Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews. If you’re searching for a reliable stability shoe for walking or running, the New Balance 860 v14 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 are two of the best-known options on the market. But while they fall under the same stability category, they feel completely different underfoot — and that difference can have a big impact depending on your foot type, gait, and comfort preferences.
Fit and Upper Feel
The 860 v14 has a more spacious toe box, making it a strong option for wider feet or anyone who appreciates room to splay their toes. It comes in wide and extra-wide versions, with a breathable engineered mesh upper and a gusseted padded tongue that provides a secure midfoot lockdown. The heel counter is moderately stiff — enough to provide support without feeling intrusive.
The Adrenaline GTS 24, by contrast, has a more tapered forefoot and a slightly plusher upper. It feels warmer, which can be an advantage in colder conditions. The tongue isn’t gusseted, but there’s generous padding around the heel collar, and the heel counter is firmer than what you’ll find in the 860 — ideal for those who need extra rearfoot stability. This type of structure is also present in the Brooks Glycerin GTS, though that model offers more underfoot cushioning.
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Midsole and Stability: Two Completely Different Approaches
Where these shoes really diverge is in how they provide stability.
The New Balance 860 v14 features one of the only remaining medial wedges in a modern running shoe. The firmer, denser green foam on the inside of the midsole creates a gentle tilt that resists overpronation, shifting your weight slightly outward. This can be especially helpful if you have issues like posterior tibial tendonitis or discomfort through the arch. However, that same tilt may aggravate the peroneal tendons or cause discomfort for runners with ankle instability.
In contrast, the Adrenaline GTS 24 uses Brooks’ GuideRails system — firmer cushioning along both the inside and outside of the heel and midfoot that gently nudges your foot back into alignment. You’ll feel more of a structured push under the arch with this shoe, which suits runners who prefer direct support in that area. If you’re familiar with the feeling of the Asics GT-2000 13, the arch support sensation in the GTS 24 will feel somewhat similar.
Both shoes offer sole flare and a broad base of support, helping to keep your foot stable during transitions. However, the 860’s Fresh Foam X midsole is softer and more cushioned than the DNA Loft v3 foam found in the GTS 24. That softer feel makes the 860 excellent for walking or standing for long periods — similar in comfort to the New Balance 880 v15 — but not as responsive when picking up the pace.
Drop, Cushioning, and Running Feel
One of the key differences is the heel-to-toe drop. The 860 v14 has 31mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot, resulting in an 8mm drop. The Adrenaline GTS 24 increases that drop to 12mm — 35mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot — making it a useful option for offloading the Achilles tendon. However, if you spend a lot of time standing still or deal with forefoot pain, that higher drop may place more pressure on the ball of your foot over time.
In terms of running performance, both shoes are designed for easy runs, recovery runs, and daily training. Neither is well-suited to speed work, but the Adrenaline GTS 24 feels a little firmer and more structured, while the 860 v14 provides a softer, more forgiving ride.
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Final Thoughts
- Choose the New Balance 860 v14 if you want a plush, soft ride with a wide fit, a traditional medial wedge, and a more cushioned feel for walking or easy runs.
- Go for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 if you want a firmer, more structured shoe with built-in arch support, a higher heel drop, and a strong heel lockdown for long-distance stability.
Both models are available in wide fits and make excellent daily trainers depending on your needs. If you’ve got questions or need help deciding which suits your foot type or running goals, leave a comment below.
