Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Sneakers Review: Ultra-Comfy

If your feet could swipe right on a running shoe, there’s a good chance they’d match with the
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. This long-running stability classic has a cult
following among runners, walkers, nurses, teachers, and anyone whose job description is basically
“on your feet all day.” With the latest update, Brooks added a lighter, nitrogen-infused foam,
polished the upper, and kept the same dependable support that’s made the Adrenaline line famous.

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down what’s new in the Adrenaline GTS 24, how it feels on the
run (and on long days of walking), who it’s best for, and some real-world experiences that show how
“ultra-comfy” it really is. Think of this as your honest friend’s takenot just marketing copywith
a side of nerdy shoe details and a little humor.

Meet the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS series has been around for more than two decades, and the 24th version
builds on that legacy with a modern foam and a slightly sleeker ride. It’s still a
stability running shoe designed for mild to moderate overpronators, but it’s also
a fantastic daily trainer and walking shoe for people who just want extra support without feeling
like they’re wearing a brick.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24’s key specs:

• Category: Stability road running shoe
• Midsole foam: DNA Loft v3 (nitrogen-infused)
• Drop: 12 mm (about 25 mm heel / 13 mm forefoot)
• Weight (men’s): ~10 oz (283 g)
• Support tech: GuideRails® holistic support system
• Upper: Engineered air mesh with good breathability and structure
• Price: MSRP around $140, often discounted to roughly $110–$120 during sales
• Widths: Multiple widths available (including wide and extra-wide in many sizes)

On paper, the GTS 24 looks like a traditional stability shoe. In reality, it feels more modern
thanks to the updated foam and a smoother transition from heel to toe.

Cushioning and Ride: DNA Loft v3 Underfoot

DNA Loft v3: Cushioned, But Not a Marshmallow

The headline update in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is the midsole. Brooks swapped
in DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-infused foam that’s lighter and bouncier than earlier
versions. The goal is to give you a soft, protective ride without feeling mushy or unstable.

Underfoot, the shoe feels balanced more than pillowy. There’s enough give to keep your
joints happy on concrete, but the midsole has a slightly firmer character compared with some max-
cushion models. If you like squishy, sink-in-the-sofa shoes, this might feel a touch firm. But if
you want a shoe that protects your legs and still feels controlled and connected to the ground,
the Adrenaline GTS 24 is right in that sweet spot.

High Drop Heaven for Heel Strikers

With a 12 mm drop, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is unapologetically heel-striker friendly.
That means there’s more cushioning under your heel than under your forefoot, encouraging a smooth
roll forward as you land and push off. For runners and walkers who land on their heels, this feels
natural and very comfortable.

If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker, you can still enjoy the shoe, but you’ll likely notice the
higher drop. Some people love that extra under-heel cushioning on long days; others prefer a lower
drop shoe. If you’ve worn previous Adrenalines or the Brooks Ghost, the geometry here will feel
familiar and easy to adapt to.

Daily Miles, Treadmill, and Walking

In real-world use, the GTS 24 shines as a jack-of-all-trades shoe. It’s:

• Soft enough for easy runs and recovery days
• Stable and predictable for daily training and run-walk intervals
• Comfortable for long walks, errands, and travel days
• Reliable on the treadmill, where repetitive impact can really test cushioning

This isn’t a race shoe, and it doesn’t pretend to be. You can pick up the pace a bit, but
its true personality is “steady, supportive, and comfortable,” not “sprinty and hyper-responsive.”

Stability and Support: GuideRails Doing the Quiet Work

How the GuideRails System Works

Instead of using old-school posting (extra firm foam on the inside of the foot), Brooks uses its
GuideRails® holistic support system. Think of GuideRails as bumpers on a bowling
lanemost of the time you won’t notice them, but when your foot starts to roll too far inward, they
gently nudge you back into alignment.

These rails run along the sides of the shoe to help keep your knee, hip, and ankle tracking in a
more efficient line. For runners who overpronate or whose knees tend to drift inward, this setup
can reduce wobble and keep things feeling smoother and more controlled.

Who Really Benefits from the Stability

The Adrenaline GTS 24 is one of the go-to recommendations for:

• Runners with mild to moderate overpronation
• People with flat feet or collapsing arches
• Walkers and runners dealing with chronic knee or ankle discomfort
• Folks with plantar fasciitis who need solid arch and heel support

Many wearers with plantar fasciitis and high arches report that the mix of
cushioning, support, and ankle padding allows them to stay active and even hit 20,000–25,000 steps
in a day without flaring up their symptoms. It’s not a medical treatment, of course, but it’s a
shoe that plays nicely with many podiatrists’ recommendations for structured, supportive footwear.

When the Stability Might Feel Like “Too Much”

If you have a very neutral gait and like a lot of natural foot motion, the Adrenaline GTS 24 may
feel slightly overbuilt. The GuideRails can make your stride feel more controlled and less free,
especially if you’re used to flexible neutral shoes. Some runners also note that the strong
stability can shift a bit more impact to the knees if they don’t usually overpronate.

The bottom line: if you’re not sure whether you need stability, consider trying both the
Adrenaline GTS 24 and a neutral shoe like the Brooks Ghost or Glycerin to see which feels more
natural for your stride.

Upper, Fit, and Sizing

Breathable Engineered Mesh

The GTS 24’s upper uses an engineered air mesh with larger ventilation openings
than some earlier versions. That translates to good airflow on warm runs and noticeable
breathability during long shifts indoors. The upper also has enough structure to hug the midfoot
without feeling like a rigid cage.

The tongue and collar are nicely padded, giving the shoe a plush feel around the ankle and the top
of the foot. That’s especially welcome if you’re wearing them for hours at a time or lacing a bit
tighter for stability.

Fit, Widths, and Sizing Tips

Overall, the fit is secure and slightly snug, especially in the midfoot and
sometimes in the toe box height. Many runners report that the GTS 24 feels a bit more fitted than
the GTS 23, and some people with high-volume feet or orthotics choose to go up half a size.

Good news: the Adrenaline GTS 24 is available in multiple widths (including wide and extra-wide in
many men’s sizes). If you have:

• Narrow feet: You may enjoy the locked-down feel in standard width.
• Average feet: True to size usually works well, especially if you like a snug,
  performance-type fit.
• Wide feet or orthotics: Consider wide width or half a size up for extra room.

If you’re upgrading from an older Adrenaline (like the GTS 22 or GTS 23), expect a slightly more
dialed-in fit. It’s worth trying them on in person if possible, or ordering from a retailer with a
friendly return policy.

Durability, Traction, and Everyday Versatility

Outsole That’s Built to Last

The outsole of the Adrenaline GTS 24 uses a healthy amount of blown rubber, with flex grooves that
help the shoe roll smoothly from heel to toe. This is not a minimalist designit’s clearly built
for durability and everyday training.

Typical runners can expect several hundred miles of solid performance, and many people push
Adrenalines well past the 300–400-mile mark before the cushioning starts to feel noticeably tired.
For walkers and casual wearers, that translates into a very long-lasting shoe.

Traction for Most Conditions

On dry roads, treadmills, and indoor floors, the shoe grips well and feels very secure. Light rain
and damp pavement aren’t a problem for most users either. It isn’t a technical trail shoe, though,
so muddy or rocky trails are not its natural habitat.

Ideal Use Cases

The Adrenaline GTS 24 works best for:

• Daily runs on pavement, sidewalks, and treadmills
• Run-walk programs and Couch-to-5K training plans
• Long-distance walking, including travel and sightseeing days
• Jobs that require standing and walking for hours (healthcare, retail, teaching, etc.)

If you want one pair of supportive shoes that can handle a bit of everythingrunning, walking,
errands, travelthe GTS 24 is a strong contender.

How the Adrenaline GTS 24 Compares

Adrenaline GTS 24 vs. Adrenaline GTS 23

The big jump from the GTS 23 to GTS 24 is the switch to DNA Loft v3 foam and a
refreshed upper. The 24 is:

• Lighter and a bit softer underfoot for many runners
• More responsive, with a slightly livelier feel on toe-off
• Equally (or more) supportive, thanks to tuned GuideRails and a stable platform
• Fitted with a more padded, premium-feeling upper and laces

Some users do find the GTS 24’s fit a bit snugger overall, and a few choose a half-size up compared
with the GTS 23. But in terms of ride, most people see it as a clear upgrade: smoother, softer, and
more modern without losing the “Adrenaline DNA.”

Adrenaline GTS 24 vs. Brooks Ghost and Glycerin

If you’re loyal to Brooks but not sure which model fits your needs, here’s the quick rundown:

• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: Stability shoe with GuideRails support and a
  balanced, slightly firm ride. Great for overpronators and people who want extra structure.
• Brooks Ghost (e.g., Ghost 16/17): Neutral daily trainer with soft cushioning
  and less structure. Ideal if your gait is neutral and you like a more flexible feel.
• Brooks Glycerin / Glycerin Max: Plush, ultra-cushioned neutral shoes for
  maximum softness. If you want clouds under your feet and don’t need stability, Glycerin might
  feel more luxurious.

Think of the Adrenaline GTS 24 as the supportive, sensible friend who keeps you out of trouble,
while the Ghost is the laid-back buddy and the Glycerin is your ultra-chill spa friend.

Who the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Is (and Isn’t) For

To make this simple, here’s a quick guide to whether the GTS 24 is likely to make your feet happy.

The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a great choice if:

• You overpronate or have been told you need a stability shoe.
• You have flat feet, collapsing arches, or a history of knee/ankle issues.
• You want one shoe that works for both running and long days of walking or standing.
• You prefer a secure, supportive fit over a super-roomy, slipper-like feel.
• You’re a heel striker who likes a higher drop and cushioned heel.

The GTS 24 might not be ideal if:

• You have a neutral gait and prefer lots of natural foot motion.
• You crave ultra-soft, marshmallow cushioning with minimal ground feel.
• You want a low-drop or zero-drop shoe for form work or minimalist running.
• Your feet are very wide and you dislike any feeling of snugness (even in wide sizes).

Real-World Experiences with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Specs are great, but what really matters is how the shoe behaves in everyday life. Let’s walk (and
run) through some experience-based scenarios to bring the Adrenaline GTS 24 to life.

The Injury-Prone New Runner

Imagine you’re starting a Couch-to-5K program. You’ve tried cheap sneakers from a random sale and
your shins, arches, and knees all filed complaints. Enter the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24.

On your first run-walk session, the difference is immediate. The heel feels cushioned instead of
slappy on the pavement. As you transition through your stride, the GuideRails keep your ankles from
collapsing inward, which can reduce that wobbly, “I’m about to roll over my ankle” sensation. The
more structured feel inspires confidence, especially when your form gets sloppy near the end of a
workout.

After a few weeks, your body is still adjusting to running, but your knees and arches feel less
beat-up. Instead of dreading the impact, you start to appreciate the predictability: every step
feels like the shoe is quietly doing its job in the background.

The All-Day-On-Your-Feet Nurse

Now picture a nurse working 12-hour shifts in a busy hospital. Long hallways, hard floors, and
minimal sitting. In that environment, a shoe isn’t just gear; it’s life support for your joints.

The Adrenaline GTS 24’s cushioning and stability combination help distribute impact over long
shifts. The padded collar and secure upper keep the foot from sliding around inside the shoe,
reducing hot spots and blisters. The breathable mesh helps keep your feet from overheating, even
when the rest of your body is running at emergency-room speed.

After 10,000–15,000 steps in a day, the difference between a random sneaker and a structured shoe
like the GTS 24 becomes very obvious. Instead of throbbing arches and angry heels, you’re tired
(of course), but your feet aren’t screaming. That’s a big deal when “day off” really just means
“time to do your own errands.”

The Traveler Logging 20,000+ Steps

The Adrenaline GTS 24 is also a quiet hero for travel. Airport days, city tours, and all-day
sightseeing can rack up more steps than a long run. Many wearers report that they use the GTS 24 as
their go-to travel shoe because it checks multiple boxes at once: cushioned, supportive, and
reasonably stylish in neutral colorways.

Picture a day that starts with a sprint through the airport, continues with a walking tour on
cobblestone streets, and ends with a casual dinner. Instead of swapping shoes mid-day, the
Adrenaline GTS 24 holds up from morning to night, keeping your feet, arches, and ankles supported
as the mileage piles up.

The Loyal Adrenaline Fan Upgrading from Older Versions

If you’ve worn older Adrenaline models (like the GTS 21, 22, or 23), you’ll notice a few clear
differences in the 24:

• The ride is a bit smoother and livelier, thanks to DNA Loft v3.
• The upper feels more premium and plush, especially at the tongue and heel collar.
• The fit may feel slightly snugger, especially over the top of the foot.

Many long-time Adrenaline fans describe the GTS 24 as “the same shoe, but better tuned.” It still
has that grounded, confidence-inspiring stability, but with a more modern foam and a more refined
feel overall. If you’ve been in Adrenalines for years, the GTS 24 is very likely to feel familiar
and upgraded rather than foreign.

Final Verdict: Ultra-Comfy Support That Just Works

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 doesn’t chase every trend, and that’s exactly why so
many people love it. It delivers:

• Balanced, protective cushioning with DNA Loft v3
• Reliable, unobtrusive stability from the GuideRails system
• A breathable, secure upper with all-day comfort
• Durability that can handle serious mileage and long shifts

If you’re a runner or walker who needs (or simply enjoys) a structured, supportive shoe, the
Adrenaline GTS 24 absolutely lives up to its “ultra-comfy” reputation. It’s not the softest shoe on
the market and it’s not the fastestbut for many people, it’s the one that keeps their feet, knees,
and hips happiest day after day.

In short: if you want a stability running shoe that doubles as a fantastic walking
and everyday sneaker, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 deserves a top spot on your shortlist.