On the surface, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and GTS 24 look almost identical — same shape, same silhouette, same familiar Adrenaline identity. But in reality, Brooks have made more meaningful changes to this shoe than they have in years.

The Adrenaline has always been one of the safest, most predictable and dependable stability shoes on the market. It’s been trusted for:

• Walking
• Standing all day
• Easy runs
• Long steady mileage

With the GTS 25, Brooks have changed the stack height, the drop, and the overall geometry, which completely changes the feel underfoot. The real question now is:

Do these updates make the Adrenaline better — or has Brooks taken away some of what made it so dependable in the first place?

How the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Feels Underfoot

The first thing you notice when you step into the GTS 25 is the change in cushioning behaviour.

• The heel feels noticeably softer
• The midfoot feels slightly firmer
• The forefoot still remains very flexible

Brooks have also changed the rearfoot geometry, so the way the shoe transitions from heel strike into midfoot feels completely different compared to the GTS 24. The overall platform is broader, the drop is lower, and the shoe now feels much more like a classic lifestyle trainer blended with an easy running shoe.

What’s interesting is that none of this is obvious when you just look at the shoes side by side. But as soon as you put the GTS 25 on your foot, you immediately feel the difference.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Key Specs

Here are the updated numbers for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25:

• Stack Height:
  • 37 mm heel
  • 27 mm forefoot
• Drop: 10 mm
  (Down from the long-standing 12 mm of previous versions)
• Weight:
  • 289 g (Men’s US 9)
    Slightly heavier on paper, but not noticeable on foot
• Price:
  • Remains in the premium stability category

Check the latest prices of the shoes on Amazon:

Upper, Fit & Width Changes

The upper has been subtly but effectively updated:

• More streamlined engineered mesh
• New external pull-on tab
• The fit is slightly wider than the GTS 24
• Available in standard, wide and extra wide

Lockdown remains excellent. Comfort around the heel and midfoot is still very “Brooks” — secure, padded and confidence-inspiring.

What I Like About the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

1. Softer, Smoother Heel Feel

With the extra stack underfoot, the initial heel contact is noticeably softer and smoother. Despite this, the forefoot remains flexible, so you don’t lose that natural roll-through.

2. Balanced DNA Loft v3 Midsole

It’s still using DNA Loft v3, so you get a controlled, balanced ride. It’s not bouncy, not springy, and not overly firm — it just feels stable and predictable, which is exactly what many Adrenaline wearers want.

3. Improved Heel Bevel (A Big Upgrade)

This is one of my favourite updates. The new heel bevel creates a much smoother transition from heel to midfoot. If you’re a heel striker, this makes the shoe feel far more fluid than the 23 and 24.

4. Excellent Lockdown and All-Day Comfort

Brooks continue to do comfort extremely well. The padding around the heel cup and the overall structure give you:

• Great security
• Excellent comfort for long days on your feet
• A very versatile shoe for walking and easy running

5. Slight Weight Increase Isn’t Noticeable

Although it’s technically heavier, you don’t feel that extra weight when walking or running.

Check the latest prices of the shoes on Amazon:

What I Don’t Like About the GTS 25

1. Less Obvious Arch Support Feel

While the GuideRails system is still present, the arch support in the heel and midfoot feels less prominent than in the GTS 24. Instead of a smooth continuous support frame, you now see a larger medial sidewall, which doesn’t give the same supportive sensation underfoot.

2. Compressive Lateral Heel

The lateral heel now compresses quite noticeably on contact. If you struggle with supination (under-pronation), this version is not ideal, and you may actually prefer the GTS 24.

3. Not Ideal for Big Toe or Forefoot Arthritis

Although the forefoot has more stack, it remains very flexible. Combined with the 10 mm drop, this makes the shoe less suitable for people with hallux rigidus, big toe arthritis, or sensitive forefoot joints.

4. Still Not a Fast Stability Shoe

This remains a slow-to-moderate pace stability trainer. Brooks also hasn’t used their newer, more energetic midsoles here that we see in the Glycerin Max series. As a result the underfoot feel is functional rather than lively. If you want a faster stability shoe, the Asics GT-2000 14 and Hoka Arahi 8 are worth consideration.

5. The Drop Change Will Divide People

If you’ve always loved the traditional 12 mm drop, the move to 10 mm may disappoint you. For people who are sensitive to drop changes, that 2 mm reduction can significantly influence Achilles tendon load during walking and running.

Clinical Perspective: Who the GTS 25 Is (and Isn’t) Best For

Historically, the Adrenaline has been useful for:

• Achilles tendinopathy
• Insertional Achilles pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Posterior tibial tendon irritation

With the reduced arch support feel, some of the people who relied on the GTS 24’s stronger midfoot guidance may not feel quite as supported in the GTS 25.

If you are very sensitive to drop changes, the move from 12 mm to 10 mm can absolutely increase the mechanical demand on the Achilles tendon, especially during longer walks or easy runs.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs GTS 24 – Comparison Table

Final Verdict: Is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 an Improvement?

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is no longer just a safe, boring workhorse. It’s now:

• Softer through the heel
• Smoother through transition
• More modern in feel
• Still stable, secure and versatile

However, some long-time fans may miss:

• The firmer ride
• The higher 12 mm drop
• The more noticeable arch support of the GTS 24

It hasn’t lost its identity — but it has definitely evolved. If you are looking for more plush cushioning with arch support then check out the Asics Gel-Kayano 32.