The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is a stability shoe built to offer a mix of support, cushioning, and comfort.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS has embodied the very meaning of a “Go-To-Shoe” for years and years. Runners of all abilities flock to this shoe model for its reliability in all sorts of running conditions.
As the daily-trainer that I use, the Adrenaline GTS provides a solid DNA Loft midsole foam, especially in the heel area, to protect your feet and legs from pounding the pavement.
- Tremendous Stability
- Durable
- Smooth and Soft Transition for Stability Shoe
- Highly Rated & Reviewed
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Review
When combined with Brooks’ inherent stability system you have the makings of a great shoe option for most types of training.
Specifications
Quality
DURABILITY
cost
From its secure and comfortable upper to its durable outsole rubber, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 promises reliability, support, and protection. Does this model hold up to its past legacy?
Let’s dig in and find out!
Our friend Noble breaks it down in this very detailed video!
UPPER - Materials and Lockdown
I think Brooks did a great job at keeping the upper super simple for the most part, it gets the job done, giving runners the usual comfort you’d expect from this brand, but also tagging on a great wrap around the midfoot and heel collar.
The upper lays its base with an Engineered mesh, which does a great job at providing a lightweight and breathable lockdown. This mesh is enhanced with a 3D Fit Print to add a little extra structure and support around your foot. I love how it surrounds it without making it feel like a glove.
The Heel Counter is updated from the previous model, and it is SO nice! For those who like a stout heel counter that locks your ankle in place and does not cause any irritation of rubbing on the achillies tendon, then this is a great option.
Furthermore, the lacing system is smooth, fluid, and secure. I doubt you’ll have any issues with your laces coming undone over the course of a run.
When the lacing system is combined with the gusseted tongue, then there should be few issues with the comfort and lockdown over the top of your midfoot.
POSITIVE: SO comfortable and secure.
DRAWBACK: Extra volume in the toe box might mean some with go ½ size down.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a supportive shoe that's soft and smooth, the Adrenaline GTS 21 offers an improved ride and reliable support for however your body moves so you can forget the shoes and enjoy the run. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: Provides just the right amount of stability and support, great for overpronation while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 20
MIDSOLE - Supportive and Sturdy
I would not call the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 plush or “super-soft”, but I won’t mark it down for that either because it does not market itself that way either.
This is the same support that you would find in other Brooks shoes including the Ghost.
While it’s not plush, I feel like you still get a good mix of stability and firmer cushioning throughout the heel and forefoot. It’s great, but if you are seeking an outrageously soft feeling, then better to opt for Hoka these days.
Anyway, the midsole is made up primarily of Brooks’ DNA Loft foam from heel to toe, it’s marketed as a foam that will deliver a crazy plush and luxurious cushioning, while that part is solid, it definitely leans towards the more responsive and durable side.
The midsole is enhanced with a BioMoGo DNA, which fuses BioMoGo midsole and DNA cushioning technology for an adaptive ride custom for each individual runner.
As you run more in the shoe, the foam will form better to your foot, and that is actually super true. This foam feels personal to your foot after about 40 miles, which is surprisingly nice. I have worn mine for over 300 miles and they still feel super comfy and supported.
On the support side of the midsole, there are Guide Rails on both the medial and lateral sides of the shoe for a holistic support system. The goal here is that this support will correct any sort of overpronation issue you may have.
I like the “inherent stability” craze going on right now, as it provides just enough support, but does not get in your way like a traditional hard medial post would.
For a more fluid transition, Brooks implements Omega Flex Grooves to optimize forefoot flexibility without compromising cushioning and a segmented crash pad that flexes with the foot, offering customized cushioning and stability for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
POSITIVE: Great support system.
DRAWBACK: Super hard forefoot cushioning.
- Tremendous Stability
- Durable
- Smooth and Soft Transition for Stability Shoe
- Highly Rated & Reviewed
OUTSOLE - Simple and Durable
Brooks keeps it super simple on the outsole, and that’s exactly what is needed.
The comprehensive Blown Rubber outsole is thick, light, durable, and has plenty of traction on most surfaces. I think there are a few things that this outsole does wrong, and it's just nice.
There really is not a lot to say here except that you get the quality and reliability that you’d expect from Brooks.
Durability Prediction - 500-600 Miles
The great thing about a shoe with a beefy outsole and slightly firmer midsole is that it will last you a long time.
Officially I say that this shoe will get you between 500-600 miles of high-quality running, but after that mark, I anticipate that you can continue using this shoe for easy running and even have it transition to a walking or working shoe with plenty of comfort and support.
Bottom line, you are going to get plenty out of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, whether that be running, walking, or just commuting and standing around. Enjoy that reliability and comfort!
If you are looking for an alternative to the Adrenaline, try these 5 options.
Best Uses - Daily Training, Medium Runs, Long Runs
These are where I think the Adrenaline will perform at its peak, but this is the kind of shoe that you can wear as a “do-it-all” trainer. By that I mean you could do your easiest recovery miles in this, but also get away with running most of your workouts in it as well.
I do not recommend using your running shoe as a lifestyle/walking/daily shoe as well, but if there were any shoes that you could keep on for every occasion it’s the Brooks Adrenaline GTS.I tend to use my Ghost as my daily walking etc. shoe and my running is the Adrenaline.
PRICE
After everything I have said, you should know that I think that is a great deal for this shoe.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is going to give you its very best in reliability, versatility, and durability. The fact that I think it will last so long is what makes the price worth it for me.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, then the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is still readily available and on sale for less, it will still provide all the same basic features you’re getting in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21.
- Tremendous Stability
- Durable
- Smooth and Soft Transition for Stability Shoe
- Highly Rated & Reviewed
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Review - Wrap Up
With such a delightful blend of comfort, stability, versatility, and reliability I don’t see why this shoe wouldn’t fit into anyone’s running shoe rotation in some way.
Depending on experience and ability level you could use the Adrenaline GTS for all your runs, just as a supportive recovery shoe, or anything in between.
You are getting a lot of value relative to the price, so while it does not include any extra frills, the Adrenaline really does live up to its title as a “Go-to-Shoe”.
Should You Get The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21?
It’s not my place to say that I know for certain that this shoe will work for you, but I think considering its versatility and addition of inherent stability, I think this shoe could pretty much work for anyone and fit into the shoe rotation somewhere.
If you like a durable, versatile, and comfortable shoe suitable for neutral runners or overpronators, then this is a good option for you to pick up and try out. I honestly doubt that you’ll be disappointed.
Last update on 2023-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API