Brooks has had just a couple years to figure out the Adrenaline platform (sarcasm), so when the GTS 20 dropped we knew we would get something solid and well built. Brooks dubbed the Adrenaline the Go-To Shoe (GTS, get it?) back in the day as it balances stability with an easy ride and is accessible for most recreational runners. With the 20, they have redesigned the upper and kept the midsole and outsole the same as the 19, which is a good thing but we have a few reservations.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Weighs in at 10.6oz or 301g for a US Men’s 9
- Their flagship stability road shoe with a 12mm drop
- Retails at $130.00 USD and comes in 17 colors for Men and Women
- Think of it as the Ghost 12, but with GuideRails
Run Test
On the foot, the shoe is ultra-plush and comfortable. That new upper is super comfortable and the midsole and outsole feel plush underfoot. The original color options aren’t exactly super sexy, but they have updated this with a few more options that are definitely an improvement. The tongue is well padded and comfortable against the foot and the tubed laces stay locked down pretty well.
The GuideRail system makes a lot more sense to people as a stability element when trying to explain it. Most stability shoes reinforce the arch, the GuideRails sit at the lateral and medial edges and just add direct support to where you might rotate inward or outward, literal rails on each side of your foot. This gives your foot more flexibility because there is no midfoot element creating stiffness down there.
After plenty of time run testing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20, we find it a really interesting shoe. To some degree, it is essentially the Ghost 12, but with stability elements. It uses the same 3D Fit Print upper and the mixed midsole material, but it just doesn’t feel the same for some reason. It lacks any sort of bounce. So for a slow easy ride, it is really solid and a great update to the 19, but don’t expect to chase a lot of PRs in these.
Construction: Upper
The upper has been fully redesigned with a new 3D Fit Print all engineered mesh that tightens as you get to the midfoot providing maximum support. The tongue and collar are very well padded for comfort and the new tubular laces hold well.
Construction: Midsole
The midsole on the Adrenaline is dual-layered with their super responsive BioMoGo DNA stacked on top of their much softer DNA Loft. The idea is that the two of these work together to give you plenty of bounce, but also significant spring. In addition, the GuideRail addition provides lateral medial support without adding too much stiffness.
Construction: Outsole
The outsole uses a significant amount of targeted rubber covering the entire forefoot and then circling the heel.
Style & Aesthetics
The original color options on the Adrenaline fell a little flat, but now with more than 17 different choices, there is something for everyone. The patterned midsole versions are especially cool.
Overall Conclusion
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is a solid update to the 19 and the stability elements are really solid providing lateral and medial support with solid flex. It has a lot of similarity to the Ghost 12, but with a bit more structure to it. The GuideRails reduce the responsiveness a bit so do not expect to necessarily set any records in this on the performance side. If you were a fan of the 19, then it is an easy transition to the 20.
Learn more on the Brooks website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
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