Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 - Women's Review

Comfort and Fit

The updated Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 offers a plush-enough step-in feel that feels immediately familiar and approachable. Brooks continues to prioritize comfort without tons of padding, and it shows. The upper wraps the foot securely without creating pressure points, and the heel collar feels soft enough for extended wear. The updated heel collar offers even more security than past versions, highlighting this shoe's legacy of stability. We especially appreciated how easy this shoe was to wear outside of running, from standing all day to casual walking and errands.

The fit of this new Adrenaline leans true-to-size with a moderately roomy toe box that works well for a wide variety of foot shapes. We have to tip our hats here; Brooks put out another shoe that offers a predictable, Brooks-like fit that will delight runners who feel allegiance to Brooks shoes. By keeping things simple, Brooks created a shoe that feels the way you'd expect, and we mean that in a positive way. While not the flashiest road running shoe, we have nothing but respect for the latest iteration of the Adrenaline. Runners who might benefit from support but dislike overly aggressive stability shoes will likely appreciate how unobtrusive the support feels. The ride offered by the Adrenaline is stable, but never stiff or controlling.

Cushioning

The Adrenaline is not a maximally cushioned shoe, and it never has been, which underscores its reliability. The cushioning strikes a balanced middle ground between softness and structure, upholding its ultimate goal: to be a supportive, daily running shoe.

Brooks' “DNA Loft” foam provides enough impact protection for daily mileage while maintaining a stable, grounded feel. This is not an ultra-soft or trampoline-like ride, but that is part of what makes the shoe feel so familiar in the best of ways. The heel cushion thickness is 35 mm off the ground, which is fairly average. The cushion height drop from heel to toe is 10 mm, which is more noticeable than in many newer running shoes, and might be too much for runners with knee or hip concerns. Ultimately, this means that the forefoot stands 25 mm off the ground, which is only slightly less than some of the more maximally cushioned options in our lineup. All of that to say, transitions feel smooth and consistent at easy and moderate paces in the Adrenaline, and the platform remains reassuringly stable during long walks or on fatigued legs. While runners seeking a highly energetic ride may want something more responsive, the Adrenaline shines as a dependable everyday trainer.

Breathability

The upper of the Adrenaline is made of a fairly simple mesh. This engineered-mesh upper delivers solid airflow without sacrificing structure. During testing, the shoe remained comfortable in moderate to warm temperatures and avoided the overly thick, stuffy feeling that some stability shoes can develop.

The upper also deserves credit for balancing breathability with durability. It feels substantial enough for heavy daily use while still allowing enough ventilation for year-round running. While not super breezy, the simple design is solid and comfortable enough for runs in all kinds of weather.

Traction

Traction is another area where the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 excels. The outsole grips confidently on pavement, sidewalks, light gravel, and damp roads, reinforcing the shoe's stable, trustworthy personality. Thick, deeply grooved rubber covers the high-wear areas, helping runners maintain both footing and confidence over long miles.

Throughout testing, we never second-guessed traction in the Brooks Adrenaline. The outsole rubber also proved impressively durable, making this a strong option for runners seeking a shoe that can handle heavy weekly mileage. We especially appreciate that a shoe marketed for stability backs up that promise with a reliable traction pattern. Combined with the subtle yet effective lateral support structures that help guide smooth foot strikes, the traction pattern further enhances the shoe's secure, planted feel during runs.

Should You Buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25?

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is an excellent choice for runners seeking a reliable, traditional stability shoe that can comfortably handle daily training, walking, and general everyday use. It is one of the most predictable shoes in the best possible way. With just enough cushion, forefoot space, and a plush-enough tongue, the Adrenaline is easy to wear for hours on end. If you value consistency, comfort, and support over flashy speed-focused performance, this shoe is easy to recommend. Runners looking for a lightweight, highly responsive, or aggressively modern ride may prefer a more energetic daily trainer.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you want a slightly softer, more energetic stability option, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 offers a plusher underfoot feel and more overall softness. Also, a stability shoe, the smoothness of the Kayano makes it feel a bit more contemporary than the old-school build of the Brooks Adrenaline. If a stability shoe isn't your thing but you know you want a traditional-feeling shoe, the Saucony Ride 19 might be a good place to start. All three of the aforementioned shoes are similar in price, allowing you to find the fit that truly suits you before worrying about the budget.