turtleneck: where the traditional heel collar would normally end, there is extra fabric that extends upward and covers more of the ankle. This felt strange during my first few runs and, frankly, unnecessary. The slightly uncomfortable sensation was compounded by the amount of cushioning in the heel collar. While ample padding is important in a stability trainer, the Adrenaline 25 may have gone a bit overboard in this area.

The traditional lacing system made it easy to achieve a secure, dialed-in fit right away. The tongue features an ideal level of cushioning and includes a loop at the top to assist with slipping the shoe on. There is also a pull loop at the back of the heel, and I found myself using both every time I put the shoe on.

The upper was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I appreciated the updated look and the redesigned mesh, which strikes a nice balance between structure, flexibility, and durability. The lacing system remains simple yet effective, and the added loops were a welcome improvement. Unfortunately, the heel portion felt slightly overbearing for my preference, which ultimately detracted from the overall upper experience.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Sole Unit

As always, let’s start from the ground up. RoadTack rubber makes its second appearance in the Adrenaline with this edition. This outsole compound, made in part from recycled materials, is thinner than previous versions yet still delivers reliable traction across a variety of conditions. Visually, the outsole immediately stands out. Rather than full rubber coverage, material is strategically placed in key wear areas, featuring a pattern that almost resembles a leopard print.

Last year, Brooks introduced DNA LOFT v3, a nitrogen-infused, EVA-based midsole foam designed to provide softness, responsiveness, and reduced weight without sacrificing durability. After logging over 50 miles in the shoe, it’s clear Brooks accomplished exactly what they intended. The midsole feels noticeably soft right out of the box, requiring minimal break-in time, and delivers a consistently bouncy, energetic ride from foot strike through toe-off. While this softer feel may turn off some longtime Brooks runners, I found it to be a welcome update.

Brooks’ GuideRail technology was one of the first truly holistic stability systems on the market, and for good reason it has remained a staple across their stability lineup. In this edition, the GuideRails are slightly more pronounced than in recent versions, but not in a negative way. They remain adaptive and unobtrusive during the run. Balance is the word that best describes the stability of the Adrenaline 25.

Brooks has also lowered the drop from 12 mm to 10 mm, which helps smooth the transition from foot strike to toe-off. While there is still a brief break-in period—shorter than what I’ve come to expect from Brooks trainers—once broken in, the shoe performs even better. The midsole ultimately stands out as one of the greatest strengths of the Brooks Adrenaline 25.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Conclusions

After spending time in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, it’s clear this is a shoe that’s evolving rather than reinventing itself—and for the most part, that works in its favor. The midsole is the highlight for me. The DNA LOFT v3 foam delivers a softer, smoother, and more energetic ride than I’ve come to expect from the Adrenaline line, and after 50+ miles, it consistently felt comfortable and reliable. Brooks managed to add cushioning without losing the controlled, stable feel that has kept so many runners loyal to this model over the years.

On the run, the Adrenaline GTS 25 felt broken-in quicker than past versions, and I appreciated the lower drop and subtle GuideRail support, which kept my stride feeling balanced rather than forced. This is a shoe I’d confidently reach for on daily runs and longer efforts when I want stability without thinking about it.

The upper, however, is where my feelings are more mixed. I genuinely liked the updated mesh, fit, and overall look, and the lacing system made it easy to lock in a secure fit every time. That said, the heel collar was simply too much for me. The added structure and cushioning felt unnecessary and occasionally distracting, especially compared to how dialed-in the rest of the shoe feels.

In the end, the Adrenaline GTS 25 remains a dependable, comfortable stability trainer that continues to earn its reputation. While the heel design may not be for everyone—myself included—the improvements underfoot make this one of the better Adrenaline versions I’ve run in.

For runners looking for a softer, more refined stability shoe that can handle everyday miles with ease, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is still very much in the conversation.