Haunting the Roads in the Brooks Adrenaline 25

Stability. In relationships, in work life, and even in running shoes—these are all things we talk about, and most of us, in one way or another, desire a sense of contentment and balance. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a shoe built with exactly that kind of grounding in mind.

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Now in its 25th iteration, this daily trainer continues to be a go-to (literally) for runners who want dependable support and cushioning that doesn’t scream for attention but always shows up.


Looks:

With around 8 colorways expected at launch, Brooks is clearly going for that universal appeal. Our test pair came in a crisp light grey upper with hints of blue, green, and yellow—and honestly, it’s giving us major 2025 energy.

This same aesthetic has popped up in other models like the Brooks Ghost 17 showing that this style might be the vibe this year. It’s clean, bright without being flashy, and versatile enough to go from long run to coffee stop without feeling out of place.

Construction & Fit:

The construction of the Adrenaline GTS 25 stays firmly in the lane of what you expect from a reliable daily trainer—straightforward, effective, and just polished enough. It clocks in at a fair $155, a competitive price considering the comfort and features on offer.

The star of the show, as always, is Brooks’ Guiderails Support system, which provides a little extra structure on both the medial and lateral sides of the foot. These are subtle enough that you won’t necessarily notice them working, but you’ll appreciate their presence after long miles.

There’s now an added 3mm in the forefoot and 1mm in the heel to keep the drop at 10mm, offering just a bit more plushness for those mid-to-long distance days.

Fit-wise, the shoe accommodates a range of foot types. It’s not overly narrow or overly roomy—just one of those fits that seems to work for the majority of runners, especially those who like to keep their gait on the straight and narrow.

Specs

  • Weight: 10.6 oz (Men’s size 9) / 9.5 oz (Women’s size 7.5)
  • Stack Height: 37mm heel / 27mm forefoot
  • Drop: 10mm

Upper:

The engineered mesh upper delivers a solid balance of breathability and hold. It locks down well in the midfoot, giving that cozy-but-not-cramped feel, and leaves a little breathing room up front for your toes to spread out. The tongue is thick and pillowy—a bit like a memory foam pillow that’s just right—and helps lock your foot in place without any lace pressure.

One interesting new detail here is the inner collar padding and entry design. There’s a sock-like component that lines the top of the ankle collar, giving it almost a crew-sock illusion. It’s a neat touch visually, and functionally it adds comfort—but we’re still waiting to see how it performs long-term, especially once the rainy season hits and this extra fabric starts getting soaked. Will it sag? Maybe. Will it bug you? Probably not. But it’s one of those “wait and see” features that’s worth noting.


Midsole:

Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 makes its way over from the Ghost 17, and the result is a midsole that lands somewhere in the Goldilocks zone. Not too soft. Not too firm. Not bouncy enough to make you feel like a pogo stick, but not dead underfoot either.

In short, it just works.

If you’re the kind of runner who wants your shoe to disappear under you while still providing dependable comfort and stability, this midsole nails that brief. The added stack (3mm more in the forefoot, 1mm more in the heel compared to version 24) gives just a little more softness without compromising the structure.

Compared to the Ghost 17, it feels… well, nearly identical. Which makes sense—they share the same midsole and drop. But the GTS guiderails really are the defining factor. It’s a small addition that makes a noticeable difference for those who benefit from just a touch of extra guidance.


Outsole:

This section can be short because Brooks knows what they’re doing here. The rubber outsole is durable, grippy, and has just the right amount of flex to keep things smooth. It doesn’t feel overly stiff, but also won’t wear out prematurely. The layout is essentially a carryover from recent versions—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.


Overall:

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a reminder that consistency isn’t boring—it’s dependable. This is a shoe that delivers exactly what it promises: reliable stability, comfort for the long haul, and a ride that feels natural whether you’re logging double-digit miles or heading out for a quick jog.

If you’re looking for a do-it-all daily trainer that helps keep your stride in check without going overboard on tech or flash, the Adrenaline remains one of the top choices in its category. And with a quarter-century legacy behind it, it’s safe to say this shoe isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 $155
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