The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 are two of Brooks’ premium stability shoes. On the surface they look very similar, but they actually provide different levels of stability, different types of cushioning, and a completely different feel underfoot.
If you’re trying to decide between these two shoes for walking, standing all day, or running, there are a few key differences that will determine which one is the better option for you.
In this guide, I’ll break down the five biggest differences between the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 so you can choose the right shoe for your needs.
Cushioning: Balanced vs Bouncy
The first major difference between these two shoes is the midsole cushioning.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 uses DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which provides a very balanced feel underfoot. When your foot contacts the ground, you sink into the cushioning slightly, but it never feels overly soft or mushy. Instead, it gives a stable and predictable ride that works well for everyday use.
The Adrenaline has:
- 37 mm stack height in the heel
- 27 mm in the forefoot
- 10 mm heel-to-toe drop
This setup creates a smooth and stable transition from heel strike to toe-off.
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23, on the other hand, uses DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused cushioning, which is Brooks’ most advanced midsole technology. It feels much bouncier and more responsive compared to the Adrenaline.
The Glycerin provides:
- 39 mm stack height in the heel
- 31 mm in the forefoot
- 8 mm drop
So overall, the Glycerin offers more cushioning underfoot, but the feel is quite different because of how the stability features interact with the midsole.
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Forefoot Flexibility and Protection
Another big difference is the forefoot design.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 has a very flexible forefoot, which allows your foot to move more naturally when walking or running. This flexibility helps create a smooth gait pattern and contributes to the shoe feeling lighter and easier to move in.
The Glycerin GTS 23, however, is much stiffer in the forefoot. This rigidity adds extra protection for people who have sensitivity in the ball of the foot or toes, but it also means the shoe feels less natural during movement.
Because of this design, the Glycerin prioritises protection and stability, while the Adrenaline prioritises natural movement and flexibility.
Weight and Overall Feel
Weight also plays a role in how these shoes feel on your feet.
The Adrenaline GTS 25 weighs about 342 g in a US size 12, making it noticeably lighter than the Glycerin.
The Glycerin GTS 23 weighs around 369 g, which is significantly heavier due to the extra cushioning and stability features.
That difference may not sound huge on paper, but it’s noticeable when walking or running. The Adrenaline feels lighter and more agile, while the Glycerin feels more padded and protective.
Stability: Moderate vs Maximum Support
Both shoes use Brooks’ GuideRails support system, but they provide stability in different ways.
GuideRails work a bit like bowling bumpers, helping keep your foot centred as you move and reducing excessive inward movement.
In the Adrenaline GTS 25, the GuideRails are paired with Brooks’ Go-To support system, which provides a mild level of arch support through the heel and midfoot. Combined with the shoe’s broad base and supportive heel counter, this creates mild to moderate stability.
For many people, this level of support is enough to control pronation while still allowing natural movement.
The Glycerin GTS 23, however, adds much more structure around the heel and ankle. The heel counter is extremely rigid, wrapping firmly around the ankle to keep the foot locked in place.
Combined with the stiff forefoot and broad base, this creates a shoe that provides maximum stability, particularly around the heel.
Upper and Fit Differences
The upper construction also differs between the two shoes.
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 has a much more plush upper, with extra padding around the tongue and heel collar. This gives it a very soft and luxurious feel around the foot.
The Adrenaline GTS 25 has a more streamlined upper, which still feels comfortable but avoids some of the bulk of the Glycerin.
Both shoes:
- Fit true to size
- Offer similar width options
- Provide a secure fit for walking and running
However, the Glycerin tends to feel more padded and structured, while the Adrenaline feels lighter and simpler.
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Which Shoe Is Better for Walking?
For walking and everyday use, the choice largely comes down to how much stability you want.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 works well if you want:
- Mild to moderate stability
- A flexible forefoot
- A lighter shoe for daily walking
- A higher drop that reduces strain on the Achilles tendon
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 may be better if you want:
- Maximum stability
- More cushioning underfoot
- A rigid forefoot for extra protection
- A very structured heel and ankle fit
Which Shoe Is Better for Running?
When it comes to running, the differences become even more noticeable.
The Adrenaline GTS 25 is a classic daily trainer. It works well for:
- Easy runs
- Daily miles
- Long training runs
- Half marathon distance
Some runners even use it for marathons thanks to its predictable feel.
The Glycerin GTS 23 offers more cushioning and stability, but the rigid structure and heavier weight mean it’s best suited for:
- Easy runs
- Recovery runs
- Runners who need maximum stability
Because of the weight and rigidity, it’s not the most natural-feeling shoe for faster running.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Glycerin GTS 23 – Key Specifications
| Shoe | Weight (US 12) | Stack Height | Drop | Midsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | 342 g | 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot | 10 mm | DNA Loft v3 |
| Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 | 369 g | 39 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot | 8 mm | DNA Tuned (nitrogen-infused) |
Brooks Adrenaline vs Glycerin: Final Verdict
Both shoes are excellent stability options, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Choose the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 if you want:
- Mild to moderate stability
- A lighter, more flexible shoe
- A classic daily trainer for walking and running
Choose the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 if you want:
- Maximum stability
- Extra cushioning underfoot
- A highly structured shoe for added support
Both are great shoes — it just depends on how much stability and protection you prefer under your feet.
If you’re still deciding between Brooks stability shoes, you may also want to read our guide to the best Brooks walking shoes, where we compare models like the Adrenaline, Glycerin, Ghost and Glycerin Max for all-day comfort and support. And if you’re considering alternatives outside the Brooks range, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is another premium stability shoe worth looking at, offering softer cushioning and a slightly different approach to support.
