Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 - Women's Review

If comfort and a traditional fit are your running shoe wishes, this supportive road shoe might be perfect for you. Weighing it at 8.21 ounces per women's size 6.5, the Adrenaline 23 is comfortable enough for marathon training and long days on your feet.

Performance Comparison

Cushioning and Landing Comfort

The insole of the Adrenaline 23 is exactly what you want the interior of a workhorse of a shoe to feel like. Its cushion is forgiving and inviting but firm enough to provide long-lasting support. The rear foot stands 34mm tall, and the forefoot at 22mm, providing a familiar and comfortable launchpad.

Even after miles and miles of testing, the insole showed no signs of use outside of some dirt. The DNA Loft v2 midsole provides an excellent crash pad for your feet, giving much-needed protection from the impact of repeated footfalls. Since the interior never started feeling packed out, our testers felt confident tacking mileage onto already-brutal training regimens. For runners needing a bit of support in a shoe that will take you through all-day training and a marathon race day, the underfoot comfort of the Adrenaline 23 is a great choice. The outsole rides like you'd expect a classical running shoe, though it feels a bit lighter and bouncier than super old-school runners might expect.

Responsiveness

While not necessarily a shoe made for speed, the Adrenaline is far from clunky. Its body shape is secure and peppy and provides some energy return, but along the continuum of responsiveness, other shoes are more impressive.

This is not to say that there is anything wrong with the Adrenaline 23, because there isn't. This shoe is built for support and comfort over long-distance efforts and hits that mark beautifully. Some shoes are made with speed in mind, and while it is possible to push paces in the Adrenaline, it might not be the 5k shoe of an Olympian's dream. If you want comfort, support, and stability combined with enough energy return to keep you feeling fresh, the responsiveness of the updated Adrenaline will serve you well. The DNA Loft midsole encourages leg turnover without the rolling sensation that speed-focused kicks inspire.

Stability

This metric is where the Adrenaline shines. Many shoes do not offer built-in lateral supports to mildly correct overpronation, but the Adrenaline does.

The heel cup and mid-to-rear foot of the Adrenaline are well-cushioned and not especially firm, so the lateral supports aren't perceptible while running. This architecture stays strong, helping to encourage gait adjustments for runners in need.

The best part about the Brooks-made GuideRails is that runners who simply find the Adrenaline comfortable and aren't looking for a support-specific shoe will also feel right at home. This shoe holds feet securely, providing exceptional stability, and is versatile for many different types of users.

Upper Comfort

The breathable, engineered mesh upper of the Adrenaline 23 is similar to many other Brooks models that our testers have come to know and love over the years. The weave of the upper allows for airflow without compromising the strength of the shoe.

The shape of the upper, tongue, and toe box is traditional, and the multiple width options available (narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide) ensure a fit for runners of many shapes and sizes. The tongue is plush and well-made, providing additional comfort and protection from the lace bed. The width and softness of the heel cup lock in to create a snug and comfortable fit with very little room for rubbing blisters. If a comfortable, supportive, reliable shoe is what you're after, we think you'll find the upper comfort of the Adrenaline to be just right.

Weight

While not a clunky shoe by any stretch, the Adrenaline weighs in on the heavier side of our current lineup. With each women's size 6.5 weighing 8.21 ounces, this shoe is built for long-term comfort and support, not necessarily speed.

While pushing paces in the Adrenaline is possible, its weight makes it better suited to long, slow, and fatiguing efforts. The weight distribution is wonderfully comfortable, and while in motion, the GuideRails or the small amount of weight they add aren't really noticeable. If comfort, durability, and support are the keys to your success, the extra weight you'll carry in these supportive kicks is well worth it.

Should You Buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23?

The Adrenaline 23 is one of the rare running shoes on the market that can hold up to the demands of most running-related situations. Because of this versatility, our running testers enthusiastically recommend it. If you want supportive comfort and a traditional fit, the Adrenaline hits the marks in all the right ways. Marathon hopefuls, this is likely the perfect match for you, especially if your ankles fatigue during long training runs. If you are motivated by short bursts of speed, you might opt for a more responsive and lighter shoe. But runners, or anyone on their feet for long stretches of time, will love the comfort, stability, and support of the updated Adrenaline 23.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?

Brooks has a way of constructing beautifully functional, traditionally shaped running shoes. If you like running shoes in their classic form but prefer a shoe without GuideRails, the Brooks Ghost 15 might be worth checking out. With all of the comfort of the Adrenaline but in a more neutral-style package, the Ghost is a serious contender for the best marathon training shoe. The Brooks Glycerin 20 is another long-held favorite by our team. The Glycerin is softer with a bit more toe box space and flexibility when compared to the Ghost and Adrenaline. If you want ample cushion but are interested in shoes with differing body shapes, the Hoka Bondi 8 and Hoka Clifton 9 are two plush options to consider. And finally, if comfort is your jam and you want it with a side of responsive pep, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 offers extreme underfoot cushion and bright underfoot bounce.