Article by Allison Valliere
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 ($140)
Introduction
The Adrenaline 24 has been completely overhauled and improved, with a revamped upper, outsole and the addition of DNA Loft v3, replacing the v2 of version 23, while retaining the Guide Rails and stability that defines the Adrenaline GTS.
Being a nurse (as well as a runner) spending 8-10 hours on my feet each work day is what initially drew me to the Adrenaline when I first tried the Adrenaline 22, as the Danskos I have been wearing for years were taking their toll on my feet and especially my heels (I think I had a pesky case of Plantar Fasciitis). Wearing the Adrenaline 22 and 23 at work helped to relieve my PF and the 24 is now performing that task equally well, if not better.
Pros:
Comfort, cushion, stability, durability, support for long days on my feet.
Cons:
None
Stats
Sample Weight: 9.3oz / 266g women’s US 9
Prior Version Weight: women’s 9.1oz / 261g US9
Midsole Stack Height: 25 mm heel / 13 mm forefoot (12 mm drop)
Platform Width: 90mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
Available November 2024. $140
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
The Adrenaline 24 is very familiar in look and feel overall, with an enhanced engineered Air Mesh upper that is very comfortable and breathable, with good structure and an accommodating fit. The fit is still accommodating, with ample room for my foot and is overall true to size. I find the upper to be secure for walking, road running and very non technical trail running.
Most importantly for me is that they are very comfortable for long days on my feet with room for foot swelling and they stay cool and airy.
Like the previous version, the heel counter is sturdy, well structured and well padded.
The gusseted tongue is thick and comfortable, providing nice protection from the laces.
Midsole & Platform
The big story here in my opinion is the upgrade to the supercritical DNA LOFT v3 midsole foam. The v3 foam has a softer, more compliant feel that is noticeable on the run for greater overall comfort, yet is still supportive enough for long days on my feet as a nurse. When running, they feel light and responsive for a stability daily trainer, but are by no means an uptempo shoe.
Like the previous versions, the 24 has the same supportive GuideRails that run along either side of the shoe to provide top notch lateral support and stability with the medial rail somewhat firmer than the lateral for more pronation support there.
Outsole
The outsole has been noticeably re-designed, but generally retains a similar layout/ratio of exposed foam. The new RoadTack rubber outsole is made with recycled materials and its layout integrates well with the shoe, offering good traction and a soft landing with helpful rebound. Durability is so far very good.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The ride of the Adrenaline 24 is smooth, supportive, stable and predictable, with the Guide Rails providing a nice structured and stable feel without feeling heavy, stiff or clunky. While not particularly responsive or speedy, they do not feel slow or sluggish either.
The new DNA Loft v3 midsole is a big improvement over the previous version, enhancing the cushion, comfort and overall enjoyable nature of the shoe, but without compromising stability and support.
I would recommend the Adrenaline to anyone looking for a long distance stability trainer or even for those who might not even need stability, but just want a nice, well cushioned, easy going, predictable and comfortable trainer. Of course if you are on your feet all day as I am as a nurse, then these are a great option as well.
Score: 9.8/10
Ride: 9.8 - smooth running and supportive/comfortable for long days on my feet
Fit: 10 - super comfortable, true to size, secure with just enough wiggle room
Value: 10 - high quality and durable, where they will last a long time.
Style: 9.5 - Available in a wide range of colors, I think they look great
😊😊😊😊😊
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 (RTR Review)
Compared throughout, but the 24 with the Loft DNA v3 has a softer, more lively feel, but still has plenty of support for long days. Fit is comparable.
Saucony Guide 16 (RTR Review)
Both are very comfortable, supportive and close in stats, but I find the Adrenaline to be a little more roomy in the forefoot and a touch more supportive. It is a flip of the coin really.
Brooks Ghost 16: (RTR Review)
The Ghost is lighter and like the Adrenaline, has the same Loft DNA v3 foam improvement and RoadTack outsole, has similar fit, but is not quite as supportive for long days on your feet. The two shoes are very similar if not the same, with the primary difference being the Guide Rails in the Adrenaline.
Tester Profile
Allison Valliere is a 5th generation Coloradan who is passionate about the outdoors and has been hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing and running in the mountains since she was young. She has completed all but 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many hundreds of year round ascents of 14ers, 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and the West. Allison has also traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 feet in the Himalayas, to high altitudes in Ecuador and has worked for the National Park Service mapping plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California . Her almost daily routine involves runs/power hikes in the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile pace if schedule necessitates. But what really keeps her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking care of her twin teenage daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors.
The Adrenaline GTS 24 will be available November 2024
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