Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22- Women's Review

We have to hand it to Brooks, just when we thought one of their all-star running shoes couldn't get any better, they released the updated Adrenaline GTS 22. The midsole is now comprised of 100% DNA LOFT for exceptional comfort. Brooks kept their classic, non-intrusive Guiderails for lateral support and updated the heel cup design. While not all consumers are happy with the updated collar, we love the updated taper and never had issues with hot spots or blisters. This shoe very quickly proved itself to stand out amid a sea of great running shoes, which is why it earned one of our coveted awards, the Top Pick. Due to its GuideRails, the Adrenaline became our favorite shoe for lateral support, something we love to aid in the correction of over pronation.

Performance Comparison

Responsiveness

We love how responsive the Adrenaline 22 is. The redesigned DNA LOFT midsole and rubber base set the stage for a seamless and responsive ride.

Oftentimes, a plush ride comes at the expense of a shoe's ability to ride on turbo gear. In this case, though, the perfect balance has been found. While not the most responsive shoe, the Adrenaline is one of our favorites because of how well it marries each and every metric. The aerodynamic and traditional shape of the Adrenaline only adds to its energy return. Brooks touts their DNA LOFT as one of the reasons why this pair of runners ride with such good responsiveness. Each footfall feels like it rolls into the next, with the plush yet firm underfoot dampening the landing but making the most of the energy that you've put into your stride.

Landing Comfort/Cushioning

The classic Brooks DNA LOFT comes into play in this metric too, providing perfectly balanced landing comfort in the Adrenaline.

When broken down, we can view this metric through two lenses. When it comes to landing comfort, the Adrenaline is our favorite. The body of the shoe gently conforms to your foot, providing a nuanced and specified ride for your unique stride. When it comes to the cushioning piece, Brooks really hit the mark with the release of the Adrenaline 22. It is not a maximal-style, super-fluffy shoe at all. The cushioning is intelligently placed to offer the most cushion but without feeling bulky or squishy. So, it is not just about how cushioned the shoe is - we awarded such a strong score to the Adrenaline because of how seamlessly Brooks combined cushioning with function. We love the protective cushioning of this not-too-soft and not-too-rigid runner.

Stability

As is the case with many Brooks running shoes, they implement a Guiderail system for an added lateral structure. When it comes to the Adrenaline specifically, the Guiderails offer great lateral stability without feeling too stiff or restrictive.

When we compare the stability of the Adrenaline to that of the other women's running shoes we've tested, we find that the Adrenaline scores near the top. It earned its place atop the list of comfortably stable shoes by allowing the supportive structures to be pretty inconspicuous. Other shoes that provide equal lateral stability can often feel narrow and restrictive. The Adrenaline isn't either. A narrow fit isn't an issue with this pair of runners, either, since Brooks makes plenty of width options to choose from. They make a regular width, plus a narrow, wide, and extra-wide option. So if lateral stability is what you are looking for, reach for the Adrenaline for a customizable ride.

Upper Comfort

As mentioned, the 360-degree fit of the Adrenaline GTS 22 is comfortable. This includes the supreme comfort of its upper.

The tongue and lace bed are plush without being overbearing. The upper engineered mesh is breathable but protective and supportive. Brooks redesigned the toe box on this version of the Adrenaline to be slightly more narrow-feeling. Even still, the toe box boasts plenty of space for toes to spread and engage while running. Especially since there are wide versions of the Adrenaline available, we didn't find this updated shape to be a hindrance of any kind. Brooks also resigned the heel cup on this popular running shoe. We love the new beveled heel and the more-secure fit it promotes. As is often the case, we recommend trying shoes on before buying them if you can. And, of course, remember that sometimes the best running shoes take a few short jaunts to break in and form to your feet.

Weight

Even with all of the tech and comfort features loaded into this shoe, it weighs in the middle of the pack. This is the only metric in which the Adrenaline 22 didn't score well above average.

Each women's size 7 weighs 8.11 ounces per shoe, which is on par with other shoes that offer a similar fit and comfort profile. All told, the weight of the Adrenaline is average and perfectly expected for the amount of protection, support, and cushion that this stellar runner provides.

Should You Buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22?

We cannot recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 enough. If you are looking for prime comfort, great durability, and a running shoe that will carry you through the miles without breaking the bank, this is the shoe for you. Even if you don't plan on doing any burly marathon-esque efforts anytime soon, shelling out the cash for a solid pair of top-rated walking shoes like these will serve you well. Considering how long-lasting Brooks shoes typically are, including the Adrenaline, we think that value is nearly unbeatable.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?