Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Review: A Familiar, Reliable Support Shoe

Introduction

Few running shoes can match the longevity of the Brooks Adrenaline line, and the GTS 23 is the 2023 edition of a shoe many runners have trusted for over a decade. It is not a radical update. The design still looks like the Adrenaline, and the main change is under the foot: a new version of Brooks’ DNA Loft cushioning. After several runs in the shoe, the early impression is that it stays true to what made the line popular, with a few new details worth knowing about before you buy.

First Look and Specs

The Adrenaline GTS 23 is priced at £135 and uses a 12 millimetre drop. The women’s shoe weighs 258 grams and the men’s 286 grams. The headline change for this version is Brooks’ DNA Loft v2 cushioning, which the brand describes as lighter and softer. Interestingly, the shoe is actually three grams heavier overall than the 2022 edition, so while the foam itself is lighter, the shoe as a whole is not much lighter.

The upper has also been updated to an engineered air mesh. In warmer conditions it breathed well, with a nice open mesh construction that fit the foot comfortably. Visually, there is nothing outwardly radical here, and that is very much the point of this shoe.

Upper Comfort and Fit

Sizing runs true to size. A UK six fit as expected, with a little wiggle room in the toe. For runners with slightly narrow feet, the fit works well, though anyone with wider feet might want more adjustment from the laces. One detail that stood out: the upper sits a little lower under the ankle than expected for a support shoe, which usually hugs higher toward the ankle bone. It stopped being noticeable after a while, but it is worth flagging if you like a higher collar.

Where Brooks has not cut any corners is padding. The tongue is nice and thick, the heel counter is solid, and there is a generous wedge of padding around the ankle collar. Full marks for comfort in the upper, with the front of the shoe stripped back for breathability to keep bulk down.

How It Runs: Three Runs In

The first run, a seven-mile easy outing straight out of the box, started awkwardly. The shoe and runner did not gel in that first mile, and it felt more like sitting on top of the sole than being hugged by the shoe. Midway through, both loosened up. The lesson: these need a short breaking-in period, and a few more runs should bring out the best in them.

They feel lighter than you might expect from looking at them. The heel is quite hefty, with lots of space to land for heel strikers and a nice wide base, but the shoe never felt clunky. The cushioning is not plush and squishy; it is soft in a firm way, which is very much the classic Adrenaline character.

The second and third runs included a club interval session and a relaxed six-miler on tired legs. While this is not a shoe designed for speedy running, the pace picked up on the way home and it went along without dragging. Something like a marathon-pace tempo run seems within its range rather than fast intervals. The best compliment is that after a while you stop thinking about it, and it does some of the work for you when your legs are tired. The wide base and guide rails give a good amount of support, and the sole feels durable enough to go the distance as a long-run shoe.

Who This Shoe Is For

The Adrenaline GTS 23 suits runners who want a dependable support shoe for easy runs, long runs, and everything in between. If you have run in the Adrenaline series before, this year’s edition should feel comfortably familiar. If you need extra guidance from guide rails and a wide, stable base, this shoe provides it without demanding attention once you are moving.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There are a few trade-offs to weigh up:

• Expect a short break-in period; the first mile or two may feel unremarkable before things loosen up.
• The shoe is three grams heavier than the previous version despite the lighter foam.
• Wider-footed runners may want more lace length or adjustability.
• The lower collar under the ankle may not suit everyone who prefers a higher, more hugging support fit.

Buying Advice

If you are a fan of the Adrenaline series, this year’s update should keep you happy, and it earns its place as a long-run shoe thanks to a durable-feeling sole and support that helps as fatigue sets in. Give yourself a few runs to break the shoe in before judging it. For runners who need extra support but also want something for speedier sessions, Brooks has a new supportive option arriving in July that may be worth watching for.

Conclusion

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is not trying to reinvent anything, and that is its strength. With updated DNA Loft v2 cushioning, a breathable engineered air mesh upper, generous padding, and the same dependable support character, it remains a trustworthy all-rounder for runners who value a stable, durable everyday shoe.