Adrenaline vs. Glycerin: Comparing Brooks Stability Shoes

Here, we briefly compare two popular Brooks overpronation running shoes - Adrenaline GTS vs Glycerin GTS.

Specs:

Adrenaline vs. Glycerin

Both shoes are part of Brooks' "Go-To Support" (GTS) lineup and feature the GuideRails support system. GuideRails is simply a firmer foam on the medial side of the shoe, aka medial posts. These medial posts work as “bumpers” on both sides of the heel, guiding your foot into a neutral stride, keeping excess ankle and knee movement in check.

In short, Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS are designed for runners who overpronate or just feel their form breaking down on longer runs.

Where they differ is in their cushioning.

• The Adrenaline GTS aims for balanced cushioning. It’s a daily trainer designed to give you a good ground feel while still protecting you from the pavement impact.
• The Glycerin GTS goes all-in on plush comfort. It uses the same GuideRails support but pairs it with the softest ride Brooks has to offer. The shoe is designed primarily for long mileage.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25: A Closer Look

The Adrenaline series has been a cornerstone for Brooks for over two decades, and the 25th iteration introduces some significant updates - if you've run in the Adrenaline GTS 24, you'll notice the GTS 25 feels softer and more cushioned underfoot.

Besides a new mesh upper that feels a bit more structured, the biggest change in the Adrenaline GTS 25 is a few millimeters of cushioning, resulting in a higher overall stack height for better shock absorption - 37 mm in heel, 27 mm in forefoot. Brooks also brought the midsole drop down from 12mm to 10mm, which many runners find creates a more natural-feeling stride.

Even though the Adrenaline GTS 25 is softer and lighter than ever before, blurring the lines between it and the Glycerin GTS, it still feels responsive.

Glycerin GTS 22: A Closer Look

The Glycerin GTS 22 is where Brooks went all-in on a plush, pillowy ride. If the Adrenaline is about a balanced and responsive ride, the Glycerin is built for maximum cushioning.

A big update from the Glycerin 21 is DNA-Tuned nitrogen-infused midsole foam. It has larger cells in the heel for softer landings and smaller, denser cells in the forefoot for more energetic toe-offs. This prevents the shoe from feeling mushy or sluggish, which can sometimes happen with max-cushion shoes.

The Glycerin GTS 22 has a stack height of 38mm in the heel and a 10mm drop, matching the new Adrenaline.

The upper is a premium double jacquard mesh that feels more like a slipper than a running shoe. It’s roomy and plush out of the box.

Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Glycerin GTS 22: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 if:

• You want a balanced feel that isn't overly soft.
• You prefer feeling a bit more connected to the road while still having sufficient cushioning.
• You need a reliable, do-it-all daily trainer for a mix of paces and distances.
• Your primary concern is solid, dependable support with a touch of modern softness.

Choose the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 if:

• You believe there's no such thing as too much cushioning.
• You're looking for a shoe for recovery runs, long slow days, or just want to feel pampered.
• You want a super soft landing to protect your joints from the pounding of the pavement.
• You love a plush, luxurious upper that hugs your foot in comfort.